National Venture Capital Association

NVCA was proud to partner with the 2025 RAISE Global Summit, a premier gathering of investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders. Our CEO Bobby Franklin spoke at the event, sharing NVCA’s mission and vision for the future of venture. A big thank-you to NVCA member Akkadian Ventures for sponsoring the summit and helping bring the venture community together.

📅 Upcoming Webinar: Join PitchBook and NVCA on November 12 in partnership with J.P. Morgan, Dentons, and EisnerAmper for a presentation and panel discussion on key takeaways from the newly released Q3 2025 PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor. The session will cover: 💠How AI-driven optimism contrasts with slower deal activity across most sectors 💠Why VC fundraising has dropped to $45.7B through Q3, putting 2025 on track for the weakest year since 2017 💠How firms are turning to secondaries and continuation vehicles to find liquidity amid scarce exits Featuring: 💠Shiloh Tillemann-Dick of NVCA 💠Kyle Stanford, CAIA of PitchBook 💠Victor Boyajian of Dentons 💠Andy Kelly of J.P. Morgan 💠Gautham D. of EisnerAmper 🔗: https://lnkd.in/gefBxRbu

America’s strength in innovation depends on attracting the world’s best founders. That’s why we are urging the Administration to establish a Startup Visa—so foreign-born entrepreneurs can build the next generation of high-growth companies here in the U.S. A Startup Visa would: ✅ Create up to 3 million new American jobs ✅ Strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security ✅ Keep innovation and investment in the U.S. Read our letter to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick: https://lnkd.in/eqiewD8n

🚀 Know a startup that’s doing more than just growing fast — one that’s making a real impact? Nominations are open for the 2026 NVCA #StartupInnovator Award, recognizing #VC- and growth equity-backed companies tackling big challenges in meaningful ways. Our 2025 winner, HistoSonics, Inc. (h/t to John Neis), is revolutionizing tumor treatment with non-invasive technology that began as university research and is now reshaping healthcare. Past winners include BlocPower, Maybell Quantum Industries, and Slingshot Aerospace. Nominate a company that’s moving the world forward by December 3, 2025, and join us to celebrate at the NVCA Leadership Awards Dinner on May 14, 2026, at the Rosewood in Menlo Park, CA. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eZ8BFhah

Aspiring and early-career VCs: don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! Apply for a scholarship to Cohort 21 of VC University, our foundational certificate course on venture capital, offered in partnership with the National Venture Capital Association and Berkeley Law Executive Education. The curriculum covers venture funds, startups, modeling venture deals, advanced VC concepts, and more. 🚀💼 The scholarship covers the cost of course tuition, provides access to exclusive office hours, and includes the opportunity to participate in our renowned curated mentorship program. Learn more and apply by Wednesday, Oct. 15: https://lnkd.in/eWwj2nk

👏 We’re excited to welcome Starbridge Venture Capital to the NVCA community! Starbridge brings together a team of veteran science, technology, and finance professionals with the vision and expertise to help companies navigate growth, disruption, and opportunity. With deep experience in guiding companies through economic uncertainty, Starbridge provides not only capital but also strategic insight. They help portfolio companies understand their place in the value chain and thrive through industry change. Their focus on space technology, where spin offs have driven transformative innovations on Earth in communications, computing, and energy, positions them at the forefront of both commercial space and defense tech.

It’s that time again! We’re excited to share that the scholarship application is open for Cohort 21 of VC University! VC University is our certificate course on the fundamentals of venture finance, offered in partnership with Venture Forward and University of California, Berkeley Law Executive Education. 🎓✨ This scholarship is available by application to aspiring and early-career VCs from underrepresented backgrounds. It covers the full cost of course tuition, offers exclusive office hours, and includes a dedicated, 3-month mentorship program. Learn more and apply by Wednesday, Oct. 15: https://lnkd.in/eWwj2nk

Looking to grow in your venture career?     Don’t miss Venture Forward’s next VC Power Hour on October 17 at 10:00 AM PT, featuring Aziz Gilani, General Partner at Mercury Fund.   This small-group virtual session will focus on career development for mid-career VCs (e.g., senior associate-junior partner), from promotions to navigating firm dynamics.     Only a few spots remain! Register here: https://lu.ma/vcph4

🚀 Member Spotlight: ZEA We sat down with Jason Edwards, Managing Partner of ZEA, a mission-driven venture capital firm investing at the intersection of commercial innovation and national security. ZEA is helping bridge the gap between startups and the U.S. Department of Defense—backing dual-use technologies that serve both defense and commercial markets. With deep roots across the DoD and Intelligence Community, ZEA supports founders building in critical sectors like AI, space, autonomy, and defense R&D. In our interview, Jason shared how ZEA’s hands-on approach and strategic mentorship are fueling the next wave of dual-use innovation—and why NVCA’s advocacy and network are key for firms working in regulated sectors. 🔗 Read the full feature here: https://lnkd.in/gWV9c9DY

✨ Do you know an up-and-coming venture investor who’s shaping the future of VC? We’re seeking nominations for the NVCA Rising Star Award, recognizing the next generation of VC leadership. To get inspired, check out our incredible 2025 honorees: Nicole DeTommaso (Harlem Capital), Sarah Du (Uncork Capital), David Rothzeid (Shield Capital), Matt Schappell (Frist Cressey Ventures), and Andreas Vandris (Menlo Ventures). We can’t wait to see this year’s rising talent. Submit nominations by December 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET and save the date to celebrate the winners at the 2026 NVCA Leadership Awards & Dinner on May 14, 2026, at the Rosewood in Menlo Park, CA. 🔗 : https://lnkd.in/eZ8BFhah #RisingStar #VC #Leadership