VC 101 - Alumni Ventures

All blogs tagged VC 101

March 24, 2026
Is Venture Capital Right for You? Finding Your Why & Getting Fluent
Venture capital is an asset class often associated with institutions, but increasingly accessible to individual investors. In this lesson, we explore why investors consider venture capital and how to determine if it fits your goals, interests, and overall portfolio.
by Alumni Ventures
March 24, 2026
How Venture Capital Funds Work
Venture capital has become an essential part of how innovative companies are built and scaled — but how the funds behind these investments actually work is often less understood. In this lesson, we introduce the structure and mechanics of venture capital funds to help you better understand how the asset class operates.
by Alumni Ventures
March 24, 2026
Building a Venture Portfolio
Venture capital is a high-risk asset class where a small number of successful investments drive the majority of returns. This lesson introduces how diversification plays a critical role in venture portfolio construction.
by Alumni Ventures
March 24, 2026
Key Differences Between Venture Capital and Private Equity
Many investors hear “venture capital” and “private equity” used interchangeably — but the reality is they’re very different. This lesson breaks down how each asset class works, what kinds of companies they invest in, and how they aim to generate returns — giving you the context you need to understand venture capital and evaluate its role in your portfolio
by Alumni Ventures
March 24, 2026
The Role of Venture Capital in a Modern Portfolio
Venture capital has evolved from a niche asset class into an important part of sophisticated portfolios. This lesson provides an overview of venture capital — how it works, key pros, cons, and considerations, and why it might belong in an investor’s portfolio.
by Alumni Ventures
November 30, 2025
The New Portfolio Model: Why Alternatives (and Venture) Belong in Every Investor’s Toolkit
For decades, individual investors relied on the classic 60/40 portfolio — 60% equities and 40% bonds — as the gold standard for diversification. But today’s market realities are reshaping what a “balanced portfolio” should look like. Rising volatility, low bond yields, and new opportunities in private markets mean investors are increasingly looking beyond 60/40 to a model that includes alternatives. Many institutions — from pensions to university endowments — have already made this shift. And individual investors now have the tools to do the same.
by Luke Antal
November 10, 2025
Can Venture Capital Fight Inequality?
In this video, Ron Levin highlights the mission behind his book, Higher Purpose Venture Capital, which features 50 founders tackling some of society’s most urgent challenges — from education and healthcare to food and housing insecurity. Backed by venture capital, these entrepreneurs are building companies that address both the causes and symptoms of social and wealth inequality. Discover how innovation and impact can go hand in hand.
by Alumni Ventures
July 28, 2025
What Does a VC Look for in a Great Founder?
Great founders don’t just spot problems — they’re driven to solve them. In this video, we look at what sets standout entrepreneurs apart: a deep passion for fixing what’s broken and turning that solution into a real business opportunity. Learn what investors look for in founders who create meaningful, market-ready change.
by Alumni Ventures
July 1, 2025
VC in 33: Explaining Venture Capital to My 104-Year-Old Grandmother
How do you explain venture capital to someone who’s 104? In this video, we hear a thoughtful take that redefines VC as a timeless concept: supporting inventors. From friends and family to banks and finally venture investors, it’s the story of bold problem-solvers seeking someone who believes in their vision. At its core, venture capital is simply about backing the next great inventor.
by Alumni Ventures
May 29, 2025
What Most People Get Wrong About VC?
Venture capital isn’t just about finding the next big win — it’s also about smart, diversified investing. In this video, Rupika Brito shares how AV’s model focuses on making multiple strategic bets to manage risk and smooth out returns. Learn why diversification is a key part of building a strong, long-term venture portfolio.
by Alumni Ventures
May 22, 2025
VC in 33: Why is Diversification Important in Venture Investing?
Venture capital thrives on a few big wins. In this short explainer, learn why successful VC strategies focus on large, diversified portfolios—typically 50 to 200 companies—to manage risk and increase the odds of capturing breakthrough returns.
by Alumni Ventures
May 21, 2025
Why Are You Passionate About Venture Capital?
What makes venture capital so exciting? In this video, Ron Levin shares how running a VC fund is about more than just returns — it’s about backing visionary founders tackling the world’s biggest challenges. From global health to technology, discover how venture investing can drive large-scale impact while creating powerful opportunities for growth.
by Alumni Ventures

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