"Venture capital" refers to the financing provided by investors to start up and emerging companies with perceived high growth potential. Professionally managed venture capital firms generally are limited partnerships funded by private and public pension funds, endowment funds, foundations, corporations, wealthy individuals, and the managers of the venture capital fund. Venture capital financings are typically effectuated through a convertible preferred stock investment in the company. Venture capital investments have spawned some of the most visible corporate success stories, including Google, Apple, Yahoo, and Genentech.