Emerging venture capital is evolving, and one of the most evident shifts in recent years has been the rapid surge of venture studio funds. These funds combine capital with company-building infrastructure and help to launch startups from the ground up. The model offers a compelling alternative to traditional VC by aligning capital deployment with hands-on operational support.
While venture studio funds have historically made up a small portion of the emerging VC ecosystem, recent trends suggest a turning point. Their adoption has more than doubled in the past year— rising from 6% of all new funds in 2024 to 13% in 2025. With leaner target sizes and stronger early fundraising performance, these funds are carving out a clear strategic niche.
This analysis draws on data from approximately 600 emerging VC funds that successfully completed the VC Lab accelerator program by Decile Group, which has supported 400+ venture studios since 2020. It explores the structure, leadership, and fundraising performance of venture studio funds— highlighting how they differ from both accelerator and traditional VC funds and what this means for emerging managers.