At PowerHomeBiz.com, we’ve assembled essential business, finance, and marketing terms starting with the letter “V” to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals expand their business vocabulary. From foundational concepts like Value Proposition and Venture Capital to modern strategies such as Video Marketing and Virtual Organizations, this Glossary of Business Terms offers clear, detailed definitions to support your business knowledge and decision-making.
Whether you’re refining your startup strategy, scaling your operations, or exploring new marketing tools, mastering these “V” terms will help you stay competitive and informed in today’s fast-changing business landscape. Dive in and sharpen your expertise today!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Valuation
Valuation is the process of determining the current worth of an asset, company, or investment. Various methods are used, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions. Accurate valuation is critical in contexts such as mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, financial reporting, and investment analysis. For entrepreneurs and investors, valuation impacts negotiations, equity ownership percentages, and future profitability. A company’s valuation reflects its financial performance, growth prospects, market conditions, brand value, and risk profile. As a result, valuation is not just a financial exercise—it’s a strategic one that can influence the entire trajectory of a business.
Value added
Originally, the difference between the cost of bought-in materials and the eventual selling price of the finished product
Value-Added Tax (VAT)
Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production or distribution. It’s commonly used in many countries around the world and is typically included in the price paid by the consumer. Businesses collect VAT on behalf of the government and can often reclaim the VAT they pay on business-related goods and services. Understanding VAT is essential for compliance, pricing strategies, and financial planning, especially for businesses operating internationally.
Value Chain
The Value Chain is a concept that describes the full range of activities required to create a product or service, from initial conception to delivery to the end customer. It includes primary activities like inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service, as well as support activities such as procurement, technology development, human resource management, and firm infrastructure. Analyzing the value chain helps businesses identify areas where they can create value, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage.
Value Investing
Value Investing is an investment strategy that involves selecting stocks that appear to be trading for less than their intrinsic or book value. Value investors seek out undervalued companies with strong fundamentals, believing that the market has overreacted to bad news, leading to stock price declines that don’t reflect the company’s long-term prospects. This strategy requires thorough analysis and patience, as it may take time for the market to recognize the true value of the investment. Prominent proponents of value investing include Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett.
Value Proposition
A Value Proposition is a clear statement that explains how a product or service solves a customer’s problem, delivers specific benefits, and tells the customer why it’s better than competing options. It’s a promise of value to be delivered and a primary reason a prospect should buy from you. A compelling value proposition is crucial for marketing strategies, as it helps businesses communicate their unique offerings effectively. It should be concise, customer-focused, and highlight the distinct advantages of the product or service. Crafting a strong value proposition involves understanding customer needs, market dynamics, and the competitive landscape.
Valued Partner
A Valued Partner is a trusted external party—such as a supplier, vendor, or collaborator—that plays a significant and ongoing role in a company’s success. Unlike simple transactional relationships, valued partnerships are built on trust, shared goals, and mutual investment in growth. Businesses often view valued partners as extensions of their team, working closely together on innovation, service improvement, and market expansion. Effective partner management strengthens competitive advantages, reduces supply chain risks, and enables co-creation of new products or services. Maintaining such relationships requires transparency, effective communication, and fair negotiation practices that benefit both sides.
Variable
An element of data whose changes are the object of a statistical study
Variable annuity
An annuity whose payments depend either on the success of investments that underlie it, or on the value of the index
Variable cost
Variable Costs are expenses that change in proportion to the level of goods or services a business produces. Unlike fixed costs, which remain constant regardless of production volume, variable costs increase as production increases and decrease as production decreases. Examples include raw materials, direct labor costs, and utility expenses tied to manufacturing. Understanding variable costs is essential for pricing strategies, budgeting, and financial forecasting. They play a significant role in determining a company’s break-even point and overall profitability.
Variable interest rate
A Variable Interest Rate is a loan or credit interest rate that fluctuates over time based on an underlying benchmark, such as the prime rate or LIBOR. Unlike fixed-rate loans, which maintain the same interest rate for the life of the loan, variable rates can go up or down, impacting monthly payments and overall cost. Businesses may choose variable rates for loans if they expect interest rates to decline, reducing their borrowing costs. However, this strategy carries risk if rates increase. Understanding variable interest rates is crucial for managing debt, cash flow planning, and financial forecasting.
Variable Revenue
Variable Revenue refers to income streams that fluctuate based on factors such as seasonal demand, pricing changes, customer usage patterns, or performance-based models. Examples include commission-based sales, subscription upsells, and usage-based SaaS pricing. Managing variable revenue streams requires agile forecasting, flexible budgeting, and careful cash flow management. While variable revenue can lead to significant upside during peak periods, it also introduces uncertainty. Businesses that depend heavily on variable revenue must focus on customer retention, market diversification, and predictive analytics to stabilize income and ensure long-term sustainability.
Variance
The square of a standard deviation; a measure of the difference between actual performance and forecast, or standard, performance.
Vendor
In business, a Vendor is an individual or company that sells goods or services to another entity. Vendors can operate in various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and services, and may supply products directly to consumers or to other businesses. They play a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring the availability of products and services necessary for operations. Effective vendor management involves selecting reliable vendors, negotiating favorable terms, and maintaining strong relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery.
Vendor Consolidation
Vendor Consolidation is a business strategy where a company reduces the number of suppliers it works with, choosing to deepen relationships with fewer vendors. By consolidating vendors, businesses can negotiate better pricing, streamline procurement processes, improve quality control, and foster stronger strategic partnerships. While consolidation can lead to operational efficiencies and cost savings, it also carries risks such as increased dependence on fewer suppliers. Successful vendor consolidation involves careful assessment of vendor capabilities, contract terms, risk management strategies, and ongoing performance evaluations to ensure consistent delivery and innovation.
Vendor Financing
Vendor Financing is a financial arrangement where the seller provides a loan to the buyer to purchase the seller’s goods or services. This strategy helps close deals faster by easing the buyer’s cash flow constraints. In business-to-business (B2B) environments, vendor financing can make large transactions more feasible and can differentiate the vendor from competitors. It often comes with flexible terms or lower initial payments but may also carry higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. Vendor financing builds strong partnerships but requires careful credit risk management to ensure the buyer’s ability to repay.
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a supply chain practice where the supplier takes responsibility for managing inventory levels at the retailer’s location. Under VMI agreements, the vendor monitors stock data, forecasts demand, and replenishes products as needed. This arrangement reduces the retailer’s administrative burden, improves stock availability, and often results in better supplier-retailer collaboration. VMI can lower carrying costs, streamline order processes, and reduce the risk of stockouts or overstocks. Successful VMI relies on transparent data sharing, trust, and clear communication between both parties.
Vendor Management System (VMS)
A Vendor Management System (VMS) is a software application that facilitates the procurement and management of staffing services, including temporary and permanent placements. It provides a centralized platform for businesses to manage vendor relationships, streamline procurement processes, and gain visibility into vendor performance. Key features often include order distribution, consolidated billing, and reporting capabilities. Implementing a VMS can lead to cost savings, improved compliance, and more efficient management of contingent labor.
Vendor Risk Management
Vendor Risk Management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with third-party vendors. These risks can include cybersecurity breaches, compliance violations, operational failures, or reputational damage. An effective vendor risk management program involves thorough due diligence during vendor selection, ongoing monitoring, and the establishment of service-level agreements (SLAs). As businesses increasingly rely on outsourcing and external partnerships, managing vendor risks has become critical to safeguarding data integrity, business continuity, and regulatory compliance. Ignoring vendor risks can result in significant financial and legal consequences.
Venture
In business, a Venture is a project or business enterprise that involves risk but promises the potential for profit. Ventures often refer to new business initiatives, startups, or joint ventures between companies. Venture creation typically requires investment capital, strategic planning, and innovation, as these enterprises usually operate in uncertain markets or emerging industries. Entrepreneurs launching a venture must assess risks versus rewards, secure funding, and develop a sustainable business model. Ventures can grow into full-fledged companies or be absorbed into larger organizations. Venture success is influenced by timing, market needs, leadership, and adaptability.
Venture Capital
Venture Capital (VC) is a form of private equity financing provided by investors to startups and small businesses with long-term growth potential. Venture capitalists invest in early-stage companies in exchange for equity, or an ownership stake, and often play a role in the company’s strategic direction. VC funding is critical for companies that lack access to capital markets or traditional bank loans. While offering substantial growth opportunities, venture capital also involves high risk, as many startups may not succeed. Investors seek high returns to compensate for this risk, typically through an eventual exit strategy like an IPO or acquisition.
Venture Capitalist
A Venture Capitalist (VC) is an investor who provides capital to startups or emerging companies exhibiting high growth potential in exchange for an equity stake. Venture capitalists are often involved beyond financing, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and industry connections to help their portfolio companies succeed. They invest with the expectation of significant returns, often realized through an initial public offering (IPO) or acquisition. Because startups are inherently risky, VCs conduct detailed due diligence before investing. Venture capitalists play a critical role in fostering innovation by backing entrepreneurs who disrupt traditional markets or create entirely new industries.
Venture Funding
The round of funding for a new company that follows seed funding provided by venture capitalists.
Venture Management
The collaboration of various sections within an organization to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit, increase innovation, and produce successful new products more quickly
Verbal Contract
An agreement that is oral and not written down. It remains legally enforceable by the parties who have agreed to it.
Vertical Analysis
Vertical Analysis is a financial analysis method where each item in a financial statement is listed as a percentage of a base figure, such as total revenue or total assets. This approach makes it easier to compare financial statements across time periods or different-sized companies. For example, in an income statement, each expense can be expressed as a percentage of total sales. Vertical analysis helps stakeholders quickly identify major cost drivers, profit margins, and financial trends, supporting better decision-making. It’s often used alongside horizontal analysis for comprehensive financial performance assessments.
Vertical Integration
Vertical Integration is a business strategy where a company expands its operations into different stages of production within the same industry. This can involve acquiring or merging with suppliers (backward integration) or distributors/retailers (forward integration). The goal is to increase control over the supply chain, reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and secure supply channels. While vertical integration can offer competitive advantages, it also requires significant investment and can reduce flexibility in adapting to market changes.
Vertical Market
A Vertical Market is a specific industry or group of companies that focus on a niche, specialized market. Unlike horizontal markets that serve a broad audience across different industries, vertical markets are highly targeted, such as healthcare, education, or financial services. Businesses operating in vertical markets tailor their products, services, and marketing strategies to the unique needs and regulations of that particular sector. Vertical market specialization allows companies to build deep expertise, stronger brand loyalty, and competitive barriers. It’s a powerful strategy for B2B companies seeking to dominate a well-defined segment rather than competing across broader markets.
Vested Interest
A Vested Interest refers to a strong personal stake in the success or outcome of a project, decision, or company. In business, stakeholders with vested interests may include employees with stock options, investors seeking returns, or executives tied to performance incentives. Understanding vested interests is critical in negotiations, partnerships, and organizational management because these motivations can influence decision-making behaviors. Recognizing who holds vested interests—and aligning them properly—can lead to stronger collaboration, increased motivation, and better outcomes for all parties involved. However, unmanaged vested interests can also create conflicts if personal gains outweigh organizational goals.
Video Advertising
Video Advertising refers to the practice of placing promotional video content across digital channels to reach potential customers. Formats include skippable and non-skippable ads on YouTube, social media video ads (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), in-stream ads, outstream ads (videos that play in non-video environments), and programmatic video advertising. Video ads often deliver higher engagement rates compared to static ads, especially when crafted with emotional storytelling, strong visuals, and clear CTAs. Effective video advertising requires understanding audience demographics, testing different ad creatives, and optimizing based on performance metrics like click-through rates (CTR), view-through rates (VTR), and conversion rates.
Video Analytics
Video Analytics refers to the measurement and interpretation of data related to video performance, such as view counts, watch time, audience retention, engagement rates (likes, shares, comments), and conversion actions. Advanced analytics may also include heatmaps (where viewers drop off) and demographic insights. Businesses use video analytics to refine content strategies, optimize campaigns, and better understand audience behavior. Key metrics help marketers identify what types of videos resonate most, when to publish content, and how to structure calls-to-action. Continuous video performance analysis is critical for maximizing ROI in video marketing campaigns.
Video Commerce (Shoppable Video)
Video Commerce, often called Shoppable Video, integrates video content with direct purchasing opportunities, allowing viewers to buy products directly from the video interface. Popular on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and livestream shopping apps, this format streamlines the path from discovery to purchase. Video commerce combines storytelling and convenience, providing instant gratification for consumers and boosting conversion rates for brands. It’s particularly impactful in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries where seeing a product in action heavily influences purchasing decisions. Businesses using video commerce must prioritize seamless user experiences, clear product showcases, and strong visual storytelling to maximize success.
Video Content Strategy
A Video Content Strategy is a deliberate plan that outlines how a brand will use video content to achieve marketing, branding, or communication goals. This strategy typically defines the target audience, key messages, content formats, publishing schedules, distribution channels, and measurement criteria. A strong video content strategy balances different types of videos—such as awareness videos (brand stories), consideration videos (case studies), and decision-stage videos (product demos)—to guide viewers through the customer journey. It also emphasizes consistency, cross-platform distribution, and alignment with broader business objectives. Without a strategy, video efforts can become scattered and ineffective.
Video Funnel
A Video Funnel is a marketing model that uses different types of video content at each stage of the customer journey—from awareness to consideration to conversion. For example:
- Top of Funnel (Awareness): Brand stories, viral videos, educational content.
- Middle of Funnel (Consideration): Product demos, explainer videos, webinars.
- Bottom of Funnel (Decision): Testimonials, personalized video messages, case studies.
By strategically aligning video content with user intent at each stage, businesses can nurture leads more effectively and increase conversion rates. A well-built video funnel improves customer understanding, builds trust, and shortens sales cycles.
Video Hosting Platform
A Video Hosting Platform is a service that allows businesses and individuals to upload, store, manage, and share video content. Popular platforms include YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia, and Brightcove. These platforms provide bandwidth, video player customization, analytics tracking, and embedding options for websites and social media. Businesses must choose hosting platforms based on factors like audience reach, video quality, branding control, SEO capabilities, and monetization options. For example, YouTube is ideal for broad reach and SEO, while Wistia offers advanced analytics and branding control for B2B companies. Choosing the right hosting platform impacts video discoverability and overall marketing performance.
Video Marketing
Video Marketing is the strategic use of video content to promote a brand, product, or service, with the goal of increasing engagement, educating audiences, and driving sales. It spans a variety of formats including product demos, customer testimonials, educational tutorials, live streams, brand storytelling, and social media videos. Video marketing is powerful because it combines visual and auditory elements, making it highly engaging and more memorable than text-based content alone. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer businesses opportunities to reach specific audiences with both organic and paid video content. Strong video marketing strategies involve clear messaging, high production quality (or authenticity, depending on the platform), optimized SEO practices, and calls to action (CTAs) that drive measurable results such as clicks, signups, or purchases.
Video SEO (VSEO)
Video SEO (VSEO) is the process of optimizing video content so that it ranks higher in search engine results, particularly on platforms like YouTube and Google. This involves optimizing video titles, descriptions, tags, thumbnails, closed captions, and transcripts to improve discoverability. Creating compelling content that encourages longer watch times and high engagement (likes, comments, shares) is also crucial for ranking success. Video SEO improves visibility, drives organic traffic, and enhances brand authority online. Businesses leveraging VSEO must understand search intent, keyword trends, and platform algorithms to effectively compete in crowded video spaces and reach their target audience efficiently.
Video Testimonial
A Video Testimonial features a real customer sharing their positive experiences with a product, service, or brand. These testimonials are powerful trust-building tools, providing social proof that influences prospective buyers. Compared to written reviews, video testimonials convey authenticity through tone of voice, facial expressions, and unscripted moments, making them more relatable and credible. Businesses use video testimonials on websites, landing pages, email campaigns, and social media to improve conversion rates. Best practices include keeping testimonials concise, focusing on specific results, and showcasing diverse customer demographics to appeal to broader audiences.
Video On Demand (VOD)
Video On Demand (VOD) is a content distribution model where viewers can select and watch video content at their convenience rather than at a scheduled broadcast time. Examples include Netflix, Hulu, and brand-specific educational portals. In business, VOD is used for training, product tutorials, marketing webinars, and customer education hubs. Providing on-demand video content improves accessibility, caters to diverse viewing habits, and allows for evergreen engagement. Brands leveraging VOD can build loyalty, establish authority, and create ongoing revenue streams through subscription models or pay-per-view content.
Viral Content
Viral Content refers to digital media (articles, videos, memes, etc.) that rapidly spreads across the internet through user sharing, often reaching a massive audience organically. In business, creating viral content is a powerful marketing strategy, boosting brand awareness, traffic, and engagement without heavy advertising costs. Viral success typically depends on emotional resonance (humor, inspiration, shock), timing, relatability, and the ease with which content can be shared. While virality can’t be guaranteed, understanding target audience behavior and focusing on authenticity, creativity, and shareability can dramatically increase the odds. Viral content can build communities and drive exponential growth for businesses.
Viral Marketing
Viral Marketing is a strategy that encourages individuals to share a marketing message with others, creating the potential for exponential growth in the message’s exposure and influence. This approach leverages social networks, word-of-mouth, and digital platforms to spread content rapidly. Successful viral marketing campaigns often evoke strong emotions, are highly shareable, and resonate with a broad audience. While it can lead to significant brand awareness and engagement, viral marketing also carries risks, as the spread and reception of the content can be unpredictable.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a remote worker who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses, entrepreneurs, or busy professionals. VAs handle tasks such as scheduling, customer service, data entry, marketing support, and bookkeeping, allowing businesses to scale without hiring full-time in-house staff. Virtual assistants offer cost flexibility, as they can be hired on a part-time, hourly, or project basis. With the rise of remote work and digital platforms, VAs have become an integral part of the modern workforce, supporting startups, solopreneurs, and growing enterprises looking for efficient and affordable operational support.
Virtual CFO (vCFO)
A Virtual CFO (vCFO) is a remote financial expert who provides CFO-level strategic guidance, financial planning, risk management, and reporting services to businesses, often on a part-time or contract basis. This service is especially popular with startups and small-to-medium businesses that cannot afford a full-time CFO but need sophisticated financial leadership. A vCFO helps with budgeting, fundraising, financial forecasting, compliance, and growth strategies. Leveraging a vCFO allows businesses to access high-level financial expertise at a fraction of the cost, helping them make better strategic decisions and scale more efficiently.
Virtual Event
A Virtual Event is an online gathering where people interact in real-time through digital platforms. Businesses use virtual events for conferences, trade shows, webinars, product launches, and workshops when in-person meetings aren’t practical. Platforms like Zoom, Hopin, or Microsoft Teams enable companies to reach global audiences without the costs associated with physical venues. Virtual events can incorporate live Q&A sessions, networking lounges, exhibitor booths, and interactive polls to replicate real-world engagement. Success depends on solid technology infrastructure, engaging content, audience interactivity, and robust promotion strategies. Virtual events have become a vital tool in modern marketing and B2B sales.
Virtual Call Center
A virtual call center operates on the internet using cloud technology, eliminating the need for agents to come to a particular place for work. It’s like running a call center remotely, using cloud-based software that lets various call center agents perform tasks like collaborating, placing calls, and analyzing call statistics.
Read: What is a Virtual Call Center and Why Do People Start Them?
Virtual Organization
A Virtual Organization is a business model where teams or entire companies operate remotely, often relying on digital communication and collaboration tools. Virtual organizations can consist of employees, contractors, or partners across different geographic locations. This model reduces overhead costs, expands access to global talent, and offers flexibility. However, it also presents challenges such as maintaining company culture, ensuring data security, and managing time zone differences. Virtual organizations have become increasingly popular with the rise of technology and globalization, and they demand strong leadership, clear communication, and structured processes to succeed.
Virtual Reality (VR) Marketing
Virtual Reality (VR) Marketing leverages immersive technologies to create interactive brand experiences for consumers. Businesses use VR for product demonstrations, virtual store tours, experiential advertising, and event marketing. VR marketing enables deeper emotional engagement by allowing customers to experience products or services in a simulated environment. Industries like real estate, tourism, automotive, and retail are increasingly adopting VR strategies. While creating VR experiences can be costly, the payoff includes heightened brand recall, improved customer experience, and differentiation in crowded markets. As VR technology becomes more accessible, its marketing applications are expanding rapidly.
Virus
A computer program designed to damage or destroy computer systems and the information contained within them
Vision
In business, Vision refers to a company’s aspirational view of its future—what it ultimately aims to achieve or become over the long term. A vision statement clearly communicates this future goal and serves as a guiding light for strategic decisions, innovation, and corporate culture. Unlike mission statements, which focus on present operations, a vision is forward-looking and inspirational, often designed to motivate employees, attract investors, and align all stakeholders. A strong vision fosters unity, clarity of purpose, and resilience through market changes. Examples include Tesla’s vision “to create the most compelling car company of the 21st century by driving the world’s transition to electric vehicles.”
Vision Statement
A statement giving a broad, aspirational image of the future that an organization is aiming to achieve.
Visual Merchandising
Visual Merchandising is the practice of designing retail spaces, product displays, and in-store experiences to attract customers, maximize sales, and enhance the brand image. It involves the strategic arrangement of lighting, colors, signage, product placement, and store layouts to create an inviting atmosphere. Effective visual merchandising grabs attention, tells a story, and guides shoppers through the store in a way that increases the likelihood of purchase. In today’s competitive retail environment, it serves as both an art and a science, requiring creativity, an understanding of consumer psychology, and data-driven analysis of traffic patterns and sales performance.
Vlog (Video Blog)
A Vlog is a type of blog where the medium is video rather than written text. In business, vlogging has become an essential marketing and branding tool, allowing entrepreneurs, companies, and influencers to create direct, authentic connections with their audiences. Vlogs can be used to showcase products, share expertise, offer behind-the-scenes looks, or tell a brand’s story in a personal, relatable way. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels have made vlogging accessible and highly shareable. Successful business vlogs often focus on storytelling, consistent branding, visual quality, and providing real value—whether educational, entertaining, or motivational—to build engagement and loyalty.
Voice of the Customer (VoC)
Voice of the Customer (VoC) is a research method that captures customers’ expectations, preferences, and aversions to improve products, services, and customer experiences. It includes surveys, interviews, feedback forms, and social media monitoring. Implementing a VoC program helps businesses prioritize customer needs, innovate more effectively, and boost satisfaction and loyalty. Analyzing customer feedback also identifies service gaps, emerging trends, and competitive advantages. In an era where customer experience drives brand success, VoC is essential for continuous improvement and aligning business offerings with real customer desires and pain points.
Voice Search Optimization
Voice Search Optimization is the practice of enhancing digital content so it ranks well in voice-activated search results from devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. With the rise of smart speakers and mobile voice commands, businesses must adapt their SEO strategies to accommodate more conversational, question-based queries. Voice search typically favors featured snippets, local SEO, and clear, concise answers. Optimizing for voice involves using natural language, focusing on mobile-friendly design, improving page speed, and targeting long-tail keywords. Businesses that prioritize voice search can improve visibility, capture intent-driven customers, and stay competitive in an increasingly voice-activated digital landscape.
Volume
An amount or quantity of business; the volume of a business is the total it sells over a period of time.
Volume Discount
A Volume Discount is a pricing strategy where buyers receive a lower price per unit when purchasing larger quantities of goods or services. It incentivizes customers to buy in bulk, helping sellers move more inventory, reduce storage costs, and improve cash flow. Volume discounts are common in wholesale, manufacturing, and B2B sales. Structuring effective volume discounts involves understanding profit margins, buyer behavior, and competitive pricing. While they can drive higher sales, poorly managed discounts may erode profitability, so businesses must carefully model the financial impact before offering them.
Voting rights
The rights that shareholders have to vote on matters affecting a corporation
Vulture Capitalist
A venture capitalist who structures deals on behalf of an entrepreneur in such a way that the investors benefit rather than the entrepreneur