The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) is a trade association representing over 450 member firms in the U.S. venture capital industry. Founded in 1973, NVCA's mission is to support entrepreneurial activity and innovation by fostering greater understanding of the importance of venture capital to the U.S. economy. The firm maintains high professional standards, provides reliable industry data, sponsors professional development, and facilitates interaction among its members. NVCA invests in business products and services, and information technology sectors, working closely with America's most innovative entrepreneurs to transform breakthrough ideas into emerging growth companies that drive U.S. job creation and economic growth.