A "venture capitalist" refers to an investor in 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 capitalists have funded some of the most visible corporate success stories, including Google, Apple, Genentech, and Yahoo.