Fund formation is how a venture firm becomes a legal investment vehicle—entities, documents, and registrations that let GPs call capital from LPs and deploy it under enforceable rules.

How it works

Counsel drafts a limited partnership agreement covering fund size, investment period, fees, carry, key person provisions, and LP rights. The GP entity and fund LP are incorporated—often in Delaware for US funds—with subscription documents and side letter templates. Depending on structure, filings may include Form D, blue sky notices, and AML/KYC procedures. Banking, admin, and audit vendors are selected before first close. Formation can run in parallel with LP fundraising; many managers hold a first close with minimum commitments while continuing to add LPs in subsequent closes within a defined window.

Why it matters

• Founders: You deal with formed funds at term sheet—knowing a fund is “in formation” may mean slower closes or incomplete capital.
• Investors: GPs must get formation right once; errors in tax structure or LP economics are expensive to fix. LPs review the LPA before subscribing.

Common mistake

Copy-pasting another fund’s LPA without tailoring key person, recycling, and expense policies to your actual team and strategy.

Related ideas

Limited partnership agreement, first close, general partner, and fund administration.