# Lead investor

Concept · [Fundraising and equity](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/fundraising)

Also called: lead, lead VC, leading the round, led the round, co-lead

The investor who negotiates the terms of [a round](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/series-a) with the [founders](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/founder) and usually puts in the largest share of the money. Other investors in the round accept those terms.

**For example:** A fund offers a [term sheet](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/term-sheet) and pledges 2 million dollars of a 3 million dollar round. Three smaller investors add the rest on the same terms. The fund is the lead investor.

## Connects to (8)

- [Term sheet](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/term-sheet): A short document that lays out the main terms of a proposed investment, such as the amount, the valuation and the investor's rights.
- [Priced round](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/priced-round): A fundraising round where investors buy shares at a set price per share, which fixes the valuation of the company.
- [Venture capital](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/venture-capital): Money that professional investment firms put into young companies in exchange for equity.
- [Due diligence](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/due-diligence): The checking an investor or buyer does before committing money: reviewing your finances, legal documents, product and the claims you have…
- [Data room](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/data-room): An organized online folder of a company's key documents, shared privately with investors or buyers so they can check the facts during due…
- [Board of directors](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/board-of-directors): The group that a corporation's shareholders elect to oversee the company.
- [Cortado Ventures](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/cortado-ventures): A venture capital firm in Oklahoma City.
- [Victorum Capital](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/victorum-capital): A venture capital firm in Oklahoma City that invests in early-stage technology companies at the seed and Series A stages.

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/lead-investor