31.   In most cases, he said, venture firms will do anything to protect their investors, and to produce the best possible returns for them.

32.   In the past two years, software, Internet and semiconductor startups in Austin have raised record amounts of money from a greater number of venture firms.

33.   In turn, some venture firms are starting to slow down the rate of new investments in the second half of the year in certain industry sectors.

34.   J Net also has bought a controlling interest in a Manhattan venture firm Meister Brothers.

35.   James Breyer, a partner at venture firm Accel Partners in Palo Alto, agreed.

36.   Most venture firms have to reach to come up with a company in their portfolio they believe has a chance to be huge someday.

37.   Most venture firms say they look at thousands of plans every year and fund only a few dozen, tops.

38.   Nonetheless, venture firms still have hundreds of ripe candidates in the pipeline, ready for cash infusions at all stages of development.

39.   Only a handful of venture firms will act as a venture arm for corporations.

40.   Prakash is winding down his board assignments, spent much of the winter skiing, and is assisting an India-based venture firm.