Participating Convertible Preferred Share - PCP

An equity holding that gives investors the right to claim excess earnings (along with common-stock shareholders) in addition to the preferred dividend. PCPs are commonly used in venture-capital financing; venture capitalists will often exercise the option to convert their PCPs to common stock when they intend to exit an investment. The type of exit – initial public offering or trade sale – determines the security's cash flow right.

The National Venture Capital Association is the industry lobbying and advocacy organization for venture capitalists. According to a 2009 Global Insight research study, companies with venture-capital backers accounted for 12.1 million jobs and $2.9 trillion in revenue in the U.S. in 2006 alone.