Venture capital firm venBio has successfully raised $528 million for its fifth fund, surpassing its initial target but falling short of the $550 million raised for its previous fund in 2021. This new fund will focus on an international portfolio of series A investments. In related discussions, startup founders are encouraged to conduct thorough reference checks on potential investors to identify those who may not be the best fit. Insights from industry experts highlight the importance of resilience in the face of startup challenges and the necessity of understanding investor expectations during funding rounds.