Description DFJ Esprit (formerly Prelude Ventures) helps startup companies venture out on their own. The company invests in startups and early-stage businesses, targeting companies in technology, telecommunications, media, and health care. It has more than $500 million under management in the European funds Esprit Capital and Prelude Trust. The firm primarily operates with UK companies and puts up to $25 million into its investments. Prelude Ventures merged its private equity unit with that of Cazenove in 2006, forming Esprit Capital Partners. The following year it partnered with US venture capital firm DFJ when it acquired a minority stake in the company.