The American version of Venture Science Fiction began in 1957 but lasted only 10 issues. Although it was revived in 1969 only six further issues were released. In both instances the magazine was published as a companion to the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction (F&SF).
The origins of the British version of Venture date back to December 1959 when London-based company Atlas Publishing and Distributing Limited, began publishing a British edition of F&SF. Atlas had been publishing a British edition of Astounding Science Fiction (later Analog) since 1939, and when the British government abolished import restrictions in 1963 the company was able to import Astounding directly. The decision to establish a new British magazine to replace F&SF, led to Venture Science Fiction. The British version of Venture began in September 1963 under the editorship of Ronald R. Wickers. In all 28 issues were published up until 1965, with the material largely comprising reprinted material from both F&SF and the US edition of Venture.
There was also an Australian edition, which was identical to the British version but dated two months later.