The ancient creature belongs to Lagerpetidae, the family of the earliest pterosaur precursors. Several well-preserved skeletal parts of Venetoraptor gassenae were found in Upper Triassic layers in Brazil, where it became a breeding ground for some of the world's oldest dinosaur species.

"Venetoraptor gassenae has an unexpected combination of features, including a sharp raptorial-like beak and enlarged hands with sword-like claws. The raptorial-like beak of Venetoraptor gassenae has existed for about 80 million years before dinosaurs and was used to catch its prey. Having sickle-shaped claws helps Venetoraptor gassenae in climbing trees."