When I use the wrist gesture to wake the screen there is a short delay until the screen turns on. Is there a way to make this instantaneous?
Yes
are you using a custom watchface?
This is a problem with all Venu watches. I have a Venu, Venu 2, and Venu 2 Plus, they all do it. It's been reported but never addressed.
Install the new beta software. BETA - Venu 2/2s SW 8.05 is available - Venu 2 - Health & Wellness - Garmin Forums
I'll wait for the release, I've had some not-so-good experiences with beta software. It doesn't say anything about addressing this complaint in the notes. Does the screen come on faster with this version?
That's good, it'll be a welcome change