USA VC Funds

Faktory Ventures is a Toronto-based seed-stage venture capital fund founded in 2017 by Candice Faktor, a technology executive who previously served as General Manager at Wattpad and co-created Torstar Digital. The fund invests in world-class teams building bold ideas with global ambitions, with a particular focus on ethical technology development. While broadly sector and technology agnostic, the fund has shown concentrated interest in software, artificial intelligence, and digital wellness applications. Faktor is also an associate of the Creative Destruction Lab at the University of Toronto. Faktory Ventures has made approximately 8 investments at the seed stage, deploying checks up to $500K. Portfolio companies include Flipd, a digital wellness app focused on reducing screen time; More Labs, a consumer beverage company; Cape.ai, an AI and voice technology platform; and Penbox, an insurance technology startup. Both Flipd and Penbox received investment in December 2021. The fund targets both Canadian and US-based startups. Faktory operates as a solo GP micro-fund, and Faktor has since expanded her activities to include co-founding Disco, an AI-powered social learning platform, and serving as a Venture Partner at Lobby Capital, a $250 million Series A fund based in Silicon Valley. The fund has been relatively inactive since late 2021. Faktory's investment philosophy reflects Faktor's conviction that the most impactful technology products are those built with care for how they affect human behavior and social outcomes.

Fall Line Capital, founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, specializes in investing in farmland and agricultural technologies. The firm combines expertise in venture capital with deep knowledge of agriculture to support innovative early-stage companies. Fall Line Capital’s portfolio includes notable investments in companies such as Impossible Foods, which produces plant-based meat substitutes; GreenLight Biosciences, focusing on RNA-based solutions for agriculture and human health; and Planet Labs, which provides satellite imagery for various applications. Other significant investments include FarmWise, known for its vision-based automation systems, and Trace Genomics, which offers soil diagnostics technology. The firm also actively manages farmland across the United States, leveraging this experience to add value to its tech investments by testing new products on their land. This unique strategy allows Fall Line to function both as a traditional venture investor and a strategic partner, providing a robust support system for their portfolio companies.

Far East Ventures is the venture capital arm of Far East Organization, one of Singapore's largest private real estate developers. Founded in January 2014 by brothers Edward Ng, Jonathan Ng, and Graham Ng, the firm operates as a corporate venture capital and family office vehicle investing in visionary entrepreneurs building disruptive technologies. Edward and Jonathan Ng are based in Palo Alto, California, with Jonathan having studied at Stanford University, while Graham Ng manages operations from Singapore. The firm evaluates investments purely on merit, with no requirement that portfolio companies generate strategic value for the parent organization. Far East Ventures invests across all stages from seed to growth, writing checks typically between $1 million and $5 million, with reported maximum deal sizes up to $30 million. The firm focuses on the United States, Southeast Asia, and China across technology, healthcare, medtech, foodtech, software, and real estate. Notable portfolio companies include StaffAny, a workforce management platform that raised a Series A in January 2022; One Zero, a digital bank; and Sealed Network, a business productivity platform. The firm has executed more than 30 investments across multiple regions. Far East Ventures applies a data-driven methodology with an operator-first philosophy, leveraging the founding family's deep understanding of Asian markets and their long track record of capital allocation through Far East Organization. The firm's dual base in Silicon Valley and Singapore gives it a meaningful vantage point for identifying technology companies well positioned to grow across both the US and Asia-Pacific markets.

Far Out Ventures (FOVC) is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2022, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California with a presence in Boulder, Colorado. The firm was co-founded by Ian Hathaway, Jonathan Fentzke, and Jack Greco as General Partners. Hathaway holds an MA in Economics from the University of Chicago and is affiliated with the Center for American Entrepreneurship. Fentzke brings experience from Rocky Mountain VCA and Techstars, while Greco is a serial entrepreneur. FOVC backs exceptional founders developing disruptive software and business model innovations in markets that have historically been overlooked. The firm leads rounds and writes checks of $250K to $500K at pre-seed and $500K to $750K at seed, targeting 5% ownership at entry and reserving capital for follow-on investment through Series A. FOVC has made approximately 30 investments with geographic concentration in the US and Latin America, particularly Colombia. Portfolio companies include Devolut, which raised a $600K seed co-led with FJ Labs and Forum Ventures; AltScore; FlexPoint; and Neofin. The firm's focus areas include fintech, marketplaces, and enterprise platforms. FOVC's investment thesis emphasizes strong early momentum and potential for market leadership in verticals with large, underpenetrated addressable markets. The firm combines capital with an operator-first mentorship approach, drawing on the founding partners' direct startup experience to help portfolio companies navigate early-stage execution, go-to-market strategy, and follow-on fundraising across the Americas.

Farmhand Ventures is a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm and startup studio founded in 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri, focused exclusively on US-based agtech companies advancing a just transition in agriculture. The firm is led by Founding General Partner Connie Bowen, who brings firsthand agricultural experience including planting orchards, harvesting hemp, and managing farm crews. Farmhand targets Fund I at $25 million in total commitments and deploys up to $250K in external pre-seed startups while also building companies through its studio in collaboration with UC ANR's VINE innovation network. The firm has made 3 investments to date, including L5 Automation, which develops AI-powered strawberry harvesting robots; Scout, an AI vineyard analytics platform; and New West Genetics, focused on hemp innovation. Farmhand employs two types of risk capital, traditional equity and redeemable equity, an innovative structure tailored to agtech's unique return profiles. The firm has raised capital through Wefunder for co-investment and has been recognized among women leading investment in regenerative food systems. Farmhand's investment thesis rests on three pillars: farmworker equity and well-being, economic viability for agricultural businesses, and climate resilience. The firm specifically prioritizes founders who ensure farmworkers have a seat at the agtech cap table rather than being displaced by automation and technology. Bowen's hands-on farming background gives the firm genuine insight into specialty crop agriculture, helping it evaluate both the technical credibility and practical field applicability of early-stage agtech solutions.

Planet 9 Venture is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2016 by the Norwegian Odfjell family — a dynasty with more than a century of operating history in global shipping — under the Farvatan Group. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, the firm is owned by Johan Odvar Odfjell and has historically invested across two signature verticals: ocean economy and life sciences, with a geographic focus on the Nordic countries and Silicon Valley. In 2023, Planet 9's operations were absorbed and rebranded under the Farvatn Venture umbrella, with the combined entity expanding into renewable energy and broader ocean-tech alongside its original life-science mandate. Across the combined Planet 9 and Farvatn history, 92 investments have been made — 21 under the historical Planet 9 banner. Notable historical portfolio companies include Evoy (electric maritime propulsion), Molofeed (aquaculture), Sapiens Data Science, Aivero (which raised NOK 16 million from Planet 9 Venture alongside Valinor, Vyrd, and Stratel), Modsy (home design), Dynaspace, and TerViva. Under the Farvatn brand, recent activity includes investments in Scindo, Noteless, Nowwell, Ocean Oasis, and GattaCo Inc. One disclosed exit was completed for Shifter. The firm operates with a small two-person partner team and maintains investment activity across both Norway and the United States, positioning itself as a bridge between the Nordic deep-tech ecosystem and Silicon Valley capital networks. Its roots in the Odfjell shipping legacy give Planet 9 genuine industrial credibility in ocean-economy sectors, while its expansion into life sciences and clean energy reflects the broader Farvatn platform's long-term view of where sustainable industrial value will be created.

FST Ventures is a venture capital firm with a strong focus on early-stage investments in technology and fintech sectors. Founded by Victor Jiang, FST Ventures emphasizes a proactive management approach to mitigate investment risks. This involves securing board seats and getting actively involved in strategic and operational aspects of their portfolio companies, from cash flow management to strategic market entry and forming new partnerships. The firm's investment strategy is highly customer-centric, particularly in online marketplaces, where they prioritize informed self-service and robust cybersecurity measures. They aim to create a holistic value chain across their investments, ensuring comprehensive support and integration into the companies they back. FST Ventures is globally oriented, making strategic investments in diverse markets including North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This geographic diversification allows them to dynamically allocate capital and resources based on market conditions and opportunities. Their portfolio includes investments in companies that leverage innovative technologies to disrupt traditional markets and create significant value. By focusing on sectors like business and financial services, healthcare, industrial, retail, and technology, FST Ventures aligns its investments with long-term growth and sustainability.

FastTrack VC is a global co-investment platform founded in 2015 and based in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, founded and led by CEO Ruben Dias, a serial technology entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience. The platform enables accredited investors and other funds to co-invest in hand-selected early-stage technology startups from around the world, with individual investors able to participate in deals for as little as $10,000. FastTrack focuses on seed-stage investments up to $1 million and receives approximately 100 startup applications per month, with roughly 10% advancing to further consideration. FastTrack has made approximately 8 investments across software, biotech, healthtech, and AI. Its first major co-investment campaign raised $1.9 million CAD for Monarch Bioimplants, a Swiss biomedical company developing chitosan-based medical devices. Dias brings a personal track record that includes successful exits with industry partners including Panda Security, Tyco International, and SolarWinds. Investments span Canada, Europe, and the United States, reflecting the platform's global sourcing mandate. FastTrack VC's model is built on the premise that access to high-quality venture deal flow should not be limited to institutional funds. By pooling capital from accredited investors alongside institutional co-investors, the platform broadens participation in early-stage technology companies while maintaining a curated selection process driven by Dias's entrepreneurial judgment and network.

Fathom Capital, founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, is an early-stage venture capital firm primarily investing in enterprise applications and IT infrastructure. Their notable portfolio companies include SuperAnnotate, Propelo, Acquire, and Gatsby. With a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, SaaS, and Big Data, Fathom Capital strategically supports startups from seed to Series B rounds. Fathom Capital is renowned for its hands-on approach and collaborative investment style. They typically write checks averaging between $2 million to $10 million, often co-investing with leading firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Kleiner Perkins. They prefer to engage with startups that have a clear product-market fit and innovative solutions that address critical market needs. The team, led by founder and managing partner John Komkov, brings a wealth of expertise from previous roles in technology investment banking and venture capital. This experience is pivotal in guiding startups through growth phases, from initial funding to scaling operations. Entrepreneurs seeking investment from Fathom Capital are advised to approach them with a well-defined business model, a strong founding team, and demonstrated market traction. Being based in San Francisco, they maintain a geographic focus on North America, leveraging their extensive network to foster startup success in the tech industry. Fathom Capital’s recent investments, such as in Haus and Clerk, highlight their commitment to supporting transformative tech ventures, ensuring a robust portfolio poised for significant impact and returns​.

FCA Venture Partners is a Nashville-area venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, with additional presence in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm focuses exclusively on healthcare technology and services, managing over $285 million across multiple funds and having backed more than 55 companies building technology to improve patient care, empower providers, reduce costs, and reshape healthcare delivery. Fund VII closed oversubscribed at $90 million and Health Innovations II closed at $71 million, surpassing its $50 million target. Managing Partner John R. Burch Jr. leads the team alongside Partners Andrew Bouldin, Whitney Haley, and Andy Patton. FCA leads most of its deals, writing checks of $3 to $6 million per investment primarily at Seed and Series A stages, making 10 to 14 investments per fund. The firm takes board seats on most portfolio companies and provides active support across strategic planning, hiring, go-to-market execution, and exit evaluation, maintaining more than 200 active VC relationships to support follow-on fundraising. Notable portfolio companies include SonderMind, ProviderTrust, Lumere, Clinical Ink, Javara, Ideon, Enable Dental, Vericred, and Vellum Health. FCA has completed 18 portfolio exits generating approximately $115 million in proceeds. FCA differentiates through deep focus on a single sector, publishing detailed investment thesis reports covering payer operations, clinical workflows, and digital health innovation themes. The firm's nearly three decades in healthcare technology give it strong pattern recognition for evaluating clinical workflow adoption, payer-provider dynamics, and the regulatory environment that governs healthcare IT.

Fearless Fund, launched in 2019 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a venture capital firm focused on addressing the funding gap for women of color (WOC) entrepreneurs. With a mission to empower underrepresented founders, the fund provides pre-seed, seed, and Series A financing to companies led by WOC who are building scalable, high-growth businesses. The firm is co-founded by Arian Simone, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, and is known for investing in sectors such as consumer products, technology, and healthcare. Notable portfolio companies include Partake Foods, The Lip Bar, and ShearShare. Fearless Fund has made over 25 investments and actively supports early-stage businesses through not only capital but strategic mentorship and access to an extensive network of advisors. Fearless Fund typically invests in rounds ranging from $1 million to $5 million, and they often lead investments, ensuring their founders have the backing to scale aggressively. The fund also partners with notable co-investors like Techstars and Marcy Venture Partners, providing valuable follow-on support. The team, led by Arian Simone and Rodney Sampson as a fund advisor, is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of diversity in venture capital, making it a leading voice in this space. Founders looking to partner with Fearless Fund should have a clear path to scaling their business and demonstrate resilience and innovative problem-solving, traits the fund values highly in its entrepreneurs.

Fearless Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs develop both impactful businesses and conscious leadership skills. Co-founded by Seth Miller, a former partner at DBL Investors, and Dave Kashen, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO coach, Fearless Ventures brings a unique approach to investing. The firm emphasizes leadership training alongside financial backing, offering portfolio companies access to CEO coaching, leadership workshops, and mental well-being support. This focus on personal development aligns with the firm’s broader mission to create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders​. Fearless Ventures typically invests in early- to growth-stage companies across a range of industries, including fintech, medtech, healthcare, and SaaS. The firm operates with a flexible investment approach, adjusting its ticket sizes and investment timelines to match the needs of the startups it backs. Their investments aim to support businesses with a sustainable, long-term outlook, fostering innovation that benefits communities and society as a whole. A distinctive aspect of Fearless Ventures is their integration of conscious leadership into the fabric of their investments. Founders in their portfolio undergo intensive leadership coaching, which is designed to not only grow the business but also develop the emotional and mental resilience needed to navigate the challenges of scaling a startup. The firm believes this holistic approach results in better-run companies and ultimately leads to stronger financial performance

FEBE Ventures, whose name stands for For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs, is a global seed-focused venture capital firm founded in 2019 and headquartered in Singapore with strong operational presence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The firm is led by a team of ex-founders who have collectively built more than 30 companies and backed approximately 200 startups. Co-founder and Managing Partner Olivier Raussin previously served as General Partner at Project A Ventures, a $500 million European VC, and held executive roles at Google, YouTube, Microsoft, and Yahoo. FEBE manages three funds, with Fund II launched in November 2023 at $75 million. The firm leads rounds and writes initial checks of $250K to $750K at pre-seed and seed stages, with a portfolio of approximately 33 companies. Notable portfolio companies include FR8Labs, Next Gen Foods, SixSense, Elfie, and HD & Little John. Investment sectors span B2B marketplaces, B2B SaaS, AI-enabled solutions, healthtech and wellness, climate and sustainability, fintech, logistics, and edutech. Geographic reach extends from Southeast Asia to Silicon Valley, India, Europe, and Latin America. The firm has had one exit: Bukugaji in June 2022. FEBE's founder-first philosophy is anchored in the team's own experience building companies. The firm provides hands-on mentorship, product and go-to-market guidance, and access to its global network of co-investors and operators. The partnership model reflects a genuine conviction that the most effective investors are those who have navigated the same challenges they now advise their portfolio companies to solve.

Feenix Venture Partners is a New York City-based alternative investment firm founded in 2017 that provides growth capital through strategic debt and hybrid equity investments to business-to-consumer companies. The firm targets experienced operators with strong consumer-facing brands that have meaningful expansion potential across both brick-and-mortar and online channels. Core sectors include food and beverage, hospitality, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, SaaS, specialty retail, education, health and wellness, and lifestyle brands. The firm closed its third fund, FVP Opportunity Fund III, raising approximately $58 million in investment capital. Since 2022, the team has deployed approximately $575 million into transactions valued at over $1.5 billion, and has invested in more than 42 companies. Feenix leads its transactions and writes checks averaging around $5 million, with deal sizes reaching significantly higher. Portfolio companies include SI Tickets, which raised a $50 million debt round; Carver Road Hospitality, which received a $9 million credit facility; Bagels & Co.; Andie; Black Box Stocks; and American Housing. The team of 11 people with 7 partners is led by CEO and co-founder Mr. Lee, formerly Senior Partner and Managing Director at H/2 Capital Partners, a $13 billion alternative investment manager. Feenix differentiates through its non-dilutive debt financing model, which offers competitive terms including no prepayment penalties, no equity dilution, longer repayment horizons, lower interest rates, and fewer covenants than traditional lenders. This approach makes Feenix particularly attractive to consumer brand founders who want growth capital without surrendering ownership. The firm is SEC-registered as an investment adviser under CRD number 304152.

Felicis Ventures, based in Menlo Park, California, is renowned for backing transformative companies across various stages and sectors. Notable investments include Canva, Gusto, Guild Education, Komodo Health, and Matterport. They focus on frontier tech, health and bio, security, vertical SaaS, and AI. With a global investment approach, Felicis leads rounds and offers substantial support to founders. Their average check size varies but is known to be significant in leading investments. Key team members like Sundeep Peechu bring deep expertise from backgrounds in tech and venture capital. Approaching Felicis involves demonstrating high-risk, high-reward potential and a clear narrative aligning with their visionary outlook.

Fellows Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2021, with a focus on early-stage investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the fund has a mission to support next-generation AI startups by providing not just capital, but also strategic guidance and essential connections. Fellows Fund is led by Alex Ren, along with a team of distinguished fellows who are experts in fields like machine learning, AI infrastructure, and biotech. The fund's portfolio is diverse, including companies such as OmniML (acquired by Nvidia), Opus Clip, and Yoneda Labs, which are pushing the boundaries of AI applications across various industries. With investments ranging from $1 million to $10 million, Fellows Fund partners closely with founders to help them scale their businesses, leveraging the expertise of its team and a strong network within the AI community. The fund also emphasizes a collaborative approach, fostering a community of AI pioneers and thought leaders who contribute to the success of their portfolio companies.

Female Founders Fund (FFF) is a pioneering venture capital firm established to support female-led startups. Founded by Anu Duggal in 2014, FFF has become a beacon for gender diversity in venture capital, focusing on women entrepreneurs who are building category-defining companies. Notable investments include Zola, Maven Clinic, and Eloquii, which demonstrate the fund's commitment to transformative consumer and enterprise sectors​. FFF primarily targets early-stage investments in industries such as healthcare, beauty and personal care, climate tech, and vertical software solutions. Their strategic approach involves not only funding but also providing extensive support through their network of mentors, advisors, and operational resources. This includes assistance in areas like marketing, growth, operations, and fundraising​. Geographically, FFF focuses on the US market, with a significant presence in New York City. Their investment strategy emphasizes early engagement, often leading seed rounds with check sizes ranging from $500K to $2M. They are known for their active role in the companies they invest in, providing both strategic guidance and hands-on support to help scale their portfolio companies effectively. The leadership team, including Anu Duggal, Adrianna Samaniego, and Emily St. Denis, brings a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a robust support system for their portfolio companies. Startups are encouraged to approach FFF with a clear vision and strong market potential, particularly in sectors aligned with the fund’s focus on innovation and sustainability​.

FEMSA Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Fomento Economico Mexicano (FEMSA), one of Latin America's largest conglomerates with deep roots in beverage production, retail through the OXXO convenience store chain, and logistics. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, the firm invests across Latin America and the United States, with particular concentration in Mexico and Colombia. FEMSA Ventures addresses what it describes as the missing middle in Spanish-speaking LatAm venture capital, positioning itself as a strategic partner that co-creates value by leveraging FEMSA's decades of operational experience across its core businesses. The firm leads rounds at Seed and Series A stages, writing checks typically between $500K and $5 million. With approximately 23 investments to date, notable portfolio companies include Cayena, a B2B restaurant supply marketplace; Celes AI, a Colombian AI startup that raised a $3 million seed round led by FEMSA Ventures; Cluvi, a restaurant SaaS platform; Yalo, a conversational commerce company; Justo, an online grocery platform; Morado, a beauty supply distribution business; Pulpo, a retail tech platform; and Spot, a productivity software tool. As a corporate strategic investor, FEMSA Ventures gives portfolio companies privileged access to FEMSA's distribution infrastructure, its OXXO retail footprint, and supplier relationships across the region. This operational leverage is particularly valuable for logistics, retail technology, and food and beverage startups seeking commercial validation and rapid market penetration across Latin America.

Fenox Venture Capital was an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2011 by Anis Uzzaman and Vitaliy Arbuzov, headquartered in San Jose, California. The firm was built around the concept of bridging Silicon Valley startups with international markets, operating offices across seven countries and managing corporate venture funds for major companies including Asus ($50 million fund in 2017), Sega Sammy Holdings ($20 million fund in 2018), Aisin, and Wistron. By 2017, Fenox had invested in more than 115 companies across AI, IoT, robotics, big data, VR and AR, fintech, and health IT, with typical check sizes in the $1 million to $5 million range at Seed and Series A stages. Fenox led multiple high-profile rounds, including a $14 million round for Affectiva, an MIT Media Lab spinoff, and a $16 million round for Jibo. Additional notable portfolio companies include MindMeld, acquired by Cisco; Jetlore, acquired by PayPal; Tech in Asia; BlockCypher; and Sense.ly. In 2016, Fenox launched the Startup World Cup, a global startup pitch competition with a $1 million prize, which expanded its brand presence across Asia and emerging markets. Fenox Venture Capital is now permanently closed. Founder Anis Uzzaman continues his investment activities through Pegasus Tech Ventures, which serves as the successor entity carrying forward similar cross-border investment strategies and portions of the same portfolio. During its active years, Fenox was a distinctive voice in US-Asia venture bridging at a scale few firms attempted.

Fenway Summer Ventures (FSV) is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2013 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. The firm was established by Raj Date, former Deputy Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and former Special Advisor to the US Secretary of the Treasury. FSV operates as the venture capital affiliate of Fenway Summer, a hybrid advisory and investment firm, and focuses exclusively on financial services innovation. The team of 11 includes 6 partners: Managing Partner Raj Date alongside Javier Saade, Christopher Trepel, and Mark Lefanowicz. FSV leads rounds and invests primarily at pre-seed and seed stages, writing checks of $500K to $1 million across lending, payments, capital markets, data analytics, financial infrastructure, crypto, and asset management. The firm has made approximately 30 investments. Portfolio companies include Flexport, a logistics and trade finance unicorn; Circle Internet Financial, a crypto and stablecoin unicorn; SHIFT Technologies, which went public via IPO; Deserve, a credit card platform; Lendable, an emerging markets lending platform; Occupi; and Parlay. The portfolio has produced 3 unicorns, 1 IPO, and 7 acquisitions. FSV's competitive differentiation rests on its founders' direct experience shaping US financial regulation. Date's tenure at the CFPB and Treasury gives FSV unique insight into how regulation evolves, what compliance requirements founders will face, and where regulatory change will open new market opportunities. This combination of policy expertise and venture capital discipline makes FSV particularly valuable to fintech founders navigating the intersection of financial innovation and financial regulation.

Ferguson Ventures is the corporate venture capital and strategic partnering arm of Ferguson Enterprises, the largest US distributor of plumbing supplies and PVF (pipe, valves, and fittings). Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, the firm focuses on built world technology, specifically construction tech and proptech startups. Ferguson Ventures provides innovators focused on the built world with resources, industry expertise, and capital necessary to drive transformation in the construction and services industries. The leadership team includes Kevin Barnes as VP and Managing Director, Stephanie Vega Ziegler as Senior Portfolio Manager, and Blake Luse as Director. The firm deploys $1 million to $5 million per deal across pre-seed through Series B stages and has made approximately 14 investments since founding, averaging roughly one new deal per year. Notable portfolio companies include Higharc, an architectural design platform; VODA.ai, an AI-powered water infrastructure company (most recent investment, May 2025); ConnectM, a clean energy technology platform; Payzer, a contractor payment solution; PypeServer, a construction document automation tool; and Augmenta, a structural engineering AI platform. Ferguson Ventures is also a limited partner in Brick & Mortar Ventures, a fund dedicated to architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management. Ferguson's competitive advantage as a strategic investor is the distribution network it brings to portfolio companies. The firm leverages Ferguson's extensive commercial relationships, customer base, and industry standing to help startups achieve market validation, distribution partnerships, and commercial scale within the built world ecosystem they serve.

Fernbrook Capital Management is a venture capital firm focused on technology-related investments in revenue-stage companies with large addressable markets. Based in New York and San Francisco, the firm is minority-owned and invests primarily in sectors like retail technology, property management, and creative computing. Notable investments by Fernbrook include Kano, a leader in STEM education through DIY computer kits, and Knotch, a content intelligence platform used by major brands like JP Morgan Chase and AT&T. They have also invested in Lily AI, which uses AI to enhance eCommerce personalization, and La Ligne, a direct-to-consumer fashion brand founded by former Vogue editors. Fernbrook's investment strategy emphasizes supporting visionary founders and scaling businesses with significant market potential. The firm's approach includes providing flexible financing solutions and leveraging a deep network of industry connections to drive growth and innovation in their portfolio companies. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovative business models, Fernbrook is committed to helping companies navigate the evolving technology landscape and achieve long-term success​.

ff Venture Capital (ffVC) is a New York-based venture capital firm, founded in 2008 by John Frankel and Alex Katz. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments across sectors such as AI, fintech, insurtech, drones, and robotics. With over 90 active portfolio companies, ffVC is known for its strategic investments and support for startups in emerging industries. Some of ffVC's notable investments include companies like Addepar, Cornerstone OnDemand, Indiegogo, Ionic Security, Skycatch, Plated, Owlet, and Socure. These investments highlight ffVC's focus on innovative technologies and their potential to transform industries. The firm typically invests with an average check size of over $500,000, leading or following in funding rounds to provide substantial support to its portfolio companies. ffVC has also expanded its operations globally, with a significant presence in Europe, particularly through its ff Red & White fund, which supports startups in Central Europe. This expansion demonstrates ffVC's commitment to driving innovation and supporting entrepreneurial ventures on an international scale. The firm places a strong emphasis on building a robust community around its investments, actively partnering with founders to create high-value, market-moving businesses. This approach is further strengthened by its strategic hires and collaborations, enhancing its operational capabilities and global reach.

FHI Ventures is an impact-focused venture capital firm founded in 2017 as a subsidiary of FHI 360, a global nonprofit human development organization with over 50 years of experience improving lives in more than 60 countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., FHI Ventures invests in bold, market-tested innovations that deliver both significant social impact and financial returns. The firm operates as a late seed-stage and Series A investor targeting technology-enabled companies in education, healthcare, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) sectors, with a strong focus on empowering women and minority groups. FHI Ventures writes checks of $500K to $1.5 million and has built a portfolio of approximately 8 companies spanning the US and Southeast Asia. Notable portfolio companies include ThinkMD, which develops clinical intelligence software to expand global healthcare access; Little Sparrows Technologies, which makes portable phototherapy devices for treating infant jaundice; and UrSure, acquired by OraSure in May 2020. Wellington Pak serves as the primary fund contact for FHI Ventures. FHI Ventures differentiates through its unique institutional parent. FHI 360's global network and deep development-sector expertise provide portfolio companies with strategic support, field relationships, and distribution pathways that purely commercial investors cannot replicate. The firm's mission aligns financial returns with demonstrable human development outcomes, making it a distinctive capital partner for founders solving critical access gaps in health, education, and basic services in both developed and emerging markets.

Fifth Season Ventures is a dynamic early-stage venture capital firm with a keen focus on investing in transformative food tech and sustainability startups. Based in Paris, the firm has a strong track record of backing companies that aim to lead in their categories and champion sustainability. Notable investments include Full Cycle, which tackles environmental challenges in agriculture, and HarvestPort, a productivity software for agribusiness that saw significant early success before closing operations​. Their investment strategy emphasizes seed and early-stage funding, particularly in companies innovating within agriculture, water, chemistry, manufacturing, and waste management sectors. Fifth Season Ventures is well-positioned geographically to support European startups but remains open to opportunities globally. Their approach is to provide not just capital but also strategic support to help startups scale quickly and effectively. Typically, Fifth Season Ventures leads funding rounds, often taking an active role in guiding their portfolio companies towards growth and market leadership. They are known for their detailed due diligence process and preference for startups with strong, scalable business models and a clear path to profitability. The firm’s average check size varies, but they are committed to significant early-stage investments that can drive meaningful impact​. Key team members include Adam Balinsky, who brings extensive experience in life settlement investments, and Ryan McTernan, who focuses on policy underwriting and portfolio management, ensuring that the fund's investments are strategically sound and poised for success​. For startups looking to partner with Fifth Season Ventures, a clear demonstration of sustainable innovation and market potential is crucial. The firm values proactive engagement and comprehensive business planning in their investment considerations.

Fifth Wall is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 2016 by Brendan Wallace and Brad Greiwe. Specializing in PropTech and Climate Tech, Fifth Wall is the largest asset manager focused on improving, future-proofing, and decarbonizing the built world. The firm manages over $3 billion in commitments and capital across multiple funds. Fifth Wall’s portfolio includes notable companies such as Blend, ClassPass, Clutter, Doma, Hippo, Homebound, Industrious, Lime, Opendoor, Procore, SmartRent, and VTS. They have also invested in consumer brands like Allbirds, Carbon38, Cotopaxi, Foxtrot, Heyday, Interior Define, Madison Reed, and Untuckit. Additionally, their climate fund has supported companies like Turntide Technologies, Assembly OSM, Brimstone, Clarity AI, ICON, Sealed, SPAN, and Wildcat Discovery Technologies. Fifth Wall leverages its extensive network of over 110 strategic limited partners across 20 countries, including some of the world’s largest real estate owners, operators, and developers. This network provides portfolio companies with unparalleled access to market opportunities and strategic insights. The firm's investment strategy covers a range of stages from early to late-stage ventures, emphasizing technologies that enhance real estate and urban environments. This includes areas like smart building technologies, sustainability, and the future of work.

Fifty Years is a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Founded in 2015 by Ela Madej and Seth Bannon, Fifty Years focuses on backing founders who leverage technology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, disease, and malnutrition. The firm has a strong mission-driven investment approach, supporting companies that aim to achieve significant societal impact while also being massively profitable. The firm's portfolio includes innovative companies like Upside Foods (cell-based meat), Solugen (decarbonizing the chemicals industry), and Opentrons (affordable robots for biologists). Fifty Years has invested in a variety of sectors including biotechnology, food technology, and advanced manufacturing. The leadership team is comprised of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, with Ela Madej bringing her extensive background as a serial tech entrepreneur and Y Combinator alum. Fifty Years emphasizes helping scientists and engineers become successful entrepreneurs, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and support.

Figure Eight Investments, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 by Diana Anthony and Kaushik Chakravarti. The firm focuses on investing in the education and healthcare sectors, emphasizing impact-oriented projects that drive social mobility and inclusivity. Notable investments in their portfolio include Clever Care Health Plan, Valera Health, and Mintago. These companies reflect Figure Eight’s commitment to enhancing education and healthcare outcomes through innovative solutions. For example, Clever Care Health Plan offers holistic Medicare plans for diverse communities, while Valera Health provides personalized mental health services. Figure Eight Investments' approach is characterized by a deep involvement in the growth of their portfolio companies. They provide strategic insights, facilitate key introductions, and support founders with operational expertise. This hands-on strategy ensures that their investments not only succeed financially but also contribute positively to societal goals. The firm’s founders, Diana and Kaushik, bring a wealth of experience to their roles. Diana’s background as a Montessori teacher and her global perspective on education, combined with Kaushik’s entrepreneurial experience in fintech and healthcare investments, provide a strong foundation for their investment strategies. Figure Eight Investments also maintains a commitment to philanthropy, dedicating 10% of their profits to education and healthcare non-profits, further aligning their business practices with their mission to create a virtuous cycle of positive impact.

Fika Ventures, based in Culver City, California, is a boutique seed fund established in 2016. The firm primarily invests in early-stage startups focused on solving systemic problems through data, AI-enabled technologies, and automation. Fika Ventures has a diversified portfolio, with investments in sectors like enterprise software, fintech, marketplaces, and digital health. Some notable companies in their portfolio include Formative, Openpath, and Berbix. Their investment strategy emphasizes a hands-on approach, offering support in startup operations, marketing, product development, and strategic partnerships. Fika Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $3 million in seed and early-stage rounds and is known for its commitment to founders who demonstrate innovative thinking and resilience. The team is led by co-founders TX Zhuo and Eva Ho, both experienced investors with a strong track record in the venture capital industry. They are joined by partners like John Chen and Arteen Arabshahi, who bring expertise from both operational and investment backgrounds. Fika Ventures actively seeks out founders with deep domain expertise and the ability to execute rapidly. For those interested in approaching Fika Ventures, clear and concise pitches that demonstrate market potential and scalability are highly valued. The firm is dedicated to fostering the growth of transformative companies and making a significant impact in the venture capital landscape.

Fin Capital, established in 2018, is a distinguished global asset management firm dedicated to B2B fintech software. With a portfolio that spans pre-seed to IPO stages, Fin Capital has invested in over 120 active companies, including notable names like SoFi, Onfido, and Salt Labs​. Fin Capital focuses on various subsectors within the fintech space, such as next-gen banking and payments, asset management, capital markets, vertical AI, and insurtech. Their strategy revolves around partnering with repeat entrepreneurs who possess deep financial services experience and a global perspective. Fin Capital is renowned for its hands-on approach, often leading investment rounds and providing comprehensive support through growth stages. Geographically, Fin Capital operates globally with a strong emphasis on transformative financial services technologies. Their investment strategy includes initial checks across different growth stages and a robust commitment to ongoing support for portfolio companies, ensuring sustained growth and market leadership. The team at Fin Capital is composed of 23 experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and operational expertise to the table. This team is pivotal in identifying and nurturing high-potential fintech ventures, fostering innovation and efficiency across the financial technology landscape.

Finclusive Ventures is a Miami-based venture capital firm founded in 2021, focused on elevating underestimated founders and funders to create new markets. The firm is women-led and specifically backs Female, Immigrant, and Diverse founders across fintech, future of work, education, and climate technology. Finclusive believes capital is a means to unlock opportunities for all, working toward a more financially inclusive world. The team of 6 includes 1 Partner, 2 Venture Partners, and 1 Principal located across the United States and Taiwan. The firm targets pre-seed and seed stage investments and writes checks up to $500K. With approximately 7 investments to date, Finclusive has backed companies spanning fintech, education, clean technology, and software. The firm strives for transparency, actively tracking metrics across its portfolio including gender, race, education background, company location, age, and immigration status of founders it backs. Finclusive's investment philosophy treats diversity not as a constraint but as a lens for identifying overlooked founders building underserved markets. Andrew serves as Venture Partner specializing in due diligence on fintech, marketplaces, and cryptocurrency projects. The firm publishes insights via Substack and maintains active social media engagement, reflecting its commitment to building an open community of investors and founders aligned around inclusive capital deployment.

Finistere Ventures, founded in 2005 and based in Newport Beach, California, specializes in investing in agritech and foodtech sectors. The firm focuses on companies that drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture and food production. With a robust portfolio of 79 investments, Finistere Ventures has supported notable companies such as Plenty, an indoor vertical farming company, and Telesense, which specializes in IoT solutions for grain storage monitoring. Significant exits include Transcend Medical and ShopWell, highlighting the firm’s successful investment strategy in the agrifood tech space. Finistere Ventures participates in early to late-stage funding rounds, providing both capital and strategic support to help companies scale effectively. Led by co-founders Arama Kukutai and Spencer Maughan, Finistere Ventures has a global reach, leveraging partnerships in regions such as the U.S., Australia, Israel, New Zealand, and Canada. Their investments span various technologies aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability in the food and agriculture industries.

FinSight Ventures is a San Francisco-based global technology investment firm founded in 2013 by Alexey Garyunov, who brings more than 20 years of venture capital and technology investment experience, and co-founded by Victor Remsha. The firm manages over $1 billion in assets under management and focuses on fintech and enterprise IT, backing companies that address solutions in banking, finance, insurance, and payments alongside enterprise software companies driving digital transformation. FinSight is one of the larger dedicated fintech-focused venture firms globally by AUM. The firm leads rounds and writes checks from $1 million to $20 million, covering Series A through Series C and beyond. With 99 portfolio companies to date, FinSight has achieved investments in 13 unicorns and 8 IPOs, a track record that distinguishes it among fintech-specialized investors. The portfolio spans the US, Europe, and Israel. The firm targets companies transforming financial services through technology, including banking infrastructure, payments processing, insurtech, and wealth management technology. FinSight applies a thesis-driven approach, combining sector depth in financial services with global market reach. The firm's focus on both early-to-mid-stage and growth-stage investments allows it to support companies across multiple phases of scaling, from initial product-market fit through public market readiness. The 13 unicorn and 8 IPO outcomes reflect a consistent ability to identify and back companies that reach significant scale in the fintech and enterprise IT verticals.

FinTech Collective, based in New York City, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in financial technology startups. Established in 2012, the firm has a diverse portfolio covering areas such as wealth management, payments, and digital assets. Notable portfolio companies include Vestwell, a fintech engine powering savings and investment programs. Vestwell recently raised $125 million in Series D funding, with a focus on modernizing retirement savings for SMBs and individuals. Flutterwave is another key investment, building the payment infrastructure for Africa and providing end-to-end payment solutions across 30+ currencies. NYDIG, a digital asset management firm, raised $50 million in an equity round led by FinTech Collective, focusing on institutional adoption of digital assets. OXIO, a telecom startup, is creating a carrier-as-a-service platform aimed at reducing the digital divide in emerging markets. FinTech Collective has been instrumental in supporting these companies through early investments and strategic guidance, helping them scale and succeed in competitive markets.

Fintech Ventures Fund (FVF) is an early-stage venture capital firm that zeroes in on fintech and insurtech startups. With offices in Atlanta and New York, FVF typically leads seed and pre-seed rounds, cutting checks between $250,000 to $1 million. They often lead investments and secure board seats, helping to structure portfolio companies' first institutional credit facilities. Their focus is on founders transforming traditional financial services, specifically in areas like lending, capital markets, and insurance. FVF has a strong track record, with notable exits including Tink (acquired by Visa) and Marble (acquired by The Zebra). Their portfolio companies, such as Groundfloor and Momnt, have attracted follow-on investments from giants like Amazon, Blackstone, and Microsoft’s M12, collectively securing over $2.7 billion in additional funding. They prefer startups outside Silicon Valley, concentrating on North America and Europe. Led by co-founders Lucas Timberlake and Serguei Kouzmine, FVF has deployed over $38 million to date and remains a high-conviction investor. They value B2B and B2B2C models and are known for their deep industry expertise, having successfully exited multiple fintech companies themselves. Startups should approach FVF with a strong post-product solution and clear market traction. They are especially keen on companies tackling financial inclusion and efficiency through innovative use cases.

FinTLV Ventures is a Tel Aviv-based global venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing exclusively in insurtech and fintech investments. Co-founded by Gil Arazi, the Managing Partner, and Gilbert Ohana, the firm brings 20 years of senior executive and board experience across Israel's largest insurance companies. FinTLV manages $500 million in assets under management and has raised multiple funds including a $120 million second global insurtech-fintech fund. The firm leads rounds at Series A and Series B stages, with a team of 10 professionals including 8 partners. FinTLV has invested in 21 companies, with checks ranging from $3 million to $30 million. Notable portfolio companies include Hippo Insurance, which achieved unicorn status and completed an IPO; Next Insurance; Unqork; Corvus Insurance; and Wefox. The portfolio has produced 1 unicorn, 1 IPO, and 6 acquisitions. The firm maintains relationships with 62 co-investors including G Squared, and operates across Israel, the United States, and Europe. FinTLV's competitive advantage is its proprietary network of global insurers and financial institutions, which serves as both a sourcing channel and a distribution pathway for portfolio companies. Arazi's decades of operating experience inside large insurance enterprises gives the firm unique insight into enterprise buying behavior, regulatory constraints, and the specific workflows that insurtech founders must navigate to achieve commercial traction. The firm partners with proven-model tech businesses, prioritizing companies that demonstrate product-market fit before receiving FinTLV's backing.

Firebolt Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector. They concentrate on startups in areas like software, cloud infrastructure, and fintech. Founded in 2014, the firm is based in Palo Alto, California, and takes an active approach to support founders throughout the entire lifecycle of their companies. Their portfolio includes high-profile startups like Deel, Groq, and BetterUp, with several unicorns under their belt. Firebolt is known for leading rounds, particularly in the early stages, with a typical check size in the range of $500K to $5M. The firm is heavily data-driven, using an algorithmic approach to identify opportunities​. The team, led by Cherian Mathew and Vineet Buch, brings a strong network and deep industry expertise. Firebolt Ventures has been especially active in the U.S. market, with some global outreach, focusing on sectors like enterprise software and business productivity tools​.

Firebrand Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in seed-stage companies across the United States and Canada, particularly in underserved and emerging startup communities. Their portfolio includes notable startups like Replica, a cutting-edge urban planning tool, Edlink, an edtech integration platform, and Returnmates, a service for seamless return logistics. Firebrand's investment strategy is centered around partnering with exceptional founders who are obsessed with solving big problems. They invest between $500k and $1M, both leading and co-investing in seed rounds, and prefer companies showing early signs of product-market fit and revenue traction. Firebrand is sector-agnostic but avoids heavily regulated or capital-intensive markets. Key team members include John Fein and Chris Marks, both managing partners with extensive venture capital experience, and Claire Hansen, who leads their Austin office. The firm places a strong emphasis on authentic leadership, integrity, and long-term partnerships, providing robust support and guidance to their portfolio companies through all stages of growth. Firebrand has been active in recent years, with notable investments like Nivati's $4 million seed round and HData's $3.1 million raise to automate regulatory compliance in the energy sector. They prefer to build transparent and trustworthy relationships with founders, offering not just capital but also strategic advice and a vast network of resources. Startups interested in partnering with Firebrand should focus on demonstrating strong leadership, technical expertise, and a clear path to market scalability.

First American Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of First American Financial Corporation, a Fortune 500 title insurance and settlement services company headquartered in Santa Ana, California. With over $7 billion in annual revenue, First American Financial is one of the largest real estate data and transaction services companies in the United States. Founded in 2018, the CVC arm channels that scale and expertise into strategic investments at the intersection of proptech, real estate technology, and fintech. The fund targets seed through Series B rounds, typically writing checks of $3 million to $10 million. Its roughly 10 investments to date concentrate on real estate technology, title and settlement tech, property data analytics, and financial services technology that can complement or enhance First American's core operations. A notable portfolio investment is Lev, a commercial mortgage marketplace that raised a $30 million Series A. As a strategic CVC, First American Ventures pursues both financial returns and direct business synergies for its parent company. Investments are evaluated for their potential to improve or extend First American's capabilities in title insurance, settlement services, and real estate data — giving portfolio companies privileged access to one of the country's largest real estate transaction networks rather than purely arms-length capital.

First Check Ventures, founded in 2020 and based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments across diverse industries including fintech, consumer finance, internet retail, and human capital services. The firm was founded by Ali Jamal, who brings extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. First Check Ventures has invested in 100 companies and achieved 12 exits. Notable investments include companies like Lemonade, Finblox, and Bits Crypto. The firm focuses on providing not only capital but also mentorship, network, and guidance to its portfolio companies to help them achieve their full potential. They typically invest in the seed stage, supporting startups with promising and innovative ideas that have the potential to make a significant impact. The investment team includes founding partner Ali Jamal and partner Adwait Walimbe. Their approach is characterized by a strong commitment to backing passionate founders and fostering growth in their chosen industries.

FM Capital, also known as First Move Capital, is a venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in automotive technology, transportation, and mobility sectors. The firm was founded to identify trends and partner with innovative teams reshaping how people and goods move and how transportation services are consumed. Notable investments by FM Capital include automotive tech companies such as Vroom, a prominent used car marketplace, and Via, a leader in mobility-as-a-service. These investments highlight the firm's commitment to backing transformative technologies within the transportation industry. FM Capital's investment strategy focuses on early to mid-stage companies, typically making investments between $5 million and $10 million per company. The firm is known for its deep industry expertise and hands-on approach, providing strategic guidance and support to its portfolio companies. This approach is supported by the leadership of experienced professionals like Mark Norman, who previously led Zipcar's expansion and IPO, and Chase Fraser, the founding partner with extensive experience in investment deal-structure and fundraising. FM Capital has a mission to not only create value for its investors and portfolio companies but also to contribute positively to society by promoting safer vehicles, cleaner air, and more efficient and equitable mobility solutions. Their latest fund, valued at $150 million, underscores their commitment to advancing the automotive and transportation technology sectors. For startups looking to engage with FM Capital, showcasing innovative solutions that align with their focus on transformative transportation technologies will be key. The firm's proactive involvement and extensive industry network make them an invaluable partner for growth.

First Round Capital, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that specializes in seed-stage investments. The firm has an impressive track record, having supported over 300 startups across various sectors. Notable investments by First Round Capital include companies like Uber, Square, Warby Parker, Notion, Roblox, and Blue Apron. These companies have grown to become industry leaders, showcasing First Round's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups from their earliest stages​​. First Round Capital's investment philosophy emphasizes building a strong community among its portfolio companies. They provide extensive support beyond just financial backing, including strategic guidance and access to a network of experienced founders and industry experts. Their average initial investment ranges from $1 million to $5 million, with a focus on being the lead investor in most cases. However, they also collaborate with other seed-stage VCs and angels​​. The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, with a few exceptions for companies in Canada. They have a hands-on approach, working closely with founders to help them navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. First Round's unique platform and dedicated team of experts provide invaluable resources to help startups succeed​.

First Row Partners is a Seattle-based venture capital firm that focuses on pre-seed investments, particularly in technology-driven startups across North America. Founded in 2020 by Minda Brusse and Yoko Okano, the firm emphasizes solving meaningful human problems through innovative software solutions. They are deeply involved in the Pacific Northwest's startup ecosystem, often engaging with early-stage teams that are pre-accelerator and post-team formation, with a typical valuation cap below $5 million. First Row Partners is known for its commitment to being in the "first row" of support for founders, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance tailored to help startups achieve critical milestones. Their investments usually range from $25,000 to $200,000, with plans to increase check sizes as the firm grows. While First Row doesn’t typically lead investment rounds, they bring significant value through their network and experience, particularly in sectors where technology or data is the differentiating factor. The firm’s co-founders, Minda and Yoko, have extensive backgrounds in startup operations and investing, making them valuable partners for early-stage companies. They are also involved in mentoring and supporting the broader startup community in Seattle, offering advice and guidance to entrepreneurs beyond their direct investment activities.

First Star Ventures, founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an early-stage venture capital firm. Co-founded by Drew Volpe and Millie Liu, the firm focuses on investing in disruptive technologies with a global impact. Their investment strategy targets sectors such as artificial intelligence, computational biotechnology, connected sensors, augmented reality, virtual reality, and blockchain. First Star Ventures has managed multiple funds, including their recent First Star Venture Fund III. They have made significant investments in innovative companies like Bedrock Energy, Salient, and Swiftly, emphasizing their commitment to transformative technologies. The firm typically partners with visionary founders, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help startups scale effectively. The team at First Star Ventures brings extensive experience in both founding and operating tech companies, which they leverage to support their portfolio companies. Their investments are characterized by a focus on early-stage, high-growth potential ventures, aiming to be the first institutional investor in these businesses.

FirstMile Ventures is a dynamic venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage technology investments. Notable portfolio companies include Section, CaliberMind, and Pax8, which recently achieved unicorn status. They focus on sectors such as enterprise software, developer tools, big data, and marketing technology (MarTech). Geographically, FirstMile is based in Colorado, with a strong presence across the United States, including active investments in Texas and Colorado. Their investment strategy is centered on being the first institutional investor, providing crucial early-stage funding typically ranging from $1M to $5M, and guiding startups to achieve product-market fit before Series A rounds. FirstMile avoids startups that have already raised over $2M, ensuring they invest at the optimal early stage for growth impact. The firm is co-led by Bill Miller, who founded FirstMile in 2014 to address the lack of early-stage funding in Colorado, and Aaron Stachel, who joined in 2013 and has a keen eye for emerging opportunities in healthtech, fintech, and logistics. Zaz Floreani, based in Austin, brings extensive experience from Next Coast Ventures, enhancing their investment footprint in Texas. FirstMile Ventures prides itself on a hands-on approach, providing not just capital but strategic support to help startups navigate their critical first mile. They prefer direct outreach from founders, emphasizing personal connections and a clear understanding of market needs and product potential. This proactive engagement ensures they build a robust investment funnel and foster strong, growth-oriented partnerships.

FirstTracks Ventures is a Denver, Colorado-based seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2014 by Jon-Erik Borgen and run as a family-led operation. The firm focuses on the earliest stages of company formation, deploying initial checks of $50,000 to $200,000 across a broad range of technology sectors, including SaaS, internet of things, mobile workforce management, e-commerce, telehealth, and fintech. Denver and the broader Mountain West technology ecosystem form the primary sourcing ground. Since inception, FirstTracks has invested in over 33 tracked companies across more than 35 total investments. The portfolio has produced one IPO and eight acquisitions, reflecting an active exit record for a fund operating at the earliest stages. Notable companies include GoSpotCheck, a workforce management platform that was acquired; Galvanize, a data analytics and cybersecurity education firm acquired by Diligent; and Gauzy, a smart glass technology company that reached a public listing. The concentrated check size allows the firm to make many small, high-conviction bets across technology sectors. FirstTracks operates as a hands-on, founder-friendly investor comfortable entering companies at the pre-seed or seed stage, before institutional investors arrive. The family-run model enables patient capital deployment with long time horizons, well suited to helping early-stage Colorado technology founders build and scale their businesses over multiple fund cycles.

Hearst Ventures, established in 1995, is the corporate venture capital arm of Hearst Communications. Based in New York, it operates globally with offices in London, Beijing, and Tel-Aviv. Hearst Ventures has invested over $1 billion to date, making it one of the most active corporate venture funds. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology-driven businesses across various sectors, including media, information services, and technology. Notable portfolio companies include Via, a global provider of on-demand transit solutions; Roku, a leading streaming platform; and BuzzFeed, a prominent digital media company. Hearst Ventures has made a total of 199 investments and achieved 84 successful exits, including high-profile companies like Pandora and Brightcove. The leadership team at Hearst Ventures includes Kenneth Bronfin, Senior Managing Director and Head of International Investments; Scott English, Senior Managing Director and Head of U.S. Investments; and Darcy Frisch, Managing Director and Vice President. Their extensive experience and strategic guidance play a crucial role in driving the success of Hearst Ventures' portfolio companies.

Fitness Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, investing exclusively in disruptive fitness app, device, and equipment companies transforming how people exercise. The firm targets companies that have developed a working prototype and demonstrated problem-solution fit, with geographic scope spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Despite a lean solo-operated structure, Fitness Ventures built a highly concentrated portfolio of seven companies that delivered extraordinary outcomes. The firm's track record centers on early, prescient bets in what became the connected fitness category. Its portfolio of seven companies produced one IPO and five acquisitions, including two landmark exits: an early position in Peloton, which went public, and an early investment in Fitbit, which Google acquired for $2.1 billion in October 2019. Typical initial checks ranged from $100,000 to $1 million, allowing the firm to enter at the seed or early Series A stage before these companies became household names. Fitness Ventures exemplifies the thesis that deep sector focus, even in a consumer category that many generalist funds overlooked in its early days, can generate outsized returns when conviction is applied consistently over time. The firm's concentrated strategy and niche expertise delivered multiple landmark exits through a portfolio built on a single, clearly defined thesis about the future of fitness technology.

Fitz Gate Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in July 2015 by Jim Cohen and Mark Poag, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey with an additional presence in Houston, Texas. The firm manages $70 million in assets under management and is currently investing out of its third fund, launched in December 2025. Both general partners teach venture capital investing at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business and Princeton University's Graduate School, giving the firm deep roots in two of North America's leading research university ecosystems. Fitz Gate writes initial checks of $500,000 to $2 million and leads rounds across pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The firm has made 26 tracked investments with concentration in AI and deep tech, software, SaaS, hardware and robotics. While the third fund is generalist in approach, it carries a sub-focus on deep tech and hard tech, areas where the Princeton University pipeline provides a particularly strong flow of opportunities. The firm has raised three successive funds: Fund I in 2015, Fund II in 2020, and Fund III in late 2025. Fitz Gate's primary competitive advantage is its proprietary 'Friends of Fitz' network, a community of hundreds of venture capitalists, startup founders, university professors, and senior executives concentrated in the New York and Texas ecosystems. The majority of capital flows to startups connected to the Princeton University ecosystem, and the firm brings both academic rigor and practitioner experience to every board seat it holds.

has built a vast portfolio, including notable investments in companies such as Alibaba, Coupang, Flexport, Delivery Hero, Shipbob, Properly, Wallapop, and Rappi. The firm is known for its stage-agnostic approach, meaning they invest in companies at various stages, from pre-seed to later stages​​. FJ Labs focuses on identifying and supporting visionary founders who exhibit passion, grit, and the ability to execute their visions. Their investment strategy leverages their deep expertise in marketplaces, resulting in over 30 of their portfolio companies achieving unicorn status (valuations over $1 billion). With more than 1,000 investments, FJ Labs has made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, particularly in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and fintech​. The firm recently announced $260 million in new funds to continue its support of early-stage and growth-stage startups. This includes a pre-seed fund and an opportunity-style “Series B and beyond” fund, reflecting their commitment to nurturing startups through various growth phases​.