Geography
USA VC Funds
Venture capital funds investing in the United States. Browse US-focused VCs, their check sizes, industry focus, and portfolio companies.
Space Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments within the space economy. Founded by Chad Anderson in 2012, the firm focuses on space technology stacks such as GPS, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and satellite communications (SatCom). These technologies serve as the backbone for industries across the globe, enabling innovations in sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and defense. The firm manages over $100 million in assets and operates with a deep understanding of the space sector. Their investment strategy emphasizes long-term potential, with a preference for startups that leverage space-based data and hardware to create transformative applications. Notable investments include companies like Made In Space and NanoRacks, which focus on space infrastructure and services. Space Capital is also known for its disciplined, thesis-driven approach to investing. The firm is actively involved in shaping the space ecosystem through its platforms like Space Angels, which connects investors with promising space startups, and Space Talent, a career platform designed to support the growing demand for skilled professionals in space and tech. By positioning itself as a leader in the space economy, Space Capital aims to capture the immense opportunities that will define the future of global industries.
Space VC is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, focused on investing in pre-seed frontier technology startups. Founded in 2021 by Jonathan Lacoste, the firm emphasizes the importance of technologies such as space tech, defense tech, AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Space VC aims to support companies that address urgent and significant challenges, contributing to national security, economic resilience, and global leadership. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $1 million per company, partnering with founders at the earliest stages of their ventures. Space VC's portfolio includes companies like True Anomaly, Loft Orbital, and SpaceX, which are involved in sectors ranging from aerospace and defense to AI and industrial tech. Space VC’s strategy is to build a concentrated portfolio of world-class founders and focus on sectors with urgent market needs and near-term commercialization potential. They avoid deep R&D cycles, preferring startups with viable product roadmaps and existing customer demand.
Spacecadet Ventures is a cutting-edge venture capital firm based in San Francisco, focusing on early-stage investments in groundbreaking industries such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and financial services. They have a diverse portfolio featuring companies like Eyebot, Cascade Biocatalysts, and Prophetic AI, showcasing their commitment to transformative technologies. Geographically, their investments are spread across North America and Europe. Spacecadet Ventures typically engages in seed to Series A rounds, with average check sizes around $3 million, often co-investing with prominent partners like Andreessen Horowitz and Village Global. Their strategy is anchored in leveraging marketing expertise to propel startups to success, aligning with their brand as "The Marketing VC." They are known for their hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections. Key team members include Alexa Binns, a seasoned marketer with extensive experience in consumer tech and venture investments, supported by a team of industry veterans. Spacecadet Ventures prefers pitches that demonstrate innovative solutions with clear market potential and scalability. They are approachable and encourage startups to reach out through their website, emphasizing their openness to novel ideas and disruptive technologies. With a proactive investment style, they aim to be a catalyst for the next generation of industry leaders.
SpaceFund is a Houston-based venture capital firm dedicated to investing in the rapidly expanding space industry. Founded in 2018 by Rick Tumlinson and Meagan Crawford, the firm focuses on identifying and supporting high-growth startups that are leading the "NewSpace" revolution. SpaceFund is committed to fostering innovations that will enable and benefit from humanity's increasing presence in space. The firm's investment strategy is built around its deep industry knowledge and a commitment to rigorous due diligence. SpaceFund targets companies that are involved in various aspects of the space ecosystem, including space transportation, satellite servicing, in-space manufacturing, and AI applications for space. They have a strong emphasis on companies that align with their vision of expanding human activity beyond Earth. Notably, SpaceFund avoids investing in conventional aerospace and prefers opportunities that offer groundbreaking advancements in space technology. SpaceFund has launched several funds, including the BlastOff Fund, which has attracted high-profile investors like Jed McCaleb. This fund is designed to capitalize on the growing momentum in the space industry by supporting startups with significant potential for growth and impact. The SpaceFund team is composed of seasoned experts from both the space and financial sectors, providing a unique blend of technical and business expertise. This enables them to guide their portfolio companies through the complex challenges of the space industry, from early development to successful exits.
Spark Capital is a prominent venture capital firm with a focus on investing in groundbreaking companies across sectors like consumer internet, media, software, and fintech. Founded in 2005, the firm has backed high-profile startups such as Twitter, Discord, and Cruise, leading early-stage rounds that propelled these companies to massive success. Spark’s portfolio also includes Postmates, which was acquired by Uber, and Harmonix, known for the popular "Rock Band" game franchise. The firm typically invests across all stages, from seed to growth, with a particular focus on companies that aim to disrupt existing markets. Spark's team members, such as co-founder Bijan Sabet, emphasize investing in founders who take big chances and challenge the status quo. The firm is highly selective, backing visionary entrepreneurs with innovative products that have the potential to reshape industries. Geographically, Spark’s investments span the globe, with a presence in key markets like the U.S. and Europe. Their flexible and founder-first approach has positioned them as trusted partners for startups like Wayfair and Instawork.
Spark Growth Ventures (SGV) is a San Diego-based venture capital firm founded in 2018 by Hem Suri, who serves as Founder and Managing Partner. The firm operates as a vertical-agnostic early- and mid-stage technology investor covering software-enabled products and services, B2B, B2C, and hardware-as-a-service. Rather than raising from traditional institutional LPs, SGV runs an evergreen-equivalent structure powered by a global community of 1,400-plus members across six continents who co-invest alongside the fund and contribute domain expertise, equating to roughly $45 million in deployed gross AUM. Typical checks run $500,000 to $2 million in seed through Series A rounds, with the capacity to follow on into later stages. The firm has been recognized as a 2022 Emerging 50 VC and a 2023 Top 25 Founder's Choice VC. Suri brings 13 years of venture, private equity, and M&A experience spanning 50-plus transactions and more than $2 billion of capital. SGV has made 35 disclosed investments with 24 to 25 active portfolio companies on three continents, spanning SaaS, healthtech, proptech, HR technology, and aerospace. Named portfolio companies include Splitero (a San Diego home equity investment platform), tab32 (cloud dental practice management with AI), Luna Physical Therapy, and Placer.ai -- both named Forbes Best Startup Employers of 2024. The most recent disclosed deals include Humanly's Series B in May 2025 and a SpaceX investment in September 2025. The most recent portfolio exit was PathologyWatch in November 2023. SGV's community-driven model is a deliberate structural choice: by giving 1,400 domain experts skin in the game, the firm generates proprietary deal flow, due diligence depth, and portfolio company introductions that a conventional fund of comparable size could not replicate.
Sparkbox Ventures is New Zealand's longest-established early-stage technology venture capital firm, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Auckland, with an investment mandate across New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The firm's thesis covers high-growth technology companies in information technology, SaaS and enterprise software, mobile, communications, cloud and internet, materials science, cleantech, and medical and diagnostic technology. Typical deal sizes are NZ$1 million to NZ$5 million, with the firm participating in two to six investments per year. The investment team includes CEO Greg Sitters, Venture Principal David Booth, Venture Partner Chintaka Ranatunga, and Venture Analyst Ben Reynolds. Sparkbox's portfolio of 47 disclosed companies spans 34 tech-focused businesses, 30 B2B and enterprise companies, 11 SaaS, and more than 10 pure software businesses, with most deployments into New Zealand (25 companies) and the United States (6). The firm has recorded 2 IPOs and 6 acquisitions. Its most celebrated outcome is Xero -- the cloud accounting platform that listed on the NZX and reached an $18.2 billion market capitalization. Other notable exits include Snakk Media (NZX listing, March 2013), bio-tissue regenerative medicine company Aroa Biosurgery, Mish Guru, SimTutor, and marine communications firm Vesper Marine. Sparkbox's two-decade track record puts it in a unique position as a cornerstone of the New Zealand technology ecosystem: having participated in the formative rounds of a significant slice of the country's mature tech companies, the firm serves as a signal of institutional validation for local founders seeking their first professional investor, and as a trusted co-investor for international VCs entering the New Zealand market.
SparkLabs Global Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital fund founded in 2013, focusing on early-stage investments in companies worldwide. The firm is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, but its global footprint extends to key markets across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. SparkLabs backs innovative companies in industries such as SaaS, fintech, healthcare, gaming, IoT, education, and cybersecurity. The firm’s investment strategy centers on identifying exceptional entrepreneurs and helping them scale their businesses globally, offering not only financial support but also mentorship and access to a broad network of industry leaders. Some of the notable portfolio companies backed by SparkLabs Global Ventures include MangoPlate, WeRide, and Shift, demonstrating the firm's diverse reach across various sectors and geographies. SparkLabs emphasizes its unique approach to seed-stage investments by focusing on companies with the potential to define new categories and by supporting their growth into global markets. Led by a team of seasoned investors and operators, including co-founders Frank Meehan, Bernard Moon, and Jimmy Kim, SparkLabs Global Ventures combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to nurturing long-term relationships with its portfolio companies. Through their global accelerator programs and seed investments, SparkLabs has built a strong reputation for fostering innovation and helping startups achieve meaningful scale.
Sparkmind.vc is the first Nordic venture capital firm focused exclusively on the learning sector. Founded in Helsinki, Finland, the firm invests in early-stage startups that are transforming education across various levels, including early childhood, K-12, higher education, vocational training, and corporate learning. Sparkmind.vc supports companies that improve learning outcomes, expand access to education, enhance process efficiency, or generate actionable insights from educational data. The firm typically invests in Seed to Series B stages, with individual investments reaching up to €5 million. While their primary focus is on Europe, Sparkmind.vc also selectively invests in companies outside the region, particularly those with a strong potential for international scalability. Their portfolio includes companies like Vygo, which focuses on higher education tutoring, and Fretello, an AI-driven music education platform. With a final fund size of €55 million, Sparkmind.vc aims to back around 20-25 companies, often taking a lead role in funding rounds. The firm’s leadership team brings extensive experience in education, venture capital, and strategic business development, making them well-equipped to guide their portfolio companies to success.
Spectre Holdings is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in high-potential technology companies, particularly in deep tech sectors like AI, robotics, the metaverse, space, and other national security technologies. Based in Irvine, California, Spectre Holdings primarily targets seed to pre-IPO stage companies, aiming to support innovations that have significant strategic and economic impacts. Although Spectre's investment activity is relatively limited, they have made around 10 investments, including notable deals like a $20 million seed investment in Gravitics, a space infrastructure company. They typically co-invest with other venture capital firms and have a portfolio that spans industries such as biotechnology, big data, cybersecurity, and more. Spectre Holdings is part of the Ishaq family's investment strategy, which is reflected in their selective and focused investment approach. Despite being somewhat under the radar, their involvement in critical tech sectors underscores their ambition to back transformative and strategic technologies. Spectre's approach is often collaborative, working alongside other firms to maximize the potential of their portfolio companies, as seen in their co-investment deals.
Spero Ventures, founded in 2018 and based in Burlingame, California, is a venture capital firm that invests in mission-driven technology companies. Their primary focus areas include wellbeing, sustainability, and sectors related to learning, work, and play. The firm is known for leading or co-leading investment rounds ranging from $3 million to $10 million, typically providing initial checks between $2 million and $4 million with reserves for follow-on investments. Notable investments by Spero Ventures include companies such as Tiny Health, Huckleberry, Tortuga AgTech, and Skillshare. They have made 64 investments to date and achieved several successful exits, including companies like Nana, Jopwell, and INDUS.AI. The leadership team consists of experienced investors like Shripriya Mahesh, Andrew Parker, and Sara Eshelman, all of whom have backgrounds in landmark companies such as eBay and Tesla. Spero Ventures emphasizes backing determined founders who are building technology solutions to create a hopeful future. Their investment strategy is conviction-based, focusing on long-term growth and impact.
Spiral Sun Ventures is a Chicago-based seed and Series A venture capital fund founded in 2016 that invests exclusively in better-for-you consumer brands. The firm's thesis centers on entrepreneurs building businesses around clean whole foods, nutritious ingredients, natural products, environmentally friendly consumer goods, and cleantech -- on the conviction that health and wellness for people and the planet are commercially important and commercially durable. The firm focuses on the seed-to-Series-A stage, where it believes its operating relationships and industry network can add the most value. It draws on the broader FamilyFarmed and Good Food ecosystem in Chicago. The team includes Jim Slama, founder of FamilyFarmed and a principal of the fund; Armando Pauker, co-founder and managing director of Tensility Venture Partners and a key operating partner of Spiral Sun; and Entrepreneur-in-Residence Luke Saunders, the founder and CEO of Farmer's Fridge, a vending-robotics business. The firm has raised three successive funds, most recently Spiral Sun Fund II. By March 2021 Spiral Sun had backed 37 companies spanning food, beverage, nutrition, consumer goods, and healthcare. Named portfolio companies include Force of Nature (clean meat products), DRNXMYTH (craft cocktails), and Grovara, a B2B food export marketplace, which represents the most recent disclosed investment in May 2023. The firm's exits include a KonaRed IPO and an acquisition of New Slice Ventures by Suja Life in May 2024. Spiral Sun's industry positioning is tight: the firm does not chase broad consumer trends but instead backs founders building brands at the intersection of health, sustainability, and ingredient integrity -- a thesis that depends on deep sector knowledge rather than generalist pattern-matching.
Spring Lane Capital is a Boston-based private equity firm that specializes in providing "Hybrid Project Capital" for sustainable infrastructure sectors, including energy, food, water, transportation, and waste. Since its founding in 2017, the firm has focused on accelerating the deployment of small-scale, localized solutions that can drive significant environmental and economic impact. Spring Lane Capital's unique investment approach combines project equity for smaller-scale systems with additional growth capital, enabling companies to scale rapidly and access larger, more cost-effective capital as they mature. This model is particularly effective in sectors where traditional project finance is less accessible due to the smaller size or distributed nature of the assets. The firm has a strong portfolio that includes companies like Atlas Organics, which converts organic waste into compost, and EVCS, a fast-growing electric vehicle charging network on the West Coast. These investments reflect Spring Lane's commitment to supporting technologies that address pressing environmental challenges while offering strong financial returns. Spring Lane's strategy is to partner closely with management teams, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to ensure long-term success. Their investment process is thorough, involving detailed market and technology assessments, to align both the firm's and the partner companies' goals.
Springbank Collective is a New York-based, women-led venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in sectors that support women and working families. Founded in 2019, the firm targets pre-seed through Series A rounds, providing both capital and operational support to startups that aim to improve the care economy, future of work, and consumer health. The team is driven by the belief that areas such as caregiving, flexible work, and women’s health are not niche, but critical to the economy. Springbank's mission is to address longstanding gender and social inequities through innovative solutions. Their investments center on healthtech, fintech, IoT, femtech, and other technology-driven sectors that enhance everyday life. Their portfolio includes companies like Wellthy, which revolutionizes family caregiving by connecting users to expert care coordinators. With a focus on creating positive social impact, Springbank leverages a powerful network of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to provide their portfolio companies with strategic resources beyond financial support. By targeting the multi-trillion-dollar opportunity in the care economy, Springbank aims to unlock economic productivity and create long-lasting societal benefits.
Springdale Ventures is an Austin, Texas-based venture capital firm founded in 2019 by Genevieve Gilbreath and Dan Graham that invests exclusively in early-stage consumer brands. Co-Founder and General Partner Genevieve Gilbreath brings 20 years of consumer goods and natural foods experience and previously led SKU, the first and largest US consumer products accelerator, from 2016 through 2018. Co-Founder Dan Graham is a Texas tech entrepreneur with decades of operator experience growing and scaling companies. The team has grown to 22 people including 5 partners. The firm's thesis spans food and beverage, direct-to-consumer, health and wellness, beauty, accessible luxury, sustainable products, personalization, pet humanization, aging population, and omnichannel retail. Springdale's Fund I launched in 2019 and its Fund II closed at $40 million in late 2023 -- nearly double the size of Fund I -- with LPs including returning institutions, family offices, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes. Standard checks are approximately $1 million at seed through Series A. Across the platform Springdale has made 36 investments. Notable portfolio companies include Eterneva (memorial diamonds), Goodles (better-for-you mac and cheese), Nectar (Asian-inspired hard seltzer), Big Nose Kate (whiskey), and BloxSnacks -- a kids' snack brand co-founded by YouTube creators Aphmau, Unspeakable, and NinjaKidz. Fund II has deployed into 14 companies to date. The most recent disclosed investment is Oddball World (food products) in November 2025, with a follow-on also recently made into Goodles. Springdale's competitive edge is Gilbreath's deep consumer goods operating network -- providing portfolio companies with retailer relationships, supply chain access, and product development expertise that pure financial investors cannot replicate at the early stages where consumer brands most need operational support.
Springhood Ventures is a Boston-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2018 by John Parker with a singular mission: to back emerging life science and healthcare companies transforming the health and care of people in their first two decades of life. The firm positions itself as the first venture capital firm broadly dedicated to children's health, investing on a mission-first basis in seed-stage pediatric medical solutions spanning drug discovery, neonatal diagnostics, predictive analytics, and medical devices. The investment thesis targets the intersection of high clinical need, exceptional innovation, and the development incentives unique to the child-health market, including rare pediatric disease vouchers and orphan designations. Founder and Managing Partner John Parker spent 25 years across venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds before launching Springhood. He previously created and managed CH Innovations, the impact-first venture capital subsidiary of the Charles H. Hood Foundation -- a Boston private foundation supporting pediatric research -- where Parker remains a trustee and runs its Program-Related Investment initiative. The portfolio is intentionally concentrated, with four disclosed investments including TMA Precision Health (pediatric precision-medicine risk analytics), FLAG Therapeutics (drug discovery), NeoPrediX (predictive analytics for neonatal, maternal, and perinatal health, the most recent new investment in September 2024), and a prior holding in Novonate, which was acquired by Laborie Medical in February 2023. Springhood's focus on the first two decades of life is both a moral and commercial thesis: pediatric drug development carries regulatory incentives that improve risk-adjusted returns, and the market is underserved by generalist life-science VCs whose portfolio prioritization naturally gravitates toward the larger adult patient populations.
SpringTide Ventures is an influential early-stage venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in HealthTech investments. With a strategic focus on digital health, medical devices, life sciences, and tech-enabled care delivery, the firm recently closed its second fund at $65 million, bringing its total assets under management to over $100 million. SpringTide Ventures has a history of backing groundbreaking companies like GreatExpectations.io, a leader in data quality tooling; Pathology Watch, an AI-powered dermatopathology platform; Debut Biotech, a pioneer in cell-free biomanufacturing; and OpenLoop, an end-to-end telemedicine enablement company. These investments highlight SpringTide's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes. Founded by Austin Walters, the firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, working closely with its portfolio companies to navigate growth stages and achieve significant market impact. SpringTide Ventures invests primarily in seed and Series A rounds, focusing on startups that address critical healthcare needs with innovative solutions.
SpringTime Ventures, established in 2016 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, focuses on seed-stage investments in high-growth technology startups within the USA. The firm particularly targets sectors like healthcare, fintech, logistics, and marketplaces. SpringTime Ventures has a portfolio that includes companies such as Bonside, which offers financing solutions tailored for brick-and-mortar businesses; Credo Health, a healthcare data company; and BlueCargo, which optimizes the transportation of shipping containers. They have made 54 investments and achieved notable exits, including TrueCoach and Shotzr. The firm is led by Managing Partners Matt Blomstedt and Rich Maloy, along with partners like Allyson Plosko and Rick Patch. They emphasize a people-focused approach, supporting founders with domain expertise who are developing transformative technologies. SpringTime Ventures typically writes initial checks ranging from $400,000 to $600,000, and they actively support their portfolio companies in scaling and achieving growth milestones.
SR One, a leading trans-Atlantic biotechnology venture capital firm, focuses on translating innovative science into transformative medicines. Originally established in 1985 as the venture capital arm of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), SR One completed its spin-out from GSK in 2020, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The firm successfully raised a $500 million fund, making it the largest first-time VC fund focused on U.S. and European biotech startups in 2020. This was followed by a second fund of $600 million, bringing their total assets under management to over $1.5 billion. SR One's investment strategy centers on building and supporting elite biotechnology companies through a "back-and-build" approach, providing both financial and operational support to advance programs through critical development stages. The firm operates out of key biotech hubs in Redwood City, California, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and London, UK, which allows it to leverage opportunities and provide regional expertise. Key team members include CEO Simeon George, who has been with the firm since 2007 and has played a pivotal role in several major investments such as CRISPR Therapeutics and Principia Biopharma. SR One's leadership and venture partners bring extensive experience in biotech investments and company creation.
St. Paul Venture Capital (SPVC) was a major US early-stage venture capital firm founded in 1988 as the corporate venture capital arm of The St. Paul Companies, later St. Paul Travelers and today Travelers. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota with additional offices in Minneapolis, Boston, and Silicon Valley, SPVC was one of the largest early-stage venture firms in the United States, with approximately $3 billion of committed capital across multiple funds. The firm specialized in early-stage investments in technology -- telecommunications, infrastructure, software, and enterprise -- alongside healthcare and medical devices, and made 270 total investments across its active life. The portfolio generated 94 exits across its history. Notable holdings included Santarus in specialty pharmaceuticals, Vendavo in pricing software, and EBR Systems, whose exit in November 2021 represents the firm's most recent disclosed portfolio outcome. Allan Will served as one of the firm's partners. SPVC's scale and breadth made it a formative institution in the Midwest venture ecosystem, with particular depth in healthcare and communications technology. St. Paul Venture Capital is permanently closed. In June 2004 the firm split into two independent successor firms: Split Rock Partners, focused on healthcare and growth-stage information technology, and Vesbridge Partners, focused on communications technology. St. Paul Travelers continued to back both spin-outs with new capital. Since the 2004 split SPVC has made no new primary investments; its continued public profile reflects legacy portfolio holdings and historical disclosures only. The two successor firms operate as distinct and active investment platforms.
Stacked Capital is an early-stage venture fund specializing in technology investments. Notable investments include HAAS Alert, MazumaGo, and Avvir. The fund targets sectors such as SaaS, fintech, real estate tech, and robotics, with typical investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. Geographically, Stacked Capital focuses on startups within the United States. They engage in approximately seven deals per year, maintaining a structured approach through accelerators, incubators, and direct investments. The fund's average investment round size is $424,000, with a follow-on investment rate of 0.17, demonstrating selective yet impactful engagement with portfolio companies.
Staenberg Ventures (operating as Staenberg Venture Partners) is a Seattle-based venture capital firm founded in 1998 and led by Managing Partner Jonathan Staenberg. The firm operates with approximately $100 million of assets under management across four funds and invests at all stages of company development -- from consulting with seed-stage entrepreneurs to co-investing with institutional funds in later rounds -- with offices covering the Pacific Northwest, Silicon Valley, and Southern California. Thesis focus covers technology, internet, enterprise software, and consumer platforms, with an emphasis on helping portfolio companies build winning management teams. Staenberg holds a Stanford economics degree and Stanford MBA, began his career as Marketing Director at Microsoft from 1988 to 1995, managed AOL's Greenhouse program, and became a partner at Rustic Canyon before launching the firm. Database-tracked investments number approximately 85 firm-level deals with 2 IPOs and 8 acquisitions, alongside an earlier career in which Staenberg participated in 200-plus investments. Named portfolio companies include Seagate (NASDAQ IPO, approximately $5.12 billion market cap), StubHub (NYSE IPO September 2025, $8.06 billion market cap), Splunk, DocuSign, Avalara, SquareTrade, Cafepress, Aprimo, Infospace, and MeWe (social platform), which represents the most recent disclosed investment in October 2024. The portfolio also includes an early Facebook round and social network Kindara. Staenberg's competitive advantage is one of Silicon Valley's most extensive personal networks, built across three decades spanning Microsoft, AOL, a hundred-plus Rustic Canyon investments, and four direct funds. The firm's value to founders extends well beyond capital: Staenberg's introductions into Microsoft's ecosystem, enterprise buyer relationships, and operator community provide a distinctive commercial development resource.
Stage Venture Partners, founded in 2015, is a pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm focusing on emerging software technologies for business-to-business markets. They invest in enterprise software startups that drive significant advancements in their respective fields. The firm is known for being one of the first institutional investors in many of its portfolio companies and for its commitment to supporting founders who are tackling hard problems and creating impactful solutions. Notable investments include companies like Epsilon3, which builds mission management software for the space industry, and GrayMatter Robotics, which automates labor-intensive industrial surface treatment tasks using advanced robotics. Their portfolio is diverse, encompassing sectors from e-commerce to government technology, and spanning geographies from St. Louis to Seattle. Stage Venture Partners is led by Alex Rubalcava, the founder and managing partner, who has a long-standing career in venture capital and has been recognized as one of the top VCs in Los Angeles. The firm is highly regarded for its unique expertise and alignment with the daring visions of its portfolio companies, providing not just capital but also strategic support and industry connections to help these companies scale effectively.
StandUp Ventures is a Toronto-based seed-stage venture capital fund founded by Managing Director Michelle McBane to back high-growth Canadian and US technology companies with at least one woman in a C-level leadership position and equitable ownership. The firm's thesis is that women-led companies recruit stronger talent and serve larger markets, and it partners with ambitious founders to break through from pre-seed to Series A across B2B SaaS, digital health, and marketplace categories. McBane is a venture capital veteran who also mentors founders through the Health Innovation Hub at the University of Toronto; Principal Lucas Perlman (CPA) brings early-stage experience across Canada and East Africa. The firm leads rounds with typical checks of approximately $500,000. StandUp has raised two funds: Fund I closed at C$21.5 million raised between 2017 and 2019, while Fund II exceeded its initial C$30 million target to close at approximately C$35 million, backed by a broad institutional LP base including CIBC, RBC/RBCx, Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund, Teralys Capital, Vancity, BDC Capital, and Export Development Canada. Across the platform StandUp has made 65 investments. Named portfolio companies include Bridgit (construction workforce software), Arteria AI (fintech document automation), Cognito Health, ODAIA, Reusables, and Jombone (human capital services). The most recent disclosed investment is Pluvo (financial software) in February 2026. StandUp's gender-lens mandate is a deliberate commercial thesis: by concentrating on the cohort of founders that institutional VC has systematically underweighted, the firm accesses proprietary deal flow and backs teams building for the full market. Its institutional LP base -- including Canada's major banks -- underscores that the strategy has attracted mainstream validation.
Stanley Ventures (branded STANLEY Ventures) is the corporate venture capital arm of Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK), founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts with additional presence in Atlanta and New Britain, Connecticut. The group invests directly from Stanley Black & Decker's balance sheet into early-stage startups building technologies strategic to the parent's industrial, tools, and outdoor portfolio. Explicit focus areas include SaaS, electrification, autonomy, construction technology, advanced materials, battery innovations, wireless charging, asset tracking, jobsite progress, joining technologies, new materials, automation, 3D printing, robotics, recycling, and industrial IoT. The fund's value proposition extends beyond capital: portfolio companies gain access to Stanley Black & Decker's industry expertise, supplier relationships, millions of customers, and global brand network. Across its history the firm has backed 44 portfolio companies. Named holdings include Prieto Battery (solid-state lithium-ion, Series E in January 2025), Arix (corrosion-identifying robots and data analytics for manufacturing plants, April 2025), RailPod (autonomous railway inspection), Bartesian (on-demand craft cocktail machines with 100% recyclable capsules), and MetalMaker 3D (metal additive manufacturing). Founding team member and Managing Director Mike, based in Atlanta, leads sourcing and portfolio management. Stanley Ventures' strategic advantage is the scale and market reach of its parent: portfolio companies are not simply backed by capital but plugged into the purchasing power, R&D infrastructure, and distribution channels of one of the world's largest industrial companies -- giving early-stage deep-tech founders a commercial acceleration path that no independent financial investor can replicate.
Starbridge Venture Capital is an early-stage venture fund focused on space technology and its applications in terrestrial markets. The fund primarily targets "space scalable" companies—those developing technologies that are essential for commercial space activity but also have strong applications on Earth. Starbridge emphasizes companies with proven product-market fit, solid revenue streams, and realistic exit strategies. Their portfolio includes innovative startups such as Axiom Space, which is building a commercial space station, and Umbra Lab, a leader in synthetic aperture radar technology. Starbridge fills a critical gap in funding, particularly for companies that have raised seed capital but struggle to secure Series A and beyond. The fund's approach includes both active engagement with its portfolio companies and a focus on companies that serve commercial and governmental clients. Their investments cover a wide range of industries, from space manufacturing to energy storage and satellite technologies. The team at Starbridge is composed of experienced professionals in science, technology, and finance, providing the strategic insights necessary to guide companies through periods of high growth and economic uncertainty. This makes them a key player in both the space and terrestrial tech ecosystems.
Starburst Ventures is the US-based venture capital arm of Starburst, the global aerospace and defense innovation platform founded in 2012 by Francois Chopard. The dedicated Starburst Ventures fund was formally launched in 2021 and is headquartered in Los Angeles. The wider Starburst platform combines three complementary activities -- a global startup accelerator, a specialized strategy-consulting practice, and venture capital -- operating from offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Madrid, and positions itself as the first venture capital fund dedicated exclusively to aviation, space, and defense. The Ventures fund focuses on pre-seed and seed rounds, backing deep-tech and applied-tech companies that can create measurable impact in aerospace and adjacent sectors. The team is led by founder and General Partner Francois Chopard -- an ex-Airbus engineer and former researcher at the US Air Force Research Laboratory with 20-plus years in aerospace and defense strategy and entrepreneurship -- alongside investor Benjamin Zeitoun and advisors including Natalya Bailey (founder of Accion Systems) and Pierre Lionnet (space economics). Alongside its US fund, Starburst partnered with Audacia to launch Expansion Ventures, a 300 million euro French and European aerospace and defense fund. The wider Starburst platform has touched 189 companies, producing 1 unicorn, 1 IPO, and 11 acquisitions including exits in Loft Orbital, Momentus Space, and Skyloom. The Ventures fund itself has made 11 disclosed investments including AeroCloud, Remondo, Outpost (sustainable satellite and Earth return, $7.1 million seed), and Strong Compute ($7.8 million seed). The most recent investment is Alta Ares in May 2025. Starburst's three-part platform -- accelerator, consulting, and capital -- creates a continuous pipeline of aerospace and defense founders who have already been validated by the firm's other programmes before they become fund investments.
Starlight Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in Miami, Florida, is a venture capital firm dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing challenges through investment in transformative technologies. With a strong focus on deep tech and tough tech, they invest in industries such as space technology, energy transition, industrial biology, and next-generation platforms. The firm’s portfolio includes groundbreaking companies like Satellogic, which specializes in real-time Earth observation through nano-satellites, and Gathered Foods, known for its plant-based fish products. Other notable investments include Impossible Metals, working on autonomous underwater vehicles for deep-sea mining, and HelixNano, leveraging synthetic biology and AI for next-generation gene therapies. Starlight Ventures typically invests between $250K to $2.5 million in early-stage companies, often leading the rounds and providing strategic guidance and operational support. The firm is highly selective, seeking out ventures that offer significant societal and financial returns. The team is led by co-founders Matias Mosse and Patricia Wexler, alongside a diverse group of advisors and venture partners with expertise in various fields. This team-centric approach ensures that they can offer specialized advice and support to their portfolio companies. Starlight Ventures’ global outlook and strong network enable them to identify and support innovative solutions worldwide, making them a key player in the venture capital landscape.
Starship Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, focuses on investing in cutting-edge "deep tech" companies that aim to solve some of humanity's biggest challenges. The firm backs early-stage startups from Seed to Series B, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), advanced materials, and frontier technologies like CRISPR, 3D printing, and energy innovations. Starship Ventures supports contrarian founders who are building transformative technologies, often described as turning "science fiction into reality." Their portfolio includes innovative companies like BRINC Drones, which develops tactical UAVs, Atmos, which is reinventing custom homebuilding, and Pipedream Labs, which focuses on creating an underground hyperlogistics delivery system. The fund aims to support groundbreaking advancements in fields like sustainable agriculture, AI-powered financial solutions, and even space technologies. Led by General Partner Sean Hoge, Starship Ventures actively empowers founders by offering strategic support and resources that extend beyond capital, helping to bring visionary ideas to life.
Starta VC, based in New York, is an early-stage venture capital fund and accelerator focused on supporting international startups. Founded in 2015, Starta VC has a robust portfolio, investing primarily in technology sectors including enterprise applications, high tech, consumer products, AI, and vertical SaaS. Notable investments from Starta VC include Petal, a fintech company offering credit cards to underserved populations; ClassTag, a parent-teacher communication platform; and FriendlyData, a startup that simplifies data access using natural language processing. These companies highlight Starta VC's commitment to backing innovative solutions with significant market potential.
StartFast Ventures is an early-stage venture firm founded in 2012 and based in Syracuse, New York, with a thesis of backing B2B SaaS founders outside the major US startup hubs, from Charlotte to Phoenix to Buffalo and beyond. It originated as the StartFast Venture Accelerator, co-founded in 2011 by Chuck Stormon, and is led by Managing Partner Nasir Ali, who spent two decades building Upstate New York's high-growth entrepreneurial ecosystem; General Partner Olivia Goldstein brings a decade of B2B software experience. The firm invests at Seed and Series A with checks of $500K to $2M, and explicitly both leads and co-invests. StartFast Fund I, which ran from 2012 to 2020, returned a 33% IRR and a 3.4x MOIC; Fund II has shown multiple up-rounds and early exits; and Fund III is a $100M vehicle focused on B2B AI startups across fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare and commerce. As of October 2025 the firm had invested in roughly 52 companies, including Blackbird.AI, CodeCombat, Kanarys, KredosAI, which it led, and SelectFI, its most recent investment on October 31, 2025. StartFast has recorded two exits, the latest being Patient Pattern in March 2023. By concentrating on capital-efficient B2B SaaS and AI founders in underserved geographies and pairing accelerator roots with a willingness to lead rounds, the firm positions itself as an early, hands-on backer of companies building outside the coastal venture centers.
Starting Line is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Chicago, focusing on consumer startups that democratize access to products and services. Founded in 2018 by Ezra Galston, the firm aims to invest in companies that cater to the broader economy, rather than just the top income earners. Starting Line's mission is to support passionate entrepreneurs who are building innovative solutions for the 99%. The firm recently closed its second fund at $30 million, continuing its mission to back startups that leverage technology to make products and services cheaper and better for everyone. Starting Line's portfolio includes notable companies like Cameo, a marketplace for personalized celebrity messages, and M1 Finance, a fintech platform offering fee-free trading. Starting Line prides itself on being a relatable and approachable VC firm, driven by a team that understands the challenges of being underestimated. The team includes partners Haley Kwait Zollo and Scott Holloway, who bring diverse experiences and a shared commitment to proving the value of innovative consumer solutions.
Startup Capital Ventures (SCV) is an early-stage venture firm founded in 2005 by John Dean and Danny Lui, headquartered in Silicon Valley with additional offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen for cross-border China deals. Its thesis centers on capital-efficient companies, typically revenue-generating early-stage software businesses with pre-money valuations under $5M and a clear path to near-term profitability. SCV deliberately writes the $250K to $1M checks that many larger funds have outgrown, and backs strong management teams over pure technology. Geographically the firm concentrates on Silicon Valley with opportunistic deals in Hawaii, Texas and Oklahoma, plus China. It has made roughly 57 investments and recorded 12 exits, and acts as a lead investor. Notable portfolio and exit names include HYAS, a cybersecurity company acquired by Silent Push in December 2025; TuneIn, acquired by Stingray in November 2025; Shifted Energy, a cleantech business acquired by Resource Innovations in October 2025; reef.ai, its most recent investment in a March 2023 Seed round; plus BabyQuip and Iotera. General Partner Tim Dick has been a public voice on the firm's behalf, notably warning about the risks of the JOBS Act Title III crowdfunding rules. SCV's most recent named vehicle is Startup Capital Ventures Fund II. By focusing on lean, near-profitable software companies and writing the smaller checks larger funds avoid, the firm fills an early-stage gap while leveraging its US-Asia footprint to support founders.
StartUp Health is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in and supporting health tech startups worldwide. Founded in 2011, it focuses on achieving 12 Health Moonshots, aiming to transform various aspects of health and wellness globally. With over 395 investments in 27 countries across six continents, StartUp Health is a significant player in the digital health ecosystem. Notable companies in their portfolio include Quit Genius, a digital clinic for treating multiple addictions; Gabbi, which developed a breast cancer risk assessment tool; and De Oro Devices, known for its health diagnostics and medical devices. StartUp Health typically invests in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, offering a $200,000+ benefit package for equity positions of about 2%. Their investment strategy prioritizes companies with innovative solutions and potential for significant impact in the healthcare sector. The firm is led by co-founders Steven Krein and Unity Stoakes, who bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to supporting health-focused entrepreneurs. StartUp Health provides its portfolio companies with extensive resources, mentorship, and a global network to help them succeed.
StartX, established in 2011 by Stanford alum Cameron Teitelman, is a non-profit startup accelerator and founder community affiliated with Stanford University. It operates with a unique zero-equity model, providing extensive support and resources to entrepreneurs without taking any ownership in their companies. This model fosters an open and collaborative environment where founders can freely share challenges and seek mentorship. StartX focuses on a diverse range of sectors, welcoming companies at various stages of development. Their community includes over 1,600 founders and 75 tenured Stanford professors, with notable alumni such as Lime, Lucira Health, and Branch Metrics. Companies in the StartX program are significantly more likely to reach valuations of $100 million or more, with 18 companies achieving unicorn status. The accelerator is also home to StartX Med, which specifically supports medical and biotech startups, leveraging partnerships with Stanford Health Care and access to specialized lab facilities. StartX Med has launched over 200 companies, with a remarkable 91% demonstrating commercial viability. Located in Stanford Research Park, StartX benefits from proximity to Silicon Valley's vibrant ecosystem, including investors on Sand Hill Road and leading legal firms, providing ample networking and growth opportunities for its startups.
Statkraft Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on early and growth-stage investments in energy and climate technology companies. Backed by Statkraft, Europe's largest producer of renewable energy, the firm leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry network to support startups driving the energy transition. Statkraft Ventures targets innovative companies across Europe and North America, investing in both software and hardware solutions that address critical energy and climate challenges. Their investment strategy includes sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable mobility, and smart grids. They typically invest in companies that have the potential to make significant impacts on the environment and society. The firm has a diverse portfolio of over 40 companies, including notable investments like Aira, Hydrosat, and Alva Industries. Statkraft Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic support in areas such as business development, technology commercialization, and scaling operations. With headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, and Oslo, Norway, Statkraft Ventures continues to play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of clean energy and climate tech startups, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Steamboat Ventures is the venture capital arm of The Walt Disney Company, formed in September 2000 and named after the pioneering Mickey Mouse short 'Steamboat Willie.' Headquartered in Glendale, California, with offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, the firm invests in early- through growth-stage companies at the intersection of technology, media and consumer, with particular emphasis on digital video, gaming and advertising, areas of strategic importance to Disney's digital ambitions. Typical checks run from $2 million to $15 million, with a maximum of $20 million in any single company, and the firm leans on Disney's resources to add value beyond capital while acting as a lead investor. Across its history Steamboat has made roughly 57 unique-company investments with a strong exit record of 8 IPOs and over 20 acquisitions, including GoPro, which went public; FreeWheel, acquired by Comcast in 2014; FunPlus, acquired in 2015; and Playdom, acquired by Disney for over $750 million in 2010. Its most recent recorded investment was Faire in October 2020. Founder and Managing Partner John Ball brings over 20 years of media, entertainment and technology investing experience, with prior board seats at GoPro, Quigo (acquired by AOL), Iridigm (acquired by Qualcomm), Fastclick and Pure Digital (acquired by Cisco). General Partner Perry Chui leads the Shanghai office, and Liping Fan serves as Administrative Partner and CFO. The firm pairs institutional venture discipline with the strategic reach of one of the world's largest media companies.
Steamwork Ventures is a Los Angeles-based early-stage venture firm founded in 2021, operating a roughly $50M fund (Steamwork Ventures Fund I). It backs experienced teams building connected solutions that positively impact health, wealth or the climate, and is especially drawn to companies with the potential for 'triple revenue streams' across a hardware device, a software subscription and data. Preferred sectors are fintech, healthtech, climatetech, IoT and B2B/B2C SaaS, with a stated focus on mature seed-stage SaaS companies pursued through its 'Confirm and Return' strategy. Check sizes range from $50K to $5M with a sweet spot around $500K, and the firm typically invests at pre-seed and seed as a co-investor. Its concentrated portfolio of roughly five companies includes Remmie Health, which makes FDA-approved smart devices and a telemedicine app for ENT and upper-respiratory monitoring; Telebionix, a maker of smart medical devices for at-home vital-sign tracking; and Olvin, a business analytics platform for the beverage industry. Its most recent recorded investment was in Remmie Health on March 23, 2023. The firm was founded by Tim Arnold and Marshall Smith, who serve as co-founders and General Partners, with Tatiana Mulry also a General Partner; the team is small, around three people. Steamwork Ventures combines a disciplined, concentrated portfolio approach with a thesis built around connected hardware-plus-software businesses serving health, wealth and climate outcomes.
Steel Wolf Ventures (SWV) is a boutique, impact-oriented venture firm founded in 2011 and based in Beverly Hills, California, led by Founder and Managing Partner R. Victoria Jodis, a California entrepreneur and media producer. Co-founder and partner John Schum is a veteran attorney with deep cannabis-industry experience; the team also includes Principal Mark Dirkse, corporate attorney Robert Moore and board member Les Goodman. SWV runs a self-described hybrid funding model that rejects the traditional investment-bank structure: it charges modest upfront fees for expenses, team evaluation and strategic development, takes equity, and embeds with client-founders as long-term advisors, board members and partners. It targets post-seed and 'evolved' pre-IPO startups in potential billion-dollar markets that are beyond friends-and-family money but not yet ready for institutional rounds. Focus sectors span biotech and precision medicine, medtech and health, technology and AI, agtech, SaaS, lifestyle, CBD and cannabis, clean energy, and real estate development. The firm positions itself as a lead investor on rounds around $500K and on raises exceeding $1M. Named portfolio companies include Lumoptik, a surgical-devices business; Apothēka, a healthcare enterprise-systems company; and Pecan TV, in movies, music and entertainment. SWV also manages a venture fund called Silver Wolf. With a small, advisory-driven team and a hands-on model that blends equity investment with operational partnership, Steel Wolf Ventures backs founders bridging the gap between early funding and institutional capital.
SteelSky Ventures is a female-led venture capital fund that specializes in women's healthcare. Founded by Maria Toler Velissaris, the fund aims to fill a critical gap in the VC market by investing in companies that improve access to care, medical outcomes, and health infrastructure for women. With $72 million in assets under management, SteelSky is the largest VC fund focused exclusively on women’s health. The fund invests across various sectors, including medical devices, digital health, consumer health, and ePharmacy. SteelSky primarily targets late-seed and Series A rounds, focusing on startups with proven product-market fit, typically generating $1-2 million in revenue. The portfolio is rich in innovation, supporting companies like Zipline, which uses drones to deliver life-saving medical supplies to remote areas, and Raydiant Oximetry, a company developing more accurate fetal distress monitoring. The fund's approach is to back scalable, impact-driven ventures that address pressing challenges in women's healthcare, particularly those impacting underrepresented communities. With a strong presence across the U.S., SteelSky benefits from strategic partnerships with major healthcare organizations like Blue Shield of California and the American Hospital Association, as well as financial institutions like Bank of America and JPMorgan. Entrepreneurs looking to engage with SteelSky should emphasize their product's real-world impact on women’s health, scalability, and innovative approach to addressing healthcare disparities.
Stellation Capital is a pre-seed and seed fund backing visionary founders shaping the future of technology. With a focus on early-stage investments, Stellation supports founders from "launch to orbit," providing access to capital, networks, and community. Founded by Peter Boyce II, formerly of General Catalyst and Rough Draft Ventures, Stellation invests in diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs across a range of sectors, including AI, fintech, and digital media. Notable investments include Hopscotch, a payments platform for small businesses, and Koodos Labs, which empowers creators through unique digital tools. Stellation’s approach is deeply founder-driven, favoring mission-driven teams that prioritize creativity and innovation. Their portfolio spans across the U.S., with a significant presence in New York, where Boyce is based, and beyond. Stellation's strategy is built around long-term support and partnership. They are known for investing in people first, ensuring founders have the guidance they need from ideation to scaling. The team engages closely with its companies, offering hands-on support in product development and growth strategies. Peter Boyce leads the firm as Managing Partner, while Rhian Horton drives due diligence and platform management. Stellation's tight-knit and dedicated approach makes them a compelling partner for tech entrepreneurs aiming to scale groundbreaking ideas.
Sterling Road is a pre-seed venture capital firm focused on B2B startups, with a strong emphasis on coaching founders to build sustainable businesses. Based in San Francisco, Sterling Road invests primarily in early-stage startups across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The fund takes a unique approach by offering extensive coaching before investing, working closely with founders over three months to refine product development, hiring strategies, and fundraising efforts. Only after this collaboration does Sterling Road make an initial investment ranging from $150K to $250K, with the potential to provide follow-on funding of up to $10M as companies scale. Founded by Ash Rust, a former entrepreneur with a background in tech and military service, Sterling Road prides itself on its hands-on approach. Rust has mentored hundreds of startups through programs like Y-Combinator and Techstars, providing valuable insights that go beyond financial backing. Notable companies in the firm’s portfolio include Nova Credit and Knoetic, both of which have attracted additional funding from top-tier venture firms like Accel and Kleiner Perkins. Sterling Road seeks founders who are gritty, ambitious, and focused on operational excellence. The firm prioritizes diversity, with a significant portion of investments going to underrepresented founders. They are open to startups from various sectors but maintain a particular interest in B2B solutions that offer clear, scalable value propositions. Sterling Road values substance over connections, welcoming cold outreach from committed entrepreneurs.
SternAegis Ventures is the private equity and venture capital division of Aegis Capital Corp., founded in 2012 and based in New York City. It is led by CEO Adam K. Stern, who has headed Private Equity Banking at Aegis Capital Corp. since 2012, and partners with entrepreneurs and early-stage companies to build brands with long-term investment value, adding value through capital formation and strategic relationships. The firm runs a team of roughly 20 people, including about 10 partners. SternAegis invests primarily at Series A in US-based startups across a broad set of sectors, prominently technology including software, web marketplaces and SaaS, IT and media, alongside biotechnology, medical devices, hospital services, life sciences, healthcare and energy. As a lead investor, it brings investment banking, merchant banking, transaction execution and strategic consulting to accelerate portfolio company growth. As of 2022 it had invested in around 20 companies, with a track record that includes 11 IPOs and one acquisition. Notable portfolio names include Zoomcar, DarioHealth and Orchestra BioMed, and a recent highlight was leading the $11.8M Series A round of Amplifica. Brokerage and advisory products are offered through Aegis Capital Corp., a member of FINRA and SIPC. By combining venture investment with a full-service investment-banking platform, SternAegis Ventures supports early-stage founders from initial capital formation through to public-market and strategic exits.
StoneMill Ventures, founded in 2018 by Michael Sutton, focuses on early-stage investments in the cybersecurity sector. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the firm targets disruptive technologies in cybersecurity, aiming to support startups that can benefit from their extensive experience in building pioneering security companies. The firm has invested in notable companies like Orca Security, which offers comprehensive cloud security solutions, and Huntress Labs, a platform providing advanced threat detection and response. Other significant investments include GreyNoise, a tool for identifying internet background noise to streamline threat analysis, and LimaCharlie, which provides security infrastructure as a service. StoneMill Ventures is an active investor in the United States and Israel, emphasizing hands-on mentorship alongside financial backing to help startups grow. Their investment strategy typically involves participating in seed to Series A rounds, with a focus on companies that address critical components of the security ecosystem.
Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in B2B software startups. With over 23 years of experience, Storm Ventures has a distinguished portfolio that includes companies such as Marketo, MobileIron, and Talkdesk. The firm focuses on sectors like SaaS, enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, helping startups navigate from inception to becoming industry leaders. Based in Silicon Valley, Storm Ventures boasts a global investment team with additional presence in South Korea and Germany. The firm's strategy is centered on supporting startups through critical growth phases, providing resources to unlock growth and achieve product-market fit. They prefer startups with happy customers, innovative software, and a strong team. Storm Ventures often leads funding rounds, bringing in-depth expertise and a hands-on approach to their investments. Key team members include Managing Directors Ryan Floyd, Alex Mendez, and Tae Hea Nahm, who bring extensive experience in scaling B2B companies. The firm’s methodology involves working closely with founders, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to drive growth and success.
Stormbreaker Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm invests in the 'connected ecosystem,' technologies that connect people, places and things and maximize existing infrastructure, spanning mobility, wireless, connectivity, sensors, computing, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud and IoT. It writes Seed and Series A checks typically ranging from $500K to $2M and acts as a lead investor. Stormbreaker is led by founder and Managing Partner Said Mia, with a partner bench that includes General Partner Glenn Lurie, former President and CEO of AT&T Mobility, who joined in 2021; General Partner Andy Funk; Zaid Alsikafi, formerly Managing Director and Co-Head of TMT Services at Madison Dearborn Partners; and Venture Partner Bart Lorang. In April 2023 it launched Fund II, focused on mobility and connectivity technologies, backed by strategic limited partners including Thermo Companies and Mi Capital. As of October 2025 the firm had invested in roughly 53 companies and manages a portfolio of more than 40 active names. Notable holdings include Global Telecom Engineering, MotionSafe in automotive cybersecurity, Aervivo in fixed-wireless platform-as-a-service, SenseNet in wildfire detection, and Cameyo, a cloud-native digital workspace; its most recent investment was SenseNet's Series A in October 2025. By combining deep telecom and connectivity operating experience with early-stage capital, Stormbreaker Ventures backs founders building the infrastructure of an increasingly connected world.
Story Ventures, based in New York City and founded in 2016, focuses on early-stage investments in frontier technology. Their portfolio spans several sectors, including sensory systems, data processing, and machine intelligence. Notable investments include Particle Health, Motorq, and Prism Data, demonstrating their commitment to innovative data automation solutions. The firm emphasizes capturing and leveraging proprietary data to drive impactful decision-making and solve complex problems. Story Ventures supports companies from the very first check, helping them scale and secure further funding from top-tier venture capital firms. Their investment strategy prioritizes founders tackling audacious challenges to create lasting impact. Key team members include Brian Yormak, who specializes in mobility investing, and Teddy McGehee, who manages legal and financial processes. They are joined by Reilly Simmons, focusing on generative AI applications, and Melissa Cook, who oversees operations. Story Ventures launched a Scout Program in 2022 to work with entrepreneurial individuals at the forefront of technology development, offering them investment opportunities and a community of angel investors. This approach has helped build a diverse and dynamic portfolio aimed at shaping the future of data automation and machine intelligence.
Stout Street Capital, based in Denver, Colorado, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage tech startups. Founded in 2017 by Clay Gordon and John Francis, the firm targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are seeking to raise $1 million or more. They typically invest in rounds that provide 12-24 months of runway and prefer startups with post-product and post-revenue, usually generating $20-30k or more in monthly revenue. The firm has a diverse portfolio with over 66 companies and has made 86 investments to date. Notable investments include companies like Optera, which focuses on clean technology and sustainability, Schola, an education technology firm, and KredosAI, a fintech software company. Stout Street Capital also played a significant role in investments for 401GO, Curate, and OpenTug. Stout Street Capital emphasizes supporting founders by providing extensive resources and fostering a network to help scale their businesses. They invest primarily in the US and Canada, excluding major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. The firm is known for its commitment to transparency and its efficient due diligence process, typically completed within 2-3 weeks. Their most common check size is around $250K.
Strange Ventures is a San Francisco-based pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2024 by Tara Tan, who serves as Founder and Managing Partner. Tara was previously a General Partner at IDEO Ventures, where she co-founded IDEO CoLab Ventures, a top-decile early-stage fund, bringing a strong human-centric design background to investing. Strange Ventures is a first-check fund that backs deeply technical inventor-founders building the next frontier of computing, and it is willing to lead rounds. Its thesis centers on AI infrastructure, deep software, developer tools, and the intersection of technology with human creativity, including generative AI and multimodal systems. The firm takes a design-driven approach, positioning itself as the first creative and capital partner to bold founders whose ideas often seem 'strange' at the outset but carry transformative potential. It runs distinctive support programs such as Blueprint, which pairs design experts with portfolio companies; the Strange 100, a global network of creative leaders in AI and tech; and the Strange Research Fellowship. Notable early portfolio companies include Archetype AI, which builds foundation models for physical AI; VideoDB, video infrastructure for AI applications; and BLNG, a creative-tools company. The firm invests across pre-seed, seed and seed-plus rounds, with total fund size and specific check sizes not publicly disclosed. By blending design thinking with first-check conviction, Strange Ventures aims to be the earliest partner to technical founders inventing new categories of computing.
Strategic Cyber Ventures (SCV) is a D.C.-based venture capital firm specializing in cybersecurity, investing in startups that bolster U.S. national security. Notable investments include Doppel, SnapAttack, and Evo Security, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven cyber defense and digital risk protection. SCV primarily targets startups in the cybersecurity space but actively bridges commercial and federal markets, leveraging deep industry expertise. Their geographic focus centers on the U.S., with a strategic emphasis on the D.C. metro area, where proximity to government, military, and financial entities creates a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. SCV’s investment strategy prioritizes long-term partnerships, often leading rounds and providing more than just capital. They engage heavily with their portfolio companies through their network of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and government officials, offering hands-on guidance from product development to strategic exits. The firm also pioneered SCVX, the first cybersecurity SPAC, raising $230M to streamline IPO pathways for high-growth companies. Hank Thomas, SCV’s CEO, brings over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, while Chris Ahern adds a strategic investment approach. Together, they create a collaborative environment that values innovation and operational growth, allowing startups to thrive amidst the complex cybersecurity landscape. SCV is known for its proactive engagement and close-knit network, making it a powerful ally for founders in the cybersecurity industry.