Gaming VC Funds

UpHonest Capital, founded in 2015 and based in Santa Clara, California, is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments. They invest across various sectors, including consumer, enterprise, deep technology, and web 3.0, supporting companies from Seed to Series A stages. The firm has built a substantial portfolio, investing in over 400 companies, with 28 unicorns and 23 exits via M&A or IPO. Notable investments from UpHonest Capital include companies such as Checkr, an AI-based platform for employee background verification; Hims & Hers, a telehealth service; Rippling, a human capital management software; and Instacart, a leading online grocery platform. Other significant investments include Turing AI, Golden, and Substack. UpHonest Capital is known for its sector-agnostic approach and its active support for portfolio companies, often co-investing with major firms like Sequoia, Accel, and Andreessen Horowitz. The firm also emphasizes building a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs and investors through initiatives like the UpHonest Scouts and Beta Fellowship programs.

UpWest, a Silicon Valley-based seed fund, focuses on investing in Israel’s most promising entrepreneurs targeting the US market. Founded in 2012, UpWest has made over 111 investments and facilitated 21 successful exits. The firm emphasizes early-stage investments, typically participating in pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding rounds​. UpWest's portfolio includes companies across various sectors such as AI, machine learning, proptech, fintech, cybersecurity, and SaaS. Notable investments include SentinelOne, which specializes in endpoint security software, HoneyBook, a project management tool, and CyCognito, a company focusing on uncovering and eliminating IT risks​​. The firm is led by founding partners Shuly Galili and Gil Ben-Artzy, who bring extensive experience and a strong network to support Israeli founders. UpWest has helped its portfolio companies raise over $3 billion in follow-on investments, underscoring its commitment to fostering growth and innovation.

Valhalla Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm, founded in 2020, with a core focus on deeptech and gaming sectors. Based in Los Angeles and New York, the firm launched its first $66M flagship fund in 2022, targeting audacious founders tackling hard problems with breakthrough solutions in science and engineering. Valhalla’s investment strategy is built around a concentrated portfolio, favoring seed and Series A stages, with a strong emphasis on backing non-traditional areas like space technology, materials science, and gaming innovations. Notable deeptech investments include Terran Biosciences, focusing on biotech platforms, and K2 Space, which develops satellite technologies led by ex-SpaceX engineers. In the gaming space, they’ve supported ventures like Incredible Dream, which aims to build a billion-dollar board game IP, and 1v1Me, a competitive gaming platform. Valhalla's partners, including founders Devan Malhotra, Matthew King, and Rohan Pujara, are deeply involved in supporting their portfolio companies with a hands-on approach, leveraging connections in media and technology. The firm prioritizes founders who defy conventions and push the boundaries of their fields, offering more than just capital—they provide critical strategic support, helping startups scale and disrupt their industries. With a keen eye on sectors that often go overlooked by traditional VCs, Valhalla Ventures is carving out a niche as a daring investor in groundbreaking technology and new gaming experiences.

Valor Capital Group, founded in 2011, is a cross-border venture capital firm that focuses on bridging the US, Brazilian, and Latin American tech markets. Headquartered in New York, with significant operations in São Paulo, Valor Capital Group invests across various stages from seed to growth. Their portfolio spans multiple sectors, including fintech, B2B, consumer services, and technology. Some of Valor Capital Group's notable investments include companies like Nextdoor, Rubicon, and Satellogic. They have had a number of successful exits, with companies such as Udacity and Bitso achieving significant milestones. Valor Capital Group is known for supporting innovative startups like CloudWalk, which has achieved centaur status with over $300 million in annual recurring revenue, and Loft, valued at $2.9 billion as of April 2021. The firm’s team includes co-founders Clifford Sobel and Scott Sobel, with key partners like Michael Nicklas and Carlos Costa. They bring a wealth of experience and a robust network to their investment strategy, focusing on driving local innovation through global insights. Valor Capital Group’s unique cross-border approach and extensive portfolio underscore their commitment to fostering growth and innovation in emerging markets, particularly within the tech ecosystem of Brazil and Latin America.

Valor Equity Partners, founded in 1995 and based in Chicago, is a leading private equity firm specializing in operational growth investments. The firm strategically invests across various stages of company development, with a keen focus on technology sectors. Valor Equity Partners is renowned for its hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to enhance growth and scalability. The firm's notable investments include SpaceX, a pioneer in aerospace; Gopuff, an on-demand convenience delivery service; Misfits Market, a direct-to-consumer grocery delivery provider; and Zipline, a company revolutionizing autonomous drone delivery systems. Valor's investment strategy emphasizes providing strategic and operational support, ensuring that portfolio companies can achieve substantial growth. Valor Equity Partners manages multiple funds, with their recent Fund V closing at $1.7 billion, underscoring their strong position in the private equity market. The firm's ability to attract significant capital commitments highlights investor confidence in their strategic approach and track record of success. Key team members include founder and CEO Antonio Gracias, who brings extensive experience and leadership to the firm. Valor's team is known for its deep industry knowledge and commitment to driving operational excellence within their portfolio companies. This combination of strategic investment and operational support positions Valor Equity Partners as a pivotal player in fostering innovation and growth within the technology sector.

Valor Ventures is an Atlanta-based venture capital firm that focuses on leading seed-stage investments, primarily in B2B SaaS startups. Established in 2015 by Lisa Calhoun, Valor Ventures aims to create financial disruption in regions outside of Silicon Valley, particularly the rapidly growing Southeastern U.S. With a strong commitment to diversity, Valor’s portfolio is 70% led by underrepresented founders, including women and people of color. Valor Ventures’ investment strategy targets post-product, post-revenue companies experiencing double-digit revenue growth. The firm takes a hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic connections to corporate partners, customer introductions, and operational support through its Innovation Council. Valor's portfolio includes startups such as LeaseQuery, a leader in financial software, Physician360, and CareWork, which unifies operations for senior living facilities. The firm is also known for its Startup Runway Foundation, a nonprofit that connects underrepresented founders to early capital, further reinforcing its mission of making inclusion the norm in venture capital. With a growing portfolio and a focus on fast-growing markets, Valor Ventures continues to position itself as a leading force in the U.S. Southeast startup ecosystem. The team at Valor includes seasoned investors like Lisa Calhoun, Gary Peat, and Lynne Laube, whose combined experience provides invaluable mentorship and strategic insight to portfolio companies.

Vamos Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm dedicated to investing in diverse founders, particularly from the Latinx community. Founded by Marcos Gonzalez in 2018, Vamos Ventures focuses on early-stage, tech-driven companies with the potential for high financial returns and significant social impact. The firm's primary investment sectors include Health & Wellness, Future of Work, FinTech, and Sustainability​. Notable investments in their portfolio include Form Energy, a company revolutionizing energy storage; Suma Wealth, a fintech platform focused on financial inclusion for the Latinx community; and SweetBio, a health and wellness startup innovating in wound care​. Vamos Ventures' mission is to create alpha and impact by funding disruptive solutions led by Latinx and diverse founders. The firm emphasizes the importance of community empowerment, social mobility, and representation in the tech ecosystem. They are supported by notable partners such as Apple, Bank of America, and the Ford Foundation​.

VanEck is a global investment manager known for its forward-thinking approach to identifying major trends before they become mainstream investment opportunities. Founded in 1955 and headquartered in New York, VanEck has grown to manage over $107.7 billion in assets as of 2024, with a strong focus on ETFs, mutual funds, and alternative investments like digital assets, gold, and emerging markets. The firm was among the first U.S. asset managers to offer investors access to international markets and was an early adopter of gold and digital asset investments. VanEck's investment philosophy centers on providing clients with intelligently designed strategies that enhance portfolio diversification. Its offerings span from core investments in U.S. and international equities to specialized exposures in commodities, natural resources, and blockchain technology. The company also emphasizes sustainability and socially responsible investing, reflected in its partnerships with organizations like Women in ETFs and Wall Street Bound, which promote diversity and inclusion in finance. Led by CEO Jan van Eck, the firm continues to innovate, particularly in the areas of digital assets and emerging technologies. VanEck's strength lies in its active management, supported by deep sector expertise and a global team of experienced investment professionals​.

Variant Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investments that support the development of the "ownership economy." Founded in 2020, Variant focuses on web3, decentralized finance (DeFi), and blockchain sectors. The firm aims to invest in companies that are building an internet where users become owners, leveraging the transformative potential of blockchain technology. The team at Variant includes co-founders Jesse Walden and Li Jin, along with a group of experienced professionals such as Jake Chervinsky (Chief Legal Officer) and Geoff Hamilton (Investment Partner). They bring a wealth of expertise in legal, financial, and operational aspects to support their portfolio companies. Variant's portfolio includes prominent companies like Uniswap, Magic Eden, and Worldcoin, which are making significant strides in their respective fields. The firm is known for its quick decision-making process, providing initial investments typically in the range of pre-seed and seed stages. In a notable development, Variant Fund merged with Atelier Ventures to further strengthen their focus on the ownership economy, expanding their investment reach and operational capabilities​.

Velo Partners is a UK-based venture capital firm, founded in 2011 by Evan Hoff, that specializes in investments across the global gaming and gambling industries. The firm typically invests in early-stage and Series A companies, focusing on innovative startups that demonstrate strong early traction and growth potential. Velo Partners' portfolio spans mobile, online, land-based, and real-money gaming, as well as social and B2B/B2C assets. Their investment strategy emphasizes supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are driving disruptive technologies in gaming and gambling. Velo Partners also collaborates with RNG Foundry, an accelerator for iGaming content, to further nurture early-stage startups. Once invested, Velo Partners often follows their rights for later rounds, working closely with management teams to establish solid corporate governance and reporting structures. Notable portfolio companies include Tripledot Studios, Gamezop, and Candivore, reflecting Velo’s commitment to fostering innovation within the gaming sector. The firm operates globally, with investments in regions like the US, Israel, and several European countries​.

VentureSouq is a dynamic venture capital firm based in Dubai, specializing in early-stage investments with a focus on FinTech and ClimateTech. Launched in 2013, VSQ has become a cornerstone of the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, managing over 200 investments globally. Key investments include high-profile companies like Tabby, Sary, and Huspy, demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation in diverse markets. VSQ targets sectors such as financial technology, climate technology, edtech, and digital media, emphasizing solutions that address critical economic, environmental, and societal issues. Their strategic focus includes sub-sectors like alternative proteins, carbon economy, energy storage, and supply chain technology, aligning with their mission of conscious investing. Geographically, VentureSouq invests across MENA and Pakistan, with notable ventures in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan. Their regional approach is complemented by a global perspective, reflecting their expansive investment reach. VSQ's investment strategy revolves around thematic funds, aiming to support transformative tech startups from seed to growth stages. They actively lead funding rounds, often with substantial follow-on investments, and leverage their extensive network to propel startups toward significant milestones. Their portfolio management is hands-on, providing operational support, strategic guidance, and valuable industry connections. The leadership team includes co-founders Sonia Gokhale, Tammer Qaddumi, and Sonia Weymuller, all bringing a wealth of experience from various prestigious financial institutions. Their diverse backgrounds and deep sector expertise underpin VSQ's robust investment framework.

Verdane is a specialist growth investment firm focused on tech-enabled and sustainable businesses across Europe. Founded in 2003, Verdane has raised nine funds and several co-investment vehicles, with total commitments exceeding €6 billion. The firm invests in both single companies and portfolios, targeting two core themes: digitalization and decarbonization. Notable investments include Babyshop, Banqsoft, Baum und Pferdgarten, Bellman Group, and Bemz. Verdane's flexible investment approach allows for both minority and majority stakes, supporting companies through growth capital and strategic guidance. Their portfolio spans diverse sectors such as B2B software, consumer digital services, and green technology. Verdane operates from seven offices across Europe, including Berlin, Munich, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo, and Stockholm. Their in-house team of over 130 professionals provides deep sector expertise and hands-on support to help portfolio companies scale and achieve market leadership. In recent years, Verdane has been recognized for its performance, notably being named the top-performing mid-market investor in Europe in 2022 by HEC-Dow Jones. The firm is also a certified B Corporation, ensuring its investments align with high sustainability standards.

Vertex Ventures is a global network of venture capital funds with a focus on early-stage investments across various innovation hubs, including China, Israel, Southeast Asia, India, the US, and Japan. Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ), the newest addition, recently launched its inaugural JPY 10 billion ($64 million) fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (VVJFI). This fund is dedicated to investing in early-stage Japanese startups with high growth potential, particularly in sectors such as deep tech, digital transformation (DX), artificial intelligence (AI), and the creator economy​. VVJ leverages the extensive global network of Vertex Holdings, which manages over $6 billion in assets and provides strategic support and operational assistance to its portfolio companies. This network allows VVJ to offer Japanese startups access to global markets and resources, fostering innovation and technological advancement​. The fund is led by Managing Partner Takashi Tomita and General Partner Tomohiro Miyasaka, who are responsible for identifying new investment opportunities and driving strategic growth. Vertex Ventures Japan also collaborates with the University of Tokyo and the Japanese government to enhance the startup ecosystem through cross-border partnerships between industry, academia, and government.

Vibranium.VC is a Silicon Valley early-stage venture capital fund founded in 2021 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with the fund vehicle organized in Wilmington, Delaware. The fund was founded and is led by General Partner Zamir Shukho, a serial entrepreneur with two decades of operating and investing experience who has previously built or led ten companies and organizations across the US, CIS and European markets. Vibranium positions itself as a globally-minded but US-based fund: it looks for promising B2B SaaS, PaaS and cloud-services companies that are sector-agnostic, are headquartered in the United States, and have credible plans to scale globally, generally as a co-investor. The team is intentionally compact at approximately five people including three partners, supported by a broader international advisor network. Investment stage is Seed through pre-Series A, with tracked round participations near $3.25M at seed and one Series A participation at $3M. As of mid-2024, Vibranium had four active disclosed portfolio companies and 11 total investments tracked across data providers; named names include HuLoop Automation, the fund's first portfolio company building business-productivity automation, AppMagic, a Series A round in a mobile gaming app market analytics business where Vibranium cited team strength and positioning strategy, and Otis AI, in small-business advertising automation. Vibranium is a member of the National Venture Capital Association, and its fund size has not been publicly disclosed. By backing US-headquartered, globally minded B2B software founders, Vibranium.VC invests at the seed through pre-Series A stage.

VilCap Investments, founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, focuses on early-stage impact investing, backing companies that address pressing social and environmental challenges. Their portfolio spans various sectors, including health, education, energy, agriculture, and financial services. Notable investments include Bodhi Health Education, Certintell, Constant Therapy, and iKure in the health sector, and MPOWER Financing, Nepris, and Pear Deck in education. VilCap's investment strategy is deeply rooted in impact, aiming to create long-term prosperity and equity. They typically invest in seed and early-stage companies, with a preference for those that align with their mission of fostering social and environmental change. VilCap Investments often collaborates with Village Capital’s accelerator programs to find and fund innovative entrepreneurs. The firm’s geographic focus includes the United States, India, Africa, and Latin America, reflecting their commitment to global impact. Their investments range from $150,000 to $500,000 in follow-on funding, emphasizing support for high-performing companies. Key team members include Michael Davis, Managing Director, and Victoria Fram, co-founder and advisor. VilCap prefers to be approached through their network, leveraging connections to identify potential investments that align with their values and impact goals​. For startups aiming to engage with VilCap, highlighting a strong alignment with social and environmental impact, alongside a solid business model, will be crucial. Their unique approach blends financial support with strategic guidance to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

Village Global is an early-stage venture capital firm that leverages a robust network of luminary investors to back innovative entrepreneurs from the very start. Based in San Francisco, the firm has garnered support from tech giants like Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Reid Hoffman, who also serves as the firm's Chairman​. Village Global focuses on a wide array of industries, including fintech, health, consumer, and enterprise technology. Their portfolio boasts successful investments in companies such as Kapwing, Pogo, and Stitch, highlighting their commitment to backing transformative and high-potential startups​. The firm's investment strategy involves leading pre-seed and seed funding rounds, typically writing checks between $250,000 and $1.5 million. Village Global is noted for its network-centric approach, offering unparalleled access to mentors, follow-on funding, and strategic advice from some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs​. With over $500 million in assets under management, Village Global's team includes influential figures like Anne Dwane and Ben Casnocha, who actively support their portfolio companies through hands-on guidance and connections. For startups looking to partner with Village Global, demonstrating a bold vision and the potential for significant impact is crucial. The firm's unique network-driven model provides startups with the resources and support needed to accelerate their growth from day one.

Visible Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies, emphasizing human-centric solutions that drive significant cultural and economic outcomes. Their investment strategy focuses on supporting innovative startups across various sectors, including health, education, fintech, and consumer products. They are particularly committed to championing underrepresented founders, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as Illumix, an augmented reality platform; Ello, a social network for creative communities; Recurate, a recommerce platform for brands; and WaitWhat, a media invention company. Visible Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and a robust network to help their portfolio companies scale and succeed. The team at Visible Ventures consists of experienced investors, operators, and advisors dedicated to supporting early-stage companies and helping them achieve their goals.

Visionnaire Ventures is a San Francisco-headquartered global technology venture capital firm founded in 2013 to back visionary founders building world-class, market-leading technology companies. The firm was co-founded by Managing Partner Susan Choe and Chairman Taizo Son, the Japanese serial entrepreneur and younger brother of SoftBank's Masayoshi Son who founded GungHo Online Entertainment, the company behind Puzzle & Dragons, which IPO'd in 2005, and who today also runs Mistletoe Inc., a global investment and innovation platform. Visionnaire's senior team also includes Managing Director Keith Nilsson, a former partner at TPG Growth, plus operational-investing leaders from Mistletoe. The firm is SEC-registered and manages less than $150M of AUM across two private funds, generally investing as a co-investor. Its investment thesis covers global next-generation technology businesses leveraging artificial intelligence and deep learning, robotic automation and visual perception, agricultural technology, digital health, mobility, big data and IoT. Across 53 disclosed investments the firm has produced 16 portfolio exits and one unicorn, with named investments including online shopping intelligence and savings platform Price.com, its most recent investment in March 2021, automated closed-loop insulin delivery company Bigfoot Biomedical, a Series B participant in 2017 that exited in September 2023, and creator-marketing platform Captiv8 Labs, acquired by Publicis Groupe in May 2025. The team brings deep operating experience from global internet, gaming and online media companies. By pairing capital with that operating expertise, Visionnaire Ventures backs founders building next-generation AI, robotics, agtech and digital-health companies worldwide.

Volt Capital is a San Francisco-based, crypto-native venture capital firm founded in 2018 by Soona Amhaz. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, specifically targeting pre-seed and seed rounds in the blockchain, Web3, and cryptocurrency sectors. Volt is known for its technical expertise and hands-on approach, often partnering closely with founders to help scale their networks and ecosystems. The firm’s portfolio features notable companies like Nansen, Magic Eden, LayerZero, and Sound, all of which are shaping the future of decentralized technologies. Volt Capital typically invests with check sizes ranging from $100K to $1M, offering more than just capital—they provide operational support through Volt Labs, helping startups with product architecture, liquidity provisioning, and market cycle navigation. Volt Capital has backing from industry heavyweights, including Marc Andreessen and Chris Dixon from a16z, as well as Elad Gil and Balaji Srinivasan. Their deep network and commitment to technical innovation have made them a key player in the crypto and Web3 investment landscape​.

Voodoo Ventures is a New Orleans-based venture capital firm founded by Chris Schultz in 2004. The firm primarily focuses on seed-stage investments, developing business plans, and creating software prototypes. With its roots in tech innovation, Voodoo Ventures supports startups in various sectors, including software development, internet services, and media. Voodoo Ventures differentiates itself by not only providing capital but also by offering hands-on assistance in strategy and business development. They have invested in companies like Flatstack and Research Defender, showcasing a focus on tech-driven enterprises with high growth potential. The firm has also successfully supported multiple startups through mergers and acquisitions, such as Lucid and Neighborland. Operating out of New Orleans, the team, led by Schultz and supported by partners like Anne Driscoll, is committed to empowering early-stage founders through a combination of mentorship and investment. Their mission is to foster disruptive innovation while nurturing the local tech ecosystem in New Orleans and beyond.

WAGMI Ventures is a global Web3-focused venture capital firm with a vast network of over 25,000 industry experts and executives. Since its inception, WAGMI Ventures has been actively investing in early-stage Web3 startups, deploying over $25 million across more than 100 companies worldwide. Their investment portfolio spans a wide range of innovative projects in blockchain, AI, fintech, and decentralized finance (DeFi). Notable portfolio companies include EigenLayer, PortalHQ, Balance, and Hydrogen Labs, among many others. The firm has also seen successful exits, solidifying its presence in the evolving Web3 ecosystem. WAGMI Ventures stands out for its community-driven approach, offering more than just capital. The firm leverages its extensive network to provide startups with strategic introductions, product feedback, and go-to-market strategies. The firm is highly regarded by its founders, with many citing the value of WAGMI's industry connections and hands-on support in areas like hiring, partnerships, and product development. Led by co-founder Paul Pesek, alongside a team of venture partners and strategic advisors, WAGMI Ventures aims to drive the mass adoption of Web3 technologies and foster innovation in decentralized ecosystems.

Wavemaker Partners is a leading early-stage venture capital firm with dual headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore. The firm focuses primarily on enterprise, deep tech, and sustainability startups, especially in Southeast Asia and Southern California. Since its founding in 2003, Wavemaker has raised over $600 million and invested in more than 400 companies globally. Key investments include Moka (acquired by Gojek), Wavecell (acquired by 8x8), and Red Dot Payment (acquired by PayU). In Southeast Asia, the firm has been involved with startups like GudangAda, a B2B marketplace, and Transcelestial, which focuses on laser communications. Wavemaker is known for its emphasis on fintech, enterprise software, and deep tech, backing startups that address critical market needs with scalable solutions. Typically leading early rounds, Wavemaker provides financial backing and strategic support, with a strong interest in sectors like AI, quantum computing, and sustainability. Its cross-border presence and active investment strategy make it a major player in the global venture capital landscape.

Waverley Capital is a venture capital firm focused on investing in and fostering innovation within the global media, entertainment, and sports industries, which collectively represent a market worth over $1 trillion. Founded by Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Daniel V. Leff, the firm leverages its deep industry expertise and extensive network of media and technology executives to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs. The firm's strategy is centered on identifying and investing in early to mid-stage companies that have the potential to become category-defining leaders. Waverley Capital has made notable investments in companies like FuboTV, Headspace, and Roku, which reflect its commitment to supporting transformative ventures in the media ecosystem. Waverley Capital is highly engaged with its portfolio companies, providing strategic and operational support to help them scale. The firm primarily invests in the United States but also explores opportunities globally, including in countries like Germany. With a team based in New York, Waverley Capital continues to build its reputation as a leader in media-focused venture capital.

Wellington Management is a global investment management firm that has expanded its private investing capabilities with a dedicated platform focusing on various sectors and stages of the private markets. This includes early-stage venture capital through to late-stage growth investments. With over $8 billion raised for private investments, the firm leverages its extensive network of over 1,000 investment professionals to provide comprehensive support to its portfolio companies. Wellington's venture capital arm, Wellington Access Ventures (WAV), recently closed its first early-stage fund, Wellington Venture Investments I, with $150 million in commitments. This fund focuses on investing in sectors such as artificial intelligence, DevOps, fintech, digital health, and consumer technology. The WAV team is dedicated to supporting diverse founder-led companies, recognizing the value in partnering with historically overlooked entrepreneurs to drive long-term growth and meaningful change. Key members of the WAV team include Jackson Cummings, Frederik Groce, Sasha McKenzie, and Van Jones. They emphasize closing the access and resource gaps in venture capital, aiming to create a more equitable future by investing in dynamic and ambitious founders from diverse backgrounds. Wellington Management's private investing platform combines deep private market expertise with the firm's broader public market knowledge, providing a robust support system for both investors and entrepreneurs.

WePlay Ventures is a dedicated gaming-focused venture capital firm founded in 2020 with offices in Istanbul, Turkey and Amsterdam, Netherlands. The fund invests exclusively in early-stage game studios across Eastern Europe, Turkey and Central Asia building for mobile, PC, console and web platforms, a region with deep gaming engineering talent but historically underserved capital. Tickets are pre-seed and seed-sized, up to $300K per company, in exchange for a target equity stake of approximately 15%, generally as a co-investor. Beyond capital, WePlay runs two structured programs: WePlay HUB, a three-month gaming acceleration program that gives studios access to industry mentors, targeted events and operational resources, and WePlay Starz, a digital platform that helps investment-ready studios surface partners, mentors and collaboration opportunities. The investment team is intentionally small at roughly six people including two partners distributed across the Netherlands and Turkey. Across approximately 17 to 23 disclosed investments the portfolio includes Studio Billion, the AR-multiplayer-RPG studio behind Rumble Suits for mobile and AR glasses, njoyKidz, One Percent, and the firm's most recent reported investment, Infinite Thread Games in June 2025. WePlay's first notable exit came in September 2022 when long-time portfolio company UDO Games, an Ankara-based mobile and web game studio operating since 2013, was acquired by TaleWorlds Entertainment, with WePlay and Lima Ventures selling their stakes at a reported $4.2 million valuation. By focusing exclusively on game studios across Eastern Europe, Turkey and Central Asia and pairing capital with acceleration programs, WePlay Ventures backs the region's gaming talent.

What If Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 that primarily invests in mental health, addiction, and stigmatized healthcare services. Based in the United States, What If Ventures is stage-agnostic and provides flexible check sizes, focusing on early-stage investments from seed to pre-IPO. Their portfolio includes companies like TRIPP, Osmind, Alto Neuroscience, Grow Therapy, and Ellipsis Health, which are all focused on innovative solutions in the mental health space. Notable exits include Human API and several IPOs, such as ATAI Life Sciences and Field Trip Health. What If Ventures has deployed $85 million in capital across 72 portfolio companies and has over 4,100 syndicate members. The firm supports startups by addressing the gaps and stigmas in mental health care, aiming to create accessible, affordable, and effective solutions for all.

White Star Capital is a global multi-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology startups with the potential to scale internationally. With a presence in key markets like New York, London, Paris, Toronto, and Singapore, White Star has developed a reputation for backing ambitious entrepreneurs building industry-defining companies across a variety of sectors. White Star focuses on investments in Series A and B rounds, supporting startups in industries such as fintech, digital assets, e-commerce, and healthtech. Some notable portfolio companies include Tier Mobility (a leader in micro-mobility solutions), Freshly (a healthy meal delivery service acquired by Nestlé), and Butternut Box (a fast-growing pet food company). In addition, the firm has made significant strides in blockchain and Web3 technologies through its Digital Asset Fund, which targets crypto networks and blockchain-enabled businesses. The firm’s investment strategy centers around partnering closely with founders, providing not just capital but also strategic support to help startups expand across borders. White Star is deeply committed to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, aligning its investments with sustainability goals. They became a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, emphasizing their focus on creating long-term, positive impact. Led by co-founders Eric Martineau-Fortin and Jean-Francois Marcoux, the firm has successfully driven numerous exits, including Dollar Shave Club and Adore Me, reflecting their expertise in scaling companies to global success.

Will Ventures, founded by Isaiah Kacyvenski and Brian Reilly, is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm focuses on investments across the consumer, healthcare, and media sectors, emphasizing companies that intersect with sports, fitness, and wellness. Their portfolio includes notable investments such as Mighty Health, Elo Health, and Candy Digital, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative health and fitness solutions​. Will Ventures employs a hands-on approach, actively leading investment rounds and providing strategic support to their portfolio companies. They typically invest in seed and Series A stages, with an average round size of $8 million. Their investment strategy is driven by a deep understanding of the sports and health sectors, leveraging their extensive network and expertise to help startups scale and succeed. The firm is particularly interested in startups that offer scalable, technology-driven solutions in the areas of fitness, nutrition, and digital health. Companies looking to partner with Will Ventures should prepare a concise pitch that highlights their innovative approach, market potential, and strategic fit with Will Ventures' focus areas. With a track record of successful investments and a robust support system, Will Ventures continues to drive impactful advancements in the health and wellness industries.

Wing Venture Capital, founded in 2013 and based in Palo Alto, California, focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, big data, SaaS, and enterprise software. Wing is known for its deep engagement with founders, providing extensive support beyond capital to help build significant companies. Notable companies in Wing's portfolio include Snowflake, a data cloud company; Cohesity, a data management firm; and Gong, which uses AI to analyze sales calls. Other prominent investments are Pinecone, a vector database company, and Moogsoft, an AIOps platform for IT incident management. Wing's investment strategy emphasizes long-term partnerships with founders, leveraging their expertise and extensive network to support the growth of portfolio companies. They aim to be actively involved, often taking board seats and providing strategic guidance.

The WXR Fund is a unique venture capital firm that targets two of the most significant opportunities in today's technology landscape: spatial computing and female entrepreneurship. Founded in 2019, WXR Fund is the first venture fund exclusively focused on investing in women-led startups that leverage extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to transform businesses and human interaction. The firm is committed to fostering diversity in tech by supporting female founders who are pioneering the next wave of computing. WXR Fund operates with a seed-stage investment strategy, partnering with startups that are at the forefront of innovative technologies. The fund's portfolio includes a range of groundbreaking companies, such as Prisms of Reality, an educational technology company that uses virtual reality to enhance STEM learning, and Scatter, which is democratizing hologram creation through its volumetric video production software, Depthkit. The fund’s leadership, including co-founders Martina Welkhoff, Amy LaMeyer, and Malia Probst, is dedicated to creating an inclusive ecosystem that not only funds but also mentors and supports women entrepreneurs in the tech industry. With its focused approach, WXR Fund is actively changing the way products are built and companies are run, making a significant impact on both the tech and venture capital landscapes. This fund stands out not only for its niche focus but also for its broader mission to balance gender representation in the tech industry, positioning itself as a key player in the future of spatial computing and AI​.

XG Ventures is a Menlo Park-based seed and pre-seed venture capital firm founded in March 2008 by Pietro Dova and Andrea Zurek, both ex-Googlers who had strategic early-employee roles at Google. The firm's thesis is that exceptional early-stage teams need operator capital, not just dollars, and the partners actively advise founders on scaling, monetization, distribution and hiring, drawing on their experience inside one of the most successful technology platforms ever built. Its investment focus skews to consumer internet, mobile, video, gaming, social media and online media, but XG has also been an active B2B and SaaS investor, generally as a co-investor. Check sizes range from $250,000 to $1 million per round, deployed across a portfolio of approximately 109 companies. Outcomes have been strong for a small firm of its size: three unicorns in the portfolio, Genies, Carta and Rappi, three IPOs, including Box on the NYSE and Shift Technologies on NASDAQ in June 2019, and 45 acquisitions. Notable historical investments include Facebook, Box, Carta and Tynker, which was acquired by CodeHS in June 2025. The firm's most recent reported investment was in February 2024 in VectorShift, a software-development applications company; other recent bets include Metoro and Gently. The most recent portfolio exit prior to the Tynker acquisition was Science Exchange in September 2024. By pairing operator capital with the founders' Google pedigree, XG Ventures backs exceptional early-stage consumer-internet, B2B and SaaS teams and has built a track record featuring multiple unicorns, IPOs and dozens of acquisitions.

XYZ Venture Capital, founded by Ross Fubini in 2017, focuses on early-stage investments in fintech, enterprise, and what they call "tech-forgotten" sectors like insurance and public services. Their notable portfolio includes companies such as Anduril, Mosaic, and Saltbox, many of which have ties to Fubini's strong network, especially with Palantir alumni. The firm’s strategy emphasizes rapid execution, helping founders accelerate their business from idea to Series A with hands-on support in areas like go-to-market strategy, fundraising, and product development. XYZ targets investments primarily in the U.S., with a presence on both coasts, and prefers to back founders who are solving hard societal problems, especially leveraging technologies like AI. The average check size isn’t disclosed, but the firm has raised several significant funds, including an $80M Fund II, to fuel early-stage growth. XYZ often leads rounds and positions itself as a deeply engaged partner, offering more than just capital. They look for founders who are curious, adaptable, and committed to execution, and prioritize building close, long-term relationships. The team includes key partners like Chauncey Hamilton and Art Clarke, both of whom bring extensive venture and operational experience. Together, they help XYZ become an indispensable partner to founders, offering deep industry expertise and critical connections to propel startups forward..

Y Combinator, a premier startup accelerator, has backed some of the world's most successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. The fund's portfolio is impressive, boasting over 5,000 startups with more than 290 private companies valued over $150 million and over 90 valued at more than $1 billion​. Y Combinator's investment focus spans several industries, primarily B2B software and services (43%), financial technology (19%), consumer (13%), and healthcare (12%)​​. Geographically, YC is centered in Silicon Valley, with 59% of its companies headquartered in the Bay Area, but it also supports startups globally, including in countries like India, the UK, and Nigeria​​. YC's strategy involves investing $150,000 in a large number of startups twice a year, providing them with three months of intensive mentorship, networking, and resources. They prefer to invest in early-stage startups and often continue to support companies through follow-on funding rounds​. The typical check size is $150,000, and YC often leads the initial seed rounds. Recently, they've been very active, continuously adding new companies to their portfolio and expanding their global reach​​. Approaching YC involves applying for their biannual batches, with a focus on showing strong product-market fit and growth potential. The team is led by notable figures such as Michael Seibel, the CEO, who brings a wealth of experience in startup growth and acceleration. YC's network of alumni and mentors is a key asset, providing ongoing support and advice to new startups​.

Yolo Investments is a venture capital firm headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, focusing on high-growth opportunities in iGaming, fintech, and crypto sectors. Founded by Tim Heath in 2017, Yolo manages over €600 million in assets and has made more than 100 investments across the globe. The firm invests in late-seed and Series A stages, targeting companies that are disrupting traditional industries with innovative solutions. Yolo Investments’ portfolio is diverse, spanning sectors such as blockchain, digital banking, and online gaming. Notable investments include BoomFi, a crypto-fiat payments gateway, and Busha, an African cryptocurrency exchange. The firm also has holdings in companies like Rhino Entertainment, a casino operator, and TymeBank, a digital banking group with a presence in South Africa and Southeast Asia. Their investments also extend to crypto-based solutions such as CoinMENA and Balthazar, a Web3 gaming protocol. In addition to providing capital, Yolo Investments actively engages in the strategic development of its portfolio companies, leveraging its deep industry experience in gaming and fintech to help drive growth and innovation​.