Sector
Hardware, Robotics & IoT VC Funds
Venture capital funds investing in hardware, robotics, Internet of Things, and connected device startups.
Next Coast Ventures, established in 2015 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, focuses on investing in high-growth startups located outside traditional coastal tech hubs. The firm targets early-stage investments, particularly in emerging platforms, enterprise solutions, and consumer-focused businesses. Notable companies in their portfolio include Everly Health, Enboarder, and Diligent Robotics, reflecting their commitment to innovative and transformative technologies. Next Coast Ventures employs a thematic research approach, identifying key investment themes rather than focusing on specific sectors. This allows them to partner with "glass-eating" entrepreneurs—founders who are resilient and driven to build category-defining companies. Their investment strategy is characterized by active involvement, with partners often taking board seats and providing strategic guidance to help portfolio companies scale rapidly. The firm has made 159 investments to date and has successfully exited several companies, including Stoplight and AlertMedia. Founders Michael Smerklo and Thomas Ball lead a team of experienced investors who bring deep industry knowledge and a hands-on approach to their portfolio companies. Startups seeking to partner with Next Coast Ventures should demonstrate strong growth potential and alignment with the firm’s thematic investment focus. The firm’s recent investments, such as in Diligent Robotics and Everly Health, showcase their interest in companies that leverage technology to solve significant problems in healthcare, enterprise software, and consumer markets.
Next Frontier Capital, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with mission-driven entrepreneurs in the Rocky Mountain region. The firm focuses on investments in B2B technology and deep tech companies at the Seed and Series A stages. They manage four funds, with the latest being Fund IV, and typically invest between $2 to $10 million per round. Next Frontier Capital emphasizes supporting the underserved Rocky Mountain startup ecosystem. Their portfolio includes companies like Submittable, Bridger Photonics, and Claravine, reflecting their commitment to high-impact technology ventures. The firm values diversity, intellectual rigor, and a strong connection to the region, aiming to create long-lasting companies that contribute significantly to their communities. The team at Next Frontier Capital, led by founders Will Price and Richard Harjes, brings extensive experience from both venture capital and operational roles. They provide hands-on support to their portfolio companies, leveraging their network and expertise to help founders succeed.
Next Gear Ventures (NGV) is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Tel Aviv, focused on investing in smart mobility, energy, and sustainability sectors. The firm primarily targets Israeli startups but also supports companies in Europe and the U.S. NGV is dedicated to nurturing world-changing innovations, emphasizing ventures that contribute to a greener, safer future for transportation. NGV is known for more than just providing capital; they offer a comprehensive ecosystem of resources and connections through their partnership with Drive TLV, an innovation hub that accelerates the growth of startups in the smart mobility space. This partnership allows NGV-backed companies to gain valuable market insights and strategic connections early on, enhancing their chances of success. The fund has a track record of successful exits, including companies like Midnight Robotics and Exo Technologies. NGV typically invests between $100,000 and $2.5 million in early-stage companies, focusing on building long-term partnerships with founders rather than seeking quick exits. Their investments prioritize finding product-market fit and scaling solutions with global impact, particularly in sectors that improve the quality of life and environmental sustainability.
Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd., established in 2010, is the venture capital arm of Credit Suisse based in Zurich, Switzerland. The firm focuses on investing in innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across various sectors, including robotics, automation, medtech, and fintech. To date, Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital has invested around CHF 130 million in over 50 companies, and recently expanded its fund by an additional CHF 70 million, bringing the total to CHF 200 million. Notable investments from Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital include Perspective Robotics (d.b.a. Fotokite), a Zurich-based startup specializing in tethered drones that improve the safety and efficiency of public safety operations, and Ava, a company in the monitoring equipment sector. These investments highlight the firm’s commitment to supporting high-potential technologies and innovative business models. Credit Suisse's venture capital efforts are part of a broader strategy to support Switzerland's entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring the country remains a global leader in innovation and business. For more information about their investments and strategic approach, you can visit their official website.
Next Level Ventures (NLV) is Iowa's largest and most prominent strategic investment firm, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Des Moines. The firm is led by Founder and Managing Partner Craig Ibsen, who brings more than 25 years of operating experience, previously serving as a senior executive at Maytag Corporation and as the founder of Appliancezone, a global appliance-parts supply-chain software company. The team also includes Managing Partner Michael Perrin, Principal Liz Keehner, and long-tenured COO Barbara Gooch, who built operational infrastructure for Churchill Capital and Northstar Capital over 25 years before joining NLV. Across five funds, NLV manages approximately $500 million to $700 million in assets and a portfolio of roughly 45 to 50 companies. Three of those funds target Iowa startups specifically through the Iowa Fund series, while others support broader themes — the Curql Fund, for example, delivers fintech solutions to credit unions nationwide. NLV writes checks from $500,000 to $5 million into companies approaching or at product-market fit raising rounds of $1 million to $4 million, with a strong Midwest bias across agtech, data analytics, fintech, healthtech, IoT, SaaS, and AI. In January 2025 NLV launched Fund III, its fifth vehicle overall and third Iowa-focused fund, with the inaugural investment from that vehicle deployed into Genvax Technologies, an Ames, Iowa biotechnology company, in February 2025. A notable portfolio exit is the acquisition of Tractor Zoom by Anvil App Works. NLV's deep roots in the Iowa entrepreneurial community, combined with its multi-fund scale, position it as both the most active investor and the most connected network in the state's emerging technology ecosystem.
Next Orbit Ventures Fund-I (NOVF) is a Mumbai-based early- and growth-stage venture capital and multi-asset fund manager founded in 2012, led by Founder and Managing Partner Ajay Jalan — a senior dealmaker widely recognised as an architect of India's investment push into semiconductor manufacturing and the broader Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem. The firm oversees roughly $10 billion of targeted investments across five funds; its Second Fund carried a target corpus of $750 million, and the firm has separately announced a $2 billion capital raise focused on India's semiconductor and electronics industries. The thesis is to position India as the world's preferred ESDM destination, forecasting an $810 billion Indian electronics market. NOVF's most visible initiative is leading the International Semiconductor Consortium (ISMC) in a joint venture with Israel's Tower Semiconductor, which signed a Rs 22,900 crore (approximately $3 billion) MoU to establish a greenfield chip-fabrication plant in Mysuru, Karnataka pending Government of India approval. The fund leads rounds and writes checks spanning from $1 million to more than $50 million across hardware and robotics, deep tech, fintech, healthtech, and consumer electronics. The portfolio comprises roughly 18 companies with seven IPOs and one acquisition. Headline names include Thyrocare Technologies, India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory, acquired by API Holdings for $613 million in June 2021; RBL Bank, dual-listed on BSE and NSE at approximately $1.25 billion market cap; and Infibeam Avenues. The most recent disclosed exit was Mercator Group in December 2024. NOVF's focus on strategic national infrastructure — semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and diagnostics — distinguishes it from conventional venture funds and gives it direct access to government policy frameworks and industrial-scale capital deployment.
Next Play Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 by Jeff Weiner, the former CEO of LinkedIn, with a mission to coach and invest in entrepreneurial leaders building world-class, purpose-driven companies. Weiner is joined by Managing Director Brian Rumao, his former chief of staff. The firm takes a unique approach by blending investment with coaching, helping founders not only grow their businesses but also develop strong leadership skills rooted in compassion and values. The firm’s philosophy centers on the idea that doing well and doing good are not mutually exclusive. Next Play Ventures focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in industries like SaaS, fintech, healthtech, education, and productivity software. Notable portfolio companies include Figma, Brex, Scale, and Common Room. The firm also emphasizes social impact, with a commitment to closing the opportunity gap for underserved communities through initiatives like the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula and The Compassion Project. The name "Next Play" is inspired by legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski’s philosophy of focusing on the next move, whether in victory or defeat. This reflects Next Play’s commitment to helping founders continually move forward, learning from both successes and failures. By providing a blend of capital and mentorship, Next Play Ventures aims to cultivate resilient, impactful companies and leaders for the long term.
Next47, the global venture capital arm of Siemens, focuses on investing in early and expansion-stage enterprise tech startups. With a presence in Palo Alto, Berlin, Tel Aviv, London, Munich, and Paris, Next47 specializes in sectors like SaaS, AI, and enterprise technology. Their portfolio boasts notable companies such as Verkada, Skydio, and ChargePoint, reflecting their expertise in backing high-potential tech ventures. Next47's investment strategy emphasizes deep engagement with portfolio companies, providing strategic advice, connections, and resources to help them scale. They lead funding rounds with average check sizes varying based on the stage and requirements of the startup. The firm prides itself on a long-term partnership approach, ensuring consistent support through every growth phase. The fund is highly active, with a robust network of 250+ customers across 15 countries, enabling startups to accelerate their go-to-market strategies and secure significant bookings. Founders benefit from Next47's extensive talent network, assisting in making critical hires and developing executive recruiting strategies. Key team members include Lak Ananth, CEO and Managing Partner, and T.J. Rylander, General Partner, both based in Palo Alto. Their combined experience in venture capital and enterprise tech provides invaluable guidance to startups navigating complex growth trajectories. Next47’s global reach and strategic focus make it a vital player in the enterprise tech venture capital landscape, committed to driving innovation and supporting founders in building the next generation of category-leading companies.
NextGen Venture Partners is a unique venture capital firm that leverages a network-driven approach to investing. Founded in 2012 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the firm collaborates with over 1,800 Venture Partners to support early-stage and growth-stage companies across various industries in the US. NextGen typically invests between $1 million to $2 million in seed-stage companies and $3 million to $5 million in growth-stage companies that have $10 million+ in revenue. Their network of Venture Partners, consisting of top entrepreneurs and executives, provides startups with valuable connectivity for sales, hiring, and financing introductions, as well as on-demand advice. The firm's leadership team includes Managing Partners Jon Bassett, Ben Bayat, Brett Gibson, and Chris Keller, along with other experienced professionals like Deborah Chu (Principal) and Corinne Smeriglio (Director of Operations). This team brings decades of combined experience in investing and building companies.
NextView Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage investments, focusing on companies that use technology to drive the "Everyday Economy." This includes sectors where people spend significant time, money, and attention. The firm was established in 2011 and operates out of Boston and New York City, with a commitment to backing companies from the concept stage. Notable investments by NextView Ventures include companies such as ThredUp, WHOOP, Attentive, Grove Collaborative, and Skillz. ThredUp, an online fashion resale platform, went public on NASDAQ in 2021. WHOOP, a wearable fitness tracker, has become a significant player in the market, valued at over $3.6 billion. Attentive, an SMS marketing platform, serves over 4,000 e-commerce customers and significantly drives their revenue. NextView Ventures recently closed its fourth fund at $100 million, continuing its high-conviction, hands-on seed strategy. The firm targets the full seed spectrum, from pre-launch and pre-seed companies to those starting to scale, offering initial investments ranging from $400K to $4M.
Nexus Venture Partners, established in 2006, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, typically participating in seed and Series A rounds, and is particularly active in the US and India. Nexus has over $2.6 billion in assets under management and invests in sectors such as enterprise software, digital consumer businesses, and technology-driven services. Nexus Venture Partners has an impressive portfolio that includes notable companies like Postman, Delhivery, Druva, and Unacademy. The firm has had significant exits, with companies like Clover Health, Delhivery, and Housing.com achieving substantial growth and market impact. Nexus's investment strategy emphasizes strong partnerships with founders, providing them with extensive support throughout their entrepreneurial journey. The team at Nexus comprises experienced professionals, including co-founders Suvir Sujan, Naren Gupta, and Sandeep Singhal, who bring deep industry expertise and strategic insights to their investments. Nexus Venture Partners continues to be a key player in the venture capital landscape, fostering innovation and scaling successful companies across its target markets.
NFX, founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments. The firm is renowned for its focus on network effects, which it believes are crucial for building market-transforming companies. NFX invests in a diverse range of sectors, including AI, biotech, fintech, gaming, enterprise software, marketplaces, and crypto, with a particular focus on Silicon Valley and Israel. Notable investments by NFX include companies like DoorDash, Lyft, Patreon, and Houseparty. The firm has made a total of 577 investments and has seen significant exits such as Similarweb and CircleUp. NFX's unique approach involves deeply understanding and leveraging network effects, which it views as essential for startups to compete effectively in today's market. The firm was co-founded by James Currier, Pete Flint, Gigi Levy-Weiss, and Stan Chudnovsky, who bring extensive entrepreneurial and investment experience. NFX supports its portfolio companies through The Guild, an active community of over 200 founders who share KPIs, insights, and access to foster mutual growth and success. NFX aims to transform how true innovators are funded, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to help startups build sustainable and disruptive businesses.
NGC Ventures, founded in 2017, is a globally recognized venture capital firm headquartered in Singapore. Specializing in blockchain and Web3 investments, NGC manages over $500 million in assets. The firm has built a diverse portfolio across infrastructure projects, decentralized finance (DeFi), and metaverse applications, supporting early-stage ventures that address critical challenges in the blockchain ecosystem. Notable investments include industry leaders like Solana, Avalanche, Algorand, and Ziliqa, underscoring NGC’s commitment to supporting projects with disruptive potential. The fund takes a hands-on approach, providing startups with more than just capital. NGC leverages its team’s deep expertise in blockchain to offer strategic guidance across market access, product development, regulatory navigation, and token economics. Their global presence extends across Singapore, Shanghai, San Francisco, and beyond, enabling them to support ventures worldwide with a strong emphasis on crypto infrastructure and decentralized computing. NGC Ventures also invests in research and collaborates with academic institutions like the National University of Singapore and UC Berkeley, funding the next generation of Web3 innovations. Backed by prominent players like Huobi Ventures and Babel Finance, NGC continues to scale with initiatives like the $100 million Metaverse Ventures Fund, positioning itself as a leading force in the future of blockchain and decentralized technologies.
ND Capital, formerly known as NanoDimension, is a venture capital firm established in 2002, headquartered in Woodside, California. The firm focuses on investing in disruptive technologies across the life sciences, physical sciences, and data sciences sectors. Their core belief is that significant breakthroughs will arise from the convergence of these scientific disciplines. The firm is led by founder and CEO Aymeric Sallin, who has been pivotal in steering the company towards successful investments. ND Capital supports early to mid-stage companies, particularly those developing innovative and market-disruptive technologies. Their investment strategy targets companies at the forefront of scientific advancements that hold the potential to create substantial impact. ND Capital's diverse portfolio includes investments in companies like Natron Energy, Tarveda Therapeutics, Selecta Biosciences, and SQZ Biotech. The firm has a strong track record with numerous successful exits, such as the acquisition of Serotiny by Johnson & Johnson and Icosavax's IPO. The team at ND Capital consists of experienced professionals with deep expertise in various scientific and industrial fields. This includes Senior Partner Patrick Aebischer, who has extensive experience in biotechnology and academic leadership, and Partner Eric Moessinger, who focuses on life sciences investments. ND Capital's mission is to back visionary founders and innovative startups that push the boundaries of science and technology, driving forward transformative solutions that address global challenges..
Night Ventures, founded in 2021 and based in Austin, Texas, focuses on early-stage investments in consumer, fintech, SaaS, crypto, and health sectors. The firm aims to help startups navigate new forms of customer acquisition and leverage the creator economy and community-driven growth. Notable investments include Marker Learning, a disability healthcare service; Feastables, a gamified snacking brand; and Moonpay, a fiat-to-crypto exchange. Other significant investments are in companies like Groombuggy, which offers mobile pet grooming, and Matador, known for its better energy shots. Night Ventures also has investments in innovative tech companies such as Outtake, which provides content intelligence, and Conduit Commerce, a platform for inventory consolidation. Night Ventures is led by General Partners Reed Duchscher, Ezra Cooperstein, and Ben Mathews, who bring extensive experience in media, entertainment, and technology sectors. The firm emphasizes supporting startups through strategic connections and leveraging its network of influential figures in popular culture to drive consumer engagement and growth.
Nimble Ventures, founded in 2012, is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, primarily targeting sectors such as technology, healthcare, biotech, fintech, consumer tech, and blockchain. Nimble Ventures invests globally, with notable investments in companies based in the United States and Israel. Prominent companies in their portfolio include Umbra, a developer of SAR micro-satellites for imagery services, and Terradepth, which provides data collection technology for marine tracking systems. Both companies have shown significant growth and innovation within their respective fields. Nimble Ventures typically invests in Seed and Series A stages, supporting startups with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The firm's investment strategy emphasizes identifying and nurturing early-stage companies that have the potential to transform industries through cutting-edge technology and novel approaches. For startups looking to engage with Nimble Ventures, it is important to demonstrate strong technological capabilities and a clear path to market leadership. The firm values innovative solutions that address substantial market needs and have the potential for significant impact. Key team members include John Burbank, a notable investor with a background in managing substantial venture funds, and Nathan Mee, who brings extensive experience in portfolio management and venture capital investments.
Nina Capital is a specialized venture capital firm based in Barcelona, focusing on early-stage investments in health technology. Founded by Marta Gaia Zanchi, the firm invests across Europe, the United States, Canada, Israel, and Australia. Nina Capital leverages the Biodesign process from Stanford, which emphasizes a need-driven and value-based approach to healthcare innovation. Their investment strategy spans pre-seed to seed stages, with typical investment sizes ranging from €200k to €1.5m. The firm supports startups that apply advanced data science, engineering innovation, and IT-enabled products to solve healthcare challenges. Notable portfolio companies include QuantHealth, which uses AI to predict patient responses in clinical trials, and Cardiomatics, offering automated ECG interpretation to improve healthcare efficiency. The core team, led by principals like Anastassiou and Yahel Halamish, combines deep expertise in healthcare, technology, and investment. They are committed to diversity and multidisciplinary collaboration, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes innovative solutions to complex healthcare problems.
Ninepointfive, also trading as 9.5 Ventures, is a corporate-backed venture capital firm founded in 2019 and headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. It claims to be Europe's first VC firm investing exclusively alongside corporate partners — a model where every investment is co-sponsored by a strategic corporate that contributes industry expertise, market insight, and customer access in addition to the firm's capital. The firm was co-founded by Founding Partner Paul van Emmerick, who brings 20-plus years as a CEO across corporates, consultancies, and investment firms, and Pieter Van de Velde. Corporate partners and co-investors include Beiersdorf, Telenet, and Agfa. Ninepointfive operates two flagship fund strategies with combined AUM of approximately EUR 35 million. 'One' accelerates the digitisation of Europe's industrial value chain, while 'Tidal' focuses on the energy transition across maritime, ports, and offshore shipping. The firm writes pre-seed to Series A checks of EUR 500,000 to EUR 3 million-plus, with sector coverage spanning B2B SaaS, cleantech, energy, hardware and robotics, and digital transformation. Public portfolio highlights include MakerVerse, an on-demand manufacturing marketplace that raised a EUR 9.4 million Series A with Ninepointfive participating; Eccocar, a B2B SaaS digitising car rental operations; Lissi, a self-sovereign identity and verifiable credentials platform; and Heylog, a logistics communication SaaS that raised a EUR 3 million pre-seed in June 2022 with KUBIKx and Ninepointfive. The total portfolio spans approximately 20 companies. The corporate co-investment model gives Ninepointfive's portfolio companies a practical advantage that extends well beyond capital: immediate access to enterprise buyers, pilot opportunities, and procurement relationships that independent VCs rarely control.
Nippon Venture Capital (NVCC) was established in 1996 by Japanese business leaders of blue-chip companies and ranks among the largest independent venture capital firms in Japan. Headquartered on the 34th floor of the Marunouchi Building in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, NVCC is led by President Shuichi Okuhara. Over roughly 30 years the firm has raised 21 or more funds — including its NVCC No. 9 flagship vehicle and the Osaka University Venture NVCC No. 1 — totaling approximately $700 million (JPY 100 billion) in capital. NVCC has invested in more than 1,000 companies and produced 174 IPOs as of December 2025, making it one of the most prolific IPO generators in Japanese venture. The firm's enterprise partner and shareholder roster spans Japan Inc.: Ushio, OMRON, ORIX, Kaneka, Kikkoman, Suntory Holdings, Shionogi, Sysmex, Daikin, Daiwa Securities, Fast Retailing, FUJIFILM, Mizuho Bank, Nomura Holdings, MUFG, SMBC, and Nippon Life Insurance, among many others. Academic partnerships with Kyoto University, Osaka University, Nagoya University, and others underpin a strong university-spinout pipeline. NVCC leads rounds and invests from seed through Series B in communications, software, systems and devices, life sciences, and environmental technologies. Recent investments include Neusignal Therapeutics (JPY 1.15 billion Series A, January 2025) and Stayway (Series B, July 2024). Recent IPOs include PRONI (December 2025) and AI Robotics, MFS, and Chordia Therapeutics in 2024. NVCC's breadth of corporate shareholders and university relationships gives it unmatched deal flow across Japan's industrial and academic ecosystem, and its multi-decade IPO track record provides LPs with a proven pathway from early-stage investment to public-market liquidity.
Nissay Capital, a venture capital firm based in Tokyo and wholly owned by Nippon Life Insurance Company, has a rich history of investments across various stages and sectors. With over 1,200 unlisted companies and 226 IPOs since its inception in 1991, the firm is a significant player in Japan's venture capital landscape. Notable investments include Heartseed, a biotech company, SkyDisc, and LaFabric. They focus on early to growth-stage businesses, with investments ranging from $4M to $740M. Nissay Capital's strategy emphasizes leveraging the vast network of Nippon Life Insurance to support portfolio companies, providing extensive guidance on management strategies and capital policies. They prefer investing in innovative startups that align with their long-term vision of contributing to society, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. The firm typically co-invests with other major players like Mitsubishi UFJ Capital and CyberAgent Capital, fostering a collaborative investment environment. Key team members include Eiji Arima, the President and CEO, who plays a pivotal role in steering the firm's strategic direction. Nissay Capital prefers entrepreneurs to approach them through well-researched pitches that clearly articulate the market opportunity and technological innovation. Active and involved, they are seen as a hands-on investor committed to the growth and success of their investees
Noemis Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments in fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and marketplace startups. The firm was founded by Simeon Iheagwam, who launched the debut $25 million fund in 2022 after a decade-long career in tech, corporate finance, and investment banking at firms like J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo. Noemis Ventures focuses on backing founders who aim to drive technological change and societal impact, with a strong emphasis on early-stage companies that demonstrate the potential to innovate in their respective industries. The firm’s investment strategy includes providing up to $500K per company, targeting around 25 to 30 startups within its portfolio. Noemis Ventures actively supports its founders, not only with capital but also by offering strategic guidance to navigate early-stage challenges. This hands-on approach has earned them a reputation as a reliable partner to the companies they back. Notable investments include successful ventures like Petalcard, Squire, and Burrow, which have moved on to Series C and D funding rounds. Noemis has also backed companies such as Hopscotch and EMTECH, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation across fintech and AI-driven markets. With backing from investors like Alphabet and Bain Capital Ventures, Noemis is well-positioned to continue supporting transformative startups looking to shape the future.
Noetic Fund is a Toronto-based venture capital firm launched in 2020, specializing in early-stage investments within the healthcare, psychedelic medicine, and biotech sectors. The fund focuses on emerging therapies and technologies aimed at improving mental health, addressing central nervous system disorders, and offering innovative solutions to global healthcare challenges. Noetic is particularly involved in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-based therapeutics, where they support companies working on treatments for conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. With its first fund, Noetic made around 20 investments, including notable companies like COMPASS Pathways, MindMed, and Cybin, all leaders in the psychedelic medicine space. They’ve continued to expand with the launch of Noetic Fund II, aiming to raise $200 million to further invest in groundbreaking therapies. Their strategy includes a long-term focus on companies developing new drug discoveries, digital health solutions, and medical devices that address unmet needs in mental and physical health. Noetic’s leadership includes seasoned venture capitalists and experts in life sciences, positioning the firm to capitalize on the growing acceptance and scientific validation of psychedelic treatments. They collaborate closely with portfolio companies, leveraging their expertise to foster sustainable growth and innovation.
NGP Capital, founded in 2005, is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California. The firm has a significant global presence with offices in Berlin, Helsinki, and Geneva, and focuses on early growth investments in B2B sectors such as cybersecurity, industrial technology, deep tech, robotics, supply chain, and data infrastructure. NGP Capital typically invests $10-15 million in the first round, aiming for a 10-15% ownership stake and an active role in their portfolio companies. The firm manages over $1.6 billion in assets and uses a proprietary AI-powered platform, "Q," to identify and evaluate investment opportunities globally. This system scans and ranks more than 2 million companies, helping NGP make data-driven investment decisions. NGP Capital has invested in more than 100 companies, with notable exits including UC Mobile, acquired by Alibaba for $3.8 billion, and Ganji, acquired by 58.com for $3.6 billion. Other significant portfolio companies include PubMatic, Deliveroo, and Moovit. Their investments are geographically diverse, with 27% in Europe, 38% in the US, and 35% in Asia. The firm continues to leverage its partnership with Nokia, focusing on strategic investments that align with Nokia's innovation framework around 5G and related technologies. This partnership allows NGP Capital to combine financial discipline with technological insights, driving growth and strategic value in their portfolio.
Nomad Ventures is an early-stage VC firm based in Los Angeles, with a strong focus on high-growth, network-effect businesses. Their sector-agnostic approach includes fintech, consumer tech, vertical SaaS, and marketplaces, backing startups that drive new ways for people to earn money online. With notable investments in companies like Cameo and Wheels, Nomad Ventures has a track record of identifying disruptive, scalable business models. The fund primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage investments, aiming to partner with founders who exhibit grit and a bold vision for the future. They seek startups with operational intensity and scalable distribution advantages. While geographically anchored in the U.S., particularly cities like Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and Miami, they are open to the growing decentralization of startup ecosystems across the country. Led by Chris Taylor, James Mumma, and Marco McCottry—all experienced operators who played key roles at Uber, Bird, and Opendoor—the team brings hands-on expertise and operational guidance to their portfolio companies. They actively co-invest with top-tier VCs like Andreessen Horowitz, often helping lead rounds with average check sizes ranging from $250K to $1M. Nomad is known for being approachable and looking for founders who build defensible businesses with strong marketplace dynamics. Nomad Ventures has raised over $100M and frequently scouts startups through industry relationships and tech scene connections, with a preference for companies demonstrating early, clear traction.
Nomadic Venture Partners (NVP) is a minority-owned venture capital firm based in Denver, Colorado, that focuses on climate tech investments. Founded in 2021, the firm invests in early-stage companies, from pre-seed to Series A, particularly those innovating in digital solutions and light hardware to decarbonize sectors like natural resources, manufacturing, and transportation. NVP's goal is to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by backing startups that develop sustainable technologies. The firm is led by co-founders Tem Tumurbat and Batchimeg Ganbaatar, who bring expertise in investment strategy, portfolio management, and scaling businesses. NVP has a strong emphasis on industrial climate tech and aims to foster innovation that addresses critical challenges in industries responsible for large portions of global emissions. Their portfolio includes investments in companies such as Strayos and Banyan Infrastructure, which are focused on driving sustainable growth in industrial sectors. Nomadic Venture Partners also actively engages in industry-building efforts, hosting events like the Industrial Climate Tech Summit to promote collaboration and investment in climate tech.
NOON Ventures is a Copenhagen-based early-stage venture fund, launched in 2020 by Caspar Høgh and Theis Malmborg. The fund focuses on investing in transformative technologies that tackle environmental and climate challenges. With a hands-on approach, NOON Ventures works closely with its portfolio companies, acting as co-developers to support long-term growth. Their sectors of interest include biotech, clean energy, manufacturing, and sustainability, specifically targeting companies in Northern Europe. The fund typically leads or co-leads investments, with check sizes ranging from €2-5 million. Its notable investments include Spectro Inlets, Enduro Genetics, and Lotus Microsystems, all working on innovative solutions in sustainability and tech. NOON Ventures emphasizes its commitment to limiting the number of investments, ensuring they can deeply engage with each startup across strategy, talent acquisition, and customer growth. NOON Ventures has made sustainability central to its mission, and its investments align with this philosophy, aiming to contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Entrepreneurs with proven technology and a passion for environmental impact will find an ideal partner in NOON Ventures, especially if they seek more than just financial backing.
Noosphere Ventures Partners LP is a Menlo Park, California-based space-focused asset management firm founded on June 4, 2014 by Ukrainian-American entrepreneur Dr. Max Polyakov. The firm takes a vertically integrated approach to NewSpace investing — combining capital, engineering expertise, and operational resources to assemble a complete space-mission stack aimed at making access to space faster and more affordable. Across the broader Noosphere network, more than 2,000 specialists operate from offices worldwide. The firm leads rounds and invests across seed, Series A, and Series B stages in companies spanning launch vehicles, satellites, satellite data and analytics, space propulsion, in-space logistics, and applied AI for Earth observation. Noosphere has made approximately 16 disclosed portfolio investments. Flagship positions illustrate the integrated thesis: Firefly Aerospace, re-created in 2017 after Noosphere acquired the assets of the bankrupt Firefly Space Systems and subsequently raised nearly $200 million; EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA), founded 2015, with proprietary radar and optical satellite constellations; Space Electric Thruster Systems (SETS), producing electric propulsion engines; D-Orbit, an in-space logistics company; and Dragonfly Aerospace, a South African satellite imaging company whose Mantis camera was deployed on Botswana's first national satellite in 2025. Noosphere also invests in hardware and robotics adjacent to the space economy. In 2024 the US Department of the Treasury cleared Dr. Polyakov to resume investment in the US space sector after a multi-year pause. Beyond financial returns, Polyakov funds the Noosphere Engineering School and the Vernadsky Challenge to develop Ukrainian engineering talent — an initiative that reflects the fund's broader commitment to building the human infrastructure of the space economy.
Nordic Alpha Partners (NAP) is a Copenhagen and Munich-based growth equity fund specializing in scaling industrial GreenTech companies. Established in 2017, NAP manages over €275 million across its funds, focusing on helping visionary founders expand their operations from local players to global leaders. The firm’s unique operational approach emphasizes active engagement, with partners working closely with portfolio companies for up to a year before formal investment. This de-risks ventures and supports rapid, capital-efficient growth. NAP's investment strategy is rooted in sustainability, specifically targeting “dark green” companies that contribute to the global green transition. NAP's impact is demonstrated by the abatement of over 1.1 million tonnes of CO2 and the creation of more than 700 jobs across its portfolio. Notable investments include AquaGreen, which revolutionizes biomass pyrolysis for energy and nutrient recovery, and Green Hydrogen Systems, a leader in the green hydrogen revolution. With strong backing from investors like Allianz Global Investors, Novo Holdings, and KfW Capital, NAP has emerged as a leader in the GreenTech space. Their approach is supported by an extensive value-creation toolkit, which guides companies through the complexities of scaling capital-intensive technologies. NAP also fosters future GreenTech leaders by collaborating with academic institutions, including the Technical University of Denmark. Committed to economic sustainability, NAP helps fuel the growth of next-generation companies that drive the global green transformation while ensuring long-term financial success for their investors.
Nordic Eye Venture Capital is a Danish venture and growth capital firm headquartered in Copenhagen, with additional presence in San Francisco and Zurich. Founded in 2016, Nordic Eye focuses on investing in early-growth companies within the tech and lifestyle sectors. The firm is known for its strategic investments in high-potential companies that have demonstrated product-market fit and scalability. Notable investments in their portfolio include MATE, a company revolutionizing the e-bike market; Bellabeat, a health tech company; and AirHelp, which assists air passengers in claiming compensation for delayed flights. Other significant investments are in companies like Blue Ocean Robotics, known for developing service robots, and Organic Basics, a sustainable fashion brand. Nordic Eye's investment strategy involves not just providing capital but also actively supporting their portfolio companies through their growth stages. They prefer to enter investments once a company has proven its product-market fit and aim to exit when the company has demonstrated its scalability. The firm is committed to responsible investing, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies with their business strategy to ensure sustainable business practices that lead to long-term success.
Nordic Makers, established in 2016, is an early-stage investment firm founded by a group of experienced angel investors from the Nordic region. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments, primarily in technology-driven startups across the Nordics and Europe. Their investment philosophy centers on providing founder-friendly terms and leveraging their extensive network to support entrepreneurial growth. Notable investments by Nordic Makers include Labster, a leading provider of virtual science labs; Seaborg Technologies, which is developing sustainable nuclear reactor technology; and NextMind, which creates brain-sensing wearable devices for real-time device control. Other significant investments include Willa Pay, Helix Nano, LetsBuild, Singa, and Climateview. The firm’s founding partners, such as Klaus Nyengaard, Esben Gadsbøll, and Alexander Aghassipour, bring a wealth of experience from successful ventures like Just Eat, WhiteAway, and Zendesk. They focus on fostering cross-border investments and integrating the Nordic and Baltic startup ecosystems.
NordicNinja VC is a leading venture capital fund with a €200 million second fund targeting climate tech and deep tech startups across Northern Europe, the UK, and the Benelux. Founded in 2019, the firm is a joint venture backed by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Honda, Omron, and European investors like BaltCap and Swedbank. NordicNinja invests between €2.5 to €10 million in Series A and B rounds, supporting founders addressing global challenges in sustainability, digitalization, and innovative tech solutions. The fund’s portfolio includes high-profile companies like Bolt, Veriff, Einride, and Voi, emphasizing sectors such as electric and autonomous mobility, AI, and immersive digital tools. While around half of NordicNinja’s investments are concentrated in mobility and transportation due to their potential for significant carbon reduction, the firm has also backed companies in sectors like healthcare and digital identity verification, leveraging AI and mixed reality to solve pressing societal problems. Led by managing partners Shinichi Nikkuni, Marek Kiisa, Rainer Sternfeld, and Tomosaku Sohara, the team combines deep expertise in engineering, green energy, and international business. This allows NordicNinja to bridge Japanese and European ecosystems, offering founders access to Japanese corporate networks, enhancing market reach, and supporting scalable, impactful innovation. The fund prioritizes founders with ambitious visions and a readiness to lead in creating a sustainable, tech-driven future, making NordicNinja an ideal partner for startups ready to tackle the world's most critical challenges.
Norrsken VC is a prominent European venture capital firm focused on impact investing, founded in 2017 in Sweden. The firm supports startups that address significant global challenges while aiming for substantial financial returns. Norrsken VC specializes in sectors such as climate tech, energy, biotech, AI, and health tech, ensuring each investment aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Norrsken VC's portfolio includes high-impact companies like Northvolt, a battery manufacturer; Einride, which develops electric autonomous transport; and 1KOMMA5°, focused on sustainable energy solutions. These companies exemplify Norrsken's commitment to backing startups that positively impact both people and the planet. The firm recently closed its second fund at €320 million, surpassing its original target of €250 million, making it the largest early-stage generalist impact fund in Europe. This fund is supported by major institutional investors, including Folksam, AP1, and the European Investment Fund (EIF), and aims to empower "force of nature" founders to create impact unicorns. Norrsken VC's team comprises experienced venture capitalists and industry experts, including General Partners Niklas Adalberth, Tove Larsson, Agate Freimane, and David Frykman. The team is dedicated to finding visionary founders across Europe who share their passion for creating a better future through innovative solutions.
North Bridge Venture Partners, founded in 1994 and based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is a venture capital firm that provides seed-to-growth financing. The firm focuses on several key sectors, including communications and infrastructure, software, materials, healthcare, and digital media. North Bridge Venture Partners supports companies from their initial stages through to becoming market leaders, leveraging a combination of operational experience and strategic guidance. The firm has made over 479 investments and has achieved 183 exits. Notable portfolio companies include Couchbase, Markforged, and Lyra Therapeutics. North Bridge has a significant presence in the U.S. market, focusing primarily on early-stage and growth-stage companies operating in healthcare and information technology sectors. North Bridge is led by a team of experienced professionals, including founder and managing partner Edward Anderson and general partners Richard D'Amore and Jeffrey McCarthy. The firm's strategy emphasizes investing in exceptional entrepreneurs whose ideas have the potential to disrupt their respective industries.
North Island Ventures (NIV), founded in 2020 by Travis Scher, James Hutchins, and Glenn Hutchins, is a New York-based venture capital firm focused on investing in the crypto and Web3 space. NIV has approximately $300 million in assets under management and targets early-stage investments in companies developing innovative blockchain technologies and applications. Their portfolio includes notable investments in companies such as Axelar, BCB Group, Dapper Labs, Flow, ImmuneFi, and Polymer Labs. NIV's investment strategy centers on supporting emerging technologies that can create new applications and experiences, leveraging the unique capabilities of blockchain and crypto. NIV recently closed its second fund, NIV Fund II, with $125 million in commitments, aiming to make 30 to 40 investments with initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $3 million. The fund focuses on sectors like DeFi, NFTs, digital identity, blockchain cybersecurity, cross-chain interoperability, and decentralized science.
North Sky Capital is a pioneering impact investment firm, recognized for its deep commitment to sustainable investing. Established in 2000, the firm has been a trailblazer in the impact investment landscape, particularly through its two core strategies: impact secondaries and sustainable infrastructure. North Sky’s investments focus on sectors like climate tech, clean energy, sustainable food, and waste management, emphasizing both environmental and social impact alongside financial returns. Geographically, North Sky is predominantly active in developed markets, with investments across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. They’ve deployed over $1.4 billion across more than 140 investments, with a particular emphasis on mid-market companies that contribute to the energy transition, circular economy, and healthy living sectors. The firm's strategy is distinctive for its leadership in the impact secondaries market—a niche within private equity where North Sky was the first to launch an impact-focused secondaries fund in 2013. Their latest fund, Clean Growth VI, raised $250 million, reflecting their ability to attract major institutional investors globally. The firm often leads these rounds, leveraging its extensive network to source high-impact opportunities that might be overlooked by traditional secondary funds. Key team members like CEO Scott Barrington and Managing Director Gretchen Postula are central to the firm’s success, combining decades of experience in private markets with a passionate commitment to sustainability. North Sky prefers to work closely with companies, often leading investment rounds and seeking partnerships that align with their rigorous impact criteria.
The North West Fund is a £155 million investment fund aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North West of England. Managed by North West Business Finance Limited, an independent private sector company, the fund was established to address gaps in lending, venture capital, and private equity markets. The fund has been fully invested, supporting over 443 businesses and creating more than 6,300 jobs in the region. The fund comprises several sub-funds, each managed by different fund managers, providing a range of financial support from equity investments to loans. These sub-funds include The North West Fund for Venture Capital, Mezzanine, Loans Plus, Micro Loans, Energy and Environmental, Biomedical, and Digital and Creative. These funds have been instrumental in facilitating the growth and expansion of innovative businesses across various sectors. The North West Fund has a strong team of experienced professionals, including Cliff Maylor (Chief Executive Officer), Neil Morrey (Chief Operating Officer), and Mike Kenyon (Chief Financial Officer). The fund's governance is supported by an independent Board and an Investment Advisory Panel with expertise in private equity, venture capital, and the targeted sectors.
Northern Gritstone is a venture capital firm established in 2020, focused on commercializing cutting-edge science and technology emerging from the North of England. With headquarters in Manchester and strong ties to the Universities of Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield, Northern Gritstone primarily invests in early-stage companies that originate from these institutions or are based in the region. The firm manages a substantial fund, recently closing at £312 million, to support startups in sectors like deep technology, life sciences, healthcare, and advanced materials. Northern Gritstone's investment strategy is driven by a philosophy of "profit with purpose," aiming to generate financial returns while also contributing to the economic development of the North of England. Northern Gritstone has already made significant investments in companies such as Optalysys, a photonic chip firm, and AssetCool, which develops advanced coatings for industrial applications. The firm is committed to fostering a tech ecosystem in the region, aspiring to create a "Silicon Valley of the North" by backing visionary companies with strong intellectual property and high growth potential.
Northstar Ventures is a UK-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments that create a positive social or environmental impact. With a portfolio that spans tech innovation and social enterprises, the firm emphasizes sectors like climate tech, biotech, and healthy aging. Their notable investments include Newcells Biotech, which develops in vitro organ models for drug testing, and NunaBio, a leader in DNA synthesis technology crucial for personalized medicine and data storage solutions. Geographically, Northstar Ventures primarily focuses on startups in the North East of England but also supports businesses across the UK. They invest through funds such as the North East Innovation Fund and the Northstar EIS Growth Fund, with typical early-stage investments ranging from £300,000 to £1 million. Their hands-on approach includes extensive support for founders, particularly in sectors that align with sustainability goals, like Low Carbon Materials, which develops environmentally friendly construction materials. Northstar also backs social impact ventures, such as Coping with Cancer North East, reflecting their commitment to community well-being alongside technological innovation.
Northwell Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Northwell Health — New York State's largest private employer and integrated healthcare delivery network, comprising 21-plus hospitals and more than 850 ambulatory sites — operating under Northwell Holdings, the system's for-profit commercialization subsidiary established in 2015. The unit is led by President and CEO Richard Mulry, a 25-plus-year veteran of healthcare administration and operations. Its mandate is to improve the future of healthcare by investing in companies that drive higher-quality outcomes, increase operating efficiency, lower the total cost of care, and improve the patient experience. Northwell Ventures leads rounds and is active from seed through Series B, and has made approximately 40 investments to date. The firm is highly selective: it receives more than 2,000 external startup inquiries per year and invests in roughly one in every 300 companies reviewed. Activity is organized across three pillars — venture investment, joint ventures and co-creation, and data strategy and commercialization. Flagship initiatives include Ascertain, a joint healthcare-AI company creation platform launched with Aegis Ventures in 2022 and 2023 and capitalized with $100 million to systematically launch AI companies for maternal and fetal health and chronic disease detection; and Clarapath, a 2021 spin-out automating pathology labs with AI-powered robotics that raised a $36 million Series B-1 in 2024 led by Northwell Ventures with Mayo Clinic and Ochsner Ventures, bringing total funding to $75 million. Other portfolio names include Optain, Hume, Prolucent, Playback Health, and Memora Health. Northwell's commercial and clinical scale gives its venture arm privileged access to real-world patient workflows and health-system data — a structural advantage that few hospital-affiliated CVCs can match.
Northzone, established in 1996, is a multi-stage venture capital fund investing in companies from Seed to Growth stages across Europe and the US. With a notable portfolio that includes companies like Spotify, Klarna, Trustpilot, and Kahoot!, Northzone has built a reputation for backing category-defining entrepreneurs. In 2022, Northzone raised €1 billion, emphasizing its commitment to supporting innovative startups that can thrive amidst global challenges. The firm’s investment strategy spans various sectors, including fintech, healthtech, SaaS, and consumer technology. Northzone typically writes checks between €1 million and €40 million, allowing them to support companies through multiple stages of growth, from initial funding to pre-IPO. Their approach is characterized by a focus on founders with conviction, a willingness to embrace risk, and a dedication to long-term partnerships. Northzone’s team operates across major cities like New York, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Berlin, reflecting their "glocal" (global and local) mindset. This diverse and international team, comprising 36 members from 16 nationalities, brings a wealth of experience and a strong network to the table. The firm values integrity, results, intellectual curiosity, and strong partnerships, and has consistently championed diversity and inclusion both within their team and across their portfolio. Entrepreneurs interested in partnering with Northzone are encouraged to present bold ideas with substantial market potential. The firm values straightforward communication and prefers to invest in teams capable of navigating and thriving in challenging environments
Norwest Venture Partners (NVP), headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital and growth equity investment firm managing over $15.5 billion in capital. Founded in 1961, Norwest has invested in more than 700 companies across various sectors, including enterprise, consumer, and healthcare. Some of their notable investments include companies like Spotify, Adaptive Insights, Udemy, Talkspace, Opendoor, Kendra Scott, and Health Catalyst. These investments highlight Norwest's diversified approach, backing high-impact companies at various stages of growth from early to late-stage. Norwest recently announced the closing of its seventeenth fund, NVP 17, raising $3 billion to continue supporting visionary entrepreneurs. The firm operates globally with offices in Menlo Park, San Francisco, Mumbai, and Tel Aviv, focusing on North America, India, and Israel. With a strong commitment to their portfolio companies, Norwest offers extensive support through their experienced investment and portfolio services teams, helping businesses navigate growth and scale effectively. This hands-on approach has contributed to their track record of successful exits and sustained growth in their portfolio companies.
Notation Capital, established in 2015 by Nicholas Chirls and Alex Lines, is a pioneering pre-seed venture capital firm based in Brooklyn, New York. Specializing in early-stage investments, Notation Capital supports technical teams at the inception of their business journeys, often at the idea stage. Notation's notable investments include Spruce, Livepeer, Bison Trails, and Parsec, showcasing their focus on hard tech, infrastructure, and product-centric startups. The fund is heavily focused on the New York City area but does not limit itself geographically if the opportunity aligns well with their investment philosophy. They typically lead the first round of financing with investment sizes ranging from $250K to $750K. Their strategy emphasizes deep involvement from day one, providing not just capital but also substantial operational support, leveraging their extensive network of advisors, founders, and LPs to accelerate growth and product development. Key team members include Nicholas Chirls, who brings expertise in product development and growth strategies from his previous role at betaworks, and Alex Lines, a seasoned software engineer with a decade of experience in building scalable products. Startups looking to engage with Notation Capital should demonstrate a strong technical foundation and a compelling vision for disruptive innovation. They prefer founders who are deeply product-focused and exhibit a strong determination to execute their vision.
Notion Capital, founded by seasoned SaaS entrepreneurs, excels in investing in early-stage European startups, particularly in SaaS and enterprise tech. With a strong operational background, they leverage deep industry knowledge to support portfolio companies like GoCardless, Paddle, and Mews. Their focus spans business software, fintech, and future finance sectors, targeting transformative technologies like AI and cloud computing. Geographically, Notion Capital is centered on Europe, emphasizing markets in the UK, Germany, and France. Their strategy involves providing significant support through a dedicated platform team, aiding in product development, go-to-market strategies, and talent acquisition. They employ advanced AI for investment sourcing, ensuring they stay ahead in identifying high-potential startups. The fund typically leads Series A rounds, with an average check size of around €15 million, maintaining a portfolio of about 20 core investments. Recent notable investments include Bound, DataOps, and Resistant AI. Founders benefit from Notion's extensive network and strategic guidance, fostering growth and scaling efficiently. Key team members include Stephen Chandler, Jos White, and Itxaso del Palacio, who bring extensive experience from their entrepreneurial and investment backgrounds. This diverse and dynamic team is committed to a hands-on approach, driving success and innovation within their portfolio companies. Overall, Notion Capital stands out for its founder-friendly approach, combining strategic insights with robust financial backing, making it a formidable player in the European venture capital landscape.
New Venture Fund (Norwest Venture Partners) is a leading venture capital and growth equity investment firm with a diversified investment strategy. It focuses on early- to late-stage investments across various sectors, including consumer, enterprise, and healthcare. Norwest has a robust global presence with offices in North America, India, and Israel, enabling it to identify and support innovative companies worldwide. Notable investments by Norwest include companies like Dave, Gong, Swiggy, Udemy, Vuori, and Ritual. These investments demonstrate the firm's commitment to backing visionary leaders and transformative businesses. Norwest’s investment strategy includes providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to help portfolio companies scale and achieve significant growth. The firm has recently launched its $3 billion fund, NVP XVI, to continue empowering high-impact businesses. In recent years, Norwest has expanded its focus within the healthcare sector to include biotechnology, building on its successes in medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare services. Norwest's notable exits include companies such as Opendoor, Talkspace, Udemy, Aporeto, CyberX, and Shape Security, among others. The firm is also committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, investing in companies that prioritize sustainability and social impact.
Novo Holdings is a premier life sciences investment firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, with additional offices in Boston, San Francisco, London, and Singapore. The firm is wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and manages an extensive portfolio aimed at generating long-term returns while advancing health and sustainability. Novo Holdings focuses on investments across biotechnology, medical technology, and digital health sectors, supporting companies at various stages, from early development to commercial phases. In 2023, the firm deployed DKK 3.6 billion, including significant investments in 4D Molecular, Alentis Therapeutics, and Lexeo Therapeutics. The firm's strategy emphasizes innovation in patient care and strong financial returns. Notably, Novo Holdings operates with an evergreen fund structure, allowing a long-term perspective on its investments. The firm actively engages with portfolio companies, often taking board positions to leverage its vast network and expertise. The investment team, led by Managing Partner Scott Beardsley, comprises professionals across major life science hubs. Key team members include Amit Kakar, Head of Novo Holdings Asia, and Anna Fan, Senior Partner in the Life Sciences Operating Committee. For startups seeking investment, Novo Holdings values groundbreaking science and robust clinical data, favoring companies with late preclinical or clinical stage compounds in biotech, and commercial stage entities in medtech and digital health
Novum Ventures Partners is a Kuala Lumpur-based venture capital management firm founded in 2018 and registered with the Securities Commission Malaysia as a Private Equity Management Company. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in healthcare, manufacturing, semiconductor, and technology-related sectors across Malaysia and the surrounding ASEAN region. Its investment thesis is grounded in disciplined research, analysis, and due diligence, with capital paired with intellectual support drawn from the partners' operating networks. The firm is led by Partners Ng Mun Hon and Ngu Chie Kieng, who together bring more than 50 years of combined business operating and private equity experience and a track record of historical exits at internal rates of return above 20 percent. Ng Mun Hon has 19-plus years of investment experience including 12 years in direct private-market investing at the venture and growth stages. Prior to Novum, he served as Vice President of Strategic Investments at Malaysia's National Innovation Agency, and from 2008 to 2012 was at Malaysia Venture Capital Management Berhad (MAVCAP) — the country's largest VC firm with RM 1.2 billion in assets under management — where he drove growth and pre-IPO investments and led MAVCAP's first Greentech investments, returning more than 20 percent IRR. Across their careers the partners have managed a global portfolio valued at more than RM 600 million. Novum writes seed and Series A cheques in the $100,000 to $500,000 range and maintains a deliberately discreet profile; specific portfolio company names are not publicly disclosed, reflecting a relationship-driven approach to the Malaysian and ASEAN private investment market rather than a high-volume dealflow strategy.
Novus Ventures was a Cupertino, California-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 1994 by Dan Tompkins and Greg Lahann, specializing in information technology and select life sciences investments. Headquartered at Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino, the firm operated with approximately six professionals including four partners; leadership included Managing General Partner Dan Tompkins and General Partner and Founding Member Shirley Cerrudo. Novus deployed Series A cheques in the $500,000 to $1 million range into US-based startups where the partners could make both financial and strategic contributions as active investor-operators. Sector concentration spanned enterprise software and applications, infrastructure, semiconductors, networking, systems, and select life sciences. Across more than 20 years of activity the firm made 71 investments and produced four acquisition exits. Notable portfolio companies include MBlox, a mobile messaging company acquired by CLX Communications in 2016; Voltaix, a specialty electronic materials company acquired by Air Liquide in 2013; Tidal Software, a workload automation platform acquired by Cisco; Pathwork Diagnostics, a cancer diagnostics company; and LoveTheSign, an Italian designer-furniture e-commerce platform that represented the firm's last recorded investment in April 2015. Novus Ventures is now permanently closed and no longer makes new investments. The entity continues to exist primarily for legacy portfolio management. Its 20-year record spanning Silicon Valley's enterprise software and semiconductor buildout stands as a complete chapter of early-stage IT investing in the region.
NTT DOCOMO Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of NTT DOCOMO and the broader NTT Group, established in 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo with an additional team based in Silicon Valley. One of the largest and longest-running corporate venture funds in Japan, the firm's mission is to unite startups with the NTT Group — connecting shared talent and passion to deliver business collaborations across AI, telecommunications, content platforms, battery and power, security, big data, devices, and cloud infrastructure. The firm leads rounds and has invested across incubation, early, mid, and later pre-IPO stages, with typical cheques of $2 million to $3 million targeting minority stakes of approximately 20 percent or less. Across its 17-year history, NTT DOCOMO Ventures has invested in approximately 157 companies with between 18 and 55 portfolio companies reaching IPO or listing. The firm operates four successive funds: Fund I at JPY 15 billion (2008), Fund II at JPY 10 billion (2014), Fund III at JPY 20 billion (2018), and the DOCOMO Innovation Fund IV at JPY 15 billion, approximately $143 million, established January 2026. Current leadership is Yuko Sasahara as President, CEO, and Chief Culture Officer, and Jun Yasumoto as COO. Notable AI-era portfolio companies include ElevenLabs, the US voice AI unicorn; Ayar Labs, a silicon photonics unicorn; Wasabi, a cloud storage company; and AI model Inc., the firm's first Japanese lead-investor position in February 2024. A strategic Southeast Asia push is underway via Synexia Ventures, the NTT Group's first dedicated Southeast Asia investment vehicle, launched in November 2025. NTT DOCOMO Ventures' scale — spanning deep corporate relationships across one of the world's largest telecom groups — positions it as a credible bridge for portfolio companies seeking access to enterprise distribution channels across Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Nucleus Capital, founded in 2020 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting early-stage, purpose-driven entrepreneurs tackling systemic challenges to planetary health. They focus on three main sectors: programmable biology, food technology, and green industrials. Notable investments by Nucleus Capital include Yuri, a space biotech company; Planet A Foods, which develops biotech-derived food ingredients; and Hier Foods, a digital platform for food distribution. Other key investments encompass innovative startups like Farmless, which transforms renewable energy into food, and Brineworks, which focuses on ocean-based CO2 removal through electrochemistry. Nucleus Capital typically invests in pre-seed and seed stages with check sizes ranging from €150k to €1 million. They aim to partner with mission-driven teams possessing deep domain expertise and creative solutions to global environmental challenges. The firm is led by co-founders Maximilian Schwarz and Isabella Fandrych, who bring significant expertise and a strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurial innovation for planetary health.
Nuvest Ventures LLC is a Newport Beach, California-based hybrid venture and private equity firm and financing advisory boutique founded in 2003 by Managing Partner and Founder Richard Cowan, an honors graduate of Harvard College with an MBA from Harvard Business School. The firm pairs principal investing with capital raising, M&A advisory, analytical research, financial restructuring, turnaround consulting, and investor-relations advisory work, supporting clients across the lifecycle from formation through exit. The investment thesis focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs determined to transform a great idea into an exceptional business, with particular interest in B2C e-commerce brands and disruptive technologies including clean and renewable energy. Nuvest has made three disclosed direct investments and one acquisition. The firm acquired Lucky Tackle Box, a subscription fishing-tackle service, in July 2019, which now operates as a Nuvest subsidiary. Additional disclosed investments include iGlass Technology and LVX System, a LiFi-based visible light communication company that received a Seed investment in July 2020 — the firm's most recent publicly recorded deal. Activity has been quiet since 2020 and the Newport Beach office has been listed as closed as of early 2026, suggesting the business has moved into asset-management or wind-down mode. The firm's tagline — 'We Help Entrepreneurs Climb the Highest Mountains' — captures its hands-on advisory posture. While Nuvest's public investment footprint is limited, its combination of operating expertise, Harvard-trained analytical rigor, and advisory capabilities has made it a resource for entrepreneurs in the Southern California market navigating early-stage capital formation.