Sector
Healthtech & Wellness VC Funds
Venture capital funds investing in health technology, digital health, wellness platforms, and telehealth startups.
Mucker Capital, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Los Angeles, is a venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage startups across the United States, Canada, and beyond. With additional offices in Austin and Toronto, Mucker Capital focuses on internet-enabled software and services, aiming to support startups outside the traditional Silicon Valley ecosystem. The firm believes that great companies can be built anywhere and provides tactical help, networking opportunities, and a bridge to Silicon Valley resources. Notable portfolio companies include Honey, acquired by PayPal; Surf Air, which went public on NASDAQ; and ServiceTitan, a business management software for home service providers. Mucker Capital has also backed companies like The Black Tux, ServiceTitan, and BloomNation. MuckerLab, their pre-seed accelerator, is highly regarded and ranked second in the U.S. by the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project based on valuations, exits, fundraising, survival, and founder satisfaction. Mucker Capital's approach includes rolling up their sleeves to work alongside entrepreneurs on product development, marketing, sales, recruiting, and other critical areas to help startups succeed. The firm has launched multiple funds, including Mucker III, a $45 million seed-stage fund, and continues to support the growth and scaling of innovative startups.
Munich Re, founded in 1880, is one of the world's leading providers of reinsurance, primary insurance, and risk management solutions. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, the company operates globally, offering comprehensive risk assessment and financial protection across a wide range of sectors. Munich Re has consistently ranked at the top of the global reinsurance industry, thanks to its robust risk management practices, financial stability, and innovative approach to emerging risks. The company’s strategy, known as Ambition 2025, focuses on three core pillars: Scale, Shape, and Succeed. This strategy aims to enhance Munich Re's core business, develop new digital and innovative business models, and deliver added value to shareholders, clients, employees, and communities. The company is particularly focused on expanding its reinsurance operations, modernizing IT infrastructure, and pushing the boundaries of digital solutions, including cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). In terms of financial performance, Munich Re reported a consolidated result of €4.6 billion for 2023, with a solvency ratio of 267%, reflecting its financial strength and stability. The company is also committed to sustainability, setting ambitious goals to decarbonize its operations and investment portfolio, with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Munich Re’s global presence is supported by over 42,800 employees across more than 50 countries, making it a critical player in managing complex and extraordinary risks worldwide.
Muse Capital is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Los Angeles, California, focused on investing in consumer-facing startups. Founded in 2016, the firm aims to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley, the entertainment industry, and the corporate sector, providing strategic capital and partnership-based business development. Muse Capital has a diverse portfolio that includes companies like CoFertility, Beekeeper's Naturals, Cloud Paper, and Firefly, all of which are pushing boundaries in telehealth, education, motherhood, gaming, and underserved markets. The firm is led by Assia Grazioli-Venier and Rachel Springate, who leverage their extensive networks in the entertainment and corporate worlds to support their portfolio companies. Muse Capital typically invests in seed-stage rounds, providing both financial backing and strategic guidance to help startups grow and succeed. Muse Capital is particularly known for its active involvement in the companies it invests in, offering tactical insights and connections to key industry players. This hands-on approach has made Muse a valuable partner for entrepreneurs looking to disrupt and innovate within the consumer sector. For startups looking to engage with Muse Capital, demonstrating a clear vision for consumer impact and leveraging the firm’s entertainment and corporate connections can be crucial.
Musa Ventures is a cutting-edge platform dedicated to improving the funding readiness of startups and small to medium businesses (SMBs). They leverage advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to deliver comprehensive venture health assessments. This holistic approach goes beyond financial metrics, providing founders with detailed insights into their ventures' strengths and areas needing improvement. The platform offers intelligent venture health dashboards that give real-time feedback and actionable recommendations. These dashboards are designed to help founders understand strategic gaps and enhance their appeal to potential funders. By offering objective feedback and insights from experienced advisors, Musa Ventures aims to make the fundraising process more transparent and accessible. Musa Ventures also employs proprietary assessment tools developed from over 30 years of global experience and research into ventures and SMBs. These tools analyze data from more than 20,000 ventures and involve input from over 600 funding firms, ensuring a robust and reliable evaluation process. In addition to assessments, Musa Ventures uses algorithmic matching to connect funding-ready ventures with suitable funders or partners. This approach helps streamline the funding process, making it easier for businesses to secure the right type of funding from the right sources. Musa Ventures thus plays a pivotal role in fostering a symbiotic relationship between startups and financial backers, ultimately contributing to healthier and more successful business ventures.
Mustard Seed VC, founded in 2015 by Henry Wigan and Alex Pitt, is a London-based venture capital firm focusing on impact investments. They back innovative businesses that tackle significant social and environmental challenges. Their investment philosophy emphasizes the "lock-step" approach, where the business model inherently benefits society, aligning with their goal of sustainable capitalism. Mustard Seed VC's portfolio includes notable investments such as What3Words, a geocoding system that improves location accuracy, and Winnow Solutions, which uses technology to reduce food waste. The firm has had successful exits, including Lifecake, a family photo-sharing app acquired by Canon. They typically invest in seed and growth stages, with investment sizes ranging from £100,000 to £500,000, and have the capacity to follow on into Series A rounds. Mustard Seed is committed to long-term partnerships, offering extensive support to their portfolio companies. Mustard Seed's impact-driven approach has attracted support from significant backers like Big Society Capital, enhancing their ability to drive capital towards socially impactful ventures. Their guiding principles include fortitude, persistence, humility, and audacity, which they believe are essential for building transformative businesses.
MVM Partners, founded in 1997, is a global venture capital firm focused on high-growth healthcare investments. With offices in Boston and London, MVM invests broadly across sectors including medical technology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health, and other healthcare-related fields. Their portfolio includes notable companies such as SkyCell, which developed patented temperature-control technology for safely transporting vaccines and biotech drugs, and Ossio, which created OSSIOfiber Intelligent Bone Regeneration Technology—a novel orthopedic fixation material that integrates into native bone and avoids the need for permanent metal implants. MVM also invested in MDxHealth, a company specializing in molecular diagnostics for urologic cancers, which enhances personalized cancer diagnosis and treatment. MVM's investment strategy emphasizes significant minority stakes in innovative companies, providing both financial support and strategic guidance to help these companies grow and scale. Their approach involves close collaboration with management teams to drive business development and market expansion. MVM's recent investments include companies like eXmoor Pharma, which focuses on cell and gene therapy services, and Nalu Medical, which develops minimally invasive solutions for chronic pain management. These investments reflect MVM's commitment to supporting advancements in medical technology and improving patient outcomes globally.
MVP Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in highly technical, deep-technology innovations. Their approach is centered on partnering with founders at the earliest stages, particularly in software and hardware solutions that address significant problems across large markets. MVP has built an impressive portfolio that includes cutting-edge companies such as Dataminr, which uses AI to detect real-time digital patterns, and Luminous Computing, which is revolutionizing AI computing with photonic chips. MVP is known for its data-driven, systematic approach to deal sourcing, helping them uncover top opportunities in deep-tech sectors. Their investment strategy is built around making significant early-stage investments in startups that show potential for disruption in industries such as AI, robotics, and advanced materials. Their portfolio spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, construction tech, fintech, and space tech, with companies like Gecko Robotics, Mighty Buildings, and Loft Orbital leading the way. With a deep commitment to working alongside founders, MVP Ventures takes an active role in helping startups scale, often leading investment rounds and providing hands-on support. The firm is driven by a vision to back ambitious innovators and help them build transformative companies that address global challenges. MVP Ventures also places a strong emphasis on building durable, defensible businesses that can withstand market shifts, ensuring long-term growth and success.
Myelin VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2019 with operations across Madrid, Spain, Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The fund's name references the myelin sheath that accelerates neural signals, and its mission centers on backing startups whose ideas reshape how people think, collaborate, and solve problems at scale. Myelin is a $50 million fund that takes an industry-agnostic approach to early-stage technology, writing checks of $250,000 to $1 million from seed through Series A. The team is led by General Partners Matias Nisenson (blockchain gaming and DeFi background), Martin Varsavsky (telecom and fertility entrepreneur), Cesar Levene, and Non-Executive General Partner Alec Oxenford (founder of OLX), with Investment Partner Federico Jack also involved in deal execution. As of November 2024 Myelin had invested in 42 companies spanning healthtech, biotech, food and beverage, SaaS, fintech, AI, and web3. Notable portfolio companies include CookUnity, a rapidly scaling food-tech platform; Daye, a women's health company founded by Valentina Milanova; Aura Biosciences, founded by Elisabeth de Los Pinos (an exit); Buenbit, a fintech founded by Federico Ogue; Pipedream Labs ($13 million round in 2024 alongside Starship Ventures and Cortado Ventures); NUE Life Health (an exit); Nodal ($4 million seed extension, November 2024); Throne (gut-health AI, May 2025); and Midas Software (most recent investment, March 2026). Three companies have exited to date. Myelin's tri-city presence across Madrid, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires anchors it as a genuinely transatlantic fund, with the ability to source from Spain's growing startup ecosystem and Latin America's deep pool of technical and commercial talent simultaneously.
Mystic Ventures, founded in 2021 and based in Los Angeles, is a venture capital firm focused on the rapidly growing psychedelic medicine and mental health sector. The fund is committed to advancing research and developing innovative treatments using psychedelics to address conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Mystic Ventures typically invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are pioneering these therapies. Led by Jeremy Gardner and Brock Pierce, the firm takes a biotech-oriented approach, partnering with scientific research teams and pharmaceutical experts to bring cost-effective, holistic psychedelic solutions to the mainstream. With a rolling fund structure on AngelList, Mystic Ventures is uniquely positioned to offer flexible capital to startups, supporting their long-term growth in the burgeoning field of psychedelic therapeutics. The fund has backed companies like Psylo and Heading Health, among others. By investing in breakthrough treatments that go beyond traditional pharmaceutical approaches, Mystic Ventures aims to reshape how mental health treatments are developed and accessed, while offering investors exposure to this transformative market.
N49P Ventures, established in 2019 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, focuses on seed-stage investments in Canadian technology startups. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as e-commerce, AI, fintech, and software, supporting companies with their growth and market expansion strategies. Notable portfolio companies include Visualping, which raised $6 million for its website change monitoring service, and Rally, a software company that secured $10 million in funding. N49P has also backed startups like Spellbook and EvenUp, both of which operate in the legal AI space. The team at N49P includes founders Doug Penick, Alex Norman, and Omar Dhalla, all of whom bring extensive experience in investment and operational roles. They are actively involved in supporting their portfolio companies through fundraising, customer introductions, and ongoing coaching. N49P emphasizes building a strong community of investors who are dedicated to supporting the Canadian tech ecosystem. This community includes active founders, business executives, and exited teams who contribute their expertise and networks to help portfolio companies succeed.
Nama Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital fund based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on fueling innovation across the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Founded by Mohammed Alzubi, the fund is committed to nurturing early-stage technology startups with a strong emphasis on team-based ventures over solo founders. Their portfolio includes notable investments like PIESHIP in logistics, palm.hr in business productivity software, and Brev.dev, an AI and ML platform recently acquired by NVIDIA. Nama Ventures emphasizes supporting startups from pre-seed to seed stages, often leading funding rounds and providing strategic guidance to help ventures grow and realize their potential. They have invested in 47 companies, achieving several successful exits, including the acquisition of Brev.dev by NVIDIA. The fund recently launched a $27 million fund to further invest in MENA startups, with some allocations for Silicon Valley-based ventures through strategic syndication partners. Nama Ventures' investment strategy is centered around fostering technology innovation and supporting startups with complementary skill sets in their founding teams. For startups looking to approach Nama Ventures, it's crucial to demonstrate a robust team dynamic, innovative technology, and the potential for significant impact and growth within the targeted markets. The leadership team, including Mohammed Alzubi, brings extensive experience from Silicon Valley, offering a wealth of knowledge and a strong network to support portfolio companies in achieving their goals and scaling their businesses effectively.
Naples Technology Ventures (NTV) is a Naples, Florida-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2018 by co-founders and Managing Partners Brij Sharma and Mike Abbaei. Sharma brings more than 25 years of entrepreneurial and investor experience spanning the US, India, and the GCC region, and the firm is rounded out by Chief Investment Officer Neeraj Vohra. NTV selectively backs early-stage B2B SaaS companies in fintech, insurtech, healthtech, and regtech — sectors characterised by dated legacy infrastructure and manual processes that are ripe for transformation through AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and robotics. NTV's investment thesis emphasises stability, profitable growth, and sustainable value creation rather than blitzscale. The firm has closed one fund (NTV Fund I, which invested in 12 companies) and is actively raising the NTV Frontier Fund, which has surpassed $30 million en route to a $50 million close. Across 44 total investments, NTV has built a portfolio of 31 active companies. Representative names include Acium, a multi-browser security platform; Agrisource Data, an AI-driven data integration tool for agriculture; AllDigital Specialty, an insurtech platform using blockchain and AI; Zenapse, which raised an $8 million seed round in March 2024 alongside BaseCamp Ventures; and Iris, which raised a $3 million seed in February 2025 with Florida Funders. A notable exit is Lucy, acquired by Capacity in October 2024. NTV's philosophy centres on backing companies that achieve optimization and efficiency in large industries, providing founders with capital alongside strategic guidance on product, go-to-market, and operations. The firm's Florida base, paired with its global network, positions NTV as an active supporter of founders outside traditional venture hubs.
Nation 1 VC, now branded as N1, is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2019 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, with a registered presence in Luxembourg. The firm positions itself as a 'Day 0' investor — the first choice as a first investor and partner — backing AI and healthtech founders primarily across Europe and the United States. N1 is led by founding Managing Partners Marek Moravec and Jaroslav Trojan, alongside partner Petra W. Konceli kova, and manages approximately $60 million across two funds: an original Nation 1 Fund of EUR 35.1 million and a successor vehicle currently being deployed. N1 writes checks from EUR 20,000 to EUR 1.5 million per company as a minority investor at pre-seed and seed stages, and has deployed EUR 23 million or more across 30-plus startups in its first five years of operation. As of late 2025 the active portfolio stands at 35 companies, with 4 new investments made in 2025 alone. The portfolio spans AI, fintech, insurtech, healthtech, e-commerce, travel, and environmental technologies. Notable portfolio companies include Snuggs, a period-underwear brand; Daytrip, a platform connecting travelers with local-knowledge drivers; Vrgineers, a VR training simulator for aviation; DuoCards, a language-learning app; TrueClaim, an insurtech platform; and Myriad AI, a Czech-founded AI startup that raised a $2 million pre-seed as a recent follow-on. N1 operates with conviction at the earliest stages, accepting the highest uncertainty in exchange for the most meaningful ownership and founder relationships. The firm's approach is built on long-term partnership rather than board oversight alone, with partners engaging actively on product, hiring, and early commercial strategy.
Natural Bridges Ventures (NBV) is a global venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, specializing in scaling disruptive technologies through a unique blend of strategic guidance and operational acceleration. NBV focuses on early-stage companies that operate at the intersection of communication, collaboration, and technological innovation. With an emphasis on design thinking, the firm partners with startups aiming to transform markets in areas such as IoT, digital health, mobility, and the digital enterprise. What sets NBV apart is its global network and ability to connect startups with ecosystems across key regions, including the U.S., Europe, Asia, Israel, and Latin America. The firm employs a disciplined, process-oriented approach to ensure rapid market entry and scaling for its portfolio companies. NBV works closely with corporate partners and startups alike, facilitating the integration of external innovation into larger business ecosystems. Their focus on "innovation by design" helps identify untapped opportunities and empower businesses to create lasting, market-shifting solutions. NBV's portfolio includes high-growth ventures that leverage cutting-edge technologies to address critical challenges across multiple sectors. By nurturing startups with both strategic investment and hands-on operational support, NBV accelerates their journey from concept to commercialization. With a cross-functional team of experienced entrepreneurs and corporate executives, the firm offers both financial and strategic resources, ensuring that their portfolio companies can navigate complex markets and achieve sustained growth on a global scale.
Nauta Capital is a leading pan-European venture capital firm, specializing in early-stage B2B software startups. Founded in 2004, Nauta operates from offices in London, Barcelona, and Berlin, with over €550 million in assets under management. Their investment strategy is focused on supporting companies that leverage innovative technologies to transform traditional industries, particularly in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, insurtech, health tech, AI/ML, and deep tech. Nauta's typical investment size ranges from €1 million to €5 million, and they actively participate from late seed to Series B stages. The firm’s hands-on approach is evident in their deep involvement with portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance and operational expertise to help founders scale their businesses across international markets. With over 180 investments to date, Nauta has established a strong track record, having supported high-growth startups like Brandwatch, MishiPay, Cledara, and Holded, the latter two of which have been instrumental in revolutionizing SaaS management and retail technology. Nauta’s impressive exit portfolio includes major successes such as the $450 million acquisition of Brandwatch by Cision, and the acquisition of Holded by Visma. Nauta continues to expand its reach, recently closing a €190 million fund aimed at boosting investments in more than 35 companies. They are also pushing into deep tech through Nauta Labs, an initiative designed to seed early-stage innovation. Through their collaborative, long-term focus, Nauta Capital remains committed to fostering visionary founders and helping them navigate the complex journey from startup to scale-up.
Navigare Ventures, founded in 2021 and based in Stockholm, is an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in science-driven companies. As a subsidiary of Wallenberg Investments AB, Navigare Ventures focuses on deep tech sectors, including advanced computing, quantum technologies, synthetic biology, bio innovation, and data-driven life sciences. The firm is committed to investing in transformative technologies that have a strong industrial and societal impact. Navigare Ventures typically invests in Seed and Series A rounds, partnering closely with founders to support the growth and development of their companies. The firm has a robust portfolio that includes companies like Elypta, a startup developing metabolism-based liquid biopsy technology for cancer detection, and EnginZyme, which focuses on sustainable biomanufacturing. Their investment strategy is characterized by long-term partnerships, leveraging an extensive network of scientific and industrial expertise to help startups scale and succeed in their respective fields.
Navy Capital is a New York-based hedge fund founded in 2014, with a strong focus on the rapidly expanding global cannabis industry. The fund operates through a research-driven, long/short equity strategy, leveraging deep analysis to identify undervalued opportunities primarily within the legal cannabis, cannabis healthtech, and crop tech sectors. Their investment portfolio includes notable startups like Sanity Group, Harborside, and C3 Industries, making Navy Capital a significant player in the cannabis and consumer non-durables spaces. Geographically, Navy Capital concentrates investments predominantly in the U.S., while also backing ventures in Germany and other regions. The fund's average check size typically targets early to mid-stage companies, often participating in Series A and B rounds. However, they remain flexible in their approach, willing to lead or co-invest alongside other firms depending on the opportunity. The team is led by Sean Stiefel, CEO and Founder, and supported by key players like Chetan Gulati, Head of Research. With a background in hedge fund management and macro strategy, the team boasts a combined experience across finance, law, and global equity markets. Navy Capital's proactive approach to investing, combined with a willingness to engage deeply with portfolio companies, helps build strong relationships with founders. Startups looking to connect are encouraged to demonstrate solid fundamentals and long-term growth potential, particularly in regulated industries like cannabis, where Navy Capital thrives.
Naxicap Partners, a subsidiary of Natixis Private Equity, is a leading French private equity firm managing €6.7 billion in assets as of the end of 2022. The firm focuses on mid-cap buyouts and small-cap growth investments across diverse sectors including healthcare, technology, real estate, and business services. They are known for supporting companies with strong growth potential and stable business models, adapting their investment focus based on sectoral economic dynamics. Notable investments in Naxicap's portfolio include Advanced Accelerator Applications, a developer of molecular nuclear medicine theragnostics, and Alltub, a manufacturer of collapsible aluminum tubes. The firm has also seen successful exits such as the sale of Maxi Bazar to the Zouari family group and House of HR to Bain Capital. Naxicap has a strong commitment to ESG principles, having received the highest rating from the UN Principles for Responsible Investment for Strategy & Governance. They focus on incorporating ESG issues into their investment analyses and ownership policies, promoting sustainability within the investment industry.
NCL Technology Ventures is a UK-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments across the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2010, the firm focuses on identifying and backing companies that are driving transformational change in healthcare, with a particular emphasis on innovation in areas such as therapeutics, medical technologies, and digital health. NCL's mission is to foster companies that are developing breakthrough solutions to address global health challenges, from preventive care to cutting-edge treatments. The firm's investments typically range between €1.5M and €3M, with a strong focus on seed and Series A funding. NCL is deeply involved in the strategic development of its portfolio companies, providing both capital and operational expertise to help them navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape. The firm's portfolio includes companies like TC BioPharm, which is pioneering allogeneic cell therapies, and Curesponse, a precision medicine startup. With offices in London and the US, NCL is well-positioned to support its portfolio globally, fostering partnerships and driving innovation in both European and American markets. Their team, led by experienced venture capitalists like Jerry Biggs and Jonathan Synett, brings decades of investment and entrepreneurial expertise to the table.
NCore Ventures is a Seoul, South Korea-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that focuses on mid- to late-stage technology investments across the United States and Asia. Led by CEO Ryan Park and CFO Jean Yang, the firm operates with a lean team of four and invests primarily at Series A and Series B across Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and Vietnam. Sector coverage spans consumer, enterprise applications, healthtech, and other high-growth technology categories. NCore has made 43 investments and built a portfolio with an outsized return profile: 7 unicorns, 4 IPOs, and 1 acquisition to date. Notable portfolio companies include Blinkit, the Indian quick-commerce platform acquired by Zomato in June 2022 for $568 million; GrubMarket, a US online grocery and food supply-chain platform; Carro, a Southeast Asian automotive marketplace; Lunit, an AI medical imaging company listed on the Korea Exchange at a market capitalization of $241 million; and Xcell Therapeutics, which listed on KRX in July 2024 at a $78.2 million market cap. More recent additions include Btree, an electronic instruments company in which NCore invested in November 2024, and Galux, a Series B investment made in February 2026. NCore's investment thesis is centered on identifying companies at the inflection point between early-stage validation and meaningful scale, where the firm's regional network across Asia and the United States provides a distinct advantage in both deal sourcing and portfolio support. Its track record of backing multiple unicorns across diverse geographies underscores the breadth of its analytical lens.
NCT Ventures is a Columbus, Ohio-based venture capital firm with roots going back to 1986, when Founder and Managing Partner Rich Langdale sold his car to invest $5,000 in Digital Storage — a wholesaler of computer supplies — before going on to raise $375 million in venture capital across less than two years. Today, NCT backs seed and early-stage technology companies disrupting major industries in underserved Midwest markets. The firm manages 5 funds and leads rounds, deploying $250,000 to $1 million in early stages and up to $5 million as portfolio companies scale. Langdale is joined by Partner Bill Frank. NCT has made approximately 43 investments across SaaS, healthcare technology, data analytics, and enterprise software. Notable portfolio companies include Healthy Roster, a sports training and EMR platform for physical therapists that has raised $6.97 million alongside Queen City Angels and Rev1 Ventures; iUNU, an AI-powered platform for greenhouse operations whose $7.5 million Series A NCT led alongside BootstrapLabs, with the company going on to raise its Series B in April 2025 and reach $69.7 million in total funding; SafeChain; PopCom; Buzz Solutions; DOmedia, NCT's most recent investment in December 2025; and Heureka Software. A recent exit is Kapow, acquired by Bizly in February 2025. NCT has developed the Ideas-to-Business Model in partnership with The Center for Entrepreneurship at The Ohio State University, providing an infrastructure for taking early-stage ideas to market through defined development phases. This institutional partnership gives NCT a distinctive pipeline in a region where early-stage capital has historically been scarce, and allows the firm to engage founders before most funds would consider writing a check.
Necessary Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage companies that address significant societal needs. The firm is led by Neil Devani, who brings extensive experience in both venture capital and entrepreneurship. Necessary Ventures primarily invests in companies across a range of sectors including health tech, financial services, biotechnology, and sustainability. Notable investments in their portfolio include Recursion Pharmaceuticals, a company revolutionizing drug discovery through advanced computational methods; Rubi Laboratories, which converts CO2 into sustainable textiles; and Andela, a tech talent training and employment platform. Additionally, they have backed Vicarious Surgical, which develops minimally invasive robotic surgery technology, and Wayve, an AI-driven autonomous vehicle company. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and support to help their portfolio companies scale and succeed. They emphasize a collaborative and empathetic partnership with founders, aiming to create long-term value and impact. Necessary Ventures has a strong presence in both the U.S. and international markets, with investments in various high-growth regions. They have co-invested with leading venture funds such as Y Combinator, Collaborative Fund, and Talis Capital, highlighting their integration into a robust network of investors.
Neo is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, founded by Ali Partovi, with a strong emphasis on supporting the next generation of tech leaders. Launched in 2012, Neo invests primarily in early-stage startups, often serving as the first institutional investor for many high-growth companies. Neo focuses on industries like AI, consumer internet, and education, investing in startups that have the potential to drive significant innovation. Neo’s investment strategy is centered on a hands-on approach, offering both financial backing and access to a powerful network of industry leaders. With check sizes ranging from $100K to $5 million, Neo supports startups from seed through Series A stages. They also place a high value on mentorship, connecting founders with an elite community of experienced entrepreneurs, engineers, and executives who offer guidance throughout the startup journey. The firm's portfolio includes some of the most promising startups in the tech space, such as Gusto, Pachama, and Notion. Neo prides itself on fostering diversity and inclusion, believing that the best tech companies are built by teams from a variety of backgrounds. Led by Ali Partovi and supported by a team of seasoned investors and operators, Neo is committed to making a long-term impact in the startup ecosystem by focusing on companies that combine technological innovation with meaningful social impact.
Neo Kuma Ventures, established in 2020 and headquartered in London, is Europe’s largest VC fund focused exclusively on psychedelic healthcare. Neo Kuma aims to revolutionize the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, addiction, and chronic pain through investments in cutting-edge psychedelic therapies. They invest in early-stage companies (Pre-Seed to Series A), deploying capital in the range of £150k to £1 million, with a particular focus on clinical research and digital therapeutics. Neo Kuma's portfolio includes significant players in the field, such as ATAI Life Sciences, Beckley Psytech, and Small Pharma, companies that are advancing the frontiers of mind-altering medicines and therapeutic platforms. Neo Kuma’s strategy is hands-on, working closely with founders to navigate both scientific development and regulatory challenges in this emerging market. The firm is led by a team of experienced investors like Clara Burtenshaw and Sean McLintock, both of whom bring a wealth of expertise in biotech, venture capital, and finance. Neo Kuma is not only a financial backer but also a policy influencer, collaborating with leading organizations in psychedelic research, such as the International Therapeutic Psilocybin Rescheduling Initiative. This integrated approach positions Neo Kuma as a key player in reshaping the future of mental healthcare through psychedelics.
Neotribe Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in breakthrough technologies across various sectors including applied artificial intelligence, biotech, enterprise infrastructure, and the internet of things. The firm targets early to growth-stage companies that are shaping the future through innovative solutions. Neotribe Ventures has made 98 investments with notable companies in its portfolio such as Energy Vault, Heliogen, and CipherTrace. The firm has achieved 17 exits, including significant companies like Robinhood, which went public in July 2021. Other successful exits include Pluribus Networks and ClearMotion. The firm is led by co-founders Swaroop Kolluri and Steven Bragonier, along with partners like Nitin Chopra and Neeraj Hablani. Neotribe Ventures manages nearly $450 million in assets across three funds, including the recent Ignite Fund, which focuses on growth-stage investments. Neotribe Ventures' strategy involves providing not just capital but also extensive support and resources to help their portfolio companies succeed. The firm's emphasis on deep technology and innovative solutions makes it a significant player in the venture capital landscape.
Nesta Ventures, operating as Nesta Impact Investments, is the impact-investing arm of Nesta, the UK's innovation and research foundation. The investment fund was launched around 2012 as a GBP 25 million vehicle based in London, backing high-impact UK technology innovators aligned with Nesta's three mission areas: improving school readiness in early childhood (edtech), tackling obesity and enabling healthier lives (healthtech and foodtech), and reducing household carbon emissions (cleantech). The fund invests between GBP 150,000 and GBP 2 million in seed to Series A tech startups, and has backed 53 companies across its lifetime, maintaining an active portfolio of 40 companies as of early 2025. The portfolio is led by Portfolio Director Alex Hook, who brings more than 20 years of venture experience, supported by Associate Portfolio Director Tolly Humphreys and team members Meera Shah and Hannah Spencer. The fund's flagship exit is Featurespace, the AI-powered fraud-detection platform that Nesta backed at seed in 2010 and which was acquired by Visa in September 2024. Other notable portfolio names include Skimlinks, which was acquired, and DEScycle, a materials-recovery company using deep eutectic solvents, which received a Series A investment in November 2024. In 2024 alone the fund backed eight mission-aligned companies and provided follow-on capital to four others. From 2025 onward, Nesta Impact Investments has moved into portfolio-management mode and is no longer making new seed or Series A investments; Nesta's venture-building activity continues through Mission Studio. The fund's legacy represents over a decade of patient, mission-driven capital directed at some of the UK's most pressing social and environmental challenges.
Net Capital Ventures is an Israeli investment and advisory firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Ramat Hasharon. The firm is backed by prominent Israeli family offices rather than institutional limited partners, which frees it from the time and size constraints typical of traditional funds and allows it to support portfolio companies from seed through exit and into later stages. Alongside equity investments, Net Capital Ventures provides full-service advisory on M&A and capital-raising transactions for innovative Israeli companies. The leadership team comprises Managing Partner Nir Dor, Partner and Legal Counsel Orit Lidor, and Partner Dan Naftali. The portfolio spans roughly 40 investments across a broad range of sectors. Healthtech holdings include SEEGNAL, EndoStream, Physimax, Wear2b, BioBetter, SOOS, and OvoTech. Media and entertainment investments include Shortical, a mobile streaming platform for short-form vertical dramas that received the firm's most recent investment in January 2026; VYBS; and MYPLAY Sport Video. Gaming positions include Play Perfect and Eldritch Foundry. The deep tech and security portfolio features TRACENSE, CYTORA, Interionet, and Waveguard, while consumer and commerce holdings include MYSTORE-E, Wenrix, Reeco, and Webpick. Other 2026 entries include VYBS and Play Perfect. Net Capital Ventures' family-office structure gives it a meaningful structural advantage: it can act opportunistically across rounds and stages without the constraints of a closed-end fund cycle, and it brings legal and M&A advisory capabilities in-house rather than routing founders to external advisors. The firm targets transformative, disruptive technologies addressing major global challenges and takes an active role in each portfolio relationship.
Netrove Ventures Group is a regional venture capital and corporate finance advisory firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with additional offices in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. Operating under Netrove Partners Sdn Bhd, the firm serves clients and holds business interests across more than 25 countries spanning Asia, Europe, and the United States. The firm is anchored by Chairman and CEO Max Teh Kim Seng, an entrepreneur-executive with a regional operating background across China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. Netrove appraises startups on business model and value proposition, regional scalability, and the strength and passion of the management team. The firm focuses on early and growth-stage venture investing and complements this with corporate finance advisory services, including strategic restructuring, fundraising, corporate turnarounds, and IPO and M&A advisory across the Asian region. The portfolio includes Galasys Technologies, an e-ticketing and theme-park management platform operating across Asia; Fruiti King, a premium gelato and popsicle producer in Malaysia; EAT Holding Corp, covering education and healthcare investments; Fifth Media, a Vietnam-focused mobile gaming and content business; Zapzap Math, an edtech platform; and CrowdPlus.asia, an equity-crowdfunding platform from which Netrove exited in November 2021 in Malaysia's first-ever equity-crowdfunding investor exit, selling its stake to an Australian financial services group after six years of holding. Netrove Ventures Group blends direct investment with advisory, giving it a differentiated view of capital formation, governance, and exit dynamics across Southeast Asia. Investment pace has been selective in recent years, consistent with the firm's long-hold, value-creation approach.
Neulogy Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Bratislava, Slovakia, is a Luxembourg-regulated venture capital fund. The firm focuses on early-stage tech companies, particularly those operating in Slovakia and the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. Neulogy Ventures manages €65 million in assets, with a diverse portfolio spread across 10 countries. The fund targets investments in sectors like media, cleantech, data analytics, productivity applications, medtech, infrastructure, fintech, security, 3D, e-commerce, and new energy. Neulogy Ventures aims to support mission-driven entrepreneurs with bold ideas that push technological frontiers, particularly those addressing climate change and healthcare challenges. Neulogy Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance, business development support, and fundraising assistance to its portfolio companies. The firm values long-term partnerships, prioritizing shared values and a collaborative approach over quick exits. Notable companies in Neulogy's portfolio include GA Drilling, GreenWay, and GroupSolver. The team, led by managing partners Christian Mandl and Jaroslav Luptak, brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, fundraising, and business development, ensuring robust support for their investees.
NeuroVentures Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that claims to be the largest fund in the United States focused exclusively on the neuroscience space. The firm invests in companies developing drugs, medical devices, therapeutics, and technologies to treat central nervous system disorders including stroke, chronic pain, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and depression. NeuroVentures manages approximately $15 million and writes tickets ranging from $200,000 to $2 million, backing both development-stage and later-stage companies at seed, Series A, and Series B. The firm is led by Managing Director Mark Cochran, a PhD molecular biologist from Queen's University with postdoctoral training at the NIH, who previously served as VP of Business Development at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, founded MicroGeneSys Inc., and ran the San Francisco office of Toronto-based MDS Capital Corp. He is joined by Director Daniel O'Connell, who has operated multiple medical and healthcare startups. The firm's scientific advisory board includes Floyd Bloom of Scripps Research, Zach Hall (former director of NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), William Mobley of Stanford Neurology, and Donald Price of Johns Hopkins. NeuroVentures has made approximately 27 investments with four exits: one IPO — Acumen Pharmaceuticals, listed in July 2021 — and three acquisitions including Concentric Medical and Saegis Pharma. Other notable portfolio names include BrainCells Inc., which raised a $17.7 million Series A in 2005, EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, and Kadmus Pharmaceuticals. NeuroVentures Capital's singular focus on CNS diseases gives it scientific credibility and a curated network of neurologists, pharmacologists, and device engineers that few generalist life-science funds can replicate.
Neva SGR, founded in 2020, is the venture capital arm of Intesa Sanpaolo Group, one of Italy's largest banking institutions. Based in Turin, Neva focuses on investing in technology-driven companies at various stages, from seed to Series C. The firm is sector-agnostic but leans heavily towards fintech, deeptech, ESG transition technologies, and core tech innovations. With two main funds—Neva First and Neva First Italia—the firm targets both Italian and international startups. Neva First focuses on global opportunities, with a minimum of 30% invested in Italian companies, while Neva First Italia co-invests with a more localized emphasis on Italian startups. The funds have a combined budget of around €500 million, with an average ticket size of €4-10 million per investment. Neva SGR is particularly active in life sciences and deeptech, with notable portfolio companies including D-Orbit in space logistics and Tr1X, a biotech firm focused on autoimmune therapies. The firm’s mission is to foster innovation that addresses global challenges while boosting the Italian and European tech ecosystems.
NevCaut Ventures is a dynamic venture capital firm established in 2021 and headquartered in Irvine, California. Focused primarily on FinTech, NevCaut invests in pre-seed, seed, and Series A companies that are pushing the boundaries of financial technology to foster inclusivity and innovation. The firm prides itself on its ability to provide more than just capital, leveraging deep regulatory expertise and extensive networks in financial services to help startups navigate complex regulatory landscapes and scale effectively. With a portfolio that includes prominent companies like Upgrade, FairPlay, and Synctera, NevCaut Ventures targets businesses that offer solutions in financial services, business productivity software, and compliance management. The firm’s average investment ranges from seed rounds to early Series A funding, with several of its portfolio companies advancing to unicorn or "soonicorn" status. The leadership team, led by co-founders Dan Quan and Erik Brue, brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. Dan Quan, a former senior advisor at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), played a significant role in driving fintech innovation and regulatory adaptation in the U.S. Meanwhile, Erik Brue offers deep expertise in data and technology, stemming from his extensive experience in company management and founding ventures. NevCaut's mission is to support ambitious founders who are creating impactful financial solutions for a more inclusive world, making it a key player in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
New Age Capital, founded in 2016 by Ivan Alo and LaDante McMillon, is a New York-based venture capital firm focusing on seed-stage investments in tech and tech-enabled startups led by Black and Latino entrepreneurs. The firm aims to bridge the funding gap for underrepresented founders by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a robust network of investors and partners. The firm typically invests between $850,000 and $1 million per company, targeting an ownership stake of 10-15%. New Age Capital prefers to lead funding rounds and maintains a hands-on approach, fostering long-term relationships with founders well in advance of their capital needs. This strategy allows the firm to provide tangible value and support through various growth stages. New Age Capital's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies such as Myavana, a personalized hair care recommendation platform; PredictionStrike, a sports stock market; and Navigate Maternity, which uses data to support prenatal and postpartum care. The firm's emphasis on authenticity, empathy, and transparency has positioned it as a trusted partner for founders from historically underfunded communities. By focusing on capital-efficient, high-potential startups in large and fragmented markets, New Age Capital aims to generate outsized returns while driving significant impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a global venture capital firm with a storied history of supporting innovative businesses. Founded in 1977, NEA manages over $25 billion in assets and invests across all stages of a company's lifecycle, from seed stage to IPO. The firm has a diverse portfolio that spans technology and healthcare sectors. NEA's notable investments include companies like 23andMe, Coursera, Robinhood, and Uber, highlighting their focus on transformational businesses. They have facilitated over 270 IPOs and more than 450 mergers and acquisitions, underscoring their impact on the market. The firm operates from key locations in Menlo Park, California, and New York City, but their investment reach is global, covering North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. NEA's strategy involves not just funding but also actively mentoring and supporting their portfolio companies through various stages of growth. Recently, NEA closed on two new funds totaling $6.2 billion, the largest in the firm's history, aimed at early-stage and growth-stage investments in sectors like enterprise tech, fintech, digital health, and life sciences. This reflects NEA’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting founders with the capital and expertise needed to build successful companies.
New Ground Ventures (NGV) is an early-stage, generalist venture capital firm founded in 2011 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The firm is one of the most active early-stage investors of the past decade, having funded roughly 145 companies since inception with more than 139 disclosed investments and 20 portfolio exits on record. NGV's portfolio clusters into three broad categories: software, consumer, and deep tech, spanning education, financial services, food and consumer brands, health, and enterprise software. The firm has raised at least two funds and operates with a small, highly experienced team anchored by Zac, who previously led the Principal Finance business at Silver Point Capital and was a partner there before co-founding NGV, and Anthony, formerly a managing director at Reservoir Capital focused on financial services, healthcare, and cleantech investments, and earlier an investor at Bain Capital Credit. NGV typically invests at pre-seed, seed, and Series A with checks of $100,000 to $3 million, running an efficient but rigorous diligence process focused on team quality, product and technology differentiation, unit economics, and cash flow relative to capital needs. The firm's flagship recent exit is Spindrift, the sparkling-water brand acquired by Gryphon Investors for a reported $650 million or more in January 2025. NGV's generalist posture is intentional — the firm believes that the characteristics that make a company an exceptional early-stage investment transcend sector, and that a flexible mandate allows it to follow conviction wherever the data leads. Operations are managed by Suzy, who oversees fund administration, investor reporting, and portfolio monitoring.
NLV Partners, founded in 2005, is a leading venture capital firm focused on revolutionizing healthcare. With notable investments in companies like CRISPR Therapeutics, Akili Interactive Labs, and iRhythm Technologies, NLV Partners targets biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, and healthcare IT. Their portfolio boasts 30 billion-dollar companies and numerous successful exits, reflecting their impact in the industry. Geographically, NLV Partners concentrates on the United States, partnering with businesses from startup stages to public offerings. Their investment strategy involves backing visionary teams and disruptive healthcare technologies. They aim to develop commercially attractive and clinically important healthcare solutions, leveraging decades of experience and deep domain expertise to navigate the complex healthcare landscape. NLV Partners typically leads investment rounds, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance. They prefer to be approached through well-prepared pitches that clearly demonstrate the potential for clinical and commercial success. The fund's average check size varies, tailored to the needs of each investment. The team includes co-founders Ron Hunt and Vijay Lathi, based in New York and Menlo Park respectively. Both bring extensive experience in healthcare investments and have been instrumental in shaping the firm's strategic direction. For startups seeking a partner with profound industry knowledge and a track record of success, NLV Partners stands out as a pivotal ally in the healthcare sector.
New Markets Venture Partners (NMVC) is a leading edtech and workforce-technology venture capital firm founded in 2002 and based in Fulton, Maryland, in the Washington D.C. metro area. The firm was co-founded by Mark Grovic, Donald Spero, and Robb Doub, with Jason Palmer now serving as General Partner alongside Grovic. NMVC is a growth-stage, double-bottom-line investor focused on scaling transformative technology companies that improve education and workforce outcomes while generating strong financial returns. The current fund is approximately $68 million, and the firm leads rounds — most recently leading FamilyWell Health's $8 million Series A alongside .406 Ventures in 2025. NMVC typically writes checks of $100,000 to $5 million at Series A and Series B, targeting companies that have demonstrated product-market fit. Over more than 20 years and roughly 67 core investments, the team has generated $3.3 billion in enterprise value, impacted more than 75 million lives including 38 million at-risk learners and 28 million adult learners, and completed 21 realized exits including 1 IPO and 30 acquisitions — notable exits include PowerSchool, Galvanize, and Kroll Bond Rating Agency. Three portfolio companies — Mursion, Noodle, and Orijin — made Time magazine's Top EdTech Companies list. Recent new investments include KidzToPros (Series B, February 2025), FamilyWell Health, and Knack. NMVC's Advisory Board, led by Amy Kardel, brings together more than 30 education and workforce operators and thought leaders. The firm's two-decade track record in a sector that demands both mission alignment and financial discipline makes it one of the most credentialed edtech investors in the United States.
New Money Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to transforming the future of consumer goods and wellness by investing in purpose-driven brands. Led by CEO and founder Jaclyn Johnson, the firm focuses on early-stage startups that are redefining their respective industries through innovation and impact. New Money Ventures primarily targets companies in the beauty, health, wellness, and consumer tech sectors. With a mission to empower underrepresented founders, particularly female and diverse entrepreneurs, the firm actively looks for startups that emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and social impact. Their investment strategy is not just financial; they offer mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a broad network of resources to help founders scale their businesses effectively. The firm has invested in brands like OUAI Haircare, Doe Lashes, and INBLOOM, reflecting its commitment to backing companies that prioritize both purpose and profit. New Money Ventures also stands out for its focus on creating long-term partnerships with founders, ensuring that the startups they support have the resources and guidance necessary to thrive in highly competitive markets.
VisVires New Protein, recently rebranded as Clay Capital, is a Singapore-based venture capital firm dedicated to transformative investments in the agrifood tech sector. Founded in 2014, Clay Capital focuses on supporting innovative startups that address fundamental challenges in the food system, particularly in the areas of sustainable packaging, fermentation, agricultural biologicals, crop disease resistance, soil health, and regenerative agriculture. Notable investments include French biostimulant producer Toopi, Israeli bioherbicide startup WeedOUT, and French kitchen robot manufacturer Cook-e. These investments reflect Clay Capital's commitment to leveraging technology to improve sustainability and efficiency in the food and agriculture sectors. Clay Capital's strategy involves investing in early-stage to growth-stage startups, typically with initial checks ranging from $3 million to $8 million, and reserving additional capital for follow-on investments. The firm serves as a bridge between the Asian and European markets, providing startups with support to access and expand in these regions. The rebranding from VisVires New Protein to Clay Capital signifies a renewed focus on building a healthy and sustainable food system, symbolizing fertile ground for growth and innovation. With a newly raised $145 million fund, Clay Capital is well-positioned to continue driving impactful changes in the agrifood tech landscape
New Richmond Ventures (NRV) is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, created by a group of prominent Richmond-area business, investment, and philanthropic leaders. Co-founders include Jim Ukrop, former CEO and Chairman of Ukrop's Supermarkets and Chairman of First Market Bank; Bob Mooney; and Ted Chandler, formerly Chairman and CEO of a Fortune 500 financial services company. Laura Markley serves as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director. The firm has raised approximately $36.5 million across three funds, including a $30 million Early Stage Growth Fund raised in 2016. NRV invests primarily at Series A and follows on through later rounds across healthcare, food and beverage, and e-commerce — sectors where the team's deep local and national operating network delivers tangible value. The firm has made approximately 21 portfolio investments across its funds with 4 exits and additional acquisitions among legacy portfolio names including Summit Materials, Health Warrior, and Envera Health. Active portfolio companies include Murphy's Naturals, a natural insect repellent brand that raised an $8.5 million Series A in April 2022 alongside 550 Capital Partners; SVT Robotics, a warehouse robotics orchestration platform that raised a $3.5 million seed in May 2020 with Cowboy Ventures; and Farmer Focus (also known as Shenandoah Valley Organic), an ethically raised poultry brand that raised a $15 million round in December 2019. NRV's founding thesis targets social-impact entrepreneurs tackling societal megatrends, and the firm provides portfolio companies with structured mentoring, cross-industry exit partner introductions, and a toolkit built from decades of Richmond-area business leadership. The firm's Virginia bias is a feature — it gives NRV consistent access to mission-aligned founders outside the coastal startup mainstream.
New Science Ventures (NSV) is a premier venture capital firm established in 2004, with offices in New York and London. The firm specializes in investing in companies that leverage groundbreaking scientific innovations in the life sciences and information technology sectors. NSV has a keen focus on businesses with strong IP protection and those addressing significant unmet market needs. Notable investments include Ventyx Biosciences, Phase Four, Achronix Semiconductor, and Paragraf. NSV is particularly interested in companies that can transform their industries with innovative scientific approaches. Their strategy is to invest in both early and mid-stage companies, supporting them through crucial growth phases to maximize their potential and value. NSV is not afraid to take contrarian views and often seeks opportunities outside traditional tech hubs, emphasizing the importance of science-based innovation. The firm typically leads funding rounds and provides substantial follow-on support, ensuring that their portfolio companies have the resources needed to succeed. Key team members include co-founder Tom Lavin, who brings over 30 years of experience in finance and investment banking, and Raju Mohan, a seasoned biotech entrepreneur and senior advisor with extensive expertise in drug discovery and development. Startups looking to engage with NSV should emphasize their scientific uniqueness and potential for significant market impact. NSV values strong management teams and clear, defensible IP strategies, making these essential points of focus when approaching the firm.
NewSpring Capital, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a private equity firm focusing on growth equity, mezzanine capital, healthcare, and buyouts. The firm manages approximately $3.5 billion in assets and has invested in over 250 companies across various sectors. Notable investments in NewSpring's portfolio include Vacasa, a leading vacation rental management company; Innovid, a video marketing platform; and Nutrisystem, a weight management company. These investments reflect NewSpring's strategy of supporting high-growth companies in business services, healthcare, information technology, and consumer products. NewSpring Capital operates through multiple strategies, including NewSpring Growth, which targets high-growth technology companies; NewSpring Healthcare, focusing on innovative healthcare services and technology; and NewSpring Mezzanine, providing capital for acquisitions and recapitalizations. The firm's comprehensive approach allows them to support companies at different stages of their lifecycle, from early growth to expansion.
New Stack Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in founders who are often overlooked by traditional venture capital firms. Founded by Nick Moran, New Stack Ventures targets startups in under-capitalized markets and geographies, with a particular focus on IoT, deep tech, smart hardware, and various platform-based business models. The firm recently closed its second fund, New Stack Ventures Fund II, at $42.6 million, significantly larger than its first $6 million fund. This new fund allows New Stack to support an additional 35 companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm prides itself on being one of the largest single-partner funds raised outside of the typical Silicon Valley ecosystem, emphasizing its commitment to backing "outsider" founders. New Stack Ventures has built a strong reputation for its proactive and founder-friendly approach. The firm was highlighted by TechCrunch as one of the most active and engaged investors in the industry. Its portfolio includes notable companies like Draftbit, Curv, and Flamingo, reflecting its diverse investment strategy. The team at New Stack Ventures is comprised of experienced professionals, including Nate Pierotti, Luke Skertich, and Ariella Frank, who bring extensive backgrounds in startups, product management, and venture capital. Their collaborative and inclusive investment process ensures they identify and support high-potential startups effectively.
The Edward L. Kaplan, '71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) is a startup accelerator and investment program run by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, founded in 1996 in Hyde Park, Chicago. The NVC is consistently ranked among the top university-based business-plan competitions and accelerators in the nation, placing alongside Y Combinator and Techstars in the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project. Since inception, more than 230 NVC-backed startups remain in operation, having collectively raised over $915 million in follow-on capital and generated more than $13 billion in exits. The program is led by Polsky Center Executive Director Starr Marcello, with deep adjunct faculty involvement from Mark Tebbe. The NVC operates multiple tracks: the flagship graduate program, a Social NVC in partnership with the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, a Global NVC for Executive MBA students, a College NVC for undergraduates, and an Alumni NVC launched in 2018 for UChicago graduates worldwide. The 29th annual competition in June 2025 awarded a record $2.267 million to ten finalists — the largest prize pool in the history of any university-based business-plan competition — with B2B SaaS company Rayni taking first place and $835,000. Other 2025 finalists included NutraCareU, MOOJ, and relos. Prizes typically range from seed grants of a few thousand dollars up to six-figure investments. Breakout NVC alumni include Grubhub, the 2006 winner that completed an IPO; Simple Mills, the 2014 winner acquired by Flower Foods for $795 million; and Braintree. The program has become a material generator of venture-backed companies from the University of Chicago community.
New Wave Ventures is a dynamic, privately-owned venture capital fund based in London. Focused on investing in companies with significant growth potential, New Wave targets initial investments ranging from £500,000 to £2,000,000. Unlike many funds, New Wave Ventures invests its own capital without relying on external investors, allowing for a more flexible and long-term investment approach. Their investment philosophy centers on the belief that great businesses are built by great people. New Wave Ventures seeks entrepreneurs who can overcome obstacles and dominate their markets on a global scale. They prefer to co-invest with like-minded partners but often opt to be the sole investor alongside committed owner-managers. This fund is not driven by short-term exits or leverage; instead, it focuses on sustainable growth and strategic support. Geographically, New Wave Ventures concentrates on the UK, particularly the North West region, encompassing cities like Manchester and Liverpool. Their goal is to fill the funding gap for early-stage and scale-up businesses in these areas, fostering innovation and growth. The leadership team at New Wave brings a wealth of experience in running successful businesses and tackling various challenges. Their approach involves minimal interference in day-to-day operations, instead offering strategic guidance and financial support. Startups can reach out directly via email for potential investment opportunities. This combination of substantial financial backing, strategic expertise, and a people-first philosophy makes New Wave Ventures a compelling partner for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
New York Angels, founded in 2004, is one of the most active and well-established angel investor groups based in New York City. Specializing in early-stage investments, the group has made over 386 investments, with notable successes including Greenhouse Software, Payoneer, and Billtrust. Their portfolio spans various sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Healthcare, and SaaS. New York Angels typically invests in increments starting from $25,000 and expects its members to invest a minimum of $50,000 annually in its deals. Their average investment round size is around $2 million, and they are known for both leading and participating in follow-on rounds. The group has achieved 72 exits, indicating a strong track record of identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. The investment strategy of New York Angels emphasizes thorough due diligence and a collaborative approach, leveraging the diverse expertise of its members. They actively engage with their portfolio companies, providing not only capital but also valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Key figures in the organization include founder David S. Rose, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the group's investment philosophy and operations. Startups looking to secure funding from New York Angels should be prepared to demonstrate strong business fundamentals and a clear growth trajectory
New York Life Ventures (NYL Ventures) is the corporate venture capital arm of New York Life Insurance Company, founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City. The unit was launched by Joel Albarella, Senior Vice President and Head of NYL Ventures, who is regarded as one of the insurance industry's earliest and most prominent corporate venture capitalists. NYL Ventures started with approximately $200 million in committed capital and has grown to roughly $1.2 billion in assets under management, delivering a 10-year internal rate of return of nearly 30% and top-quartile returns since inception. At its 10-year milestone the fund had crossed $1 billion in AUM and completed more than 250 proof-of-concept tests with portfolio companies. NYL Ventures invests from seed to growth stages, with checks ranging from $1 million to more than $10 million, concentrating on fintech, insurtech, enterprise software, digital health, and proptech. The investment team includes Tim Del Bello as Head of Investments, John Masson as Director, and Senior Associates Madison Cuthbertson and Alan Day. The fund has executed more than 65 VC investments, maintaining an active portfolio of roughly 34 companies including 4 unicorns. Notable investments include Norm Ai, a regulatory-AI platform that raised a $27 million Series A in 2024; ValidMind, a model-risk management platform that raised an $8.1 million seed; Empathy, a bereavement platform that raised a $47 million Series B and became NYL's first insurance-industry partnership; and Scribe, a $25 million round participant. NYL Ventures functions as a strategic as well as financial partner, offering portfolio companies direct access to New York Life's distribution capabilities, actuarial expertise, and relationships across the insurance and wealth management industry.
New York Venture Partners, founded in 2014, is a venture capital firm based in New York City. NYVP focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in seed rounds, and aims to support startups with both capital and strategic guidance. The firm has a diverse portfolio with investments across various industries, including enterprise software, cybersecurity, AI, fintech, and health tech. NYVP is known for its notable investments in companies like VHX, Food52, and CrowdTwist, which have achieved significant market success. The firm typically invests check sizes ranging from $300,000 to $700,000, allowing it to support startups through critical early development phases. NYVP's investment strategy emphasizes partnering with innovative entrepreneurs and providing them with resources beyond just financial support. This includes access to experienced advisors who can offer strategic guidance, as well as operational support to help with recruiting and fundraising efforts.
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York State's chief economic development agency, focusing on promoting business growth, job creation, and enhancing the state’s overall economy. Through various programs and initiatives, ESD supports businesses of all sizes and industries, providing financial incentives, grants, loans, and other resources to foster economic development across the state. One of ESD's flagship programs is the "FAST NY" initiative, which aims to create shovel-ready sites for industrial development, providing substantial grants to improve infrastructure like transportation, utilities, and site development. This program has committed over $175 million to support over 2,700 acres of industrial property. ESD is also a major player in fostering innovation through investments in life sciences and biotech. For instance, the expansion of Harlem Biospace, supported by a $1.5 million ESD grant, exemplifies its role in nurturing New York’s biotech ecosystem by providing advanced facilities for startups and fostering collaboration between businesses and academic institutions like Columbia University. Overall, ESD’s initiatives are focused on strategic job creation, attracting innovative industries, and revitalizing communities, helping to position New York as a competitive environment for both startups and established businesses.
Newark Venture Partners is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Newark, New Jersey, with a strong focus on B2B software companies. Founded in 2015, NVP aims to support innovative startups by providing seed funding and operational support to foster growth and success. The firm has raised approximately $90 million for its second fund, doubling the size of its first fund. NVP's investment strategy revolves around healthcare, fintech, and supply chain sectors, seeking startups that offer transformative solutions in these high-stakes industries. The firm’s portfolio includes notable companies like Podsights, Optimal Dynamics, and Handspring Health, highlighting their commitment to driving innovation in enterprise software. The team at NVP is led by Managing Partners Tom Wisniewski, Dan Borok, and Vaughn Crowe, who bring extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. The firm is known for its active involvement in the Newark community, including partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and Braven, which support local talent and promote educational and employment opportunities.