Security & Privacy VC Funds

Starta VC, based in New York, is an early-stage venture capital fund and accelerator focused on supporting international startups. Founded in 2015, Starta VC has a robust portfolio, investing primarily in technology sectors including enterprise applications, high tech, consumer products, AI, and vertical SaaS. Notable investments from Starta VC include Petal, a fintech company offering credit cards to underserved populations; ClassTag, a parent-teacher communication platform; and FriendlyData, a startup that simplifies data access using natural language processing. These companies highlight Starta VC's commitment to backing innovative solutions with significant market potential.

Startup Capital Ventures (SCV) is an early-stage venture firm founded in 2005 by John Dean and Danny Lui, headquartered in Silicon Valley with additional offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen for cross-border China deals. Its thesis centers on capital-efficient companies, typically revenue-generating early-stage software businesses with pre-money valuations under $5M and a clear path to near-term profitability. SCV deliberately writes the $250K to $1M checks that many larger funds have outgrown, and backs strong management teams over pure technology. Geographically the firm concentrates on Silicon Valley with opportunistic deals in Hawaii, Texas and Oklahoma, plus China. It has made roughly 57 investments and recorded 12 exits, and acts as a lead investor. Notable portfolio and exit names include HYAS, a cybersecurity company acquired by Silent Push in December 2025; TuneIn, acquired by Stingray in November 2025; Shifted Energy, a cleantech business acquired by Resource Innovations in October 2025; reef.ai, its most recent investment in a March 2023 Seed round; plus BabyQuip and Iotera. General Partner Tim Dick has been a public voice on the firm's behalf, notably warning about the risks of the JOBS Act Title III crowdfunding rules. SCV's most recent named vehicle is Startup Capital Ventures Fund II. By focusing on lean, near-profitable software companies and writing the smaller checks larger funds avoid, the firm fills an early-stage gap while leveraging its US-Asia footprint to support founders.

Startup Wise Guys is a prominent accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm based in Tallinn, Estonia. Since its founding in 2012, it has invested in over 440 startups, focusing on underserved markets primarily in Europe, Africa, and the CIS countries. The firm is renowned for its mentorship-driven accelerator programs, which span various verticals including SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, sustainability, and web3​. The firm's accelerator programs, which typically last five months, provide early-stage startups with seed capital, office space, and access to a global network of mentors and investors. The programs are designed to help startups scale quickly and achieve substantial monthly recurring revenue. Startup Wise Guys has a strong track record, boasting 15 successful exits, including notable companies like VitalFields, StepShot, and VOCHI. Additionally, their portfolio companies have collectively raised over €461 million in follow-on funding​. The firm's latest initiatives include raising up to €52.5 million across three new funds: the Cyber Fund I, the Challenger Fund II, and the Opportunity Fund II. These funds aim to support startups in cybersecurity, fintech, and other high-potential sectors.

StartX, established in 2011 by Stanford alum Cameron Teitelman, is a non-profit startup accelerator and founder community affiliated with Stanford University. It operates with a unique zero-equity model, providing extensive support and resources to entrepreneurs without taking any ownership in their companies. This model fosters an open and collaborative environment where founders can freely share challenges and seek mentorship. StartX focuses on a diverse range of sectors, welcoming companies at various stages of development. Their community includes over 1,600 founders and 75 tenured Stanford professors, with notable alumni such as Lime, Lucira Health, and Branch Metrics. Companies in the StartX program are significantly more likely to reach valuations of $100 million or more, with 18 companies achieving unicorn status. The accelerator is also home to StartX Med, which specifically supports medical and biotech startups, leveraging partnerships with Stanford Health Care and access to specialized lab facilities. StartX Med has launched over 200 companies, with a remarkable 91% demonstrating commercial viability. Located in Stanford Research Park, StartX benefits from proximity to Silicon Valley's vibrant ecosystem, including investors on Sand Hill Road and leading legal firms, providing ample networking and growth opportunities for its startups​.

State of Mind Ventures (SOMV) is an Israeli seed and early-growth-stage venture capital fund founded in 2014 and headquartered in Herzliya. The firm's origin anchors its thesis: co-founder and Managing Partner Pinhas Buchris is the former Commander of Unit 8200, Israel's elite military signals-intelligence and cyber unit. He is joined by co-founder and Managing Partner Yuval Baharav, a long-time serial entrepreneur and investor, and General Partner and CFO Nir Adler, formerly of Bazan Group and Amdocs. SOMV positions itself as a people-first investor, partnering early with ambitious teams of over-achievers to help them shape vision, build teams, and accelerate to hyper-growth. The firm leads rounds at seed, Series A, and Series B stages. Sector focus covers AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, big data, sensors, space, automotive, and computer vision -- reflecting the partnership's deep defense, technology, and enterprise heritage. SOMV's fund lineup has scaled significantly: Fund I at $75 million, Fund II at approximately $70 million, and more recently two vehicles -- SOMV 3 for early stage and Momentum for early growth -- together targeting approximately $200 million. Across 53 disclosed investments the firm has backed ClarityQ, Knock AI, Clearitty, PulSight in medical sensors, and Engini in business productivity, with Engini representing the most recent disclosed investment. The firm has produced six portfolio exits, most recently Rivery in December 2024, alongside Perception Point. SOMV's competitive identity is built on its Unit 8200 network: the firm provides portfolio companies access to one of the world's deepest concentrations of elite technology talent, creating a recruiting and partnership advantage that extends well beyond the capital it deploys.

Stonebridge Ventures is a South Korea-based venture capital firm, founded in 2017 as the corporate venture arm of Stonebridge Capital. It focuses on investing in early- to late-stage technology companies across sectors such as life sciences, fintech, and high-tech industries. The firm is particularly active in the South Korean market, where it has made numerous investments in companies at various stages of growth, including Series A and B rounds. Stonebridge Ventures emphasizes backing high-growth ventures at crucial value inflection points, aiming to accelerate innovation and create significant value. It is known for its deep involvement in the scaling of portfolio companies, offering strategic advice and leveraging its extensive network to help businesses grow. With a focus on industries that are poised for structural growth, Stonebridge supports companies in fields like business services, auto technology, and blockchain applications. Recent investments include South Korean startups like ADRO, a Series A investment in auto technology, and SNAPTAG, a Series B investment in business services. Stonebridge’s portfolio also includes several successful exits, including notable IPOs.

StoneMill Ventures, founded in 2018 by Michael Sutton, focuses on early-stage investments in the cybersecurity sector. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the firm targets disruptive technologies in cybersecurity, aiming to support startups that can benefit from their extensive experience in building pioneering security companies. The firm has invested in notable companies like Orca Security, which offers comprehensive cloud security solutions, and Huntress Labs, a platform providing advanced threat detection and response. Other significant investments include GreyNoise, a tool for identifying internet background noise to streamline threat analysis, and LimaCharlie, which provides security infrastructure as a service. StoneMill Ventures is an active investor in the United States and Israel, emphasizing hands-on mentorship alongside financial backing to help startups grow. Their investment strategy typically involves participating in seed to Series A rounds, with a focus on companies that address critical components of the security ecosystem.

Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in B2B software startups. With over 23 years of experience, Storm Ventures has a distinguished portfolio that includes companies such as Marketo, MobileIron, and Talkdesk. The firm focuses on sectors like SaaS, enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, helping startups navigate from inception to becoming industry leaders. Based in Silicon Valley, Storm Ventures boasts a global investment team with additional presence in South Korea and Germany. The firm's strategy is centered on supporting startups through critical growth phases, providing resources to unlock growth and achieve product-market fit. They prefer startups with happy customers, innovative software, and a strong team. Storm Ventures often leads funding rounds, bringing in-depth expertise and a hands-on approach to their investments. Key team members include Managing Directors Ryan Floyd, Alex Mendez, and Tae Hea Nahm, who bring extensive experience in scaling B2B companies. The firm’s methodology involves working closely with founders, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to drive growth and success.

Stormbreaker Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm invests in the 'connected ecosystem,' technologies that connect people, places and things and maximize existing infrastructure, spanning mobility, wireless, connectivity, sensors, computing, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud and IoT. It writes Seed and Series A checks typically ranging from $500K to $2M and acts as a lead investor. Stormbreaker is led by founder and Managing Partner Said Mia, with a partner bench that includes General Partner Glenn Lurie, former President and CEO of AT&T Mobility, who joined in 2021; General Partner Andy Funk; Zaid Alsikafi, formerly Managing Director and Co-Head of TMT Services at Madison Dearborn Partners; and Venture Partner Bart Lorang. In April 2023 it launched Fund II, focused on mobility and connectivity technologies, backed by strategic limited partners including Thermo Companies and Mi Capital. As of October 2025 the firm had invested in roughly 53 companies and manages a portfolio of more than 40 active names. Notable holdings include Global Telecom Engineering, MotionSafe in automotive cybersecurity, Aervivo in fixed-wireless platform-as-a-service, SenseNet in wildfire detection, and Cameyo, a cloud-native digital workspace; its most recent investment was SenseNet's Series A in October 2025. By combining deep telecom and connectivity operating experience with early-stage capital, Stormbreaker Ventures backs founders building the infrastructure of an increasingly connected world.

Story Ventures, based in New York City and founded in 2016, focuses on early-stage investments in frontier technology. Their portfolio spans several sectors, including sensory systems, data processing, and machine intelligence. Notable investments include Particle Health, Motorq, and Prism Data, demonstrating their commitment to innovative data automation solutions. The firm emphasizes capturing and leveraging proprietary data to drive impactful decision-making and solve complex problems. Story Ventures supports companies from the very first check, helping them scale and secure further funding from top-tier venture capital firms. Their investment strategy prioritizes founders tackling audacious challenges to create lasting impact. Key team members include Brian Yormak, who specializes in mobility investing, and Teddy McGehee, who manages legal and financial processes. They are joined by Reilly Simmons, focusing on generative AI applications, and Melissa Cook, who oversees operations. Story Ventures launched a Scout Program in 2022 to work with entrepreneurial individuals at the forefront of technology development, offering them investment opportunities and a community of angel investors. This approach has helped build a diverse and dynamic portfolio aimed at shaping the future of data automation and machine intelligence.

Stout Street Capital, based in Denver, Colorado, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage tech startups. Founded in 2017 by Clay Gordon and John Francis, the firm targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies that are seeking to raise $1 million or more. They typically invest in rounds that provide 12-24 months of runway and prefer startups with post-product and post-revenue, usually generating $20-30k or more in monthly revenue. The firm has a diverse portfolio with over 66 companies and has made 86 investments to date. Notable investments include companies like Optera, which focuses on clean technology and sustainability, Schola, an education technology firm, and KredosAI, a fintech software company. Stout Street Capital also played a significant role in investments for 401GO, Curate, and OpenTug. Stout Street Capital emphasizes supporting founders by providing extensive resources and fostering a network to help scale their businesses. They invest primarily in the US and Canada, excluding major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. The firm is known for its commitment to transparency and its efficient due diligence process, typically completed within 2-3 weeks. Their most common check size is around $250K.

Strategic Cyber Ventures (SCV) is a D.C.-based venture capital firm specializing in cybersecurity, investing in startups that bolster U.S. national security. Notable investments include Doppel, SnapAttack, and Evo Security, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven cyber defense and digital risk protection. SCV primarily targets startups in the cybersecurity space but actively bridges commercial and federal markets, leveraging deep industry expertise. Their geographic focus centers on the U.S., with a strategic emphasis on the D.C. metro area, where proximity to government, military, and financial entities creates a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. SCV’s investment strategy prioritizes long-term partnerships, often leading rounds and providing more than just capital. They engage heavily with their portfolio companies through their network of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and government officials, offering hands-on guidance from product development to strategic exits. The firm also pioneered SCVX, the first cybersecurity SPAC, raising $230M to streamline IPO pathways for high-growth companies. Hank Thomas, SCV’s CEO, brings over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, while Chris Ahern adds a strategic investment approach. Together, they create a collaborative environment that values innovation and operational growth, allowing startups to thrive amidst the complex cybersecurity landscape. SCV is known for its proactive engagement and close-knit network, making it a powerful ally for founders in the cybersecurity industry.

Streamlined Ventures, founded by Ullas Naik in 2013, is a seed-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The firm focuses on investing in software-driven sectors, including data science, AI, blockchain, and software automation. Streamlined Ventures has a notable portfolio with investments in companies like DoorDash, Rappi, Addepar, AppLovin, and Bolt, many of which have achieved unicorn status or significant exits. Streamlined Ventures leads or co-leads Seed rounds, providing not just capital but also strategic support and operational guidance. Their investment philosophy emphasizes helping companies achieve high levels of operational excellence and strategic focus. They provide founders with tools and frameworks to develop detailed operating plans, ensuring clarity and alignment across business dimensions. The firm takes pride in fostering authentic, candid relationships with founders, built on mutual respect, transparency, and low-ego behavior. Streamlined Ventures' team brings over 25 years of investing experience, having backed over 500 companies. This extensive experience enables them to offer valuable insights and maintain steady support throughout the entrepreneurial journey, often becoming a core confidant to the founders they back. Streamlined Ventures' commitment to helping founders scale their businesses with limited capital while focusing on strategic value creation sets them apart in the venture capital landscape. The firm’s hands-on approach in the initial months post-investment helps ensure that companies prioritize high-value initiatives that drive outsized value creation

Studio VC is a venture capital firm based in New York City that focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs and leaders to create and scale impactful companies. Known for its hands-on approach, Studio VC works closely with founders to offer strategic guidance, resources, and a robust network to drive growth and success. Their mission is to support businesses across various sectors, leveraging their expertise and connections to foster innovation and market expansion. The firm operates similarly to a venture studio, building companies from the ground up and acting as a co-founder. This model allows them to provide more than just financial support; they also offer services in finance, recruiting, marketing, product design, and more, ensuring that startups have access to the necessary tools and expertise to thrive. Studio VC's investment strategy includes backing early-stage companies and providing follow-on funding to help them scale. They focus on creating a supportive ecosystem where diverse teams can excel, recognizing that diversity leads to better outcomes.

STV (Saudi Technology Ventures) is the largest venture capital fund in the Middle East, managing an $800 million fund focused on the MENA region’s technology ecosystem. The firm has a strong track record of identifying and backing high-growth tech startups, aiming to drive innovation in industries like e-commerce, fintech, logistics, and communications. Notable investments include companies like Careem, which was acquired by Uber, and Unifonic, a cloud communication platform. STV primarily targets early to growth-stage investments, with a clear emphasis on startups that have the potential to become regional leaders or even unicorns. The firm’s strategy aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which promotes tech-driven economic diversification. STV actively supports its portfolio companies through capital, strategic advice, and leveraging its vast network across the region, including government and private sector connections. Geographically, STV focuses on the MENA region but with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia, a booming market for venture-backed startups. Saudi Arabia’s strong GDP and expanding digital infrastructure make it the hub for tech startups in the region. Led by CEO Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, STV's team includes a mix of seasoned entrepreneurs and investment professionals who play a hands-on role in nurturing their portfolio companies. STV looks for startups with strong market traction and a clear path to scale, aiming to create regional tech giants capable of IPO or large-scale exits.

Sukna Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Riyadh, with a strong focus on digital transformation across the MENA region. The firm backs startups from pre-seed to Series B, particularly in sectors like fintech, gaming, education, health tech, and enterprise software. Their geographic focus spans key markets, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain, aligning with regional growth trends in technology and innovation. Sukna Ventures is dedicated to investing in entrepreneurs who are building the next wave of high-growth ventures, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and AR/VR. The firm supports companies that adapt to evolving market dynamics and regulations, empowering founders to scale their businesses in a rapidly transforming digital economy. With offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi, Sukna Ventures is well-positioned to tap into local and regional opportunities, while maintaining a global perspective. The team, comprised of seasoned investors and entrepreneurs, plays a hands-on role in nurturing portfolio companies, offering strategic advice and access to a broad network. Notable investments include startups like Quantums, an ad-tech solution enhancing e-commerce media, and Earn Alliance, a platform empowering gamers in the web3 space. Sukna Ventures prides itself on creating meaningful impact, helping ventures reshape how we live, work, and play in the digital age.

Summit Partners is a global investment firm that focuses on growth equity, managing more than $37 billion in capital. Founded in 1984, it has invested in over 550 companies across key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and growth products & services. Summit is known for backing companies with strong growth potential, offering both minority and majority investments, with a typical check size ranging from $10 million to over $500 million. The firm partners with companies that demonstrate leadership in their respective industries, providing not just capital but also strategic resources through its Peak Performance Group. This dedicated team supports portfolio companies in areas like operations, M&A, and capital markets, ensuring they scale efficiently. Summit has a strong global presence, with offices in Boston, Menlo Park, New York, London, and Luxembourg, and focuses heavily on profitable growth as a key driver of long-term value creation. Notable portfolio companies include technology giants like Klaviyo and cybersecurity firm Darktrace. Summit's hands-on, collaborative approach has made it a top choice for companies looking to scale rapidly while maintaining profitability​.

Sure Valley Ventures (SVV) is an entrepreneur-led, UK and Ireland-focused venture capital firm founded in 2017 that has invested in high-potential artificial intelligence software companies since inception. Headquartered in London with a growing Irish presence including a Cork office, it was founded by Barry Downes and Brian Kinane, former founders of Waterford-based FeedHenry, which was acquired by Red Hat in 2014. As founders turned investors, the team of around 31, including three partners, two venture partners and three principals, brings decades of operating experience to backing product-centric ventures with a clear technological edge. SVV concentrates on early-stage pre-seed and seed software companies across three core themes: artificial intelligence and machine learning, immersive technology and the metaverse, and cybersecurity. It typically writes cheques of roughly £750,000 to £1.5 million, around EUR 950,000 to EUR 2 million, often bringing co-investors in to complete £1 to 3 million packages, and is willing to lead. The firm has raised multiple vehicles, including a £95M UK software fund cornerstoned by a £50M British Business Bank commitment and Irish funds backed by Enterprise Ireland. Around 80% of its portfolio companies have gone on to raise follow-on Series A rounds, 70% within 24 months of seed. It has made roughly 61 investments; notable names and exits include Getvisibility, sold to Forcepoint; Artomatix, acquired by Unity for about $60M in 2020; Nova Leah; CameraMatics; Engage XR; Volograms; and VividQ. Sure Valley Ventures pairs founder-led operating experience with a focused deep-tech software thesis.

Susa Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, named after the Susa family of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The firm focuses on investments in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, logistics, enterprise software, and infrastructure and development tools. Susa Ventures seeks out businesses with strong compounding moats, like proprietary data, economies of scale, and network effects. Founded by Seth Berman and Chad Byers, Susa Ventures has backed notable companies like Robinhood, Flexport, and Viz.ai. The firm typically invests between $1 million and $3 million in seed rounds and is known for being a supportive and accessible partner to its portfolio companies. Susa Ventures prides itself on creating a deeply connected community of founders, investors, operators, advisors, and service providers. The team at Susa Ventures includes experienced professionals from various backgrounds, all committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Their investment process involves a few introductory meetings followed by a full partner meeting and thorough reference checks.

SustainVC is an impact-focused venture capital firm that manages a series of funds aimed at early-stage companies creating significant social and environmental impact. Founded in 2007, SustainVC backs innovative entrepreneurs whose ventures align with their vision of a sustainable, equitable, and healthier world. The firm typically invests between $500,000 to $5 million in companies within sectors like Climate & Sustainability, Equality & Empowerment, and Health & Education. With offices in Boston, Philadelphia, and Durham, SustainVC's team brings over 100 years of combined experience in investing, startups, and consulting. They prioritize investments that promise both measurable impact and competitive financial returns. Notable portfolio companies include Ocean Renewable Power Company, which focuses on emission-free, renewable energy from tides and rivers, and Goalbook, an educational software platform that supports individualized learning. SustainVC is committed to driving positive change while achieving market-rate returns, making them a key player in the impact investing landscape. Their hands-on approach ensures that they are deeply involved in scaling their portfolio companies, leveraging their extensive networks to help these businesses succeed.

Sutter Hill Ventures is one of the oldest venture capital firms still in operation, founded in 1964 by Bill Draper and Paul Wythes as an offshoot of a real estate firm and originally licensed as a Small Business Investment Company. Based in Palo Alto, California, the firm is famously low-profile and invests in technology-based startups across enterprise and infrastructure software, networking and computer technology, cloud, security, business and financial services, and healthcare. Its distinctive model is venture-studio-style company building: Sutter Hill originates only one or two companies a year, often incubating them in-house and embedding a partner as founding operator, then selectively backs a few other investments, exemplified by Managing Director Mike Speiser serving as Snowflake's founding CEO from 2012 to 2014 after leading its $5M Series A. The firm runs an evergreen structure in which the partners invest their own capital alongside LPs with no fixed fund life, and acts as a lead investor. It is led by Managing Directors including Mike Speiser, Stefan Dyckerhoff (founder of Nicira, acquired by VMware for $1.26B), Jim White, Keith Loebner and Divanny Lamas. Across decades Sutter Hill has backed more than 200 companies, with legendary outcomes including Snowflake, the largest software IPO ever, where the firm held over 20% worth roughly $12.6 billion; Pure Storage; Sumo Logic; Lacework; NVIDIA; and, more recently, Jony Ive's AI-hardware startup io, acquired by OpenAI for $6.5 billion in 2025. Its patient, builder-led approach has made it one of Silicon Valley's most enduring firms.

SV Angel, founded by Ron Conway in 2009, is a prominent venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Renowned for its focus on early-stage investments, particularly in technology and software sectors, SV Angel has been instrumental in the growth of numerous high-profile startups. Some of its notable investments include Stripe, Reddit, Notion, Headspace, Color, Patreon, Credit Karma, Poshmark, and GitHub. The firm is highly active in the startup ecosystem, making over 1,100 investments and achieving more than 450 exits. Significant exits include companies like Airbnb, Coinbase, DoorDash, and Slack. SV Angel is known for its founder-focused approach, providing not only capital but also strategic support without taking board seats, thus allowing founders greater operational freedom. SV Angel typically invests in seed rounds with average check sizes around $150,000. They do not lead funding rounds but prefer to collaborate with other investors. The firm has a history of supporting startups through special purpose vehicles for late-stage investments and growth equity funds, like the $269 million fund raised in 2022. The firm's leadership includes Ron Conway and his son Topher Conway, who continue to emphasize a community-oriented, hyper-engaged investment style. This strategy has positioned SV Angel as a vital player in fostering innovation within the tech industry.

SV Health Investors is a leading healthcare-focused venture capital firm with over 30 years of experience, specializing in biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare services. Notable investments include companies like American Well, Nimbus Therapeutics, and Bicycle Therapeutics. Their portfolio spans groundbreaking areas such as precision medicine, dementia therapeutics, and digital health. The firm’s industry focus is deeply rooted in life sciences, with a particular emphasis on biotechnology, medtech, and healthcare growth opportunities. Their investments target startups across all stages, from early innovation to growth phases, with a sharp focus on transforming healthcare through innovative treatments. SV Health Investors operates globally, with key offices in Boston and London, primarily focusing on the US and UK markets. Their strategy revolves around creating value through a hands-on approach, often leading rounds and collaborating closely with entrepreneurs. They are known for their in-depth sector knowledge, especially in complex therapeutic areas, and provide capital along with operational expertise to help companies scale. The average check size varies by stage and sector, and SV is actively involved in both early-stage biotech ventures and more mature growth companies. The team is led by seasoned experts like Kate Bingham and Nikola Trbovic, combining extensive industry experience with a commitment to fostering diversity in their investments. Entrepreneurs seeking to approach SV should highlight strong scientific innovation and a clear path to clinical impact, as the fund prioritizes cutting-edge breakthroughs with high potential.

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has carved out a unique niche in the venture capital world by focusing on the innovation economy. Notable investments include high-profile startups like Airbnb and Uber, reflecting SVB’s emphasis on early-stage, high-growth companies. SVB’s industry focus spans technology, life sciences, healthcare, and premium wine sectors, providing tailored financial services to meet the specific needs of these industries. Geographically, SVB is active globally, with a significant presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. This extensive reach allows them to support startups with ambitions to scale internationally. SVB’s investment strategy involves participating in early-stage funding rounds and providing venture debt, which helps companies extend their runways without diluting equity excessively. They typically lead funding rounds and often take board seats to offer strategic guidance. SVB has been active lately, with consistent investment activity even during market slowdowns. They prefer a hands-on approach, often advising companies on financial planning and operational efficiency. The average check size varies, but they are known for their substantial investments that can significantly propel a startup’s growth. Key team members include industry veterans like Greg Becker, who brings decades of experience in banking and venture capital, based in the firm's headquarters in Santa Clara, California. For startups looking to engage with SVB, a warm introduction through a shared connection or a strong business plan highlighting scalability and innovation can be effective ways to get noticed. SVB values relationships built on trust and strategic alignment, making it crucial for startups to demonstrate how they fit into SVB’s vision of the future.

Sweetwood Ventures is a leading Israeli venture capital fund of funds and the venture arm of Sweetwood Capital, an Israel-based financial firm. Operating from Tel Aviv and Luxembourg, the firm invests through a diversified strategy that combines primary and secondary allocations into top-quartile Israeli venture capital funds with direct co-investments in leading Israeli startups. Its inaugural Luxembourg-incorporated fund of funds closed at $70M and commits capital to and alongside best-in-class Israeli VC managers over a roughly three-year investment period; its flagship series grew to around $140M. The fund is backed predominantly by European institutional investors, family offices and high-net-worth individuals, including a top-tier private Belgian bank and leading family offices in Belgium and Luxembourg. In 2022 Sweetwood launched a separate $20M vehicle, Sweetwood NextGen, led by General Partner Amit Kurz, dedicated to backing 'nano' and emerging Israeli managers, cutting checks of up to $2M into funds of $15M or smaller on the thesis that very small funds tend to outperform; it also matches angel investors' deals to create synthetic micro-funds. Across its three funds the firm has committed to multiple underlying VC funds, secondary positions and direct co-investments such as BlinkOps. It was co-founded by Manuel Sussholz, who serves as Managing Partner, alongside Samuel Cohen Solal and Amit Kurz. By blending fund-of-funds allocations, secondaries and co-investments, Sweetwood Ventures offers international investors diversified access to the Israeli venture ecosystem.

Swisscom Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Swisscom AG, the leading telecom and ICT provider in Switzerland, established in 2007 by Dominique Mégret. Operating from offices in Zurich, Bern and Lausanne plus a Silicon Valley outpost, it advises investment funds for Swisscom and institutional investors, taking minority stakes in Swiss and international startups and acting as a lead investor. The firm invests in roughly 8 to 10 new companies each year for a total volume of $50 to 100M annually, with initial ticket sizes from $2M to $10M plus reserves for follow-on rounds and a sweet spot from Seed to Series C. It focuses on sectors of domain expertise, telco and IT cloud, deep tech, cybersecurity, fintech, and big data and AI-driven business models, and frequently backs Swiss university spin-offs, offering portfolio companies access to Swisscom's technical infrastructure and market channels alongside capital. Around 50% of its capital goes to the Swiss ecosystem, with the remainder deployed across North America, Europe and Israel. Since inception it has backed more than 80 technology companies and achieved roughly 40 exits, including 4 unicorns, 2 IPOs and 28 acquisitions, with notable names such as Scandit, Beekeeper, Aircall, Fireblocks, ANYbotics, Flyability and Ecorobotix. Following Mégret's 2024 departure, the firm is now led by joint Managing Partners Stefan Kuentz, Alexander Schläpfer and Pär Lange. Swisscom Ventures pairs deep telecom and deep-tech expertise with the strategic resources of Switzerland's leading ICT provider.

Switch Ventures, founded by Paul Arnold in 2014, is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, aiming to back talented founders who diverge from conventional paths to create impactful startups. Switch Ventures has a strong commitment to diversity, with 70% of its portfolio companies founded by women or people of color. The firm has made 67 investments and achieved 10 notable exits, including companies like The Athletic, Mode Analytics, and Policygenius. Switch Ventures' diverse portfolio includes startups across various sectors such as fintech, health tech, and enterprise software. Notable investments include Pluto, Gridwise, and Turtle Health. Switch Ventures emphasizes building a strong community of founders and providing them with the support necessary to secure follow-on funding and achieve substantial growth. The firm is known for its founder-friendly approach and deep involvement in the startups it backs​.

Symantec Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Symantec, launched in 2017 under then-CEO Greg Clark and based in Mountain View, California. Its mandate is to back cybersecurity startups and accelerate the delivery of core innovation to the security marketplace, with a focus on cybersecurity and adjacent technology areas including machine learning, advanced analytics and threat research, typically as a strategic co-investor. Distinct from a purely cash-based investor, the venture arm often contributes Symantec's technology assets and proprietary data in exchange for equity, helping startups reduce expenses and accelerate time to market through access to Symantec's Cyber Defense Platform for enterprises and Digital Safety Platform for consumers, along with AI expertise, go-to-market resources and use of its civilian threat-intelligence network. A representative deal was its 2018 backing of CyberCube Analytics, a cyber-insurance risk-modeling startup built on Symantec technology and augmented with an exclusive telemetry data license. Across its activity the firm has made roughly 22 investments in companies such as CyberCube, Vercara, DNS Made Easy, Ambit and Credit Sesame, with its latest tracked investment being Vercara in September 2024; Vercara was subsequently acquired by DigiCert. Symantec's enterprise security business was acquired by Broadcom for $10.7 billion in 2019, and the Symantec brand now operates as a division of Broadcom. By pairing capital with proprietary security technology and data, Symantec Ventures supported the next generation of cybersecurity innovators.

TA Ventures, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, specializes in early-stage investments in tech startups. The firm focuses on sectors such as SaaS, AI, fintech, e-commerce, and digital health. TA Ventures has a significant portfolio of over 120 companies, including notable investments like Wrike, Rentberry, and Jiji. The firm typically invests in pre-seed and seed stages with average ticket sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. They seek out ambitious startups with scalable business models and global potential. TA Ventures has a strong track record of successful exits, with over 42 companies having been acquired or gone public. Key team members include Viktoriya Tigipko, the Founder and Managing Partner, who has a rich background in entrepreneurship and technology, and Oleg Malenkov, a Partner based in Los Angeles who focuses on consumer tech. The team is spread across various locations, including the US, the Netherlands, and Southeast Asia, enabling them to leverage a broad network and diverse market insights. TA Ventures also co-invests with other prominent venture funds and angels, further supporting the growth and scalability of their portfolio companies.

Tahoma Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2013 by John Ives to provide seed and Series A capital to technology startups across the United States, with a base in Colorado spanning Boulder and Eagle. The firm concentrates on enterprise-grade IT and infrastructure technology, seeking early-stage companies in data center infrastructure, enterprise software and services, embedded systems, networking, security and data analytics. Typical cheques range from roughly $500K to $5M, deployed with an operator-first, strategic-guidance approach alongside capital, generally as a co-investor. Across about 15 investments, its portfolio includes Automox in cloud-native endpoint management and security, Kentik Technologies in network observability, Copper Labs in real-time energy and utility metering, IronCore Labs in data privacy and application-layer encryption, Stream.io in chat and activity-feed APIs, Kazan Networks in NVMe-over-Fabrics storage, which was later acquired, Bold Metrics in AI apparel sizing, and LineRate Systems in software load balancing, an early exit. The fund's most recent tracked investment was a 2021 round in Kentik Technologies, and its latest portfolio exit was Section in October 2023. Tahoma Ventures is led by managing director and general partner John Ives, who has executed dozens of investments across North America with a focus on early- to growth-stage technology companies poised for transformative impact. By concentrating on enterprise infrastructure and pairing capital with operator experience, Tahoma backs technical founders building the backbone of modern IT.

Tampa Bay Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in Tampa, Florida, with a mission to build a vibrant, internationally recognized startup ecosystem in the Tampa Bay region by backing the area's most promising tech-enabled startups. The firm launched its first seed fund targeting $20M and oversubscribed it to roughly $27M by early 2023, with plans to invest in about 25 companies over five years. It invests from seed through Series B, with check sizes commonly cited in the $500K to $2M range, focusing on cybersecurity, e-commerce, healthcare, education technology, finance technology and hardware companies in the Tampa Bay area, and it is willing to lead rounds. The partnership combines founders, angel investors and operators. General Partner Marcus Adolfsson is a serial entrepreneur who founded Smartphone Experts and Mobile Nations, the latter sold to Future Plc for $115M; co-founder Andreas Calabrese began his career at Sweden's Capital A Partners; co-founder Tom Frederick is a multi-exit entrepreneur whose companies were acquired by Xerox and Visual Edge; and co-founder Wesley Barnett is a Lakeland-based investor active in startups and real estate. The team numbers around 14, including seven partners. Across roughly 9 to 15 portfolio companies and 17 tracked investments, holdings include Grifin, a micro-investing app that raised an $11.0M Series A in June 2025; Procoto, a Y Combinator graduate whose round the firm led; Reptrics, a customer-success platform; and Enaia. Its most recent tracked deal was Enaia on October 17, 2024. Tampa Bay Ventures anchors itself in building its regional startup ecosystem.

Tapestry VC is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, with additional operations in Europe. Founded in 2021, Tapestry focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups across the US and Europe. The firm targets sectors such as software, fintech, 3D printing, and infrastructure, backing technical and repeat founders who are building next-generation solutions. The firm has almost $100 million in assets under management and has made significant investments in companies like Hopin, Pitch, Zapp, and Nothing. Tapestry VC's team includes industry veterans like Patrick Murphy, who previously started a VC fund for Universal Music Group, and David Kelly, a co-founder of Web Summit. The team emphasizes a hands-on approach, working closely with their portfolio companies to help them scale effectively. Tapestry's investment strategy is rooted in supporting founders who not only bring technical expertise but also have the vision to create market-defining products. The firm prides itself on moving quickly to support its founders, with the aim of turning ambitious ideas into impactful, billion-dollar businesses. For startups looking to partner with Tapestry VC, the firm offers deep industry knowledge, operational support, and a global network that can help accelerate growth and achieve significant milestones.

Target Global is a Berlin-based venture capital firm, managing over €1 billion in assets. It focuses on backing fast-growing startups in fintech, SaaS, mobility, and digital health across Europe, Israel, and the US. Their portfolio includes major players like Delivery Hero, WeFox, and Rapyd. With a focus on seed to growth-stage companies, Target Global typically invests €10-20 million, actively leading rounds and guiding companies through to international success. The firm’s strategy centers on identifying disruptive digital-enabled businesses, often those in underserved markets or emerging sectors like Industry 4.0 and healthtech. Their geographic focus spans Europe, with particular emphasis on Germany, London, and Tel Aviv, but they also make opportunistic investments in emerging economies like Poland and the Baltics. In terms of recent activity, Target Global raised a new €300 million fund to deepen its exposure in fintech and wellness sectors. The firm typically invests 70% of its capital in Europe, 20% in Israel, and the rest in opportunistic global deals. Entrepreneurs seeking funding are encouraged to highlight scalable, tech-driven solutions, as Target looks for businesses that can drive industry-wide change. Led by general partners Yaron Valler and Alex Frolov, the firm combines deep market knowledge with a proactive, hands-on approach, making it a key player in Europe’s venture capital scene.

Tau Ventures, founded in 2019 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in AI-driven technologies. Their investment portfolio spans sectors such as digital health, enterprise software, and automation, including robotics and drones. They typically write initial checks between $500,000 and $1 million, providing seed funding to startups with significant growth potential. The firm was co-founded by Amit Garg and Sanjay Rao, both experienced in venture capital and technology. Amit Garg, with a background from Google and Norwest Venture Partners, focuses primarily on digital health investments. Sanjay Rao, previously with McKinsey and Microsoft, concentrates on enterprise and automation sectors. The team also includes associates like Sharon Huang and Insoo Chang, who bring diverse expertise from biotechnology to strategic investments. Tau Ventures is recognized for its active engagement with portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and leveraging their extensive network to help startups succeed. Some notable investments include Alaffia Health, a healthcare technology firm, and Tonic, which creates synthetic data for testing and development. With around $85 million in assets under management, Tau Ventures is committed to fostering innovation in AI and supporting startups that aim to make a significant impact in their respective fields​.

TCP Venture Capital is a Baltimore, Maryland-based early-stage, technology-focused venture capital firm founded in 2012 that partners with entrepreneurs to build great businesses. The firm invests in early-stage companies across technology, education, healthcare, cybersecurity, analytics and advanced-materials sectors, concentrating on unique technology applications and explicitly excluding franchises, brick-and-mortar operations and online retail. Its flagship Propel Baltimore Fund makes investments in early-stage technology companies based in, or willing to relocate to, Baltimore, with an explicit mission to address the city's shortage of early-stage capital, encourage entrepreneurial activity and create high-paying jobs. TCP was founded by Christopher College and Stuart Sutley and is managed by a team with over 140 years of combined experience, and it is willing to lead rounds. Managing Partner Christopher College is a seasoned venture investor who has closed more than 100 deals totaling over $2.5 billion and previously headed the Private Finance Group at Stifel Nicolaus; Partner Stuart Sutley is a University of Virginia graduate, former US Marine Corps infantry officer and healthcare-company founder. Across roughly 30 to 35 investments the portfolio has produced eight acquisitions, including ZeroFox, RedOwl, Protenus and Rocket Doctor (acquired by Canada's Treatment AI), with other holdings such as WellDoc, EcoMap, Indicio, Link Labs, Traitify, Yet Analytics, Pixelligent Technologies, emocha and Minnowtech. Its most recent tracked investment was a Series A in Baltimore-based Infinity Bio in June 2025. By anchoring its flagship fund in Baltimore, TCP backs regional technology founders while addressing a local capital gap.

TDF Ventures, founded in 2004, is an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Washington DC and Silicon Valley. The firm focuses on startups that serve enterprise markets within infrastructure, software, and services sectors (IaaS, SaaS, XaaS). They manage a permanent pool of capital and are currently investing out of Fund IV, which has a $150 million allocation. TDF Ventures has a diverse portfolio with notable investments in companies like Omnispace, which recently expanded its spectrum portfolio, and Rewst, which raised $31 million in a Series B round to extend its leadership in the MSP automation market. Other active investments include Allstacks, Osano, and BlackCloak, which won the 2023 SC Media Award for Best Emerging Technology of the Year. The firm's investment strategy includes both financial backing and strategic support, helping portfolio companies with network building, brand exposure, talent acquisition, and subsequent funding rounds. The team at TDF Ventures includes partners and principals with extensive experience in the venture capital and technology sectors, such as Jim Pastoriza and Steven Mankoff.

Teamworthy Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early to growth-stage companies, focusing on building long-term relationships with talented entrepreneurial teams. Their portfolio includes leading software and software-enabled services companies such as Toast, SeatGeek, Weave, Carta, Capsule, CampusLogic, G2, Ibotta, OpenGov, Foursquare, Vestwell, Affinity, and Slice. The firm's mission is to partner with outstanding entrepreneurial teams to build companies of purpose, integrity, and enduring value. They emphasize values such as teamwork, service, integrity, creativity, enthusiasm, initiative, craftsmanship, learning, prudence, fortitude, humility, and thrift. Teamworthy strives to be a worthy partner by providing not just capital but also strategic support and mentorship to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential. Their investment team includes experienced professionals like Senior Associate Kyle Limpic, Associate Emma Barrett, and Associate Josiah Meadows, who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise to the firm. Teamworthy Ventures operates out of Greenwich, Connecticut, and Nashville, Tennessee, providing a robust support network for their portfolio companies.

Tech Coast Angels (TCA) is one of the largest and most active angel investor networks in the U.S., particularly focused on Southern California. Since its founding in 1997, TCA has funded over 540 companies, providing more than $300 million in early-stage capital. Its portfolio includes notable successes such as Apeel (now a unicorn) and Procore. TCA’s investments span a variety of industries, including healthcare, high-tech, and consumer products. TCA primarily invests in seed and early Series A rounds, often in California-based startups but also extending its reach across the U.S. and occasionally internationally. The group is known for not only providing capital but also hands-on mentorship and operational support. With around 400 members across several regional networks, TCA brings deep expertise and valuable connections to the table. Recently, TCA has increased its focus on syndicating deals with other angel groups and VCs, helping startups secure additional capital. Entrepreneurs looking to partner with TCA should demonstrate strong market potential and scalability, while leveraging the network’s robust mentorship and support system to build a sustainable business​.

TechOperators, founded in 2008 and based in Atlanta, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage cybersecurity and B2B software companies. The firm typically leads Seed and Series A funding rounds with initial investments ranging from $2 million to $5 million. Their investment strategy is shaped by the extensive operational experience of the founding partners, who include David Gould, Glenn McGonnigle, Said Mohammadioun, and Tom Noonan. TechOperators' portfolio features notable investments in companies such as Automox, a cloud-native endpoint management platform, and Flashpoint, which provides actionable intelligence from the dark web. They have also backed Phantom Cyber, which was acquired by Splunk, and Ionic Security, acquired by Twilio. Other significant investments include Tala Security, Todyl, and KyckGlobal. The firm supports its portfolio companies with more than just capital, offering strategic advice, networking opportunities, and operational guidance to help them scale. This hands-on approach is evident in their successful exits, such as the acquisition of Phantom Cyber by Splunk and the acquisition of Flashpoint by Audax.

Techstars is a global platform for investment and innovation that has supported over 4,000 startups since its inception in 2006. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Techstars operates accelerator programs worldwide, providing early-stage startups with access to capital, mentorship, and a vast network of investors and partners. Their portfolio spans a diverse range of industries, including HealthTech, FinTech, Web3, CleanTech, and more. Notable companies in their portfolio include Chainalysis, DataRobot, and Remitly. Techstars has facilitated over $27.3 billion in total funding for its startups, with a cumulative market cap of $113.6 billion​. Techstars' investment strategy involves pre-seed and early-stage investments through their accelerator programs. They invest up to $120,000 in each startup during the accelerator program, and follow-on investments through their Venture Fund. This strategy allows them to support companies from their initial stages through to growth​.

Techtools Ventures is a São Paulo, Brazil-based investment firm that operates as a venture builder for science- and technology-based startups in the healthcare and security industries, backing companies from MVP through Series A with the goal of creating high-potential global companies that deliver both financial and social returns. It was founded by serial entrepreneur Jefferson Almoualem (Jeff) Plentz in 1995 as a technology consulting firm focused on social impact, then pivoted in 2015 to concentrate exclusively on developing innovative healthcare projects, and launched its first venture capital vehicle, 'fund zero,' in 2017 with six startups. The firm functions as a platform to accelerate the adoption of health innovation, connecting patients and hospitals through leading startups and validating solutions within Brazil's hospital network. For example, it developed and donated an AI-based telemedicine triage app, Saúde Digital MG Covid-19, to the state of Minas Gerais during the pandemic, used by more than 40,000 residents. Plentz brings over 30 years of experience across business, innovation, government relations and consulting, and the firm is willing to lead rounds. Notable activity includes a R$3M investment in agtech startup Eirene Solutions in late 2018, along with portfolio and brand initiatives such as PapoFácil and 211. In Brazil, Bromelia Capital, a São Paulo venture capital firm founded in 2017, consolidated its operations by acquiring Techtools Ventures and incorporating the newly created techtools capital, bringing the high-social-impact investment portfolio under its umbrella. By combining a venture-builder model with a healthcare and security focus, Techtools backs science-based Brazilian founders pursuing both financial and social returns.

Tekfen Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City, established in 2016 as the corporate venture arm of Tekfen Holding, a publicly traded Turkish industrial conglomerate founded in 1956 with more than 18,000 employees across 40 subsidiaries operating in construction, agriculture, manufacturing and real estate. Investing out of a roughly $65M fund with a financial-return focus, Tekfen Ventures backs visionary founders pursuing bold transformations in the legacy industries that build, feed and supply the world. It invests across the technology spectrum, software, hardware and life sciences, typically writing first checks of about $1M to $4M at the Series A and B stages, generally as a co-investor, and skews toward deeptech and research-based companies tied to the digitization and decarbonization of agriculture, construction, manufacturing and real estate, as well as advanced materials, energy efficiency, renewable energy, IoT, robotics and cybersecurity. Beyond capital, the firm leverages Tekfen Holding's industrial leadership, global reach and operating expertise to act as a strategic partner, and it has reviewed deals as far afield as the Philippines, Australia, India and China. Its portfolio of roughly 28 investments includes two unicorns, industrial cybersecurity company Claroty, valued at about $2.5 billion in 2024, and agricultural biotech Pivot Bio, alongside Tropic Biosciences and enterprise analytics platform Soft Machine. Its most recent tracked investment was in Tropic in August 2025. Longtime leaders Managing Director Kris Kemeny and founder-president Sinan Uzan departed the firm in January 2026. By pairing capital with a major industrial parent, Tekfen Ventures backs deeptech transforming legacy industries.

TEL Venture Capital, Inc. is the corporate venture capital arm of Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL), the world's leading semiconductor and flat-panel-display production-equipment manufacturer. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Silicon Valley (Fremont, California) with an additional office in Tokyo, the firm invests globally in innovative technologies that generate synergies with Tokyo Electron's core semiconductor and display businesses, their peripheral fields, and other silicon fabrication and process technologies. Target areas span process, design, materials, hardware and software, sustainability and conservation, and adjacent deep-tech, and the firm has issued an open call for startups of any stage building ultra-small, real-time sensors, for pressure, temperature, gas, flow, moisture and plasma characteristics, for integration into state-of-the-art semiconductor process equipment. Rather than acting as a purely financial backer, TEL VC treats portfolio companies as strategic partners, pursuing joint development and collaborative business and offering access to Tokyo Electron's global business infrastructure, deep technical resources, and worldwide sales and distribution channels, typically as a co-investor. Per its own site the firm has invested in 52 companies across 12 countries and regions. Notable and recent portfolio companies include Ferroelectric Memory Company (Series C, November 2025), Fortaegis Technologies (July 2025), EN2CORE Technology (June 2025), Hinalea, ADTEX, NexFi Technology, Cellid and Wooptix. Bobby Shirai joined as president in December 2024, and the team has expanded with multiple investment and technical professionals across the US, Japan, Korea and Israel. By coupling capital with joint development and Tokyo Electron's global platform, TEL VC backs the deep-tech and materials companies most relevant to advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Telefónica Tech Ventures is the global corporate venture capital vehicle of Telefónica, the Spanish multinational telecommunications group, specialized in cybersecurity and adjacent enterprise technology. Launched in 2020 and promoted by ElevenPaths, Telefónica's cybersecurity unit within Telefónica Tech, together with Telefónica Innovation Ventures, the group's broader CVC active since 2007, it is headquartered in Madrid with a presence in Silicon Valley. The fund's stated purpose is to detect disruptive innovation in cybersecurity, including threat intelligence, cloud security, data protection and AI applied to security, while also backing cloud, IoT and data startups worldwide and developing joint business with them. It typically invests up to roughly EUR 6M, about $7M, per deal at Series A to C stages, with observed checks in the $2M to $3M range, generally as a co-investor, and at launch set out to fund around fifteen cybersecurity developers over three years. Its investment scope spans Europe, the United States, Israel and Latin America. Tracked activity shows about 53 investments and 15 portfolio exits, with the most recent investment being a seed round in Mexican clean-energy marketplace Solfium in January 2025, around $2.2M alongside Wayra Hispam. Notable cybersecurity and connectivity holdings include Nozomi Networks in OT/IoT security, Red Sift, CounterCraft, Devo, Hdiv Security, Blueliv/4IQ, Kymatio, Mitiga Solutions and Monogoto. The fund is led by director Guenia Gawendo and leverages Telefónica's global telecom infrastructure, customer base and operating expertise as a strategic partner to its portfolio companies.

Telefónica Ventures, formally Telefónica Innovation Ventures (TIV), is the corporate venture capital arm of Telefónica, the Spanish multinational telecommunications group. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Madrid with an office in Silicon Valley, it invests and builds strategic partnerships aligned with Telefónica's global strategy. It runs a dual model: making direct investments in technology startups and acting as a limited partner in a network of leading venture capital funds in key Telefónica markets, 12 funds in total, including Alter Venture Partners in Silicon Valley, Vintage in Israel, four funds in Spain and three in Brazil. Its current portfolio comprises around 10 directly held startups plus more than 80 companies reached through those fund commitments. Investment scope spans Europe, the United States, Israel and Latin America, and thematic focus areas include 5G and next-generation communications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IoT, cloud, edge, video, gaming, fintech and digital transformation, with growing interest in Web3 for telecoms. Across tracked direct activity it has made roughly 28 investments with about 4 exits and only a handful of lead positions, typically co-investing in larger rounds. Notable and recent direct investments include AI search company Perplexity in December 2024, Barcelona-based Mitiga Solutions in 2024, embedded-insurance startup Weecover, and cybersecurity firm Nozomi Networks. Telefónica Ventures sits within a broader corporate innovation ecosystem that also includes the Wayra accelerator, Telefónica Venture Builder and the cybersecurity-focused Telefónica Tech Ventures. By combining direct investments with a fund-of-funds network across its key markets, Telefónica Ventures connects the group to global technology innovation.

Telescopic Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Oakland, California. Its name references finding things usually hard to see with the naked eye and discovering what is currently unseen, reflecting a mission to partner with the most innovative technology companies aiming to make a huge real-world impact. The firm's investment philosophy, branded 'Applied Frontier Technology,' targets companies at the intersection of radical forward innovation and real-world implementation; it is sector-agnostic but focused mainly on B2B and enterprise applications. Four themes drive its thesis: the increasing decentralization of computing and cognitive analysis, growing automation within traditional industries, the need to fast-track sustainability, and security as a must-have for all companies. Investment categories span AI, machine learning, deep learning and reinforcement learning, IoT and hardware, platform infrastructure, cybersecurity, sustainability, digital health and fintech. Telescopic invests at the early stage, pre-seed through Series A and primarily seed rounds in US-based startups, and is open to leading while also happily co-investing alongside other early-stage backers. The team of around four, including two partners among them partner Merlyn Sevy, are former entrepreneurs and operators who actively support portfolio companies on early business development, strategy and product integrations. Its portfolio of roughly nine companies includes data-infrastructure unicorn VAST Data, data-classification and security firm Kriptos, and environmental-services startup Mycocycle, and has produced two acquisitions, including Shrimpy and Onion ID. By backing frontier technology paired with real-world implementation, Telescopic Ventures supports founders applying advanced computing, automation, sustainability and security.

Ten Eleven Ventures is a venture capital firm uniquely dedicated to investing in cybersecurity. Founded in 2015 by Alex Doll and Mark Hatfield, it focuses exclusively on cyber companies, investing across all stages—from seed to growth. This stage-agnostic strategy has allowed them to invest in early-stage disruptors like Cylance and growth-stage leaders like Darktrace, leveraging their deep sector expertise to support companies at every phase. The firm operates globally, with investments in regions like North America, the UK, Israel, and recently expanding into Southeast Asia, thanks to partnerships with firms like KKR and Temasek. Their notable exits include companies like Ping Identity, Hexadite, and Cylance, reflecting their success in identifying and scaling innovative cybersecurity startups. Ten Eleven offers more than just capital, providing strategic guidance through a strong network of cybersecurity veterans and a specialized team. The leadership includes Alex Doll and Mark Hatfield, alongside key team members like COO Brian Draves and CMO Megan Dubofsky, all contributing to their deep technical insight and ability to help portfolio companies grow.

Tensility Venture Partners is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in enterprise AI companies. With a focus on AI-driven solutions, they back startups working in critical sectors such as cybersecurity, healthcare, infrastructure, and vertical applications like AI for drug development and digital health. Tensility seeks mission-driven founders who leverage proprietary data and novel AI approaches to solve significant industry challenges. The firm, co-founded by Wayne Boulais and Armando Pauker, prides itself on deep technical expertise and over two decades of venture investing experience. Since 2017, Tensility has evaluated more than 1,200 AI deals and invested in 48 companies. Their portfolio includes companies like Agnostiq, which focuses on quantum computing for AI, and BrainCheck, a cognitive health diagnostic platform. Tensility’s investment strategy goes beyond capital infusion. They are hands-on investors, actively guiding founders through the toughest stages of their startup journey. Their typical check size ranges between $150K and $250K at the seed stage, and they often lead or co-lead rounds. Diversity is also a core value, with 70% of the founders in their second fund being women or people of color. For entrepreneurs ready to transform industries through AI, Tensility provides not only financial backing but also the operational support needed to scale and achieve successful exits.

Tera Ventures is an Estonian early-stage venture capital firm, founded in 2016 and based in Tallinn, that backs born-global digital startups. Estonia is its home market, but it invests broadly across the Nordics and CEE, including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic. AI-powered innovation sits at the core of its thesis, with the team having invested in the space for more than 15 years, applied across pure enterprise SaaS as well as robotics and deep-tech, with fintech and security as priority sectors. Tera is a hands-on, founder-friendly lead investor that supports companies through follow-on rounds and has helped portfolio companies expand into the US, UK and Japan. It currently invests out of a EUR 45M second fund, with limited partners including the European Investment Fund, LHV and Mistletoe Venture Partners International alongside Estonian high-net-worth individuals; typical tickets range from about EUR 200K to EUR 1.5M. Across roughly 46 portfolio companies it has recorded one IPO and six acquisitions, with notable names including Lingvist, Realeyes, Avokaado, Miros, SportIQ, Reconeyez, Twice Commerce and 10Lines, plus exits Monese, GrabCAD and Brainbase. The founding and managing partners include Andrus Oks, a founding partner with five exits including GrabCAD, Eamonn Carey and Stanislav Ivanov. Recent activity includes leading Miros' $6.53M seed round and a seed investment in Monetari in January 2026. Tera Ventures pairs an AI-centric thesis with hands-on support for Nordic and CEE founders building for global markets.

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC) is a highly influential podcast and venture capital fund created by Harry Stebbings, combining media and venture capital in a unique way. The podcast, featuring interviews with top VCs and entrepreneurs like Reid Hoffman and Daniel Ek, is known for its fast-paced, insightful discussions about funding, scaling, and leadership. With millions of downloads, it has become a go-to resource for aspiring founders and investors. The 20VC Fund, launched by Stebbings, focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments. The fund has built an impressive portfolio, including companies like Sorare, Hopin, and Ledgy. It targets disruptive startups with scalable potential across various sectors such as SaaS, fintech, and marketplaces. The fund actively leads early-stage rounds, offering both capital and strategic support to founders. With a West Coast and London presence, the 20VC Fund typically invests globally, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Harry Stebbings is not just an investor but also a media personality, using his platform to amplify the stories of founders and venture partners. His fund emphasizes the importance of personal connections, often engaging deeply with founders through the podcast and network before investing. Startups interested in pitching to 20VC are encouraged to demonstrate market traction and scalability while aligning with the fund’s vision of backing bold and innovative entrepreneurs at the earliest stages.