Software & Apps VC Funds

Updata Partners is a Washington D.C.-based growth equity firm that specializes in investing in B2B software companies. Founded in 1998, the firm focuses on partnering with companies outside of Silicon Valley that have annual revenues between $5 million and $50 million and are experiencing growth rates of 25% to 100%. Updata typically invests $15 million to $150 million per company and emphasizes businesses that are capital-efficient and often bootstrapped or lightly capitalized. With over $1.5 billion in committed capital, Updata recently closed its seventh fund at $608 million. The firm is known for its operational expertise, bringing decades of experience to its portfolio companies. This hands-on approach allows Updata to support emerging leaders in the software industry through all phases of growth. The firm seeks to be the first institutional capital in its investments, providing both funding and strategic guidance to help scale companies. Updata's portfolio includes a diverse range of software-driven businesses, including companies like Improvado, Shufti Pro, CData, and BoxCast. The firm prides itself on fostering long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs, drawing on its extensive industry knowledge to drive success in fast-growing companies across the U.S. and beyond. Updata’s investment strategy is centered on identifying high-potential companies that can benefit from both capital infusion and operational support, making them a key player in the B2B software growth equity space.

Upfront Ventures, founded in 1996 and based in Santa Monica, California, is a prominent venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology investments. With over $2 billion in total funds raised, the firm has supported more than 200 companies across various sectors, including digital media, SaaS, consumer internet, and retail innovation. Notable investments include well-known companies like PayPal Credit, thredUP, Apeel Sciences, and Ulta. The firm's investment strategy typically involves leading seed and Series A rounds, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and resources to help startups scale. They have a strong presence in the Los Angeles tech ecosystem, contributing to the growth of Silicon Beach. Upfront Ventures is also known for hosting the annual Upfront Summit, a major tech conference in Los Angeles that gathers industry leaders and innovators. Led by managing partners Yves Sisteron and Mark Suster, Upfront Ventures combines extensive industry experience with a commitment to transparency and long-term partnership with entrepreneurs. Their investments are global, with a focus on leveraging their strategic location in Los Angeles to support the thriving local startup scene. For startups looking to engage with Upfront Ventures, a clear demonstration of innovative solutions and strong market potential is key. The firm values introductions through its network and prefers pitches that align with its investment focus and ethos​.

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

Upper90, founded in 2018, is a hybrid investment firm based in New York City that provides a mix of credit and equity to technology startups. The firm focuses on e-commerce, fintech, and supply chain finance, offering capital solutions that enable founders to scale their businesses with less dilution. Upper90 has managed over $2.2 billion across 43 portfolio companies, supporting ventures like Thrasio, Clearco, Octane, and Crusoe Energy​. The firm's investment strategy involves leading with credit and participating in equity, with initial credit facilities ranging from $5 million to $30 million, scaling up to $50 million as companies grow. Upper90 targets companies with predictable revenue or asset collateral, allowing them to finance growth efficiently while retaining more ownership​. Upper90's team, led by co-founder and CEO Billy Libby, prides itself on providing operational support and strategic advice to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate complex capital challenges and optimize their growth strategies​.

UPS Ventures, historically known as the UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund, is the corporate venture capital arm of United Parcel Service, founded in 1997 and based at the company's Atlanta, Georgia headquarters. The fund makes early- to mid-stage investments in startups that are strategically relevant to the world's largest package-delivery and global logistics company, using its capital both to develop critical commercial partnerships and to gather 'knowledge returns' on emerging technologies and market spaces, generally as a co-investor. Its areas of interest span logistics and transportation, warehousing and distribution, retail, healthcare, alternative fuel, wireless, biometrics and a broad sweep of information-technology categories from business and productivity software to networking, semiconductors and IT services. Over its long history the fund has made around 66 investments and recorded 23 exits. It is closely associated with UPS's bets on autonomous and aerial logistics, including drone-delivery pioneers Matternet, a UPS Flight Forward partner since 2019, and CyPhy Works, as well as autonomous-trucking company Peloton Technology. Other holdings include logistics-software companies such as Inxeption, Brazilian last-mile player Mandaê, and additive-manufacturing firm Fast Radius, its last disclosed exit in February 2022. Long led by Managing Director Rimas Kapeskas, the fund continues to invest, with a recent disclosed deal in healthcare-services company RxS in July 2025, and operates within UPS's broader multibillion-dollar automation strategy. By pairing capital with strategic partnership and knowledge returns, UPS Ventures backs the technologies shaping the future of logistics.

Upside Partnership, founded by Kent Goldman in San Francisco, is a seed and pre-seed venture capital firm known for its early-stage investments in technology and software sectors. Some notable companies in their portfolio include Hims & Hers, Allbirds, and Life360, highlighting their ability to identify high-growth potential startups. Upside Partnership is industry-agnostic, focusing on purpose-built teams and companies with a strong vision and operational efficiency. They invest primarily in the U.S. market, often being the first institutional investor to commit, which allows them to shape the initial growth trajectory of their portfolio companies. Their strategy involves writing initial checks of around $500K, with 70% of their fund reserved for supporting founders in subsequent rounds. They place a high value on long-term partnerships and are known for their hands-on approach, guiding startups through their growth phases with a combination of mentorship and strategic advice. Kent Goldman, previously a partner at First Round Capital, brings extensive experience in early-stage investing. Christina Hunt, another key partner, has a strong background in both startup operations and venture capital, ensuring that Upside Partnership provides comprehensive support to its founders. This blend of expertise and a founder-first philosophy makes Upside Partnership a distinguished player in the venture capital space.

Upslope Ventures, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is an early-stage venture capital firm. They invest in startups across the United States, focusing primarily on sectors such as software-as-a-service (SaaS), hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile technology, artificial intelligence, consumer products, and e-commerce. The firm has a robust portfolio with notable investments in companies like Eight Sleep, a company specializing in smart mattresses; Galvanize, a platform for startup growth and bootcamps; GoSpotCheck, a mobile data collection firm; and JumpCloud, a cloud-based directory management service that has achieved unicorn status. Other significant investments include Self, an online marketplace for credit builder loans, and Genies, a provider of 3D avatar creation software. Upslope Ventures has made 82 investments to date and has seen 45 exits, demonstrating their capability in nurturing early-stage companies to successful exits. Their investment strategy includes providing more than just capital, leveraging their extensive network to support startups in various aspects of growth and development. The team at Upslope Ventures is led by General Partners Lawrence Mandes and James Deters, along with Managing Partner Katherine Beardsley. They are committed to investing in exceptional teams from any location, emphasizing the importance of strong, scalable business models and innovative solutions.

Upswell Ventures is a dynamic early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in Cottesloe, in the Perth area of Western Australia. The firm is dedicated to backing the next generation of great Australian founders, concentrating on B2B software and deep-technology companies at the seed and Series A stages. Its portfolio spans a broad set of categories, enterprise applications, auto tech, high tech, consumer, travel and hospitality tech, and energy tech, with a tilt toward enterprise B2B and SaaS businesses. Upswell typically writes first cheques of around $500,000 and above, investing primarily in Australian startups and frequently co-investing alongside other parts of the Australian early-stage ecosystem, including Startmate, Blackbird Ventures and Common Sense Ventures, and it is willing to lead. The firm runs a lean team of about four people, including two partners. As of mid-2024 it remained an active investor with a portfolio of roughly seven companies; among its most recent activity, Upswell led the A$617,000 seed round of Lasertrade alongside Startmate, with Blackbird Ventures and others participating. Its combination of a Western Australian base, somewhat outside the dominant Sydney and Melbourne hubs, and a focus on deep-tech and B2B software positions it as a regionally distinctive backer of early-stage Australian innovation. By writing first cheques into founders outside the country's largest venture centres, Upswell Ventures supports the growth of Western Australia's startup ecosystem while reaching nationally.

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

Urban Future Lab (UFL) is a premier climatetech innovation hub based in New York City. It supports startups developing sustainable technologies that address climate change and urban resilience. UFL operates five specialized programs, including the Accelerator for a Clean and Resilient Economy (ACRE), Carbon to Value Initiative, Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme, and Clean Start, providing comprehensive support to early-stage climatetech companies. Notable portfolio companies include Air Company, which converts carbon dioxide into sustainable alcohol; Amperon, specializing in real-time electricity demand forecasts; and NineDot Energy, focused on community energy solutions for a cleaner urban grid. These startups benefit from UFL’s robust ecosystem, which offers strategic guidance, industry connections, and access to funding opportunities. The Lab's mission centers around scaling impactful climate solutions, leveraging New York City's resources and financial networks to help startups commercialize their innovations. UFL has supported over 170 startups, securing more than $2.5 billion in funding and creating over 4,100 jobs. The organization boasts an 88% survival rate among its companies and has facilitated numerous successful exits. UFL’s strategic approach includes hosting over 100 events annually to foster community and collaboration among climatetech innovators. Founders gain valuable exposure and support through UFL's extensive network of corporate partners, government agencies, and non-profits dedicated to advancing sustainable technology. By fostering a founder-first culture, UFL ensures that startups receive the essential tools and mentorship needed to thrive in the competitive climatetech space, driving meaningful environmental impact while contributing to a resilient urban future​.

Urban Innovation Fund, founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, focuses on investing in early-stage companies that enhance the livability, sustainability, and economic vitality of cities. The fund supports startups at the pre-seed and seed stages across various sectors including transportation, climate tech, proptech, edtech, fintech, public health, civic tech, and food systems. Notable investments include Electriphi, a software company for electric fleet management acquired by Ford, and codeSpark, an educational platform teaching kids to code, which was acquired by BEGiN. Other significant investments are BookNook, a tutoring platform for improving reading skills, and Jeeves, a global payment network for small businesses that has recently seen its valuation rise to $2.1 billion. The fund, co-founded by Clara Brenner and Julie Lein, provides not only capital but also regulatory support to help entrepreneurs navigate complex urban challenges. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to tackling key issues facing urban areas today, from sustainable finance to community health.

Urban Us, now rebranded as Third Sphere, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments focused on urban innovation and climate solutions. Founded in 2013, the firm supports nearly 90 companies in sectors like real estate, infrastructure, energy, water, waste, food, transportation, and public administration. Notable investments include Bowery Farming, Starcity, One Concern, Future Motion, SeamlessDocs (now Kofile), Evolve Energy (acquired by Octopus Energy), and Rachio. The firm is known for its partnership with BMW’s MINI in operating URBAN-X, an accelerator program that helps startups innovate sustainable mobility and urban living solutions. URBAN-X has a portfolio of 65 companies, with 85% of them successfully raising subsequent funding rounds. The accelerator focuses on startups addressing challenges in climate change, connectivity, mobility, and city living, providing access to a global network of over 2,000 partners. Third Sphere emphasizes the importance of reshaping global systems to ensure sustainability, focusing on sectors like affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities, clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption, and connected transportation. This approach reflects their mission to address broader climate actions and systemic improvements beyond merely reducing carbon emissions.

Urban-X, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, is an accelerator that supports startups focused on reimagining urban life and addressing the challenges cities face today. Created by MINI, the program offers a combination of funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies working on innovative solutions for sustainable, livable, and resilient cities. The accelerator has invested in over 115 companies across various sectors, including environmental services, application software, and automotive technology. Notable portfolio companies include Avvir, which offers construction automation technology, and RoadBotics, a company that uses AI to monitor road conditions. Urban-X provides tailored programming and access to a global network of investors and industry experts, helping startups scale their impact. The platform emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a significant percentage of portfolio companies having women and people of color as co-founders. For startups looking to make a difference in urban environments, Urban-X offers a robust support system to help turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions.

The USC Marshall Venture Fund is a student-run, early-stage evergreen venture fund created by the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. Launched in November 2018 and based in Los Angeles, the Fund invests in and takes equity in ventures founded or led by USC students, alumni, faculty and staff, helping to bridge the funding gap for early-stage USC-affiliated companies. It typically participates in a company's first institutional round, writing checks of roughly $25,000 to $50,000 and looking for ventures that already have a product and ideally some early market traction, with a goal of making at least two investments per year, generally as a co-investor. Beyond capital, the Fund serves an educational mission: MBA and undergraduate students source, evaluate and conduct due diligence on prospective deals under the guidance of a 17-person investment committee of experienced venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and operators, learning first-hand how to evaluate, make and manage venture investments. The initiative also engages USC alumni, advisors and domain experts to mentor founders and to strengthen the broader USC and Southern California entrepreneurial ecosystem, while returns from successful exits are recycled back into the Fund. Disclosed portfolio companies include Flaus, Kenko, Engage and ChainOpera AI. By combining real institutional capital with a hands-on educational mission, the USC Marshall Venture Fund backs USC-affiliated founders at their first institutional round while training the next generation of investors.

V-Sharp Venture Studio is an early-stage venture capital firm and venture studio based in Prague, Czech Republic. Launched in 2021, originally as V-Sharp Alpha, as part of the Reticulum group, it was founded by Michal Menšík, CEO of the fast-growing last-mile logistics group DoDo, and Zdeněk Šoustal, CEO of the Reticulum investment group. The studio backs promising startups in Central and Eastern Europe across three core verticals, e-commerce, logistics and financial technology, investing at the pre-seed, seed and Series A stages with tickets of up to roughly EUR 1 million and hundreds of millions of Czech korun available to deploy, and it is willing to lead. Rather than spreading capital thinly, V-Sharp deliberately invests in a small number of carefully selected companies each year and commits fully to each one, supplementing its capital with hands-on operating expertise, an extensive contact network, and shared services in marketing, legal and IT. The founders bring deep operating credibility: Menšík has spent more than 15 years in e-commerce and scaled DoDo into one of the Czech Republic's fastest-growing technology companies, while Šoustal's Reticulum group also backs Accolade, in commercial real estate and industrial parks, and MJM agro. The studio's disclosed portfolio of around eight companies includes Oxus.AI, Tapline and Vocalls. By combining studio-style company support with concentrated early-stage capital and the operating experience of its founders, V-Sharp Venture Studio backs CEE founders in e-commerce, logistics and fintech.

V1.VC is a venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in internet, B2B software, consumer, financial, crypto, and deep tech companies across North America. V1.VC focuses on being patient, long-term capital partners for ambitious founders, leveraging their experience as current and former operators to support startups from initial stages to successful exits. Co-founded by Brett Jackson and Benny Joseph, V1.VC aims to be the most supportive investor in a founder’s journey. Brett Jackson brings extensive experience from roles at AVX Aircraft and Crocs, while Benny Joseph is known for his tenure as CTO at Allbirds and his role in founding GoodApril, which was acquired by Intuit. V1.VC has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Allbirds, DoorDash, and OpenSea. They have made over 86 investments and have achieved 27 exits. The firm is dedicated to helping startups navigate the critical early stages of development and scale successfully. The team at V1.VC emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with startups to provide strategic guidance, resources, and connections to ensure their growth and success in the competitive market.

Valar Ventures, co-founded by Peter Thiel, Andrew McCormack, and James Fitzgerald, has made a significant mark in the venture capital world by focusing on fintech startups with a global reach. Notable investments include Wise, Xero, Petal, N26, and Stash, highlighting their commitment to backing transformative financial technology companies. These investments demonstrate Valar's ability to identify and nurture groundbreaking startups. The firm primarily invests in early-stage companies, often leading funding rounds with checks ranging from $1M to $10M. Their geographic focus spans North America and Europe, allowing them to tap into diverse markets and innovative ecosystems. This strategic approach ensures they are well-positioned to support startups poised for international growth. Valar Ventures operates with a clear investment strategy: they seek out companies with innovative fintech solutions that have the potential to disrupt traditional financial services. They are known for their hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to help their portfolio companies scale effectively. The team, based in New York, brings deep fintech expertise and a strong network, which is invaluable to the startups they invest in. Founders looking to partner with Valar should present a clear, innovative fintech proposition with a strong potential for transformative impact. Valar Ventures is particularly interested in businesses that can demonstrate a solid growth trajectory and a compelling vision for the future of finance.

Valesco Ventures is a venture capital and go-to-market advisory firm founded in 2016 by Thorsten Freitag and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with a European presence in Berg, Germany. The firm has a distinctive model that combines capital investment with hands-on operating management, advisory and joint ventures, anchored by a singular focus on sales execution. Rather than acting as a passive investor, Valesco's team of operating partners builds and manages portfolio companies' international sales teams and constructs the go-to-market 'engine' that carries B2B technology and enterprise software companies through their startup, scale and growth phases, helping them accelerate growth, win Fortune Global 1000 customers and establish market leadership, generally as a co-investor. The firm's edge stems directly from founder Thorsten Freitag's career scaling field-sales organizations at leading global IT vendors during periods of hyper-growth: as an executive officer and executive vice president at Infoblox he helped grow the company at roughly a 40% CAGR to $96 million per quarter, and he previously served as Vice President EMEA at Check Point Software Technologies. Valesco operates a lean team of around seven to eight people and complements its investing with leadership development and sales-team optimization services. It should not be confused with Valesco Industries, a separate Dallas-based lower-middle-market private equity firm. By pairing capital with hands-on sales execution and go-to-market building, Valesco Ventures backs B2B technology and enterprise-software companies and helps them scale internationally and win large enterprise customers.

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

Valia Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in bold and innovative startups across various sectors including fintech, healthcare, consumer, and enterprise software. Based in New York, San Francisco, and London, the firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments, with check sizes ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Valia Ventures also has an Opportunity Fund for investing in mature companies at the Series B stage and beyond. The firm is led by Managing Partner Khaled Jalanbo, along with a team of experienced investors like Riley Rodgers and Omar Sebai. They aim to be long-term partners, supporting companies throughout their growth stages with both capital and strategic guidance​. Valia Ventures has made significant investments in companies such as Selfbook, Humane, and Legacy, demonstrating their commitment to backing transformative ideas. Their portfolio is diverse, encompassing sectors from fintech and healthcare to enterprise software​.

Valley Capital Partners is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, specializing in early-stage investments. The firm has a strong focus on Seed and Series A funding, particularly in enterprise technology sectors like AI/ML infrastructure, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure. Known for its hands-on approach, Valley Capital Partners works closely with founders, helping them build solid foundations for rapid growth through governance, talent recruitment, and strategic enterprise partnerships. Valley Capital’s investment strategy is marked by high conviction and concentrated bets, typically making 8-12 core investments per fund. Their network of exceptional Limited Partners (LPs), including top-tier tech investors, provides startups with unique access to insights and co-investment opportunities. Recent notable exits include Yubico and Affirm, highlighting the firm’s strength in nurturing high-growth companies. Led by seasoned professionals like Stephen O’Hara and Mitchell Kokko, the firm takes a long-term partnership approach, aiming to stay deeply involved with its portfolio companies. Unlike many VCs, Valley Capital avoids spreading itself thin across too many deals, choosing instead to focus on fewer, high-impact investments that enable deeper collaboration with founders. Based in Menlo Park, California, Valley Capital continues to back innovators, leveraging its deep Silicon Valley roots to fuel the next generation of enterprise tech success.

Valley Growth Ventures (VGV) is a $6 million micro venture capital fund based in Youngstown, Ohio, launched in 2016 to generate strong financial returns by backing high-growth technology companies across the state of Ohio, with a particular emphasis on the Mahoning Valley region. The fund was capitalized by raising just over $3 million from private investors, which was matched with $3 million from the State of Ohio's Third Frontier Pre-Seed/Seed Plus Fund Capitalization Program, and was formed as a partnership between five area organizations including the Youngstown Business Incubator, the Mahoning Valley Economic Development Corporation, the Youngstown State University Research Foundation and the Tech Belt Energy & Innovation Center. VGV invests primarily at the seed stage in software and information technology, healthcare, energy, additive manufacturing and advanced materials, willing to lead, and also works to attract out-of-region companies to relocate to the Mahoning Valley. The fund is led by Managing Director Ernie Knight, a veteran investor with more than two decades focused on seed and early-stage companies who was previously a founding Managing Director of Nationwide Mutual Capital, where he invested across a national footprint and led three exits of over $100 million. VGV has made around 11 investments, including BIOHM Health, FenixPyre, TonDone and MedPilot, and has recorded one exit, MedPilot in 2021, with its most recent disclosed deal being FenixPyre in December 2023. By combining private capital with state-backed matching funds, Valley Growth Ventures backs high-growth technology founders in Ohio and works to grow the Mahoning Valley's startup ecosystem.

Valo Ventures is a thesis-driven venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, that invests in companies addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and inequality. The firm focuses on three main areas: digitization, decarbonization, and adaptation. Valo Ventures targets early to growth-stage companies in North America and Europe, seeking to create a positive environmental and social impact while generating competitive financial returns. Their portfolio includes companies like XGS Energy, ARRIS, and Boston Materials, which leverage advanced technologies to tackle significant issues such as renewable energy, sustainable materials, and carbon reduction​​. Valo Ventures prides itself on fostering partnerships based on trust, reciprocity, and shared values, emphasizing the importance of diversity and long-term impact.

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

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

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

Value Creation Capital (VCC) is a Netherlands-based venture capital firm that has been actively investing in deep tech companies since 2005. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, high-tech, and life sciences. Over the years, VCC has successfully built a portfolio of more than 40 tech companies, guiding them through various growth phases​. VCC takes a hands-on approach, offering more than just capital by providing strategic support and access to its extensive network of technology experts. They emphasize the importance of strong, diverse management teams and focus on deep tech companies that create a significant impact on society and business. Their team, led by managing partners such as Aldebert Wiersinga and Jos Bourgonje, is known for being highly involved in the development of the startups they back. The firm also offers a phased growth strategy, recognizing that each stage of a tech company's journey requires different skills and resources.

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

Van Wickle Ventures (VWV) is a student-run, evergreen venture fund affiliated with Brown University, founded in 2019 and based at the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship in Providence, Rhode Island. Co-founded by Sophie Starck and John Diorio and seeded with a gift from Robert and Erna Place, the fund invests $25,000 to $50,000 checks drawn from Brown's endowment into startups founded by Brown and RISD students, alumni and professors, investing across all early stages from pre-seed and seed through seed-plus and Series A, generally as a co-investor. The fund is one of the few fully student-run vehicles deploying real institutional capital: throughout the academic year students source and rigorously diligence prospective companies, then present opportunities to an investment committee of seasoned alumni venture capitalists, drawn from funds such as Pear VC and Alumni Ventures, who vote on the final investment decision. As an evergreen fund, all returns are reinvested so that VWV remains a permanent supporter of Brown's entrepreneurial ecosystem while training the next generation of investors in sourcing, diligence and decision-making. To date the fund has sourced more than 700 Brown-founded companies and built a portfolio of roughly 13 startups, including Minded, Apprenta, Ghia and Otis, with its most recent disclosed investment being Lexi at the pre-seed stage in February 2026. By deploying endowment capital into companies founded by the Brown and RISD community and recycling its returns, Van Wickle Ventures supports the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem and develops student investors.

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

Vanedge Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Vancouver and Silicon Valley. Founded by experienced technology entrepreneurs, the firm focuses on investing in companies that leverage deep technology and innovative solutions in areas such as hard tech, artificial intelligence, and analytics. Vanedge Capital aims to help visionary technologists build and scale their businesses through capital investment, operational expertise, and a robust network of industry connections. The firm has $390 million under management and has developed a repeatable investment process refined over a decade to deliver superior returns. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies such as Canalyst, Cogniac, and Echodyne, each known for their groundbreaking technologies and market impact. Key team members include Moe Kermani, who has extensive experience in cloud computing and machine intelligence, and Amy Rae, who focuses on SaaS businesses and applied analytics. The team provides hands-on support to their portfolio companies, helping them mitigate execution risks and attract follow-on capital from top-tier co-investors.

Vanguard Ventures was an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 1981 that helped entrepreneurs build pioneering technology and life-science companies. Co-founded by Jack M. Gill, the firm was based in California's Silicon Valley, in San Jose and Palo Alto, with an additional office in Houston, Texas, and invested across software, information technology, telecommunications, medical devices, biotech and healthtech, willing to lead. Over its life Vanguard managed roughly $500 million across about seven to eight funds, the last being Vanguard VII LP, and was the lead investor in more than 100 technology and medical-device startups, ultimately returning over $1 billion, approximately 7x, to its investors. Its portfolio and exits included some landmark companies of the 1990s and 2000s, among them Ciena, Network Appliance, Aldus, Macromedia, Vocera Communications, Advanced Fibre Communications, Digital Island, Hansen Medical, EndoSonics, Mycogen, CardioGenesis, Cooking.com, DFine, Vormetric, Salient Surgical Technologies and ZipRealty. Founder Jack Gill was a scientist, executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist who had earlier founded Autolab, a pioneer of microprocessor-based instruments for chromatography that was acquired by Spectra Physics, and who later taught entrepreneurship and helped lead the Houston-based GOOSE Capital angel network. Vanguard Ventures is now a legacy firm whose funds have wound down and is no longer actively investing. Across two decades it built a strong track record as a lead early-stage backer of technology and medical-device companies, returning roughly seven times invested capital to its limited partners.

Valor Equity Partners, founded in 1995, is a Chicago-based private equity firm renowned for its operational growth investments in technology and technology-enabled companies. The firm has a history of tech-enabling industrial companies, streamlining warehouses, and optimizing production processes. Valor Equity Partners has invested in high-impact companies such as SpaceX, Addepar, GoPuff, and BitGo, driving innovation in biosciences, transportation, food, and health sectors. Their investment strategy includes significant hands-on support to enhance operational efficiency and scalability, exemplified by their $1.7 billion Growth Fund V. The firm operates with a philosophy of working side by side with entrepreneurs to solve the world’s biggest challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency. Notable portfolio companies also include Manduka, Fooda, and Dataminr, reflecting Valor’s commitment to backing transformative businesses. Their approach is deeply rooted in their own entrepreneurial beginnings, emphasizing an operational mindset to unlock growth and value creation

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

Varys Capital is a global multi-strategy venture capital firm, established in 2018, with a strong focus on digital assets and blockchain innovations. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the firm manages a range of investment strategies that blend venture capital with quantitative trading approaches. Varys Capital primarily targets early-stage investments in decentralized finance (DeFi), Web3 platforms, and blockchain infrastructure, striving to capture the rapidly evolving opportunities in these sectors. The firm's venture fund, Varys Capital Ventures (CEIC), operates out of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), where it has raised substantial capital, nearing $75 million. Its portfolio includes a variety of companies across blockchain and emerging technologies, reflecting a strategic emphasis on equity investments with long-term potential. Notable investments include projects like Shrapnel and Movement Labs, both of which align with the fund's focus on decentralized technologies and financial innovation. Varys Capital also maintains a sophisticated quantitative trading division that leverages high-frequency trading models to exploit market volatility, aiming to outperform traditional indices like Bitcoin and Ethereum over the long term. This blend of venture capital and algorithmic trading gives the firm a competitive edge in the digital asset ecosystem, positioning it as a key player in both the investment and market-making spaces.

Vast Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in disruptive companies with a global impact. Founded in 2004 by Doug Chertok, the firm is headquartered in New York, New York. Vast Ventures has a diverse portfolio, investing in sectors such as healthcare, finance, AI, cloud software, and sustainability. They have a strong track record with notable investments in companies like Sweetgreen, Conductor, and Clover Health​. The firm's investment strategy centers on fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs who aim to create significant positive change. They emphasize long-term partnerships, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and support to help their portfolio companies grow and succeed​. Vast Ventures is managed by a team of experienced professionals, including Doug Chertok, Aniq Rahman, and Talia Zapolanski. The team leverages their extensive backgrounds in finance, entrepreneurship, and venture capital to help startups navigate the challenges of early-stage growth​. For startups seeking investment, Vast Ventures is particularly interested in companies that aim to improve health and happiness, promote resource sustainability, increase human potential and productivity, and foster knowledge and empathy. They prefer to lead investment rounds and take active roles in the development of their portfolio companies​.

Vectr Ventures is a global early-stage venture capital firm and venture studio headquartered in Hong Kong, founded in 2013. Describing itself as a 'startup launcher studio,' Vectr combines capital, company creation and hands-on partnership to back founders building transformational products, and positions itself as an ideal partner for companies looking to expand into Asia. The firm invests at the early and incubation stages, primarily Seed and Series A, across technology, mobile and cloud, artificial intelligence, media and commerce, enterprise applications and retail, with a portfolio that spans both the United States and Asia, generally as a co-investor. Vectr runs a team of around 20 people including roughly three partners, with leadership including Managing Partner Alan Chan, General Partner Arthur Law and Partner Adrian Chan, supported by managing directors across technology, product and development, and finance and operations. Across roughly 140 investments the firm has produced five unicorns, two IPOs and 14 acquisitions, with notable portfolio companies including the curated film-streaming platform MUBI, which reached unicorn status in 2025, the online-education company MasterClass, and the European mobility platform FREE NOW. Vectr Ventures should not be confused with the separate Hong Kong firm Vectr Fintech Partners, which rebranded as OMVC in 2025. By combining a venture studio with early-stage capital and an Asia-expansion focus, Vectr Ventures backs founders building transformational technology, media and commerce companies across the US and Asia.

Vega Ventures is a partnership-driven private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in Madeira Beach, Florida, taking its name from the bright star Vega to reflect a mission of serving as a guiding force in the investment landscape. The firm runs a dual strategy: a private-equity arm that acts as a hands-on operator, at times taking the helm to overhaul strategy and operations across hospitality and real estate, industrials, consumer and distribution, essential services and climate and sustainability, and a venture capital arm that partners with visionary founders, providing early-stage capital and strategic support to scale disruptive ideas into market leaders. Its sector focus is intentionally diverse, blending the high-growth potential of next-generation technology, software, AI and data analytics spanning SaaS, commerce, fintech, healthtech, insurtech and cybersecurity, with stable, asset-heavy traditional industries, life sciences and healthcare, and agriculture, agritech and food innovation. Vega emphasises patient, long-term capital, active management, global expansion and a data-driven, technology-enabled investment process, generally as a co-investor. On the venture side it has made roughly eight disclosed investments with about three exits; portfolio companies include the German digital-health startup neotiv, the entertainment-software company The Animal Age and the decentralized-finance protocol BurgerSwap, with its most recent disclosed venture investment being The Animal Age in July 2023. By combining a hands-on private-equity operating model with early-stage venture investing across technology and asset-heavy industries, Vega Ventures backs founders and companies it can actively help build and scale.

Veligera Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and headquartered in New York. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies with significant growth potential, typically focusing on businesses valued at $500 million or more. Veligera's investment strategy centers around identifying fast-growing technology companies worldwide, with a goal of achieving at least 100% year-over-year growth. They particularly target sectors such as AI, deep tech, and enterprise software, while maintaining a strong presence in industries like social platform software and mining. The firm has built an impressive portfolio, including unicorns such as StoreDot and Automation Anywhere. Veligera has also seen successful exits with companies like Udemy and Scopely, highlighting its ability to foster companies from growth stages to IPO or acquisition. Their team is led by co-founders Dmitry Kartvelishvili and Yan Sepiashvili, who have crafted a hands-on approach to venture capital, ensuring that each investment is supported by in-depth analysis and a strong network of industry connections. Veligera operates globally, with investments spanning the United States, Israel, and other key regions. Their approach is focused on partnering with technology leaders, ensuring that their portfolio companies not only grow but thrive in competitive markets.

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

Velocity Capital Fintech Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated exclusively to financial technology, based in Bussum, in the Netherlands, and active since the early 2010s. The firm backs fintech companies led by what it calls 'unstoppable founders,' providing early-stage, post-seed capital and then continuing to support them through subsequent funding rounds, positioning itself as an ally and counselor to entrepreneurs whenever they face crossroads, adversity or complex challenges. Velocity invests globally, partnering early with fintech companies across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, with its portfolio concentrated most heavily in the Netherlands and the United States but spanning the United Kingdom and numerous other countries, generally as a co-investor. In June 2019 the firm announced a EUR 105 million global FinTech Ventures Fund dedicated to backing early-stage fintech companies, reinforcing its follow-on, multi-round approach. Across its history Velocity has made roughly 42 investments and holds an active portfolio of around 23 companies. The firm is led by founder and general partner Willem Willemstein, a long-tenured Dutch fintech entrepreneur and investor who serves as CEO, alongside fund managers Allard Luchsinger and Don Montanaro. As one of Europe's earliest specialist fintech investors, Velocity combines deep sector focus with a founder-first philosophy and a global, multi-stage investment strategy, backing financial-technology founders from their early post-seed rounds through subsequent growth financings across multiple continents.

Velvet Sea Ventures is a multi-stage venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2019 by Kass Lazerow, Matthew Giampetroni, Michael Lazerow, and John Giampetroni. The firm focuses on helping entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality by providing capital and hands-on strategic support. With over 80 years of combined experience and more than $2.2 billion invested, Velvet Sea offers seed-to-growth stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for backing high-growth companies in industries like human capital services, fintech, and semiconductors. Their diverse portfolio includes companies such as Scopely, Liquid Death, SuperRare, and eToro, emphasizing Velvet Sea's versatility in supporting businesses from gaming to consumer products. Velvet Sea Ventures takes pride in being more than just a capital provider; they partner closely with their portfolio companies to drive innovation and long-term success. Their team has led numerous high-profile investments, including in Autograph and LeoLabs, and they continue to expand their reach across various sectors globally.

Venista Ventures is a Cologne-based venture capital firm founded in 2004 that invests exclusively at the pre-seed and seed stage, aiming to be the first institutional investor in ambitious founders with visionary ideas. The firm targets data-driven business models in Consumer Internet and B2B SaaS, backing outstanding teams primarily across Germany, Western Europe and the Nordics, willing to lead. Its initial ticket size is typically EUR 50,000 to EUR 150,000, with total investment per company of up to EUR 1,000,000. Venista practices what it calls 'Applied VC,' the belief that, especially in the early days, pure monetary support has limited impact, so its operational team adds value by supporting portfolio companies in HR, controlling and accounting while founders retain full control of their business. The team sees itself as a sparring partner and mentor on product and growth, and on online marketing, B2B sales and recruiting, rather than as active managers, keeping founders in the driving seat; the group also includes two fully-owned operating subsidiaries that run as agencies. The team of roughly six is led by founder and CEO Christian Teichert, alongside COO Frank Maschmeier and CIO Tobias Neveling. As of mid-2024 Venista had invested in around 28 companies, including Circuly, Connect Earth, Superjoi and Tilta, with notable exits including Familo, datapine and GTX Messaging. By acting as a first institutional investor and pairing capital with hands-on operational support, Venista Ventures backs data-driven Consumer Internet and B2B SaaS founders across Germany, Western Europe and the Nordics.

Venrock, a venture capital firm born from the Rockefeller family’s pioneering investments, focuses on early-stage companies in healthcare and technology. Its portfolio features high-profile companies like Apple, Intel, and more recently, businesses such as Illumina, and Cloudflare. Venrock operates primarily in the U.S., with offices in Palo Alto, New York, and Cambridge, emphasizing innovation-driven startups. Venrock’s investment strategy targets disruptive ideas in digital health, biotech, enterprise software, and cybersecurity. They prioritize early-stage investments, often leading seed and Series A rounds with checks typically ranging from $5M to $10M. The firm’s disciplined approach includes follow-on investments, ensuring sustained growth. Venrock tends to stay hands-on, offering strategic guidance rather than merely financial support, particularly in sectors with complex technical or regulatory landscapes. With recent funds like Venrock 10, a $650M pool, the firm is increasingly active, especially in biotech and digital therapeutics. Founders should note that Venrock values data-driven pitches and prefers founders with strong domain expertise. Partner Bryan Roberts, a key figure, exemplifies Venrock’s deep involvement in healthcare innovation, while other partners like Brian Ascher are notable for their tech focus. For startups, the ideal approach to Venrock involves showcasing clear scalability and a transformative market vision. Venrock’s long-standing reputation for backing groundbreaking companies is cemented by its proactive role in nurturing bold ideas that shape the future.

Venture Kick, a leading philanthropic initiative in Switzerland, has been instrumental in supporting early-stage startups since its inception in 2007. The program provides up to CHF 150,000 in pre-seed funding through a structured, three-stage process, aimed at helping science-based startups transition from innovative concepts to market-ready businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 supported startups, Venture Kick has contributed significantly to the Swiss startup ecosystem. Their efforts have led to the creation of more than 13,300 jobs and attracted over CHF 8 billion in investments. Notable successes from their alumni include Climeworks, a leader in direct air capture technology, which recently raised CHF 600 million to scale its operations, and YASAI, a vertical farming company that has secured investment from the Bell Food Group to boost its growth​​. The foundation’s focus spans various high-tech sectors, including ICT, life sciences, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing. In 2023 alone, Venture Kick reviewed 781 applications and supported 118 projects, demonstrating its robust selection process and broad industry impact. The initiative aims to scale its model further, with ambitious goals of supporting 3,000 high-tech companies and creating 100,000 jobs by 2033​.

Venture MENA is a dedicated venture capital fund founded in 2019 and based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, that sources and backs promising early-stage technology startups across the Middle East and North Africa. The fund invests in MENA-based entrepreneurs building new tools and networks that enable businesses to operate in tomorrow's market, writing checks from the seed range through Series A with a defined reserve allocation policy for follow-on rounds, and an average round size of around $1M, generally as a co-investor. Its investments span e-commerce, software, financial services, fintech, SaaS and security among other sectors. Venture MENA operates as a single-GP fund led by founder and Managing Director Mohamed Hamdy, who brings more than two decades of venture capital and private equity experience, including roles as investment director for an Abu Dhabi family office for roughly seven years, Managing Director of the Turn8 accelerator, Head of Future Platforms at the Dubai Future Foundation, and advisor at ADQ. Hamdy went on to become Managing Partner at Further Ventures, a separate Abu Dhabi fund anchored by the ADQ sovereign wealth fund that focuses on fintech, digital assets and logistics. Across his career he has been associated with a broad track record of seed and growth-stage technology investments in the MENA region and beyond. By focusing on MENA-based founders and pairing seed-to-Series-A capital with deep regional experience, Venture MENA backs the technology companies building the tools and networks for the region's next generation of businesses.

Venture Studio from Crisis is the award-winning impact investment arm of Crisis, the UK national homelessness charity, launched in 2020 and based in London. It invests in and supports startups developing innovative solutions to homelessness and the housing crisis, using philanthropic capital to provide equity funding to businesses that can help end homelessness for those experiencing it or prevent it from happening in the first place, driving efficiency and affordability in housing. Beyond capital, the studio offers founders access to subject expertise, a test bed with experts-by-experience, and a range of technical, business and product support, and it is willing to lead. Its investment focus spans UK-based proptech, geospatial and 'plantech' planning-technology startups tackling the causes or consequences of homelessness, as well as modular and affordable housing and ethical fintech. To date it has backed around eight companies, including Agile Homes, which builds low-carbon, rapidly built affordable homes; Pfida, offering ethical, interest-free financial products and debt-free homes; Bridge Housing Solutions, matching people in temporary accommodation with available social housing; Urban Intelligence, a data-and-planning tool helping local authorities prioritise housing sites; and Husmus, a fintech making private-sector renting fairer, whose Crisis seed funding helped unlock further investment from Innovate UK and Google. The studio is raising a £20m philanthropic fund, 'This Venture Fund Ends Homelessness,' to invest in more than 70 startups over roughly a decade. By deploying charitable capital into housing and homelessness solutions, Venture Studio from Crisis backs founders working to end and prevent homelessness.

VentureFriends is an Athens-based venture capital firm that was founded in 2016 by Apostolos Apostolakis and George Dimopoulos. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments in sectors like fintech, proptech, SaaS, and consumer solutions. With offices in Athens, London, Barcelona, and Warsaw, VentureFriends targets startups across Europe and the Middle East, aiming to support ambitious entrepreneurs with bold ideas. VentureFriends has a track record of backing promising startups, including notable companies like Instashop, Belvo, and Blueground. They are known for their hands-on approach, often acting as an extension of the startups they support. Their typical initial investments range from €500,000 to €2.5 million, with follow-on investments that can go up to €10 million. This strategy allows them to stay deeply involved in the growth of their portfolio companies. The firm has raised multiple funds, with their most recent one closing at €90 million, enabling them to continue supporting innovation in regions like Latin America and MENA. They are highly regarded for their ability to guide startups through both the good times and the tough times, providing not just capital, but mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to their extensive network.

Ventures Platform is a leading Pan-African venture capital firm, renowned for its founder-friendly approach and substantial investments in tech-driven startups. With notable portfolio companies like Paystack, PiggyVest, and Remedial Health, Ventures Platform has a keen focus on fintech, health tech, edtech, and agritech sectors. Their geographic focus spans across Africa, targeting high-growth potential in emerging markets. The fund's investment strategy is characterized by early-stage investments, usually taking the lead in funding rounds, with average check sizes ranging from $50K to $500K. Ventures Platform emphasizes a hands-on approach, offering extensive portfolio support through their Platform and Networks team. This includes market analysis, ecosystem engagement, and strategic communications to ensure their portfolio companies scale successfully. To approach Ventures Platform, startups are encouraged to demonstrate innovative solutions with clear market potential, preferably in sectors aligned with the fund's focus. Building connections through ecosystem events and demonstrating strong growth metrics can significantly enhance the chances of securing investment.

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