14 Marketplace Angel Investors You Should Know

For founders building marketplace or on-demand startups, finding the right capital is a critical step. Connecting with investors who understand your specific business model can make all the difference.

Angel investors often operate differently than venture capital firms. They frequently provide the earliest stage of funding and can offer direct support based on their own experiences.

To help you identify the right people for your cap table, we've curated this overview of notable angel investors active in the marketplace sector.

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Top Marketplaces Angel Investors By Stage

Angel investors in the marketplace sector typically invest during the pre-seed and seed rounds, where their capital and direct experience can have a significant impact. Getting to know who invests at which stage helps you connect with the right people from the start.

Pre-seed Angel Investors in Marketplaces

Pre-seed is the earliest funding stage, often used to validate an idea and build a minimum viable product. For marketplace founders at this initial phase, investors like Trevor McFedries and David Tisch are known to provide pre-seed capital.

Seed Stage Angel Investors in Marketplaces

The seed round helps a startup refine its product-market fit and begin scaling its user base. When you're ready to find angel investors for this stage, consider reaching out to Enrique Allen, Alex Meyer, and Sam Baker.

Series A Angel Investors in Marketplaces

Series A funding is typically for companies with a proven business model and consistent revenue, intended to fuel significant growth. Marketplace investors active at this stage include Connie Chan, Tony Florence, and Randy Komisar.

Series B Angel Investors in Marketplaces

Series B rounds are for established startups looking to expand their market reach and scale operations aggressively. Some notable investors who participate in Series B for marketplaces are William Ford, Kevin Harvey, and Peter Fenton.

It's also common to find multi-stage investors who support companies across several funding rounds. Investors such as Peter Fenton and David Tisch, for example, have investment profiles that span from seed to Series B and beyond.

Here is a closer look at some of the top angel investors in the marketplace sector. We've gathered key details on their investment stages, areas of focus, location, and what makes each investor a compelling choice for founders.

1. Kevin Harvey

Kevin Harvey is a general partner at Benchmark, a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park. He has a history of backing foundational technology companies, with a portfolio that includes investments in cloud infrastructure, SaaS, and social commerce.

His investment activity shows a clear interest in marketplaces, highlighted by his involvement with companies like Upwork. He often invests across multiple funding rounds, from seed to Series B, suggesting a preference for supporting companies as they scale over time.

Founders building businesses in enterprise software, cloud services, and online marketplaces may find Harvey to be a good match. He seems particularly well-suited for teams looking for a partner who can offer support from the early stages through significant growth phases.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: Cloud Infrastructure, SaaS, Marketplaces, BioTech
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Investment range: $1M - $15.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Upwork, Proofpoint, Boku

You can find more information about Kevin Harvey on the Benchmark website or his LinkedIn profile.

2. William Ford

William Ford is the Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic, a global growth equity firm. His role places him at the center of large-scale investments in established companies, rather than early-stage startups.

His investment profile shows a clear preference for Series B and later rounds, with check sizes often reaching tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. He has backed major players in consumer internet, retail, and FinTech, including significant investments in companies like Reliance Retail.

Ford is a good match for founders of mature companies with proven traction and a clear path to large-scale expansion. If your business is ready for a substantial growth capital injection to enter new markets, he and his firm are relevant contacts.

• Investment stages: Series B
• Industries of focus: Marketplaces, FinTech, Retail, Health IT
• Geographical presence: New York City
• Investment range: $20.0M - $100.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Reliance Retail, Reliance Jio, IHS Markit

You can find more information about William Ford on the General Atlantic website or his LinkedIn profile.

3. Connie Chan

Connie Chan is a partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), where she leads the firm's consumer sector investments. She is well-regarded for her expertise in consumer technology and her insights into global e-commerce trends.

Her investment activity shows a focus on Series A and B rounds, with a clear interest in marketplaces, e-commerce, and AI. She often supports companies through multiple growth stages, as seen with her backing of the live shopping marketplace Whatnot.

Founders building consumer-focused companies with a strong product vision may find Chan to be a good fit. She is a compelling partner for teams that are ready to scale and can benefit from her firm's extensive operational support.

• Investment stages: Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: E-commerce, Consumer Internet, Marketplaces, AI, Media/Content
• Geographical presence: Saratoga, California
• Investment range: $500K - $40.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Whatnot, Canal, Glorify

You can find more information about Connie Chan on her website or LinkedIn profile.

4. Alex Meyer

Alex Meyer is an investor at Origin Ventures, a Chicago-based venture capital firm. He is active in early-stage funding, with a focus on companies in the SaaS, enterprise, and marketplace sectors.

A key aspect of his investment approach is his focus on Seed and Series A rounds, with a typical investment range between $500K and $6.0M. This suggests he participates in substantial early funding rounds for companies ready to build and scale.

Founders building enterprise software or consumer internet platforms may find Meyer to be a good match. He is particularly relevant for teams seeking a significant capital partner for their Seed or Series A financing.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A
• Industries of focus: SaaS, Marketplaces, Enterprise, Consumer Internet
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Investment range: $500K - $6.0M

You can find more information about Alex Meyer on the Origin Ventures website or his LinkedIn profile.

5. Sam Baker

Sam Baker is an investor at Scale Venture Partners, a firm known for backing companies in their growth phase. He focuses on sectors including SMB software, robotics, cybersecurity, and marketplaces.

His investment activity is concentrated on Seed and Series A rounds, with a sweet spot around $10 million, indicating he participates in substantial early-stage deals. His background at companies like Box and Tilt.com suggests a strong foundation in enterprise software and growth.

Founders building businesses in cybersecurity or SMB software who are preparing for a significant Series A round may find Baker to be a good fit. His position at Scale VP suggests he can provide support for companies ready to scale their operations.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A
• Industries of focus: Cybersecurity, Marketplaces, Robotics, SMB Software
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Investment range: $5.0M - $15.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: HUMAN, ProcessUnity

You can find more information about Sam Baker on the Scale Venture Partners website or his LinkedIn profile.

6. Peter Fenton

Peter Fenton is a general partner at Benchmark Capital and a well-known figure in venture capital. He has a long track record of backing foundational technology companies from their early days through significant growth.

A key part of his investment approach is his multi-stage involvement, often supporting companies from seed all the way through Series B. His portfolio shows a strong interest in cloud infrastructure and enterprise software, with notable investments in companies like Docker and Cockroach Labs.

Founders building ambitious enterprise or cloud technology companies may find Fenton to be a good match. He is a compelling partner for teams seeking a long-term investor who can provide support across multiple funding rounds.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise, Marketplaces, BioTech, Consumer Internet
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Investment range: $2.0M - $20.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Docker, Cockroach Labs, Timescale, Digits

You can find more information about Peter Fenton on the Benchmark website or his LinkedIn profile.

7. Trevor McFedries

Trevor McFedries is an angel investor, founder, and CEO of the tech studio Brud. Based in Los Angeles, he is known for his work at the intersection of technology and culture.

His investment activity spans from pre-seed to Series B, but with a small personal check size, suggesting he acts as a strategic angel in larger rounds. He has a clear focus on Web3, AI, gaming, and social platforms.

McFedries could be a great match for founders building in his core sectors who are looking for an early believer. His own experience as a founder and CEO may be valuable for teams seeking practical guidance.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: Web3/Crypto, AI, Games, Marketplaces, Social Networks
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Investment range: $5K - $50K
• Notable portfolio companies: DIMO, The Fabricant, Mad Realities

You can find more information about Trevor McFedries on his website or LinkedIn profile.

8. David Tisch

David Tisch is a managing partner at BoxGroup and a co-founder of TechStars NYC, placing him at the heart of New York's startup scene. He is widely recognized for his early-stage investments and his role in building foundational support systems for founders.

His investment approach is characterized by a focus on pre-seed and seed stages, with a diverse portfolio that includes FinTech, digital health, and marketplaces. With a history of backing companies like Ro and Arcadia, he shows a clear pattern of supporting businesses from their inception through significant growth.

Founders building in consumer internet, FinTech, or digital health, particularly those in the New York ecosystem, may find Tisch to be a strong ally. He is a good match for teams looking for an investor with deep connections and experience in helping companies get off the ground.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
• Industries of focus: Digital Health, FinTech, Marketplaces, Consumer Internet, Web3/Crypto
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Investment range: $250K - $1M
• Notable portfolio companies: Ro, Arcadia, Universe

You can find more information about David Tisch on his website or LinkedIn profile.

9. Enrique Allen

Enrique Allen is a founder and investor at Designer Fund, a firm that backs companies with a strong emphasis on design. He is known for supporting early-stage founders who place user experience at the core of their business strategy.

His investment activity is concentrated at the seed stage, where he helps companies build their initial product and find market fit. His portfolio, which includes companies like Flatfile and Dopt, shows a pattern of backing businesses where design is a key differentiator.

Allen is a good match for founders who believe great design can create a competitive advantage. If you are building a design-led company in sectors like digital health, climate tech, or consumer internet, he could be a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed
• Industries of focus: Digital Health, Media/Content, ClimateTech/CleanTech, Marketplaces
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Investment range: $100K - $1M
• Notable portfolio companies: Flatfile, Dopt

You can find more information about Enrique Allen on the Designer Fund website or his LinkedIn profile.

10. Eric Vishria

Eric Vishria is a general partner at Benchmark, a prominent venture capital firm. He is known for his focus on enterprise software and infrastructure, backing companies that build foundational technology.

His investment approach often involves supporting companies across multiple funding rounds, from seed to Series B. This is evident in his backing of companies like AcuityMD, where he participated from its early stages through its growth phase.

Founders building businesses in cloud infrastructure, enterprise SaaS, and AI may find Vishria to be a good match. He is a compelling partner for teams seeking an investor who can provide consistent support as they scale.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: Cloud Infrastructure, SaaS, Enterprise, Marketplaces, Social Networks
• Geographical presence: San Francisco Bay Area
• Investment range: $1M - $15.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: AcuityMD, Fireworks AI, Airplane, Commerce Layer

You can find more information about Eric Vishria on the Benchmark website or his LinkedIn profile.

11. Tony Florence

Tony Florence is a general partner at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), one of the most active venture capital firms globally. Based in New York, he is a key figure in the firm's technology investment practice.

His investment activity centers on Series A and B rounds, with a focus on e-commerce, SaaS, and marketplace businesses. He often participates in substantial funding rounds, as seen with his involvement in companies like Weaviate and Wizard.

Florence is a good match for founders whose companies have achieved product-market fit and are ready for significant growth capital. He is a relevant contact if you are raising a large Series A or B to scale your operations.

• Investment stages: Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: E-commerce, Consumer Internet, Marketplaces, SaaS
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Investment range: $2.0M - $50.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Clio, Weaviate, Wizard

You can find more information about Tony Florence on the NEA website or his LinkedIn profile.

12. Terrence Rohan

Terrence Rohan is an angel investor and the co-founder of Otherwise Fund, with a background that includes roles at Index Ventures, YouTube, and Google. Based in San Francisco, he brings a mix of operational and venture experience to his investments.

He invests across Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, with a clear interest in Generative AI, SaaS, and Web3. His recent activity in companies like David AI and Wordware highlights a focus on AI-native products and developer tools.

Founders building in AI, SaaS, or Web3 may find Rohan to be a strong partner, especially those seeking an investor with deep product and venture experience. His background suggests he can offer valuable guidance on scaling and product marketing.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: Generative Tech/AI, Marketplaces, SaaS, Web3/Crypto
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Investment range: $100K - $1M
• Notable portfolio companies: David AI, Wordware, Browser Use

You can find more information about Terrence Rohan on his website or LinkedIn profile.

13. Randy Komisar

Randy Komisar is an investor based in Menlo Park, California, who is active in growth-stage funding. He has a clear interest in the payments and marketplace sectors.

His investment history shows a pattern of supporting companies through multiple funding rounds, including his involvement with Farmers Business Network and Veem. He often participates in Series A and B rounds, with a typical investment sweet spot around $10 million, indicating a focus on companies that are ready to scale.

Founders with businesses in the payments or marketplace industries that have established traction and are raising a significant growth round may find Komisar to be a good fit.

• Investment stages: Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: Payments, Marketplaces
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Investment range: $5K - $25.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Farmers Business Network, Veem

You can find more information about Randy Komisar on his AngelList or Crunchbase profile.

14. Alex Taussig

Alex Taussig is a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, where he focuses on consumer technology. He is known for his investments in e-commerce, social commerce, and marketplace businesses.

His investment activity shows a clear preference for companies in their growth phase, with a typical check size around $15 million. He often backs businesses in the consumer internet space, as seen with his involvement in companies like Daily Harvest and All Day Kitchens.

Founders building consumer-focused companies with proven traction may find Taussig to be a good fit. He is a compelling partner for teams raising a significant Series A or B round to fuel their expansion.

• Investment stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
• Industries of focus: E-commerce, Social Commerce, Marketplaces, Consumer Internet
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Investment range: $3.0M - $20.0M
• Notable portfolio companies: Daily Harvest, All Day Kitchens, Frubana, Archive

You can find more information about Alex Taussig on his website or LinkedIn profile.

What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Marketplaces Investor

When seeking an investor for your marketplace, the most important factor is alignment. As the investors above illustrate, capital comes in many forms, from small pre-seed checks to massive growth rounds. Understanding the different startup funding types is the first step to finding a partner who fits your specific stage and vision.

Our list highlights a few patterns. Many marketplace investors are based in major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, but their portfolios are often global. You'll also notice significant overlap with sectors like SaaS, FinTech, and AI, reflecting how modern marketplaces are deeply integrated with other technologies.

Before reaching out, research an investor's typical stage and industry focus. An investor who specializes in Series B rounds is unlikely to be the right fit for a pre-seed idea. Taking the time to understand their portfolio and thesis will help you build a targeted list of potential marketplace VCs and make your outreach more effective.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires immense focus, and your time is your most valuable asset. Having a curated list of relevant investors helps you direct your energy effectively, connecting you with people who already understand your space.

Once you've secured capital, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. We offer business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay solutions built to help startups manage their money with clarity.

This approach puts your newly raised funds to work immediately on growth and operations. It helps make sure your capital is directed toward building your business, rather than being lost to manual financial administration.

FAQs about Marketplaces Angel Investors

Are there marketplace angel investors outside of major tech hubs?

Yes, while many investors are in SF and NYC, thriving angel communities exist in other cities. Founders can find active angel investors in Austin, Boston, and Chicago who are interested in marketplace models.

Do marketplace investors also invest in FinTech?

Absolutely. There is significant overlap, as many modern marketplaces incorporate financial services. Investors active in financial services often see value in FinTech-enabled marketplace platforms with strong growth potential.

What is the typical check size for a pre-seed marketplace investor?

Pre-seed check sizes vary widely but often range from $25K to $250K. This initial capital is meant to help you validate your idea, build an MVP, and prepare for a larger seed round.

How important is a warm introduction to an angel investor?

A warm introduction is highly valuable, providing initial validation that helps your pitch get noticed. Building your network is a key part of the startup funding process and can make a significant difference.

How can Rho help after I raise from an angel investor?

Once you've secured funding, we help you manage it effectively. Rho provides an all-in-one platform with banking, corporate cards, and expense management, so you can focus on growing your business.