15 Best Venture Capital Firms For Seed Funding

For founders raising capital, understanding the different types of investors is a critical first step. Knowing the key players in the seed and pre-seed venture capital space helps you find partners who are genuinely aligned with your company’s vision and stage.

To help with your fundraising process, our team has curated this overview of top early-stage VC firms. Use this guide to research potential investors and better understand the firms that are active in your funding round before you begin outreach.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Seed-stage venture funding provides the initial capital to help your startup build its product and find its first customers.
• Leading firms like General Catalyst, StepStone Group, Andreessen Horowitz, and Tribe Capital are notable investors in seed-stage companies.
• If you’re raising or have just closed a round, Rho’s platform gives you FDIC-insured accounts, corporate cards with up to 2% cashback, automated bill pay, spend controls, and real-time accounting integrations.

What is Seed Stage Venture Capital?

Seed stage venture capital is often the first institutional funding a startup receives, intended to help you find product-market fit. This round typically follows any capital raised from friends, family, or angel investors.

The funds support core early-stage activities like product development and acquiring your first users, whereas later funding rounds are generally focused on scaling the business.

Types of Seed Stage VC Firms At A Glance

If you're a founder raising a seed round, it helps to know which venture capital firms specialize by geography or sector; here’s a quick breakdown of those trends among top seed stage investors.

Seed Stage VC Firms in California

Many of the most successful early stage VC firms are concentrated in California. For example, Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital are both based in Menlo Park, while General Catalyst has a major presence in San Francisco.

Early Stage Venture Capital in NYC

New York is another major hub for seed funding venture capital. Firms in the city like Insight Partners and BoxGroup are active early-stage investors in the ecosystem.

Seed Stage Firms for Enterprise & SaaS Startups

For B2B and SaaS companies, certain investors have deep expertise. Accel is known for its enterprise portfolio, and Mayfield focuses on early-stage enterprise and deeptech companies.

Financial Services & FinTech Seed Stage VCs

Given our focus at Rho, we often see founders connect with firms specializing in financial services. Tribe Capital uses data science to invest in venture and crypto, while StepStone Group also has a strong focus on FinTech.

Of course, many top seed VC firms are stage and sector-agnostic, investing in promising companies across all industries and locations, from Boston to beyond.

Below is a closer look at some of the top seed stage VC firms. We’ve included key details on their locations, industry focus, and what makes each firm a compelling partner for founders.

1. General Catalyst

General Catalyst partners with founders from the earliest stages through to growth, with a focus on building resilient companies and advancing applied AI. Founded in 2000, the firm has a long track record of backing companies across their entire lifecycle.

The firm invests across a wide spectrum, from seed rounds to late-stage venture, and has backed some of the most recognizable names in tech, including Stripe and Airbnb. This makes them a good fit for ambitious founders who are looking for a long-term partner that can support them through multiple funding rounds and stages of growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, and growth
• Industries of focus: Applied AI and a broad range of technology sectors
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2000
• Notable portfolio companies: Stripe, HubSpot, Kayak, Samsara

You can refer to their website here.

2. StepStone Group

StepStone Group is a global private markets firm that provides investors with customized portfolios combining primary, secondary, and co-investment strategies. Their work spans multiple asset classes, including venture capital for early-stage companies.

The firm shows a clear focus on the financial sector, with deep involvement in FinTech, banking, and real estate investment. As a publicly traded company that acts as both a private equity and venture capital investor, they bring a sophisticated, multi-strategy approach to their partnerships.

StepStone is a strong potential match for founders in the financial services and FinTech space. If you are looking for a partner with significant industry expertise and a flexible investment model that extends beyond traditional VC, this firm is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, private equity, venture capital
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, FinTech, Real Estate Investment
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2007
• Number of investments: 101

You can refer to their website here.

3. Andreessen Horowitz

Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, is a well-known venture capital firm that invests across all company stages, from seed to growth. Since its founding in 2009, the firm has established itself as a key player in the technology investment space.

The firm is recognized for backing ambitious tech companies, including early investments in platforms like GitHub and Coinbase. Their portfolio shows a focus on businesses with the potential to become market leaders, often with a product-centric approach.

A16z is a strong match for founders with high-growth ambitions who are looking for a long-term partner. Because they are stage-agnostic, they can support a company through multiple funding rounds as it scales.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, financial services, and broad technology sectors
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: Stripe, Airbnb, Oculus VR

You can refer to their website here.

4. Tribe Capital

Tribe Capital is a venture firm that uses data science to guide its investments in both venture and crypto. Their approach is built on finding a quantitative edge in identifying promising companies.

The firm has a strong focus on financial services and crypto, evident from their investment in companies like the exchange Kraken. They also back leading B2B software companies, including equity management platform Carta and sales platform Apollo.io.

This firm is a compelling partner if you are a founder who values a data-driven methodology and operates in fintech, crypto, or data-intensive software. Their model is well-suited for teams that appreciate a quantitative and analytical investment partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Crypto, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Kraken, Carta, Airtable, Shiprocket, Apollo.io
• Number of investments: 240

You can refer to their website here.

5. Accel

Accel is a long-standing venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs from the seed stage through to growth. Founded in 1983, they have a global presence and support a wide community of founders.

The firm is known for making early, defining investments in companies that become household names, including their 2005 investment in Facebook. Their portfolio also includes major enterprise players like Slack, showing their ability to back winners in both consumer and B2B markets.

Accel is a great fit for founders with high-growth ambitions who are building category-defining companies. Their ability to invest across stages makes them a valuable long-term partner for teams that plan to scale significantly.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, private equity
• Industries of focus: Broad focus across consumer tech, enterprise software, and financial services
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 1983
• Notable portfolio companies: Facebook, Flipkart, Dropbox, Slack, Bumble
• Number of investments: 2,195

You can refer to their website here.

6. Pear VC

Pear VC is a venture capital firm that concentrates on pre-seed and seed-stage technology companies. Based in Menlo Park, they partner with founders at the very beginning of their journey.

The firm has a clear focus on the earliest stages of a company's life, helping them get off the ground. They have a history of backing companies that achieve significant outcomes, like DoorDash and Guardant Health, both of which went public.

Pear VC is a good match for founders at the pre-seed or seed stage who are building technology companies. If you are looking for a partner to help you from the ground up, their early-stage focus could be a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Technology, Financial Services, Education
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: DoorDash, Guardant Health, Credible Labs
• Portfolio size: 402 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Plug and Play

Plug and Play operates as a global innovation platform, connecting startups with corporations and investors across numerous industries. They function as an accelerator, co-working space, and venture capital firm, creating a broad ecosystem for growth.

A key feature is their focus on corporate partnerships and non-equity assistance in addition to direct funding. Their portfolio includes major successes like PayPal and Dropbox, highlighting their ability to spot promising companies early.

This firm is an excellent match for early-stage founders seeking strategic connections and operational support, not just capital. Their wide industry focus, including FinTech, makes them a relevant partner for many startups.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, private equity, and non-equity assistance
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Smart Cities
• Geographical presence: Sunnyvale, California
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: PayPal, Dropbox, Honey
• Number of investments: 2,187

You can refer to their website here.

8. Madrona

Madrona is a venture capital firm based in Seattle that has been investing in technology companies since 1995. While they have a strong focus on the Pacific Northwest, they also back founders in other regions.

The firm supports companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed funding through to late-stage and even post-IPO. Their portfolio includes major exits like the Apptio acquisition by IBM and the Smartsheet IPO.

Madrona is a compelling partner for founders in the Pacific Northwest, especially those building enterprise, cloud, or consumer technology companies. Their ability to invest across stages makes them a good fit if you are seeking a long-term financial partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Cloud data services, finance, service industry, enterprise software
• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
• Founded: 1995
• Notable portfolio companies: Apptio, Smartsheet, Redfin, Rover.com, Impinj
• Number of investments: 536

You can refer to their website here.

9. Insight Partners

Insight Partners is a global software investor that partners with high-growth technology and internet companies. Founded in 1995, the New York-based firm invests across a company’s full lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity.

The firm is known for backing software companies that become market leaders, including early investments in platforms like Shopify and DocuSign. Their portfolio highlights a track record of supporting companies through major growth stages, including IPOs and large acquisitions.

Insight Partners is a strong match for founders of software and internet companies with ambitions for significant scale. Their ability to invest across multiple stages makes them a compelling partner for teams seeking long-term financial and operational support.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, private equity, convertible note, and debt
• Industries of focus: Technology, software, and internet companies
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 1995
• Notable portfolio companies: Shopify, DocuSign, SentinelOne, Qualtrics
• Number of investments: 1,149

You can refer to their website here.

10. International Finance Corporation

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, focused on advancing economic development. It operates as a private equity and venture capital investor in developing countries.

A key aspect of the IFC is its global mission, backing companies in emerging markets with notable investments like Nigerian fintech Interswitch and India's BigBasket, as seen in their investment portfolio. The firm provides a wide range of capital, from seed funding and venture capital to debt and private equity.

The IFC is an ideal partner for founders building businesses that operate in or serve developing economies, particularly in the financial services sector. Its flexible capital structure can support companies with diverse funding needs beyond traditional equity.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, private equity, and debt
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Funding Platform, Hedge Funds
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 1956
• Notable portfolio companies: Coursera, Interswitch, Remitly, Planet Labs, BigBasket
• Number of investments: 603

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sequoia Capital

Sequoia Capital is a venture capital firm that has been investing in technology companies since 1972. They partner with founders across a range of industries, including enterprise, financial services, and healthcare.

The firm is known for backing legendary companies from their earliest days, with a portfolio that includes Apple, Google, and Nvidia. This history points to a focus on identifying and supporting foundational technology companies with long-term potential.

Sequoia is a strong partner for founders with ambitions to build category-defining businesses. Their ability to invest from seed through post-IPO makes them a good fit for teams seeking a partner for the entire company lifecycle.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Energy, financial, enterprise, healthcare, internet, mobile
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 1972
• Notable portfolio companies: Apple, Google, Nvidia, YouTube, Zoom
• Number of investments: 2,138

You can refer to their website here.

12. Khosla Ventures

Khosla Ventures provides venture assistance and capital to entrepreneurs working in AI, sustainability, enterprise, consumer, and health technology. The firm invests across a company's full lifecycle, from the earliest stages to post-IPO.

The firm is known for backing ambitious, often science-driven companies that aim to create new markets, with a portfolio that includes early investments in OpenAI, DoorDash, and Block (formerly Square). Their focus on frontier technologies signals a willingness to take significant risks on ideas with massive potential.

Khosla Ventures is a compelling partner for founders with bold, technically complex ideas that could have a major societal impact. If you are building a company that requires a long-term partner comfortable with deep tech, this firm is worth a look.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, post-IPO
• Industries of focus: AI, sustainability, enterprise, consumer, health, and frontier technologies
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2004
• Notable portfolio companies: OpenAI, DoorDash, Instacart, Block (Square), Impossible Foods
• Number of investments: 1,292

You can refer to their website here.

13. Mayfield Fund

Mayfield is a venture capital firm with a long history of backing companies from their earliest stages. They focus on investing in enterprise, deeptech, and companies advancing human and planetary health.

The firm is known for backing companies that achieve major exits, such as ride-hailing giant Lyft and cloud-infrastructure leader HashiCorp. This history points to a focus on partnering with founders to build enduring businesses.

Mayfield is a strong potential partner for early-stage founders in their core sectors who are looking for an investor with deep experience. Their focus on building companies for the long run is a good fit for teams with ambitious, category-defining goals.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture, private equity
• Industries of focus: Enterprise, deeptech, human and planetary health
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 1969
• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, HashiCorp, Marketo, SolarCity
• Number of investments: 701

You can refer to their website here.

14. BoxGroup

BoxGroup is an early-stage investment fund based in New York that invests in technology companies. They are known for getting involved at the seed stage and supporting founders from the very beginning of their journey.

The firm is notable for its early investments in companies that became foundational to their industries, including fintech infrastructure company Plaid and corporate card provider Ramp. Their portfolio also includes major consumer brands like Warby Parker, showing their ability to back winners across different sectors.

BoxGroup is a strong potential partner for seed-stage founders, particularly in fintech, B2B software, and direct-to-consumer businesses. They are a good fit if you are looking for an investor with a history of identifying and supporting high-growth companies from the start.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, FinTech, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: Plaid, Airtable, Ramp, Warby Parker, Flatiron Health
• Number of investments: 714

You can refer to their website here.

15. Base10 Partners

Base10 Partners is an early-stage venture firm that invests in technology automating the “real economy”—sectors like logistics, food, and retail. Based in San Francisco, they focus on companies bringing innovation to industries that have been largely untouched by tech.

A defining feature of the firm is its Advancement Initiative, which directs 50% of the fund’s carried interest toward scholarships for underrepresented students. Their portfolio includes major successes like Figma, Plaid, and Instacart, showing a track record of backing category-defining companies.

The firm is a great match for early-stage founders building automation tools for traditional industries. If your company has a strong social mission, their commitment to community impact could also make them a particularly aligned partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Automation of the real economy (logistics, food, retail), FinTech
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Figma, Plaid, Instacart, Notion, Brex
• Unique approach: The firm’s Advancement Initiative donates 50% of their carried interest to fund scholarships for underrepresented students.
• Number of investments: 141

You can refer to their website here.

What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Seed Stage VC Firm

When seeking seed venture capital, it's crucial to look beyond the check size and focus on finding a true partner. As the firms we've profiled illustrate, investors often specialize. Some concentrate on specific industries like generative AI, while others focus on geographic hubs from California to growing ecosystems like Chicago.

This specialization can be a major asset. A firm with deep sector knowledge brings more than just capital; they offer relevant network connections and operational guidance tailored to your market. Before you begin outreach, consider what kind of support will be most beneficial for your company's early growth.

As you evaluate your options, keep these points in mind:

• Stage Alignment: Does the firm have a strong track record with pre-seed or seed stage companies?
• Value-Add: What specific operational support, mentorship, or network access do they provide?
• Long-Term Fit: Is this a partner you can work with through future funding rounds and challenges?

Finding the right early-stage venture capital partner is a foundational step in building a durable company.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, making a focused approach essential. Using a curated list of relevant investors helps you direct your efforts where they will have the most impact.

Once your round is secured, the focus shifts to managing that capital. If you’ve just raised or are planning to, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools you need to deploy your new funding with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for startups.

FAQs about Seed Stage Venture Capital

What is the difference between seed funding and venture capital?

Seed funding is the initial capital to start a business, often from pre-seed VC firms. Venture capital can refer to funding at any stage, but early-stage venture capital specifically supports young companies post-seed, focusing on growth and scaling.

How do venture capital returns by stage differ?

Early-stage venture capital funds typically seek higher returns to compensate for greater risk. Investments in pre-seed and seed stage venture capital have the potential for larger multiples, while later-stage investments generally offer more predictable, albeit lower, returns.

Are there top seed VC firms outside of California and New York?

Yes, many of the most successful early stage VC firms operate nationwide. Thriving tech hubs with excellent seed VC firms can be found in cities like Austin, Miami, and Seattle, offering strong regional networks.

What do early stage consumer venture capital firms look for?

Firms focused on early stage consumer venture capital often look for a strong brand, early signs of customer love, and a large market opportunity. They want to see a clear path to acquiring a loyal user base.

What is the focus of early stage technology venture capital?

Early stage technology venture capital focuses on companies with proprietary technology or a unique technical advantage. This can include innovations in AI, biotech, or enterprise software, where the core product itself is the key differentiator.

How can Rho help after I secure seed venture capital?

Once your venture capital seed funding is secured, our platform helps you manage it. We provide integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls to help you deploy capital efficiently. Get started with Rho today.