15 Best Series A Venture Capital Firms

Knowing the key players in the Series A venture capital space is critical when you're preparing to raise your next round. This early-stage funding is a major milestone, and finding the right partner is about more than just capital.

To help you prepare, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top Series A VC firms. Use this guide to focus your outreach and understand the firms most relevant to your business before you begin conversations.

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Key Takeaways

• Series A venture funding provides the capital for startups to scale operations and solidify their market position.

• Notable Series A investors backing various startups include Altimeter Capital, Valor Capital Group, Valor Equity Partners, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

• 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 Series A Venture Capital?

Series A is typically the first major round of venture capital financing your startup will raise after establishing product-market fit with seed funding.

At this stage, investors provide the capital needed to scale your team and operations, refine your go-to-market strategy, and solidify your position before later growth rounds.

Types of Series A VC Firms At A Glance

If you're a startup founder preparing for a Series A round, it helps to know which venture capital firms specialize by geography or sector; here is a quick breakdown of those trends across top Series A investors.

Series A VC Firms in NYC

New York is a major hub for early-stage venture capital. Among the many VC firms in NYC, you'll find investors like Valor Capital Group and HOF Capital, both of which have a strong presence in the city and invest at the Series A stage.

Series A Firms for FinTech Startups

For startups in the financial technology space, there are several specialized early-stage venture capital funds. Pantera Capital focuses exclusively on blockchain and crypto, while firms like Tribe Capital also have a strong FinTech investment practice.

Venture Capital for Healthcare and Life Science

For early-stage life science and biotech startups, finding a partner with deep industry knowledge is key. Firms like Adams Street Partners and Susa Ventures are active Series A investors in the healthcare sector.

ClimateTech & CleanTech Series A VCs

As sustainability becomes a greater focus, dedicated venture capital is following. Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a prominent investor in this space, alongside firms like Advantage Capital that also back ClimateTech and CleanTech companies.

Many top-performing Series A VC firms are also multistage and invest across a wide range of industries and locations, including those in Boston and other tech hubs.

To help you identify the right investors, we've compiled information on leading Series A VC firms. The following list includes details on each firm's location and sector preferences, along with what makes them a noteworthy option for your startup.

1. Altimeter Capital

Altimeter Capital is a technology-focused investment firm that manages both public equity and private growth-stage funds. They support companies from their early growth phases through to the public markets.

The firm invests broadly across the technology sector, backing companies in areas from SaaS and FinTech to AI and BioTech. Their portfolio includes companies like data platform Sigma Computing and service mesh provider Solo.io.

Altimeter could be a strong match for founders who have established a clear product-market fit and are ready to scale. Their wide-ranging tech focus makes them a potential partner for many different business models.

• Industries of focus: Technology-focused, with investments across SaaS, FinTech, AI/ML, and more

• Investment stages: Series A and later growth stages

• Geographical presence: Boston and Menlo Park

• Founded: 2008

• Notable portfolio companies: Sigma Computing, Solo.io, and Upbound

• Portfolio size: Over 85 investments and 20 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Valor Capital Group

Valor Capital Group is an investment firm that specializes in cross-border opportunities, primarily between the United States and Brazil. Based in New York, they act as a bridge for companies operating in or expanding across these two markets.

The firm’s defining feature is its focus on connecting the U.S. and Latin American tech ecosystems, with a broad interest in sectors from FinTech to Healthcare. Their portfolio includes notable companies like the corporate wellness platform Gympass.

This firm could be a great partner if your startup has a cross-border business model or ambitions to expand into Latin America. Their wide industry focus also makes them a good option for founders in various technology sectors.

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Beauty, Cryptocurrency / Blockchain, E-Commerce, Healthcare, Marketing (MarTech), Telecommunications (TMT)

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: New York, with a cross-border focus on the U.S. and Brazil

• Founded: 2011

• Notable portfolio companies: Gympass, MOLTEN, RAIN, Revelo

• Portfolio size: 154 investments and 16 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Valor Equity Partners

Valor Equity Partners is an operational growth investment firm that supports high-growth companies across various stages of development. They focus on providing more than just capital, taking an active role in helping their portfolio companies scale.

The firm’s approach centers on operational involvement, with a clear focus on sectors like FinTech, SaaS, and Manufacturing. Their portfolio includes notable companies such as The Boring Company, HackerOne, and Tovala, reflecting a broad interest in technology-driven businesses.

Valor Equity Partners may be a good match if you are looking for an investor who provides hands-on guidance to navigate growth challenges. Founders in their target industries who want an active, operationally-focused partner would find them a strong fit.

• Industries of focus: FinTech, RestaurantTech, Manufacturing, SaaS

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: Chicago

• Founded: 1995

• Notable portfolio companies: The Boring Company, HackerOne, Tovala, Fooda

• Portfolio size: 154 investments and 11 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a fund dedicated to supporting companies that can deliver affordable and reliable power without contributing to climate change. They invest in innovations with the potential for significant global impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

The firm’s defining characteristic is its singular focus on ClimateTech, CleanTech, and impact investing. Their portfolio includes companies like Electric Hydrogen, which develops clean hydrogen solutions, and Fervo Energy, a geothermal energy company.

This firm is an ideal partner if your startup is developing technology with a clear and measurable path to reducing global emissions. Founders who prioritize mission alignment and seek investors with deep expertise in the climate sector will find them to be a strong fit.

• Industries of focus: ClimateTech & CleanTech, Impact Investing

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: Seattle

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Electric Hydrogen, Fervo Energy, BIOMILQ, Our Next Energy

• Portfolio size: Over 100 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. MSD Partners

MSD Partners is a New York-based investment firm that seeks to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns with a long-term view. They provide capital to private companies, primarily operating as a venture fund.

The firm concentrates its investments in the Information Technology and Creator Economy sectors, with a clear focus on the Series A stage. Their portfolio includes companies like the security platform Rhombus Systems.

This firm could be a good partner if your startup operates in IT or the creator space and is ready for its Series A round. Founders who value a partner with a long-term growth perspective will find their approach aligns well.

• Industries of focus: Information Technology, Creator Economy

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: New York

• Founded: 2009

• Notable portfolio companies: Rhombus Systems

• Portfolio size: 14 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Advantage Capital

Advantage Capital provides growth equity, lending, and other forms of capital to support companies at various stages of development. Based in New Orleans, the firm has a long history of investing in businesses across the country.

The firm is notable for its broad investment mandate, covering sectors from CleanTech and Life Sciences to SaaS and B2B. Their portfolio, which includes companies like Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Brew Dr. Kombucha, reflects a clear interest in impact investing.

This firm could be a strong partner if your business operates in one of their many focus industries, particularly if you have an impact-oriented mission. Founders seeking different forms of capital, including equity and debt, may also find their approach suitable.

• Industries of focus: AgTech (FarmTech), ClimateTech & CleanTech, E-Commerce, Healthcare, Impact Investing, IoT (Internet of Things), Life Science, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, SaaS, Telecommunications (TMT), B2B

• Investment stages: Series A and other stages

• Geographical presence: New Orleans

• Founded: 1992

• Notable portfolio companies: Recursion Pharmaceuticals, PayIt, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Cybrexa Therapeutics

• Portfolio size: Over 1,100 investments and 117 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. GGV Capital

GGV Capital is a global venture capital firm that invests in local founders, supporting companies from early to growth stages. They operate with a worldwide perspective, seeking to identify and support promising companies across the U.S., Latin America, Israel, and Asia.

The firm is distinguished by its exceptionally broad investment thesis, covering sectors from SaaS and FinTech to E-Commerce and Healthcare. Their portfolio includes companies like the professional network Chief, hiring platform Handshake, and security compliance tool Drata, reflecting their wide-ranging interests.

GGV could be a strong partner if your startup operates in one of their many focus areas and has ambitions for global scale. Founders looking for a firm with a wide network and cross-border experience would find them to be a good fit.

• Industries of focus: SaaS, FinTech, E-Commerce, Healthcare, Enterprise, and more

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, with a global investment focus

• Founded: 2000

• Notable portfolio companies: Chief, Handshake, Drata, Slice, Workboard

• Portfolio size: 838 investments and 125 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Forerunner Ventures

Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies built for the modern consumer. Based in San Francisco, they primarily focus on providing Series A funding to founders who are redefining commerce and consumer experiences.

The firm’s approach is centered on understanding consumer behavior, backing companies across a wide range of sectors from E-Commerce and FinTech to Health & Wellness. Their portfolio includes consumer-facing brands like Ritual, reflecting their commitment to this thesis.

Forerunner could be an excellent partner if your startup has a strong consumer-centric mission and a clear grasp of your target audience. Founders building brands in retail, e-commerce, or wellness will find their expertise particularly relevant.

• Industries of focus: Consumer, E-Commerce, RetailTech, FinTech, Health & Wellness, and more

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: San Francisco

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: Ritual, The Yes, CUUP, Juni Learning

• Portfolio size: Over 220 investments and 30 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners is a global private market investment firm with a long history of backing companies from its base in Chicago. They manage a wide range of investments across private market strategies, including venture capital for growth-stage businesses.

While the firm invests across many technology sectors, its portfolio shows a clear strength in Healthcare, BioTech, and Enterprise Software. Notable investments like healthcare marketplace Nomad Health and health data platform Redox highlight their activity in these areas.

This firm may be a strong match if you are a founder in the healthcare or enterprise software sectors looking for a well-established partner. Their global reach and extensive experience could be valuable for startups planning for significant long-term growth.

• Industries of focus: Healthcare, BioTech, SaaS, Enterprise Software, FinTech, and more

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: Chicago

• Founded: 1972

• Notable portfolio companies: Nomad Health, Redox, VillageMD, BoomTown

• Portfolio size: 226 investments and 85 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Brighton Park Capital

Brighton Park Capital is an investment firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut, that backs companies in software, information services, and technology-enabled services. They concentrate on providing capital to businesses at the Series A stage to support their growth.

The firm has a clear focus on software, particularly SaaS, PaaS, and big data analytics. Their investment in companies like the data management platform Reltio signals their interest in enterprise-focused technology businesses.

Brighton Park Capital could be a good fit if your startup operates in the enterprise software or data sectors. Founders who are ready for a Series A round and are looking for a partner with specific domain expertise would find this firm relevant.

• Industries of focus: Software, SaaS, PaaS, Big Data & Analytics

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: Greenwich, Connecticut

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Reltio

• Portfolio size: 16 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Pantera Capital

Pantera Capital is an investment firm focused exclusively on ventures, tokens, and projects related to blockchain technology and digital currency. They support companies across the cryptocurrency ecosystem, from infrastructure to applications.

The firm’s defining characteristic is its singular focus on the crypto space, backing companies in FinTech, cybersecurity, and blockchain infrastructure. Their portfolio includes companies like digital payment network Flexa and crypto exchange Ripio.

Pantera is an ideal match for founders building businesses centered on blockchain technology or digital assets. If you are seeking a partner with deep domain expertise in the crypto market, this firm is a strong choice.

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Big Data & Analytics, Cryptocurrency / Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, IoT, Mobile, SaaS

• Investment stages: Series A

• Geographical presence: Menlo Park

• Founded: 2003

• Notable portfolio companies: Flexa, Metatheory, MakersPlace, Ripio, The Block

• Portfolio size: 195 investments and 18 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. HOF Capital

HOF Capital is a global, multistage venture firm that manages over $1 billion in assets. They partner with companies from their earliest stages through to public offerings, providing long-term support.

The firm invests across an exceptionally wide range of industries, from FinTech and AI to BioTech and E-Commerce. Their portfolio includes well-known companies like DuckDuckGo, Flutterwave, and Unqork, demonstrating their ability to back category-defining businesses in different sectors.

HOF Capital is a good fit for founders seeking a long-term partner that can provide support across multiple funding rounds. Their global reach and broad industry expertise make them relevant for ambitious companies with plans to scale internationally.

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Software, AI/ML, BioTech, Healthcare, E-Commerce, and more

• Investment stages: Series A, with a multistage approach from idea to IPO

• Geographical presence: New York, with a global investment scope

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: MoonPay, DuckDuckGo, Unqork, Flutterwave, Republic

• Portfolio size: 107 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. Primary Venture Partners

Primary Venture Partners is an early-stage venture firm based in New York City that concentrates on backing founders from the very beginning. They are known for their deep involvement in the local startup community.

The firm's investment strategy is tightly focused on New York-based companies, particularly in B2B SaaS and next-generation commerce. They typically lead seed rounds and provide hands-on support to help companies find their footing.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder in New York building an enterprise SaaS or e-commerce business. Their seed-first approach is ideal for those seeking a lead investor for their initial funding round.

• Industries of focus: SaaS, GovTech, Healthcare, Health & Wellness, Apps

• Investment stages: Seed and Series A

• Geographical presence: New York

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Stellar Health, Balanced, Accela

• Portfolio size: 158 investments and 29 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Susa Ventures

Susa Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco that invests in companies at the seed and Series A stages. They focus on providing foundational support to help businesses grow from the ground up.

The firm is known for its broad investment thesis, backing companies across enterprise software, FinTech, and consumer sectors. Their portfolio includes diverse businesses like the cap table platform Pulley, banking API provider Treasury Prime, and home goods brand Parachute Home.

Susa Ventures could be a good match if you are an early-stage founder looking for a partner with a wide-ranging investment appetite. Their experience across enterprise, consumer, and financial technology makes them relevant for many different business models.

• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, FinTech, Consumer, Healthcare, and more

• Investment stages: Seed and Series A

• Geographical presence: San Francisco

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Pulley, Treasury Prime, Parachute Home

• Portfolio size: Over 190 investments and 18 exits

You can refer to their website here.

15. Tribe Capital

Tribe Capital is an early-stage venture firm that concentrates on identifying and scaling companies that have found product-market fit. They invest in businesses that show clear signs of early traction and are prepared for their next phase of growth.

The firm uses a product-and-data-centric approach to measure and amplify a startup's progress. Their broad investment scope covers FinTech, SaaS, and crypto, with notable portfolio companies like Carta and Docker.

Tribe Capital is a good match if you have early data that validates your business model and are looking for a partner to help you scale. Their wide industry focus makes them relevant for many tech-driven founders.

• Industries of focus: FinTech, SaaS, Cryptocurrency / Blockchain, E-Commerce, and more

• Investment stages: Early stage, with a focus on Series A

• Geographical presence: San Francisco

• Founded: 2018

• Notable portfolio companies: Carta, Docker, Republic, Bolt, Picsart

• Portfolio size: Over 145 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Series A VC Firm

When evaluating Series A venture capital firms, look for alignment beyond the term sheet. The right partner should share your long-term vision and offer strategic value that extends past their initial investment. Consider their team’s expertise, the strength of their network, and how they have supported other portfolio companies through growth stages.

As the firms above illustrate, specialization is common. Many early-stage venture capital funds concentrate on specific industries, such as SaaS or life sciences, or focus on particular geographies like Chicago. Identifying investors whose thesis matches your model is a critical first step in building a relevant list of potential partners.

Finally, assess the firm’s operational style. Some investors take a hands-on role, while others provide support more broadly. Determine what your startup needs most—whether it's deep industry connections, operational guidance, or a partner with a global footprint—to ensure you find the best fit for your next phase of growth.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so creating a focused list of relevant investors is essential. This targeted approach helps you direct your efforts where they will have the most impact.

If you’ve just raised or are planning to, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. Our platform is built to support founders as they prepare for their next stage of growth.

We help you manage your new capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. These tools give you the control and visibility needed to scale your startup with confidence.

FAQs about Series A Venture Capital

What is the difference between venture capital series A, B, and C?

Series A venture capital helps you scale operations after finding product-market fit, common for B2B startups. Later venture capital series, like B and C, provide capital for major market expansion, acquisitions, or preparing for an IPO at a higher valuation.

How much does a typical Series A venture capital round raise?

While amounts vary by location, from Austin to NYC, a Series A venture capital round typically ranges from $5 million to $20 million. The final amount depends on your startup's valuation, industry, and capital needs.

What do leading Series A VC firms look for in a startup?

Leading Series A VC firms look for a strong team, clear product-market fit, and early traction, especially in competitive sectors like generative AI. They want to see a clear path to scaling the business with their investment.

Are there early-stage venture capital firms in Europe?

Yes, many early-stage venture capital firms operate across Europe, with hubs in London, Berlin, and Stockholm. These funds often focus on technology, life science, and healthcare startups in regions like Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

How can I find early-stage VC firms in California?

California is a major hub for early-stage VC firms. You can find investors by researching tech hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles, attending industry events, and using databases that track venture capital activity.

How can Rho help after my Series A venture capital round?

Once your Series A venture capital is secured, our platform helps you manage it. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you scale your operations with confidence.