Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Boston

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Greater Boston is a critical first step. The region, including hubs like Cambridge, is home to a variety of investors. To help you get started, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms operating in Boston, designed to help you quickly identify relevant investors for your startup during or before your fundraising process.

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

Key Takeaways

• Seeking venture capital funding means partnering with an investor who provides capital in exchange for an equity stake in your company.

• Boston is home to a strong community of venture capital firms, with key players including Wellington Management, Silversmith Capital Partners, RA Capital Management, and Underscore VC.

• If you're a startup leader who is raising or has just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which Boston VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or getting ready for an exit, knowing which investors to approach is crucial. Here is a brief look at Boston-area VC firms and the stages at which they typically invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Boston

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of venture capital financing, intended to help you turn a great idea into an initial product and gain early traction. In Boston, firms like Underscore VC focus on B2B software from the very beginning, while Pillar VC supports founders with capital and coaching, and Glasswing Ventures backs early-stage startups using AI.

Early Stage VC Firms in Boston

Early-stage venture capital firms typically invest in Series A and Series B rounds, providing the capital needed to scale your team and achieve significant market growth. For founders in specific sectors, Boston has strong early-stage VCs such as Clean Energy Ventures for clean tech innovations and Flare Capital Partners for emerging healthcare technology companies.

Late Stage VC Firms in Boston

Late-stage funding is for established companies looking to scale aggressively, expand into new markets, or prepare for an exit like an IPO or acquisition. Some of the most prominent late-stage investors in the area include Wellington Management and Bain Capital, alongside specialists like RA Capital Management, which focuses on biotechnology.

Keep in mind that many firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage growth rounds.

To help you identify the right investors, we've gathered more information on Boston's top VC firms, including their typical investment stages, sector preferences, portfolio highlights, and what distinguishes them.

1. Wellington Management

Wellington Management is one of the world's largest independent investment management firms, with a history stretching back to 1933. They apply their extensive resources to serve the needs of their institutional clients across a wide range of investment areas.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from early-stage venture to private equity, with a distinct focus on the finance and insurance sectors. Their approach is rooted in deep industry research, serving a global client base of institutions.

Wellington could be a strong partner if you are a founder in the financial services or insurance industries looking for a long-term investor. Their multi-stage capability means they can support companies from early growth through to pre-IPO stages.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Asset Management, Insurance, Advice
• Founded: 1933
• Portfolio size: Over 290 investments and 136 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Silversmith Capital Partners

Silversmith Capital Partners is a growth equity firm that partners with profitable, growing companies in the technology and healthcare sectors. Founded in 2015, they focus on providing capital to support entrepreneurs leading businesses in these specific industries.

The firm’s approach is distinguished by its flexibility to invest across various stages, from early venture rounds to private equity. They maintain a clear focus on SaaS, information services, and healthcare IT, backing founders who have already achieved product-market fit and are ready to scale.

Silversmith may be a good match for founders who have built a capital-efficient business and are looking for a long-term partner. Their ability to support companies from growth stages through to maturity is ideal for leaders seeking consistent backing.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity

• Industries of focus: Health Care, Information Services, Information Technology

• Founded: 2015

• Portfolio size: 54 investments and 13 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. RA Capital Management

RA Capital Management is an investment advisor that specializes in the life-sciences and drug development sectors. They provide capital and strategic support to companies working on new medical and biotechnological innovations.

The firm is notable for its broad investment spectrum, backing companies from the seed stage all the way through to post-IPO. This long-term approach is combined with a deep focus on the life sciences, allowing them to support companies throughout their entire growth journey.

If you are a founder in the biotechnology or medical field, RA Capital could be an ideal partner. Their ability to invest across multiple stages means they can provide continuous support as your company scales from an early idea to a public entity.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Private Equity, and more

• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Life Science, Medical

• Founded: 2001

• Portfolio size: Over 451 investments and 199 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Underscore VC

Underscore VC is a Boston-based firm that backs B2B software founders from the earliest stages. They provide capital and support to entrepreneurs building ambitious companies in the business software sector.

The firm maintains a clear focus on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, signaling a commitment to partnering with founders at the very beginning. Their approach is centered on helping these early teams find their footing and build a strong foundation for growth.

If you are a founder of a B2B software startup seeking your first institutional funding, Underscore VC could be a strong fit. Their specific focus provides them with deep expertise relevant to the challenges and opportunities in this market.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: B2B Software, Information Technology, Financial Services
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio size: 91 investments and 13 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Bain Capital

Bain Capital is a major alternative investment firm with deep roots in private equity, venture capital, and credit. Since its founding in 1984, it has grown into a multi-strategy firm that invests across the business lifecycle.

The firm is known for its broad investment mandate, providing capital from early venture rounds all the way to post-IPO and private equity deals. Their focus spans financial services, credit, and lending, indicating a strong expertise in the finance sector.

Bain Capital is a suitable partner for founders who need a flexible investor capable of supporting them through multiple stages of growth. Companies in the financial technology and services space may find their industry-specific knowledge particularly valuable.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Private Equity, Venture

• Industries of focus: Credit, Finance, Financial Services, Lending, Venture Capital

• Founded: 1984

• Portfolio size: 159 investments and 72 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Gordon Brothers

Gordon Brothers is a global advisory and investment firm that provides funding and services to companies in the retail, consumer, industrial, and real estate sectors. With a history dating back to 1903, they specialize in asset-based solutions for businesses at various stages.

The firm’s approach centers on providing liquidity and strategic advice, often through debt financing and asset valuation. This focus on tangible assets makes them different from many venture capital firms that primarily invest for equity in high-growth technology companies.

Gordon Brothers could be a valuable partner if your business operates in their core industries and requires capital tied to physical assets or needs advisory for restructuring. They are generally not a fit for early-stage software startups seeking traditional venture funding.

• Investment stages: Debt

• Industries of focus: Retail, Consumer Products, Industrial, Real Estate, Finance

• Founded: 1903

• Portfolio size: 20 investments and 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Pillar VC

Pillar VC is a firm that invests in seed-stage companies, providing capital and support to founders from the very beginning. They focus on building a strong foundation for their portfolio companies through capital, connections, and coaching.

The firm’s model is built around providing direct support, including coaching and peer groups for founders. This indicates a strong founder-first mentality, where community and hands-on guidance are just as important as the initial investment.

Pillar VC may be a good match if you are a seed-stage founder who values an active partner beyond just capital. Their emphasis on community and coaching is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking guidance and a strong support network.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital

• Founded: 2016

• Portfolio size: 129 investments and 14 exits

• Founder support: Coaching, connections, and peer support

You can refer to their website here.

8. Clean Energy Ventures

Clean Energy Ventures provides capital to companies commercializing new energy technologies and business models. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovations that advance a cleaner energy future.

A key characteristic of the firm is its broad investment range, supporting companies from seed and convertible notes through late-stage venture rounds. This flexibility, paired with a clear focus on cleantech, signals a deep commitment to the sector.

If you are a founder with an innovative technology or business model in the clean energy industry, this firm could be a strong partner. Their capacity to invest across multiple stages makes them a good fit for founders seeking long-term support.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage venture, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Clean Energy, CleanTech

• Founded: 2017

• Portfolio size: 62 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. SV Health Investors

SV Health Investors is a venture capital firm that concentrates on the biotechnology and healthcare industries. Based in Boston, they provide funding to companies developing new medical technologies and life science solutions.

The firm is distinguished by its ability to invest across the entire company lifecycle, from seed funding to post-IPO stages. This long-term perspective, combined with a tight focus on healthcare and biotech, shows their deep commitment to the sector.

Founders in the life sciences or medical device fields may find SV Health Investors to be a fitting partner. Their capacity to provide capital and support from inception through to public markets is ideal for leaders seeking a consistent investor.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Private Equity, and Debt

• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Life Science, Medical Device

• Founded: 1993

• Portfolio size: Over 317 investments and 92 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Glasswing Ventures

Glasswing Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs companies using AI and other advanced technologies. Their focus is on startups building solutions for the enterprise and cybersecurity sectors.

The firm has a clear investment thesis, concentrating on seed and early-stage companies that apply AI to solve enterprise and security challenges. This specific focus suggests they have deep expertise in these markets.

Glasswing could be a great partner if you are an early-stage founder building an AI-powered platform for business or security markets. Their specialized approach is well-suited for entrepreneurs who need an investor with relevant industry knowledge.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: AI, Enterprise Software, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing

• Founded: 2016

• Portfolio size: 71 investments and 9 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Flare Capital Partners

Flare Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that provides funding to early-stage and emerging companies in the healthcare technology sector. They focus on supporting businesses that are developing new solutions for the healthcare industry.

The firm is notable for its ability to invest across a company's full lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity. This multi-stage approach, combined with a specific focus on health tech, shows a deep commitment to the sector.

Flare Capital could be a strong partner if you are a founder in the healthcare technology space seeking an investor for the long haul. Their capacity to fund companies from early growth through to maturity is ideal for leaders who want consistent support.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Venture

• Industries of focus: Healthcare Technology

• Founded: 2015

• Portfolio size: 90 investments and 13 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. Polaris Partners

Polaris Partners is an investment firm that provides capital to companies in the healthcare and technology sectors. Founded in 1996, they have a long history of backing businesses from their earliest stages through to maturity.

A key characteristic of the firm is its ability to invest across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed funding to private equity. This multi-stage approach allows them to act as a long-term partner for founders, particularly within their core focus areas.

This firm could be a strong fit if you are a founder in the healthcare or technology space looking for a versatile investor. Their capacity to participate in rounds from seed to late-stage means they can provide consistent support as your company grows.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Venture

• Industries of focus: Healthcare, Biotechnology, Technology

• Founded: 1996

• Portfolio size: Over 741 investments and 198 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Boston's VC Scene

The Boston venture capital market shows a healthy balance across different investment stages. While you'll find firms like Underscore VC and Glasswing Ventures that focus specifically on early-stage companies, many of the investors on our list support businesses from seed funding through to later growth rounds. This means founders have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with investors who can provide capital across multiple growth phases.

The region also has clear strengths in specific industries. There is a significant concentration of investors focused on healthcare, biotechnology, and B2B software, reflecting the area's deep talent pool. For founders in these fields, Boston offers a rich community of specialized capital. This variety gives you a good starting point for finding an investor who understands your specific market.

Raise Confidently with Rho

With your time and energy limited during a fundraise, a focused list of relevant investors is critical. This allows you to concentrate on the firms that are the best fit for your company's stage and industry.

After you close your round, the next step is putting that capital to work. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes so you can move forward with confidence.

Our platform gives you access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay in one place. These tools are designed to help you manage your newly raised capital efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Boston

What is the best way to contact Boston VC firms?

A warm introduction through a mutual connection is almost always best. If that is not possible, check the firm’s website for a contact form or email. Be concise and clearly explain why your startup is a good fit.

Are there Boston venture capital firms for niche industries like agtech or web3?

Yes, while Boston is known for biotech and software, you can find investors for many sectors. Some firms have broad interests, while others specialize in areas like fintech, consumer goods, or even emerging fields like web3.

Do Boston VCs only provide equity financing for startups?

Most venture capital is for equity, but some firms offer other options. For example, Gordon Brothers focuses on debt financing, and others may offer convertible notes for seed-stage companies. Always clarify a firm's investment structure.

Are there social impact venture capital firms in Boston?

Yes, Boston has a growing number of investors focused on social impact. These firms look for companies that generate positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. Research firms whose mission aligns with your company's goals.

Should I only look at venture capital firms in Boston proper?

Not necessarily. The Greater Boston area, including Cambridge, is a major hub. Many firms here invest regionally and nationally, so your location may be less important than your company's fit with their investment thesis and industry focus.

How can Rho help after I secure venture capital financing?

Once you've closed your round, our platform helps you manage your new capital. We provide access to business banking, corporate cards, and payment tools in one place, so you can focus on growing your business. Get started with Rho.