Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Menlo Park

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Menlo Park and the broader Silicon Valley is a critical first step. Knowing which firms operate in this hub—home to the famous Sand Hill Road—helps you target the right investors for your startup.

To help you get started, our team at Rho has curated this overview of top VC firms in the area. This guide is designed to give you a quick, clear picture of potential partners, whether you're looking for pre-seed, seed, or Series A funding.

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Which Menlo Park VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is just starting out or preparing for an exit, knowing who to approach for funding is key. This overview outlines which Menlo Park VC firms invest at each stage, helping you find the right fit.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest stages of venture capital financing, typically used to develop your initial product and find product-market fit. For founders seeking seed funding, firms like Pear VC and Nexus Venture Partners specialize in this stage, while crypto-focused startups might look to Haun Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage venture capital, often Series A or B, helps startups scale their operations, expand their team, and grow their market presence. Some of the most well-known early-stage VC firms include Mayfield and Kleiner Perkins, which have a long history of backing growth companies.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage funding is for established companies looking to accelerate growth, expand into new markets, or prepare for an exit through an IPO or acquisition. If your company has reached this phase, you might approach later-stage specialists such as IVP or DFJ Growth.

It's also worth noting that many prominent firms, including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, invest across all stages, from seed to growth.

To help you find the right partner, we've compiled a detailed look at the top VC firms in Menlo Park. Below, you'll find key information on each firm's investment stages, sector focus, notable portfolio companies, and what makes them a strong potential partner for your startup.

1. Andreessen Horowitz

Andreessen Horowitz, often called a16z, is a venture capital firm that invests across all stages, from seed ideas to late-stage growth companies. Founded in 2009, the firm is structured to support founders throughout their entire journey, not just at a single point in time.

The firm is distinguished by its large, in-house team of operational experts who provide portfolio companies with hands-on support in areas like marketing, talent, and business development. Their approach is built on the belief that founders should be the CEOs of their companies for as long as possible, a philosophy they back with deep resources.

A16z is an ideal partner for founders seeking more than just capital and who want a partner that can provide strategic and operational guidance. If you value a strong network and a firm that can offer follow-on funding through multiple rounds, they are a strong contender.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage.
• Industries of focus: AI, bio and healthcare, consumer tech, crypto, enterprise, fintech, and gaming.
• Founded: 2009.
• Notable portfolio companies: Airbnb, Coinbase, Databricks, and Stripe.
• Team background: Primarily composed of former founders, executives, and operators from major technology companies.
• Key differentiator: Offers extensive operational support through a large platform team of technical and strategic experts.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Pear VC

Pear VC is a venture capital firm that partners with founders at the earliest stages, focusing on pre-seed and seed investments. They aim to help entrepreneurs build category-defining companies from the ground up.

The firm takes a hands-on, company-building approach, often being the first institutional check into a startup. Their focus on education and financial services signals a deep interest in these sectors, alongside their broader technology investments.

Pear VC is an excellent fit for founders who are just starting out and need a partner to help them navigate the 0-to-1 phase. If you have an idea and are looking for foundational support to find product-market fit, they are a strong choice.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed and seed.
• Industries of focus: Education, financial services, and technology.
• Founded: 2013.
• Portfolio size: Over 400 investments.

You can refer to their website here.

3. Sequoia Capital

Sequoia Capital is one of the most established venture capital firms, with a history of backing companies since 1972. The firm invests across a wide range of sectors, including enterprise, healthcare, and financial technology.

A key aspect of Sequoia's approach is its ability to support companies from the earliest idea stage all the way through to IPO and beyond. This long-term perspective means they can provide follow-on funding and guidance as a company matures.

Sequoia is a great partner for founders with high-growth ambitions who are looking for a firm that can stick with them for the long haul. Their extensive network and experience across multiple market cycles can be invaluable.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO.
• Industries of focus: Energy, financial, enterprise, healthcare, internet, and mobile.
• Founded: 1972.
• Portfolio size: Over 2,100 investments.

You can refer to their website here.

4. Khosla Ventures

Khosla Ventures provides venture assistance and funding to entrepreneurs across a wide spectrum, from seed-stage ideas to post-IPO companies. The firm invests in high-impact sectors, including AI, sustainability, enterprise, consumer, and health.

A key characteristic is their focus on "frontier technologies," signaling an appetite for ambitious, technically complex ideas that have the potential to create new markets. This, combined with their "venture assistance" model, suggests a hands-on approach to helping founders build transformative companies.

This firm is an excellent match for founders working on deep-tech or science-driven innovations with the potential for massive scale. If you have a bold vision and are seeking a long-term partner that invests across stages, Khosla Ventures is a strong choice.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO.
• Industries of focus: AI, sustainability, enterprise, consumer, health, and frontier technologies.
• Founded: 2004.
• Portfolio size: Over 1,200 investments.

You can refer to their website here.

5. Mayfield Fund

Mayfield is a venture capital firm with a long history of backing entrepreneurs, focusing primarily on early-stage companies. With roots dating back to 1969, they bring decades of experience to their partnerships.

The firm concentrates on specific, high-impact areas: enterprise, deeptech, and human and planetary health. This clear focus indicates a deep expertise and network within these specialized domains.

Mayfield is an ideal partner for founders building companies in these sectors who value an investor with a long-term, people-first philosophy. If you are at an early stage and seek a seasoned partner, they are a strong choice.

• Investment stages: Early-stage, seed, and late-stage.
• Industries of focus: Enterprise, deeptech, and human and planetary health.
• Founded: 1969.
• Portfolio size: Over 700 investments.

You can refer to their website here.

6. Lightspeed Venture Partners

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in disruptive companies across the consumer, enterprise, technology, and cleantech sectors. The firm supports businesses from their earliest stages through to late-stage growth.

A key aspect of Lightspeed's approach is its ability to invest across the full company lifecycle, from seed funding to growth equity. With a large portfolio and a significant number of exits, they have a clear track record of scaling companies in high-growth markets.

Lightspeed is a strong partner for founders in their core sectors who are seeking an investor for the long haul. If you need a firm that can provide follow-on capital and has deep experience guiding companies to an exit, they are a solid choice.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage.
• Industries of focus: Consumer, enterprise, technology, and cleantech.
• Founded: 2000.
• Portfolio size: Nearly 1,500 investments.

You can refer to their website here.

7. Nexus Venture Partners

Nexus Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that helps founders build product-focused companies. They concentrate on the early stages of a startup's journey, providing foundational support.

A key characteristic is their clear focus on product-led businesses, combined with their seed and early-stage investment strategy. This suggests they value strong technical teams and a clear path to product-market fit.

This firm is an excellent match for founders with a strong product vision who need a partner for their initial funding rounds. If your company's success is tied directly to the strength of its product, Nexus could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage.
• Industries of focus: Finance and financial services.
• Founded: 2006.
• Portfolio size: Over 380 investments.
• Track record: 54 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

8. New Enterprise Associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a global venture capital firm that invests in technology and healthcare companies. With a history spanning several decades, they support founders at every stage of a company's lifecycle.

A key aspect of NEA's approach is its ability to partner with companies from their earliest days all the way through to the public markets. This full-stack investment capability, from seed to post-IPO, signals a deep commitment to long-term growth and partnership.

NEA is an excellent match for founders in the technology and healthcare sectors who are seeking a long-term partner with the capital and experience to support them through multiple rounds of funding and growth milestones.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO.
• Industries of focus: Technology and healthcare.
• Founded: 1977.
• Portfolio size: Over 2,200 investments.
• Track record: Over 600 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

9. Haun Ventures

Haun Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to backing founders in the crypto and web3 space. Founded in 2021, they are a newer firm with a highly specialized investment thesis.

A defining feature is their exclusive focus on the crypto ecosystem, investing from seed to early-stage and even in secondary markets. This thematic approach suggests they provide more than just capital, likely offering a network and insights tailored to web3.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building at the frontier of decentralized technology. If you are seeking a specialist investor who understands the unique challenges and opportunities in crypto, they are a strong choice.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and secondary market.
• Industries of focus: Cryptocurrency and financial services.
• Founded: 2021.
• Portfolio size: 30 investments.
• Track record: 1 exit.

You can refer to their website here.

10. DFJ Growth

DFJ Growth is a venture capital firm that specializes in partnering with companies ready for significant expansion. They provide capital to help businesses scale their operations and capture market leadership.

A defining characteristic is their focus on the growth stage, supporting companies that have already established market traction. Their investment flexibility, from early-stage to post-IPO, signals a capacity to be a long-term financial partner.

This firm is a strong match for founders whose companies have found product-market fit and are entering a period of rapid growth. If you are looking for a partner to help navigate the challenges of scaling, DFJ Growth is a compelling option.

• Investment stages: Early-stage, late-stage, post-IPO, and secondary market.
• Industries of focus: Digital media and technology.
• Founded: 2006.
• Portfolio size: Over 140 investments.
• Track record: 38 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

11. IVP

IVP is a later-stage venture capital firm that partners with some of the fastest-growing technology companies. They provide the capital and support needed for businesses to scale rapidly and solidify their position as market leaders.

The firm's defining characteristic is its focus on later-stage growth, backing companies that have already demonstrated significant traction. This approach signals a preference for proven business models that are primed for hyper-growth, rather than unproven, early-stage concepts.

IVP is an ideal partner for founders of established companies who are seeking capital for their next major expansion phase. If your business has product-market fit and is ready to accelerate its growth, IVP is a strong potential partner.

• Investment stages: Early-stage, late-stage, post-IPO, private equity, and secondary market.
• Industries of focus: High-growth technology, finance, and financial services.
• Founded: 1980.
• Portfolio size: Over 400 investments.
• Track record: 134 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

12. Kleiner Perkins

Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm with a long history of backing early-stage, incubation, and growth companies. Since its founding in 1972, the firm has established itself as a key player in supporting founders through various technology cycles.

A key aspect of their strategy is the ability to invest across the entire company lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity. This broad focus, combined with an interest in incubators, points to a hands-on approach to building companies from the ground up.

This firm is an excellent match for founders looking for a seasoned partner that can provide capital and guidance through multiple growth phases. If you value an investor with deep experience and the capacity for follow-on funding, Kleiner Perkins is a strong choice.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity.
• Industries of focus: Finance, financial services, and incubators.
• Founded: 1972.
• Portfolio size: Over 1,450 investments.
• Track record: Nearly 350 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Menlo Park, California, United States's VC Scene

This overview of Menlo Park firms reveals a remarkably balanced fundraising market. Rather than being heavily weighted toward one particular stage, you'll find a healthy mix of investors. There are specialists focused on the earliest pre-seed and seed rounds, as well as growth-stage experts ready to fund expansion.

Many of the area's most prominent firms invest across the entire company lifecycle, giving you the opportunity to find a long-term partner. The sector focus is also broad, with deep expertise available in enterprise, fintech, and healthcare, alongside capital for emerging areas like crypto and deeptech. Your next step is to identify the firms that best match your company's specific stage and industry.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires immense focus, and a targeted list of investors saves you valuable time and energy. We hope this guide helps you connect with the right partners for your company's specific needs.

Once your round is closed, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you manage your new capital efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Menlo Park

What do venture capital firms for startups look for?

VCs primarily look for a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and a product with a clear competitive advantage. Demonstrating early traction or a unique insight into your customer's problem is crucial for getting their attention.

Which Menlo Park VCs focus on SaaS or enterprise software?

Many top Menlo Park firms like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Mayfield have strong enterprise and SaaS practices. Target firms with partners who have a track record of investing in software companies similar to yours for the best fit.

Are there biotech and health tech venture capital firms in the area?

Yes, Menlo Park is a major hub for health innovation. Firms such as Khosla Ventures, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), and Mayfield have dedicated teams and deep expertise in funding companies across biotech, life sciences, and digital health.

How do I find pre-seed or seed VC firms?

Focus on firms that explicitly state a pre-seed or seed-stage thesis, such as Pear VC or Nexus Venture Partners. Also, research individual partners at larger, multi-stage firms who specialize in early investments within your specific industry.

How can Rho help after I raise from a venture capital firm?

After closing your round, you can manage your new capital with Rho. Our platform combines banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to give you a clear financial picture and help you scale your business efficiently.