Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Oakland

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Oakland and the greater East Bay is a critical first step. To help you quickly identify relevant investors, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms operating in the area. Consider this your starting point for finding the right partners for your fundraising efforts.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also 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 investors who provide capital in exchange for equity, helping your startup grow.

• Oakland is home to several notable VC firms, including top players like Kapor Capital, Powerhouse Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and the 1517 Fund.

• If you're a startup leader who is raising or has just closed a round, Rho can help you access and manage your capital with alternative funding options, fast business banking, corporate cards, and more.

Which Oakland VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is key. We've put together this overview to show which Oakland VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Oakland

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to get your company off the ground and establish product-market fit. For founders in Oakland, firms like 1517 Fund focus specifically on this stage, while others such as Powerhouse Ventures back seed-stage clean tech startups and Coinbase Ventures invests in blockchain and crypto startups.

Early Stage VC Firms in Oakland

Early-stage venture capital typically covers Series A and B rounds, providing the resources to scale your operations and accelerate growth. In the East Bay, you might connect with Illuminate Ventures if you're building an enterprise SaaS solution, or with deep tech investors like Creative Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms in Oakland

Late-stage funding is for established companies preparing for a major expansion, acquisition, or an exit like an IPO. Firms such as Kaiser Permanente Ventures, a corporate venture arm focused on health tech companies, and NewSchools Venture, which supports education entrepreneurs, both participate in late-stage rounds.

Keep in mind that some VC firms, such as Kapor Capital and Primera Capital, invest across multiple startup funding stages.

Below is our guide to the top VC firms in Oakland, California, detailing their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner for you.

1. Kapor Capital

Kapor Capital is an Oakland-based investment firm that backs tech-enabled startups. Since its founding in 1999, the firm has built a significant portfolio by concentrating on companies in their initial phases of growth.

The firm’s primary focus is on early-stage companies, but it maintains the flexibility to invest across later stages as well. This approach signals a commitment to supporting founders throughout their company's lifecycle, from seed funding to subsequent venture rounds.

Kapor Capital could be a strong partner if you are a founder of a tech-enabled startup seeking early investment. Their broad stage focus suggests they are a good fit for teams looking for a long-term financial partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, and Debt

• Industries of focus: Tech-enabled startups

• Founded: 1999

• Portfolio size: 282 investments

• Track record: 61 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures invests in startups that are developing software to help decarbonize the energy and mobility sectors. The firm focuses on providing capital to companies in their earliest stages of development.

The firm has a clear thematic priority, concentrating on software-based solutions rather than hardware. Their focus on seed-stage companies indicates they prefer to partner with founders from the beginning.

If you are a founder of a seed-stage company with a software product aimed at the energy or mobility markets, Powerhouse Ventures could be a suitable partner. Their specific focus suggests they bring deep industry knowledge to the table.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, and Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Electric Vehicle, Energy, Renewable Energy, and Software

• Founded: 2018

• Portfolio size: 47 investments

• Track record: 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Coinbase Ventures

As the investment arm of Coinbase, Coinbase Ventures supports early-stage startups building the next wave of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The firm's mission is to back entrepreneurs who are advancing the open financial system.

Coinbase Ventures has a clear thematic priority, concentrating exclusively on the crypto and Web3 ecosystem. While they invest across stages from seed to late-stage, their stated goal is to support the most promising seed-stage companies, signaling a preference for getting in on the ground floor.

This firm is an ideal partner if you are a founder building a company in the blockchain or crypto space. Their direct connection to the Coinbase platform provides unique strategic advantages beyond just capital, making them a valuable ally for startups in this sector.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, and Initial Coin Offering

• Industries of focus: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Finance, Financial Services, and FinTech

• Founded: 2018

• Portfolio size: 423 investments

• Track record: 21 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. 1517 Fund

1517 Fund provides capital to technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. They focus on backing teams early in their journey to help them build and grow their companies.

The firm’s defining feature is its dedicated focus on the earliest stages of a company's life, primarily pre-seed and seed rounds. Their investment approach includes convertible notes, showing a willingness to support founders before traditional priced rounds.

If you're a founder with a technology-focused idea seeking your first outside capital, 1517 Fund could be a great fit. They are positioned to support teams who are just getting started and need initial funding to validate their concept.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Convertible Note, and Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Technology startups

• Founded: 2015

• Portfolio size: 115 investments

• Track record: 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Illuminate Ventures

Illuminate Ventures provides capital to business-to-business enterprise software startups. The firm invests in seed-stage companies that are more developed and can show a clear, measurable return on investment.

The firm’s clear priority is enterprise SaaS, especially companies working with AI, big data, and cloud computing. They are interested in businesses that deliver rapid and tangible results for their customers.

This firm is a good match if you lead a B2B software company that has moved beyond the initial concept phase. Founders who can clearly articulate their product's value and ROI will find a receptive audience here.

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

• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, SaaS, AI, Big Data, and Cloud Computing

• Founded: 2010

• Portfolio size: 65 investments

• Track record: 11 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Better Ventures

Better Ventures backs entrepreneurs who are building companies intended to make a positive social or environmental impact. The firm's mission is to support businesses that contribute to a better world.

A key characteristic is their focus on impact investing, with a portfolio that includes companies in sustainability and transportation. They primarily invest in seed and early-stage ventures, showing they prefer to partner with founders from the beginning.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder whose business model is built around solving a significant societal or environmental problem. They are looking for companies where purpose and profit are aligned.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Sustainability, Transportation, FinTech

• Founded: 2010

• Portfolio size: 86 investments

• Track record: 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech investment firm that backs early-stage companies addressing major global challenges. They provide capital to founders working on solutions for what they term "humanity's most critical crises."

The firm's focus is squarely on deep tech, with investments in sectors like advanced materials, robotics, and biotechnology. Their commitment to early-stage and seed rounds shows they prefer to partner with companies from the outset.

This firm is a good fit if you are a founder with a background in science or engineering, building a company to solve a fundamental industrial or societal problem. They are looking for businesses with a strong technological foundation.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, including Advanced Materials, Health Care, Clean Energy, and Robotics

• Founded: 2016

• Portfolio size: 60 investments

• Track record: 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. devlabs

devlabs is a venture capital firm that supports teams tackling significant challenges in large markets. They provide capital to companies in sectors ranging from finance and agriculture to education and health care.

The firm operates as a micro VC, concentrating on early-stage investments, including seed rounds and convertible notes. Their investment thesis is centered on backing founders who are addressing substantial problems in established industries rather than focusing on a narrow theme.

If you are an early-stage founder building a company in the agriculture, education, finance, or health sectors, devlabs may be a good fit. They are looking for teams with ambitious solutions for large-scale problems.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, and Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, Education, Finance, Health Care, and Tourism

• Founded: 2013

• Portfolio size: 34 investments

• Track record: 2 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. NewSchools Venture Fund

NewSchools Venture Fund operates as a non-profit that raises charitable funds to invest in entrepreneurs focused on the education sector. Their goal is to support innovators who are working to improve learning outcomes for students.

A notable aspect of this firm is its broad investment strategy, which spans from grants and seed funding to late-stage venture and private equity. This flexibility, combined with their non-profit model of using donor funds, shows a deep commitment to supporting educational ventures at any point in their development.

This firm is an excellent match if you are a founder in the education space, particularly if your company has a strong social mission. Their ability to invest across all stages makes them a valuable long-term partner for teams looking to scale their impact.

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

• Industries of focus: Education

• Founded: 1998

• Portfolio size: 117 investments

• Track record: 34 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Kaiser Permanente Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Kaiser Permanente, this firm invests in companies across the healthcare industry. They back businesses developing new technologies and services in the medical and medical device fields.

A key characteristic is their broad investment mandate, which covers everything from early-stage venture to private equity and debt. This flexibility suggests a focus on providing long-term, strategic value to their portfolio companies.

This firm is a strong match if you are a founder in the health tech or medical device space. Companies seeking a strategic partner with deep industry connections and capital for the entire growth journey will find them to be a good fit.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, and Venture

• Industries of focus: Health Care, Medical, and Medical Device

• Founded: 1945

• Portfolio size: 116 investments

• Track record: 34 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Radicle Impact

Radicle Impact invests in early-stage companies that generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental outcomes. Their model is built on the idea that a company's success should directly contribute to meaningful value for society and the planet.

The firm's defining feature is its commitment to impact investing, seeking businesses where profit and purpose are intrinsically linked. They invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, indicating they can be a long-term partner for founders.

This firm is a great match if your company's core mission is to address a social or environmental challenge through its business model. Founders who want an investor that measures success by more than just financial metrics will find Radicle Impact to be a good fit.

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

• Industries of focus: Social and environmental impact

• Founded: 2013

• Portfolio size: 33 investments

• Track record: 2 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. Primera Capital

Primera Capital is an investment firm that provides funding to technology companies in their early phases of growth. They focus on helping startups build their foundation and scale.

The firm invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to late-stage venture, signaling a capacity for long-term partnership. Their focus is on technology companies in the consumer and SaaS sectors.

This firm is a good match if you are a founder of a consumer or SaaS technology company. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them a strong potential partner for teams seeking capital for the long haul.

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

• Industries of focus: Consumer, SaaS

• Founded: 2007

• Portfolio size: 35 investments

• Track record: 9 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Oakland's VC Scene

The firms on our list paint a picture of a healthy and balanced fundraising market in Oakland. While there is significant capital available for later stages, many investors concentrate on pre-seed and seed rounds. This points to a strong support system for companies just getting started. You can find partners willing to invest early and, in many cases, follow on through your company's entire growth cycle.

The variety of sector-specific investors is also notable. From deep tech and clean energy to impact investing and enterprise SaaS, you are likely to find a firm with genuine expertise in your field. This diversity indicates a mature market where founders can connect with partners who understand their business, helping you build a targeted list for your outreach.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Building a focused list of relevant investors is critical, especially when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We hope this guide provides a strong starting point for your outreach.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help founders access working capital when they are actively raising.

Once capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Oakland

What do Oakland VCs look for in a startup?

They typically look for a strong founding team, a large addressable market, a clear product with a competitive advantage, and early signs of traction. Your business plan should show a clear path to growth and scalability.

Are there Oakland VCs for niche industries like gaming or CPG?

Yes. While our list covers major sectors, the Bay Area has investors for nearly every industry. Researching firms with a specific investment thesis in your niche is key. Industry databases can help you identify the right potential partners.

Do Oakland venture capital firms only invest in local companies?

Many Oakland firms prefer local investments for closer collaboration, but it's not a strict rule. Most will consider exceptional companies from any location, particularly if your business model does not require a heavy physical presence in the area.

What is the difference between venture capital and venture debt?

Venture capital involves selling equity in your company for cash. Venture debt is a loan that provides capital without diluting your ownership, often used to extend your runway between funding rounds or finance specific growth projects.

How can I prepare for my first meeting with a VC?

Have a polished pitch deck, know your key metrics inside and out, and research the specific partner you're meeting. Be prepared to clearly articulate your vision, your team's strengths, and why your company is a good fit.

How can Rho help my startup manage its funds after raising capital?

Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments to help you control spending and extend your runway. Get started with Rho today.