Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Oakland

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Oakland and the wider Bay Area is a critical first step. To help you identify the right partners, our team at Rho curated this guide to the top startup venture capital firms in the East Bay. It’s a straightforward overview to help you quickly find investors who are a good fit for your company.

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

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture capital is about more than just money; it's about finding a partner who will provide capital for equity and support your long-term growth.
• Oakland’s venture capital scene includes key firms like Kapor Capital, Powerhouse Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and the 1517 Fund, each with different areas of focus.
• For startup leaders raising or managing a new round, Rho offers a unified platform with business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you control your capital.

Which Oakland VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to approach. Here’s a quick look at Oakland-based VC firms and the stages they typically invest in.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Oakland

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders at this stage, firms like 1517 Fund, which provides pre-seed and seed funding for technology startups, and Powerhouse Ventures, which backs clean tech software companies, are great places to start.

Early Stage VC Firms in Oakland

Early-stage venture capital, typically covering Series A and B, is for companies with proven product-market fit that need to scale their team and operations. In Oakland, you might connect with Illuminate Ventures if you have an enterprise SaaS solution, or deep tech investors like Creative Ventures, which funds companies in sectors from biotech to robotics.

Late Stage VC Firms in Oakland

Late-stage funding supports mature companies as they expand significantly, often in preparation for an IPO or acquisition. Corporate venture capital arms are common at this stage, such as Kaiser Permanente Ventures for health tech companies and NewSchools Venture for those in the education sector.

Keep in mind that some firms, like the fintech-focused Kapor Capital and crypto investor Coinbase Ventures, are multi-stage investors that provide capital across the entire startup lifecycle.

Below is a closer look at the top VC firms in Oakland, with key details on their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each a unique partner for your company.

1. Kapor Capital

Kapor Capital is an Oakland-based investment firm that backs early-stage, tech-enabled startups. The firm is known for investing in companies that generate both economic value and positive social impact.

A core part of Kapor Capital's strategy is its focus on "gap-closing" ventures—startups that address inequalities for low-income communities and communities of color. This commitment to social impact is woven directly into their investment thesis, making it a primary filter for new opportunities.

This firm is a strong match for founders from underrepresented backgrounds or any team building technology to solve critical social and economic challenges. If your business model has a clear path to profitability and measurable impact, Kapor Capital is a partner to consider.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Technology with a social impact, including fintech, education, and health
• Founded: 1999
• Portfolio size: Over 280 investments made
• Key differentiator: A deep commitment to funding diverse founders and companies that close societal gaps

You can refer to their website here.

2. Powerhouse Ventures

Powerhouse Ventures backs seed-stage startups building software to accelerate the decarbonization of global energy and mobility systems. The firm invests in companies that are creating innovative solutions for a cleaner economy.

Their focus is specifically on software, signaling a preference for scalable, capital-efficient business models over hardware or infrastructure. This approach targets companies that can make a rapid impact on climate-related challenges.

This firm is a strong match for founders of seed-stage companies using software to solve problems in the energy and transportation sectors. If your startup has a clear software-based model for decarbonization, Powerhouse Ventures is worth looking into.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Clean tech, energy, mobility, and software
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 47 investments
• Number of exits: 6

You can refer to their website here.

3. Coinbase Ventures

As the investment arm of the well-known cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase Ventures provides capital to early-stage companies building an open financial system. Their mission is to support the pioneers creating the next wave of crypto and blockchain technology.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed rounds to late-stage funding, with a clear focus on the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries. This specialization suggests they bring deep technical knowledge and a valuable network to the table, which is a significant advantage in this specific sector.

Coinbase Ventures is an ideal partner for founders building in Web3, DeFi, or other areas of the crypto economy. If your startup could benefit from a strategic relationship with one of the largest players in the space, this firm should be on your list.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: Over 420 investments
• Number of exits: 21

You can refer to their website here.

4. 1517 Fund

1517 Fund provides pre-seed and seed funding to technology startups, with a particular emphasis on backing young founders at the very beginning of their journey. They support makers, hackers, and scientists working on new research and technology.

What makes the firm different is its open support for founders outside of traditional institutions, such as dropouts and self-taught individuals. They offer both grants and investments, showing a willingness to back promising people and projects before a clear business model has formed.

This firm is a great match for young founders, especially those without a typical academic or professional background, who are deeply focused on building new technology. If you are a driven maker or scientist looking for your first check, 1517 Fund is worth a look.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, seed, and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Technology
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio size: 115 investments
• Number of exits: 8
• Key differentiator: Supports young founders, including dropouts and self-taught individuals, often outside of traditional institutions

You can refer to their website here.

5. Illuminate Ventures

Illuminate Ventures invests in B2B enterprise software companies, typically joining at the later part of the seed stage. They look for businesses that deliver a quick and quantifiable return on investment for their customers.

The firm's emphasis on "further along" seed companies suggests a preference for businesses with early signs of product-market fit. Their focus on solutions with measurable ROI indicates a product-centric approach that prioritizes tangible value for end-users.

This firm is a good fit for founders of enterprise SaaS companies who have moved beyond the initial idea phase. If you have a working product and can clearly demonstrate how it creates value for businesses, they could be the right partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise software, SaaS, AI, and big data
• Founded: 2010
• Portfolio size: 65 investments
• Number of exits: 11
• Key differentiator: Focuses on B2B software companies at the later seed stage with a clear, measurable ROI.

You can refer to their website here.

6. Better Ventures

Better Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that supports founders building companies with a purpose. They invest in businesses designed to create significant positive social and environmental change.

The firm's investment thesis is centered on impact, backing companies that can deliver measurable good alongside financial returns. Their focus on seed and early-stage ventures shows they prefer to partner with companies early in their development.

This firm is a great fit for founders whose mission is central to their business model. If your company is tackling challenges in areas like sustainability or financial inclusion, Better Ventures could be a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Impact investing, sustainability, finance, and transportation
• Founded: 2010
• Portfolio size: 86 investments
• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

7. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech firm that invests in early-stage companies working to solve major global challenges. They provide capital to startups tackling some of the most difficult problems facing humanity.

The firm's focus on deep tech is clear from its portfolio, which includes sectors like robotics, biotech, and advanced materials. This signals a preference for companies with a strong scientific or engineering foundation.

This firm is a good match for founders with deep technical expertise who are building solutions for critical industries like healthcare, energy, or construction. If your company is built on a scientific breakthrough or complex technology, Creative Ventures may be the right partner.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Deep tech, including advanced materials, biotech, clean energy, robotics, and healthcare
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio size: 60 investments
• Number of exits: 4

You can refer to their website here.

8. devlabs

devlabs is a micro-VC firm that invests in early-stage teams solving major problems in large, foundational markets. They provide capital to startups aiming to make a significant impact in critical sectors.

The firm's focus on seed, early-stage, and convertible note investments shows a commitment to partnering with companies at their inception. Their interest spans broad industries like agriculture, health, and finance, indicating a strategy centered on real-world challenges.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders at the seed or early stages who are building companies in essential industries. If you are tackling a big problem in a market like education or renewable energy, devlabs could be a good fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and convertible notes
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, education, finance, health care, and renewable energy
• Founded: 2013
• Portfolio size: 34 investments
• Number of exits: 2

You can refer to their website here.

9. NewSchools Venture Fund

NewSchools Venture Fund is a national non-profit that supports entrepreneurs developing new solutions in education. They raise charitable funds from donors and invest that capital into promising early-stage education ventures.

A key aspect of their model is the flexible capital they provide, which includes grants and debt in addition to traditional venture funding. This structure allows them to support a wide range of education-focused organizations, from early-stage startups to more established non-profits.

This firm is an excellent match for founders building new tools, school models, or support systems within the education sector. If your organization has a clear mission to improve learning outcomes, their unique funding approach could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture, private equity, debt, and grants
• Industries of focus: Education
• Founded: 1998
• Portfolio size: 117 investments
• Number of exits: 34
• Key differentiator: A non-profit venture philanthropy model that uses donor funds to invest in education.

You can refer to their website here.

10. Kaiser Permanente Ventures

Kaiser Permanente Ventures is the corporate venture capital firm for the national healthcare provider. They invest in companies across the health tech sector, including medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health.

The firm’s investment strategy is notable for its flexibility, providing capital across all stages from early venture to private equity, including debt financing. As a corporate investor, their focus is on companies that can bring strategic value to the broader Kaiser Permanente health system.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders in the health tech space whose products could benefit from a deep strategic relationship with a major healthcare provider. If your company is developing technology with clear applications in a clinical setting, they are a valuable connection to make.

• Investment stages: Debt, early-stage, late-stage venture, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Health care, medical, and medical devices
• Portfolio size: 116 investments
• Number of exits: 34
• Key differentiator: A corporate venture firm that provides portfolio companies with strategic access to the Kaiser Permanente health system

You can refer to their website here.

11. Radicle Impact

Radicle Impact invests in early-stage companies where financial success is directly linked to creating meaningful social and environmental value. They support businesses that are designed to produce positive, measurable outcomes from the start.

The firm's focus is on ventures that generate both profit and purpose, investing across seed, early, and late stages. This multi-stage approach shows they are prepared to support companies throughout their growth.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building a business with impact at its core. If your company's model inherently addresses social or environmental challenges, Radicle Impact could be a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Companies creating social and environmental value
• Founded: 2013
• Portfolio size: 33 investments
• Number of exits: 2

You can refer to their website here.

12. Primera Capital

Primera Capital is an investment firm that provides capital to technology companies, with a focus on the early stages. They back startups building solutions for both the consumer market and the enterprise software sector.

The firm invests across the startup lifecycle, from seed rounds to late-stage venture, which gives them the flexibility to support companies as they grow. Their stated interest in consumer and SaaS points to a preference for scalable technology business models.

This firm is a solid match for founders of technology companies in the consumer or SaaS industries. Their multi-stage investment strategy makes them a potential long-term partner for companies planning for significant growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer and SaaS
• Founded: 2007
• Portfolio size: 35 investments
• Number of exits: 9

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Oakland's VC Scene

This list shows that Oakland’s venture capital market has a strong focus on early-stage companies. While several firms on our list are multi-stage investors, there is a significant concentration of capital for pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. This points to a supportive environment for founders who are just starting out or looking for their first institutional check.

The market also shows considerable diversity in its sector focus. There's a notable theme of impact investing, with multiple firms dedicated to social and environmental good. Alongside this, you'll find specialists in deep tech, crypto, and health tech. For founders, this means that if your company is in its early phases, particularly within one of these specialized fields, Oakland offers a robust and varied group of potential investors to connect with.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and effort, so a focused list of investors is invaluable. It allows you to direct your energy toward partners who are genuinely aligned with your company's goals.

Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

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

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Oakland

What do early-stage VC firms in Oakland look for?

They typically look for a strong founding team, a clear problem you're solving in a large market, and early signs of product-market fit. A compelling vision and a solid business plan are also essential for securing funding.

Are there SaaS venture capital firms in Oakland?

Yes, Oakland has several SaaS investors. Firms like Illuminate Ventures focus on enterprise SaaS, while multi-stage investors like Primera Capital also show interest in scalable software-as-a-service models. This provides options for founders in the B2B space.

What's the difference between seed VC firms and Series A venture capital firms?

Seed VC firms provide initial capital to help you validate your idea and build a product. Series A firms invest later, once you have proven traction and need capital to scale your team and operations significantly.

What should I do after securing venture capital financing for my startup?

After closing your round, focus on disciplined financial management. Set up clear spending controls, establish approval workflows, and track your cash flow in real-time to use the capital efficiently and meet your growth milestones.

How can I manage my startup's new funding?

Rho offers an integrated platform with business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments. We help you control your capital with real-time spending dashboards and accounting integrations, so you can focus on growth. Get started with Rho.