Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Philadelphia

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Philadelphia is a critical first step. Finding the right partner is about more than just money—it’s about strategic alignment and finding the expertise that can help your company grow.

To help you identify the best investors for your startup, our team at Rho curated this overview of the top VC firms operating in the Philly area. Use this guide to quickly understand your options before or during your fundraise.

Just raised? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. We provide business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—all built for startup teams moving fast.

Which Philadelphia VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, knowing the right investors to approach is key. Here’s a quick overview of which Philadelphia VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to transform an idea into a viable product and gain early traction. For founders at this stage, firms like Ground Up Ventures and Dorm Room Fund are key players, while social impact-focused startups might consider SustainVC.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage venture capital, typically for Series A or B, is designed for companies with a proven product and market fit that need capital to scale operations. In Philadelphia, you might connect with MissionOG, which focuses on B2B tech, or explore options with Robin Hood Ventures and Rittenhouse Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage funding supports established companies with substantial revenue as they prepare for a major liquidity event, such as an acquisition or an IPO. While many firms participate in later rounds, some notable investors in this space include First Round, MissionOG, and the life sciences venture capital firm BioAdvance.

Keep in mind that many venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages, from seed to exit.

Here is a detailed overview of the top VC firms in Philadelphia to help you identify the best fit for your company. We’ve included key details on their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each firm a compelling partner for founders.

1. First Round Capital

First Round is a venture capital firm that specializes in providing seed-stage funding to technology companies. Since its founding in 2004, it has expanded to support companies through their entire lifecycle, from early to late stages.

The firm is known for building a powerful community for founders, offering resources that extend well beyond capital. Their approach is centered on getting in on the ground floor and helping tech companies navigate the earliest, most critical stages of growth.

First Round is an ideal partner for tech founders seeking an active, hands-on investor at the seed stage. If you value a strong peer network and deep operational support, this firm is a compelling option.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Technology companies.
• Founded: 2004.
• Portfolio size: Over 947 investments.
• Track record: More than 212 portfolio company exits.

You can refer to their website here.

2. MissionOG

MissionOG provides capital to B2B technology companies that are in their early and growth stages. The firm partners with businesses that are ready to scale, offering strategic financial support to accelerate their development.

With a clear focus on B2B technology, particularly within financial services, MissionOG supports companies across both early and late venture rounds. This signals their interest in building long-term relationships with the companies they back.

MissionOG is a great fit for founders of B2B tech companies who have an established product and are seeking capital to scale. Their expertise is especially relevant if your business operates in the financial technology space.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: B2B technology, Financial Services.
• Founded: 2012.
• Portfolio size: 68 investments.
• Track record: 17 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

3. Dorm Room Fund

Dorm Room Fund is a venture capital firm built to support a strong community of student entrepreneurs across the nation. They specialize in providing seed funding to companies that are founded by students.

The firm’s model is centered on a powerful network of student investors and founders, creating a unique, community-driven approach. They focus on backing entrepreneurs at the university level, allowing them to get involved at the earliest possible stage of a company's life.

If you are a student founder looking for your first check and a strong peer network, Dorm Room Fund is an excellent choice. They are particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs who value a community-first approach to building a company.

• Investment stages: Seed.
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Universities, Venture Capital.
• Founded: 2012.
• Portfolio size: Over 216 investments.
• Track record: 31 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

4. Ground Up Ventures

Ground Up Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that provides capital to pre-seed and seed-stage startups. The firm invests in companies across both the United States and Israel, giving it a unique cross-border perspective.

As a Micro VC, Ground Up focuses on getting involved at the very beginning of a company’s journey. This approach suggests they are comfortable with the risks of early-stage ventures and prefer to be a foundational partner for founders.

This firm is an excellent match for founders in the US or Israel who are seeking their first institutional check. If you need a partner who is prepared to offer hands-on support from the ground up, this firm is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital.
• Geographical presence: United States and Israel.
• Founded: 2017.
• Portfolio size: 47 investments.
• Track record: 4 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

5. BioAdvance

BioAdvance is a Pennsylvania-based venture capital firm that provides funding to life sciences startups. The firm supports companies from their earliest stages through to later growth rounds, making them a versatile financial partner.

With a clear focus on biotechnology and life sciences, BioAdvance commits to companies for the long haul. Their investment strategy, which spans from seed to late-stage venture, shows they are prepared to support founders throughout their company's entire lifecycle.

This firm is an excellent match for founders in the life sciences sector who need a knowledgeable investor with deep industry expertise. If your startup is in biotech, BioAdvance has the focus and multi-stage capital to be a strong partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage, and Late-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Life Science.
• Founded: 2003.
• Portfolio size: Over 192 investments.
• Track record: 22 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

6. Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a long-standing organization that supports regional economic growth by investing in technology companies. They operate as both an accelerator and a venture capital firm, offering a unique blend of support programs.

The firm’s model combines traditional seed and early-stage venture funding with non-dilutive grants, reflecting its public mission to foster local innovation. With a history dating back to 1982, they have deep roots in the community and invest across a wide range of technology-focused industries.

This organization is a strong choice for founders of early-stage tech companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania who could benefit from a partner focused on regional development. If your startup aligns with their economic growth mission, their grant programs can be a valuable source of capital.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage venture, Grant.
• Industries of focus: Technology, with investments in financial services, government, and commercial real estate.
• Founded: 1982.
• Portfolio size: Over 232 investments.
• Track record: 44 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

7. Red & Blue Ventures

Red & Blue Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies at the seed and early stages. They provide the initial capital that startups need to build their products and find market traction.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage investments but also participates in later rounds, signaling a commitment to supporting companies as they grow. The name "Red & Blue" often points to a connection with the University of Pennsylvania community, suggesting a potential focus on backing founders from that network.

Red & Blue Ventures could be a strong partner if you are an early-stage founder, especially in the fintech space. The firm is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs with ties to the University of Pennsylvania ecosystem.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage, and Late-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital.
• Founded: 2016.
• Portfolio size: 31 investments.
• Track record: 4 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

8. Rittenhouse Ventures

Rittenhouse Ventures is a venture capital firm that provides capital and growth strategies for companies with advanced software solutions. They focus primarily on the healthcare, financial, and business services sectors.

The firm’s investment approach spans the entire company lifecycle, from seed funding to late-stage venture rounds. This indicates a preference for building long-term partnerships with founders in software-enabled businesses.

This firm is an excellent match for founders in healthcare, fintech, or B2B software who are seeking a hands-on investor. If you want a partner that can provide capital and strategic support across multiple growth stages, Rittenhouse Ventures is a strong option.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage, and Late-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: B2B, Financial Services, Health Care, Information Technology.
• Founded: 2006.
• Portfolio size: 34 investments.
• Track record: 12 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

9. SustainVC

SustainVC is an impact investing venture capital fund that supports early-stage companies. They provide market-rate equity investments to startups that are designed to create a positive social or environmental impact.

The firm’s model is built on the principle that financial returns and social good can go hand-in-hand. By investing at the seed and convertible note stages, they position themselves as a foundational partner for mission-driven businesses.

This firm is an excellent choice for founders whose companies have a clear social or environmental purpose at their core. If you have a business model that can scale and deliver both meaningful impact and competitive returns, SustainVC is a compelling option.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Social Impact, Finance.
• Founded: 2007.
• Portfolio size: 24 investments.
• Track record: 3 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

10. SRI Capital

SRI Capital is an early-stage venture fund that operates in both the United States and India. The firm provides seed and early-stage capital to help new companies build and scale their operations.

A key feature of SRI Capital is its cross-border focus, giving founders access to networks and opportunities in two major markets. Their commitment to seed and early-stage rounds indicates they are comfortable getting involved at the foundational stages of a startup's journey.

This firm is a great fit for founders with businesses in the US or India, particularly those who could benefit from an international perspective. If you are seeking an early-stage partner with a global footprint, SRI Capital is a compelling option.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Venture Capital.
• Geographical presence: United States and India.
• Founded: 2011.
• Portfolio size: 34 investments.
• Track record: 7 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

11. Dreamit Ventures

Dreamit Ventures is a venture fund that backs startups ready to scale their operations. They focus on companies that have already secured initial pilots or are generating revenue, providing capital to fuel their next stage of growth.

The firm has a distinct focus on the security technology sector, with interests spanning cloud security, fraud detection, and generative AI. Their model also includes non-equity assistance, suggesting they provide hands-on support that extends beyond a simple check.

Dreamit Ventures is an ideal partner for founders in the security space who have proven early traction and need a partner to accelerate growth. If your startup is post-pilot and ready to scale, their specialized approach could be a strong match.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early-stage venture, Non-equity assistance.
• Industries of focus: Security (including Cloud Security, Fraud Detection, Generative AI, and Network Security).
• Founded: 2007.
• Portfolio size: Over 403 investments.
• Track record: 53 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

12. Robin Hood Ventures

Robin Hood Ventures is an angel investor group that supports early-stage, high-growth companies in the Greater Philadelphia region. They provide the initial capital and support that startups need to build momentum and scale.

As an angel group, the firm offers a hands-on approach, providing direct mentorship from its experienced members. Their investment focus spans from seed to late-stage venture, signaling a commitment to supporting companies throughout their growth.

This firm is a strong match for founders of enterprise software companies in the Philly area who are seeking a long-term partner. If you value direct access to experienced investors, Robin Hood Ventures is an excellent option to consider.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage, and Late-stage venture.
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software.
• Geographical presence: Greater Philadelphia region.
• Founded: 1999.
• Portfolio size: Over 148 investments.
• Track record: 17 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States's VC Scene

Philadelphia’s venture capital market shows strong support for companies in their earliest phases. Our list highlights a significant concentration of firms that provide pre-seed, seed, and early-stage funding, which is great news if you are looking for your first or second institutional check. While many of these investors will continue to support companies into later rounds, the city’s primary strength is in getting new ventures off the ground.

You’ll also find a healthy diversity of sector focus. Beyond general technology investors, Philadelphia has dedicated funds for life sciences, B2B software, impact-driven companies, and security technology. This variety increases the likelihood that you can find a financial partner with deep expertise in your specific field, providing a solid foundation for your company's growth.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is crucial when your time and energy are limited. This guide is designed to help you connect with the right partners for your company's stage and sector.

Once your fundraise is complete, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes, so you can get back to building your business.

Our platform integrates business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you manage your new funds. We give you the tools to control spending and track cash flow from day one.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Philadelphia

What do Philadelphia VCs look for in a startup?

Philadelphia VCs typically look for a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and a product with clear traction or potential. A well-defined business model and a compelling vision for growth are also essential for securing funding.

Are there fintech venture capital firms in Philadelphia?

Yes, Philadelphia has a growing fintech scene. Firms like MissionOG, Rittenhouse Ventures, and Red & Blue Ventures actively invest in financial technology companies, from early-stage startups to more established businesses seeking to scale their operations.

Which firms offer seed funding for startups in Philadelphia?

Many Philadelphia firms specialize in seed funding. First Round, Ground Up Ventures, and Dorm Room Fund are excellent starting points for founders seeking their first institutional check to develop their product and achieve early market validation.

Are there social impact venture capital firms in Philadelphia?

Yes, if your company has a social or environmental mission, you can connect with impact investors. SustainVC is a notable firm in Philadelphia that provides capital to early-stage companies designed to generate positive, measurable impact alongside financial returns.

How can I manage my capital after my fundraise?

Once you've secured funding, managing it effectively is critical. Our platform integrates banking, corporate cards, and spend controls to help you track cash flow and scale responsibly. You can get started with Rho in minutes.