Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Redwood City

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Redwood City is a critical first step. This part of Silicon Valley is home to many investors, and knowing who they are can make your fundraising process more efficient.

To help, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms in the area. We want to give you a clear picture of the key investors so you can focus on finding the right partners for your startup.

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—all built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Seeking venture capital is about more than just money; it's about finding the right partners who can provide strategic support for your startup's growth.
• Redwood City has a strong investor community, with key players like Sozo Ventures, HealthQuest Capital, WestWave Capital, and Signia Venture Partners.
• Whether you're actively raising or have just closed a round, Rho offers alternative funding, fast business banking, and corporate cards to help you manage your capital effectively.

Which Redwood City VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your startup is in its early days or you're preparing for an exit, knowing which investors to approach makes all the difference. Here is a quick look at which Redwood City VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Redwood City

This initial round of capital, known as pre-seed or seed funding, is for validating your idea and building a minimum viable product. Some of the top seed VC firms in Redwood City for this stage are WestWave Capital, Signia Venture Partners, and Spero Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in Redwood City

Early-stage funding, like Series A and B, is designed to help you scale operations once you have a proven product and market traction. You can find several early-stage VC firms in the area, such as Working Capital, which invests in supply chain management, Mentors Fund, and Crosspoint Venture Partners.

Late Stage VC Firms in Redwood City

Late-stage capital supports established companies preparing for a major growth event like an acquisition or IPO. For this phase, you might consider private equity and venture capital firms like HealthQuest Capital, which is active in biotechnology investing, and Finaventures, alongside Sozo Ventures.

It's also worth noting that some venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to exit.

Here is our guide to the top VC firms in Redwood City, California, covering key details about their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each a compelling choice for founders.

1. Sozo Ventures

Sozo Ventures is a cross-border venture fund that helps US-based technology companies expand into global markets. They provide both capital and strategic support for international growth.

Their main characteristic is a focus on helping startups navigate the complexities of entering new regions. This makes them a specialized partner that offers more than just funding, particularly for companies targeting markets in Asia.

If you are a founder with a product ready for international scale, Sozo Ventures could be a strong partner. They are well-suited for companies that have global ambitions from an early stage.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Technology and FinTech
• Key focus: Helping US-based startups with global expansion
• Founded: 2012
• Portfolio size: 64 investments
• Exits: 12

You can refer to their website here.

2. HealthQuest Capital

HealthQuest Capital is a growth equity firm that invests in commercial-stage companies across the healthcare industry. They provide capital to businesses that are already generating revenue and are ready for significant expansion.

The firm’s approach is distinguished by its focus on healthcare companies that have moved beyond the initial startup phase. They support businesses across their entire lifecycle, from venture rounds to private equity and even post-IPO stages.

If you are a founder of a healthcare company with a proven product and are looking for a partner to scale your commercial operations, HealthQuest Capital could be a good fit. They are well-suited for businesses seeking long-term financial and strategic support.

• Investment stages: Early-stage, late-stage, private equity, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Healthcare
• Founded: 2013
• Portfolio size: 52 investments
• Exits: 14

You can refer to their website here.

3. WestWave Capital

WestWave Capital is an early-stage venture firm that invests in enterprise companies building deep technology solutions. They concentrate their efforts on providing capital during the seed and Series A rounds.

The firm’s specific interest in deep tech for the enterprise market is a key characteristic. This signals a clear preference for technically complex products designed for business use cases.

If you are a founder with a strong technical background building an enterprise-focused company, WestWave Capital may be a suitable investor. They are a good match for startups needing early-stage funding to develop their core technology.

• Investment stages: Seed and Series A
• Industries of focus: Enterprise deep technology
• Founded: 2017
• Portfolio size: 92 investments
• Exits: 16

You can refer to their website here.

4. Signia Venture Partners

Signia Venture Partners is an early-stage fund that supports entrepreneurs building companies with significant global impact. They focus on providing capital to founders who are passionate about creating meaningful change through their businesses.

A notable aspect of the firm is its broad investment range, covering everything from seed rounds to private equity and even debt financing. This flexibility suggests they can support a company's financial needs across its entire lifecycle, from inception to maturity.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder with a mission-driven company. Their ability to invest across different stages means they can be a long-term financial ally as your business grows.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity, debt, and ICOs
• Industries of focus: B2B, Finance, and Venture Capital
• Founded: 2012
• Portfolio size: 117 investments
• Exits: 28

You can refer to their website here.

5. Working Capital

Working Capital is an early-stage venture fund that invests in companies building tools to improve global supply chains. They support businesses that create more transparent and ethical working conditions.

The firm’s specific focus on supply chain management is a key attribute, signaling a deep interest in this sector. Their willingness to invest across multiple stages, from seed to debt, also indicates they can be a long-term financial partner.

If you are a founder creating scalable solutions in the supply chain or financial services industries, this firm may be a good fit. They are well-suited for companies that need a partner for the entire journey, from initial funding to later growth rounds.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and debt
• Industries of focus: Supply Chain Management, Financial Services, and Venture Capital
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 23 investments
• Exits: 2

You can refer to their website here.

6. Motus Ventures

Motus Ventures invests in early-stage companies at the intersection of technology and transportation. They focus on startups influenced by trends like connected cars and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

The firm's specific interest in automotive technology, particularly connected and autonomous systems, is a defining feature. As both a venture capital firm and an accelerator, they offer support tailored to early-stage development.

If you are a founder building a company in the automotive tech sector, Motus Ventures could be a relevant partner. They are a good match for early-stage teams that need capital and guidance to grow.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage
• Industries of focus: Automotive and Finance
• Founded: 2012
• Portfolio size: 27 investments
• Exits: 6

You can refer to their website here.

7. Finaventures

Finaventures is a growth equity firm that provides late-stage venture capital. They have been active since 1999, supporting companies as they prepare for major growth.

A key part of their strategy is building "Business Ecosystem Groups" around their portfolio companies. This suggests they take a hands-on role in creating strategic partnerships and market opportunities for the businesses they back.

If you are leading a mature company and need a partner to help build a powerful network around your business, Finaventures could be a good choice. They seem best suited for founders who value strategic ecosystem development alongside capital.

• Investment stages: Late-stage venture
• Key focus: Building business ecosystem groups
• Founded: 1999
• Portfolio size: 41 investments
• Exits: 11

You can refer to their website here.

8. Spero Ventures

Spero Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in companies focused on improving quality of life. They provide capital to founders building businesses that contribute to human well-being.

The firm’s investment thesis centers on “the things that make life worth living,” which points to a clear focus on mission-driven startups. They concentrate on seed and early-stage rounds, showing they prefer to partner with companies from their initial stages.

If you are a founder of an early-stage company with a strong social mission, Spero Ventures could be a good match. They are best suited for businesses whose products or services aim to improve well-being, work, or human connection.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage
• Industries of focus: Well-being, work & purpose, and human connection
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 53 investments
• Exits: 4

You can refer to their website here.

9. Mentors Fund

Mentors Fund is an early-stage venture firm that provides both capital and guidance to startups. They specialize in backing companies that are designed to be capital-efficient from the ground up.

The firm’s name highlights its core approach, which is centered on providing hands-on mentorship to founders. Their focus on capital efficiency also signals a preference for businesses with lean operations and a clear path to profitability.

If you are a founder who values close guidance and is building a business that can scale without massive funding rounds, this firm could be a strong partner. They are a good match for companies at the seed and early stages.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, and early-stage venture
• Key focus: Mentoring capital-efficient startups
• Founded: 2017
• Portfolio size: 59 investments
• Exits: 2

You can refer to their website here.

10. Omidyar Network

Omidyar Network is a social change venture that invests in both for-profit companies and non-profit organizations. They use their capital to support businesses and ideas that aim to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

A key part of their model is the combination of traditional venture investments with philanthropic grants. This dual approach allows them to support a wide range of ventures, from early-stage startups to established organizations, all focused on positive social impact.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building mission-driven companies with a clear social purpose. If your business model is designed to address systemic challenges in areas like financial services or enterprise software, their unique structure could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and grants
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Financial Services, and social impact ventures
• Founded: 2004
• Portfolio size: 268 investments
• Exits: 57

You can refer to their website here.

11. Crosspoint Venture Partners

Crosspoint Venture Partners is a long-standing venture capital firm with roots going back to 1970. They invest in companies across multiple stages, from early venture rounds to late-stage growth and debt financing.

The firm has a history of focusing on specific technology sectors, including e-business services and broadband infrastructure. Their ability to invest across the full capital spectrum—equity and debt—suggests they can be a flexible, long-term partner.

This firm could be a good match if you are a founder in one of their core sectors, such as semiconductors or web hosting. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them suitable for companies looking for a partner to support them through different growth phases.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture, late-stage venture, and debt
• Industries of focus: E-Business Services, Broadband, Semiconductors, and Web Hosting
• Founded: 1970
• Track record: 87 investments and 38 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. UP2398

UP2398 is a venture capital firm that provides funding to startups at their earliest stages. They concentrate on providing the initial capital that new companies need to get off the ground.

The firm’s primary characteristic is its tight focus on seed and early-stage investments, including convertible notes. This indicates they are comfortable with the risks of backing companies from day one.

If you are a founder seeking your first round of institutional capital, UP2398 could be a good option. They are a match for companies that need seed funding to begin building their product and team.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and convertible note
• Industries of focus: Appears to be industry-agnostic
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio size: 35 investments
• Exits: 6

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Redwood City's VC Scene

This review of Redwood City’s venture capital firms shows a well-balanced market for founders. You can find investors focused on early-stage rounds, like seed and Series A, as well as multi-stage firms that can provide capital throughout your company's growth. This balance means that whether you are just starting out or are scaling up, there are potential partners in the area.

The sector focus is also varied. While many firms invest in software and finance, you will also find specialists in healthcare, supply chain management, and automotive technology. For you, the key takeaway is that Redwood City offers a diverse set of investors. Your next step should be to identify the firms that best match your company’s specific stage and industry before beginning your outreach.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors saves you time and energy during a fundraise. It allows you to concentrate your efforts on the firms that are the best fit for your company’s stage and industry.

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 you access the working capital you need when you are actively raising.

Once your capital is secured, our integrated tools help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to support your startup’s growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Redwood City

What do pre-seed VC firms in Redwood City look for?

Pre-seed investors in Redwood City typically focus on your founding team's strength, the clarity of your vision, and the potential market size. They want to see a compelling idea and a team capable of executing on it effectively.

Are there SaaS venture capital firms in Redwood City?

Yes, many Redwood City VCs invest in SaaS companies, often under broader categories like enterprise software or technology. Firms like WestWave Capital and Signia Venture Partners frequently back B2B software startups with strong growth potential.

Which Redwood City VCs focus on social impact?

Firms like Spero Ventures and Omidyar Network specialize in social impact. Spero focuses on well-being and human connection, while Omidyar Network invests in for-profit and non-profit ventures that aim to create a more equitable society.

How should I prepare to approach venture capital firms?

Before reaching out, thoroughly research each firm to ensure alignment with your stage and industry. Prepare a concise pitch deck that clearly outlines your business model, market opportunity, and team. A warm introduction can also be very helpful.

How can Rho help my startup with funding?

While you pursue equity funding, our team can help you access non-dilutive capital like venture debt and credit lines. Rho also provides integrated banking, cards, and AP to manage your funds efficiently post-raise.