Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in San Jose

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in San Jose and the wider Silicon Valley is a critical first step. Knowing the key players helps you target the right investors who understand your vision and can support your growth.

To make this process easier, our team at Rho created this guide to the top VC firms in the region. We've highlighted key investors to help you quickly find potential partners, whether you're looking for early-stage venture capital firms or later-stage funding.

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 San Jose VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is crucial, whether you're just starting out or scaling toward an exit. Here’s a brief look at some of the top San Jose VC firms and the stages they focus on.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders seeking seed funding venture capital firms, investors like Primer Sazze Partners and Sparkland Capital focus on this critical first stage.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage funding, such as Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your team and operations once you've established product-market fit. Some of the top early-stage venture capital firms in the area include Bling Capital and Vanguard Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage rounds provide growth capital to mature companies preparing for a major event like an IPO or acquisition. If your startup is approaching this phase, firms such as ePlanet Capital and DFJ InCube Ventures specialize in late-stage investments.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms for startups, including several corporate VCs, invest across multiple stages from seed to exit.

To help you find the right partner, here is our deep dive on the top VC firms in San Jose. We've outlined their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. Cisco Investments

As the corporate venture capital arm of Cisco, Cisco Investments is one of the most active CVCs in the technology sector. Founded in 1993, the firm supports startups through direct investments and by investing in other venture funds.

The firm’s approach is centered on companies that are strategically relevant to Cisco’s core business and future growth areas. Their investment flexibility is a key characteristic, with a mandate that spans seed, early, and late-stage venture, as well as debt financing.

Cisco Investments is a strong potential partner if your company aligns with Cisco's technology ecosystem, particularly in enterprise and security. Founders who could benefit from deep technical collaboration and access to a global market leader will find this firm compelling.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Debt
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Founded: 1993
• Portfolio size: Over 210 investments
• Track record: The firm has successfully exited more than 70 companies.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Bling Capital

Bling Capital is a venture capital firm that backs founders at the earliest stages, primarily focusing on seed and early-stage venture rounds. Since its founding in 2018, the firm has built a significant portfolio of emerging companies.

The firm’s investment thesis centers on high-growth technology sectors, including SaaS, fintech, automation, and consumer tech. This approach indicates a strong belief in software and data-driven business models that can scale quickly.

Bling Capital is an ideal match for founders who are building technology-first companies and need a partner for their initial funding rounds. Their focus on early-stage investments means they are prepared to support companies from the ground up.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer tech, internet, mobile, marketplace, data, fintech, SaaS, and automation
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 143 investments
• Track record: 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Cisco

Cisco is a global technology leader that develops and sells networking hardware, telecom equipment, and other tech products. As a corporate investor, it backs startups that are strategically relevant to its core business areas.

The firm primarily invests in companies within communications infrastructure, enterprise software, hardware, and software. Their focus is on technologies that can integrate with or enhance Cisco's own extensive product ecosystem.

Cisco is a strong potential partner if your startup operates in the enterprise tech or communications space. Founders seeking a strategic relationship with a major industry player will find their resources particularly valuable.

• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Communications Infrastructure, Enterprise Software, Hardware, and Software
• Founded: 1984
• Portfolio size: 229 investments
• Track record: 105 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. TDK Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of TDK Corporation, TDK Ventures invests globally in entrepreneurs building companies in the "hard-tech" space. The firm supports founders creating tangible innovations that can shape industries.

A key aspect of their strategy is a clear focus on sectors requiring deep technical knowledge, such as new materials, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Their investment mandate is also notably broad, covering startups from the seed stage all the way to post-IPO, signaling potential for long-term partnership.

TDK Ventures is an excellent match for founders whose companies could benefit from the resources and market access of a major industrial corporation. If you are building a business grounded in deep-tech or materials science, this firm is a compelling option.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Hard-tech, materials science, energy, mobility, and industrial applications
• Founded: 2019
• Portfolio size: 52 investments
• Track record: 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Okta Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Okta, Okta Ventures backs the next wave of companies focused on identity, privacy, and security. Their goal is to support startups that are building foundational technologies in these critical areas.

The firm’s strategy is closely tied to Okta's core mission, prioritizing technologies that can integrate with the modern identity landscape. They invest across all stages, from seed to late-stage venture, signaling a capacity for long-term support.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building solutions in the security and privacy domains. If your company could benefit from a strategic relationship with an industry leader, Okta Ventures provides access to deep expertise and market channels.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Identity, Privacy, Security, Finance
• Founded: 2009
• Portfolio size: 45 investments
• Track record: 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. PayPal Ventures

As the corporate venture arm of PayPal, PayPal Ventures invests in companies shaping the future of financial services and commerce. Their focus is on startups in fintech, commerce enablement, and the data infrastructure that powers them.

A key aspect of their approach is a broad investment mandate, covering companies from the seed stage through to private equity rounds. This signals a capacity for long-term partnership and support as a company scales from its earliest days to maturity.

PayPal Ventures is an excellent fit for founders building in the financial technology or commerce sectors. A partnership offers strategic value, providing access to the resources and expertise of a global leader in digital payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Financial services, fintech, commerce enablement, and data infrastructure
• Portfolio size: 119 investments
• Track record: 12 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Pegasus Tech Ventures

Pegasus Tech Ventures is a global venture capital firm that operates from its headquarters in Silicon Valley. The firm leverages its worldwide network to connect startups with corporate partners and international markets.

A key aspect of their strategy is investment flexibility, as they support companies from seed and convertible notes all the way through late-stage rounds. Their portfolio demonstrates a clear focus on fintech, financial services, and business development sectors.

This firm is a compelling option for founders in the financial technology space who are seeking a long-term investment partner. If you are building a company with global ambitions, their international reach could be a significant advantage.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Business Development
• Investor type: Venture Capital
• Founded: 2011
• Portfolio size: 252 investments
• Track record: 55 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Primer Sazze Partners

Primer Sazze Partners is a venture capital firm that backs founders at the earliest stages of their journey. They seek out companies with ambitious, world-changing potential, providing the initial capital to help bring big ideas to life.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage venture rounds, indicating a hands-on approach with new companies. Their investment thesis is broad, covering sectors from cloud computing and social platforms to content and travel tech.

This firm is a great fit for founders who have a grand vision and are looking for their first institutional check. If you're building a company in one of their focus industries, their early-stage expertise could be a valuable asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Investor type: Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Cloud Computing, Content, Social, Travel
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 124 investments
• Track record: 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. InCube Ventures

InCube Ventures is a life science venture capital firm that invests in significant innovations designed to solve unmet clinical needs. They focus on backing companies that are developing novel solutions and breakthrough technologies in the medical field.

The firm’s strategy centers on high-impact medical technologies, with investments spanning from early to late-stage venture rounds. This approach signals their readiness to support companies through the long development and regulatory cycles common in the life sciences sector.

InCube Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders with deep scientific expertise who are tackling major clinical challenges. If your company is creating a transformative medical device or therapy, their focused approach could be an excellent fit.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Investor type: Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Life Sciences
• Founded: 1995
• Portfolio size: 22 investments
• Track record: 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Sparkland Capital

Sparkland Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in companies developing frontier technologies. They provide initial funding to founders who are building businesses at the forefront of technological innovation.

The firm’s strategy is concentrated on seed and early-stage rounds, operating as a micro-VC for new ventures. This focus on "frontier tech" signals a clear interest in deep technology and potentially disruptive, category-defining ideas.

Sparkland Capital is a strong potential partner if you are a founder with a highly technical or scientifically ambitious startup. Their model is designed to support companies that are creating novel solutions from the ground up.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Frontier Technologies
• Founded: 2014
• Portfolio size: 29 investments
• Track record: 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Vanguard Ventures

Vanguard Ventures is a venture capital firm with a long history of helping entrepreneurs build pioneering companies in the technology and life science sectors. They focus on providing early-stage capital to support founders from the initial phases of growth.

The firm's investment strategy is defined by its dual focus on both tech and life sciences, coupled with the flexibility to invest from early to late stages. This indicates they are equipped to be a long-term partner, supporting companies through their entire growth journey.

Vanguard Ventures is a great match for founders in either the technology or life science industries who are seeking an experienced partner. If you value an investor with a track record spanning several decades, this firm is a compelling choice.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Technology, Life Science, Finance
• Investor type: Venture Capital
• Founded: 1981
• Portfolio size: 62 investments
• Track record: 20 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. ePlanet Capital

ePlanet Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in companies across the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. They provide growth capital to help businesses scale their operations and market presence.

A key feature of their strategy is the ability to invest across multiple stages, from early venture rounds to private equity. This flexibility suggests they can support companies throughout their entire lifecycle, from growth to maturity.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders in the TMT space who are looking for more than just an early check. If you need a long-term investor that can participate in later funding rounds, ePlanet Capital is a compelling choice.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Telecommunications, Media, and Technology
• Investor type: Venture Capital
• Founded: 1999
• Portfolio size: 46 investments
• Track record: 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About San Jose, California, United States's VC Scene

This list reveals a well-balanced venture capital market in San Jose. You’ll find firms that concentrate on every part of a startup’s journey, from seed-stage specialists to investors providing late-stage growth capital. This means that no matter your company's current stage, there are potential partners in the area ready to fund your next steps.

The significant presence of corporate venture capital from leaders like Cisco, Okta, and PayPal also points to a strong ecosystem for enterprise tech, security, and fintech. For founders in these fields, this offers a clear path to strategic investment that can include valuable industry expertise and market access. The region provides a healthy mix of both traditional and corporate investors to support your fundraising efforts.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so having a focused list of relevant investors is critical. It helps you direct your efforts toward the partners who are the best fit for your company and vision.

If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. We make it simple to transition from securing capital to putting it to work for your business.

Our platform assists in managing your new funds efficiently with integrated solutions. We provide business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay designed for fast-moving startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in San Jose

Which SaaS venture capital firms are in San Jose?

Many San Jose VCs, like Bling Capital, invest in SaaS. To get their attention, you should demonstrate strong early traction, a clear go-to-market strategy, and a scalable business model that addresses a specific customer pain point.

How do I approach life sciences venture capital firms?

Firms like InCube Ventures and Vanguard Ventures look for strong intellectual property and a clear path through regulatory approval. Your pitch should emphasize the scientific validation and the size of the unmet clinical need you are solving.

What should I expect from corporate venture capital firms?

Corporate VCs like Cisco Investments or TDK Ventures often seek strategic alignment with their parent company. A partnership can provide market access and industry expertise, but you should clarify expectations around integration and exclusivity early on.

What do seed funding venture capital firms look for?

At the seed stage, investors focus heavily on the founding team's strength and vision. You'll need a compelling pitch deck, a prototype or MVP if possible, and a clear explanation of the problem you are solving for a large market.

Is San Jose a good place for fintech venture capital?

Yes, with major players like PayPal Ventures and Pegasus Tech Ventures, San Jose has a robust fintech ecosystem. The region offers access to capital, talent, and strategic partners focused on financial innovation, from payments to data infrastructure.

What should I do after securing venture capital financing?

Once you've raised capital, it's time to manage it effectively. Our platform helps you open business accounts, issue corporate cards, and automate payments. Get started with Rho to streamline your financial operations.