Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in San Mateo

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital community in San Mateo and the broader Silicon Valley is a critical first step. To help you find the right partners, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms in the area. This guide is designed to help you quickly identify investors who are a good fit for your company, saving you valuable time during your fundraising process.

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Which San Mateo VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is crucial at every point in your company's growth, from the earliest days to a potential exit. To help you find the right fit, here’s a quick look at which San Mateo 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 turn an idea into a viable product and achieve early market traction. For founders seeking this type of venture capital financing for startups, firms like Defy, which focuses on high-potential opportunities, and Draper Associates are excellent starting points, as is Sierra Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for companies with a proven product and initial revenue, aimed at scaling operations and growth. San Mateo has strong early-stage venture capital firms, including cybersecurity-focused investors like Ballistic Ventures and Forgepoint, while BlueRun Ventures often backs fintech and mobile software companies.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage rounds provide capital for mature companies to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an IPO. Investors in this category include the global investment firm Franklin Templeton, along with established players like Benchmark and Redpoint, which have guided numerous companies through to an exit.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed through to later rounds.

To help you find the right investment partner, we've compiled a detailed look at the top VC firms in San Mateo. You'll find key information on their investment stages, sector focus, notable portfolio companies, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner for your startup.

1. Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is a global investment firm with a long history of backing companies in the financial sector. As a late-stage investor, they provide capital to established businesses preparing for major growth or an exit.

With deep roots in financial services and wealth management, the firm brings significant industry expertise to its portfolio companies. Their global presence and extensive track record signal a focus on helping mature companies scale internationally and achieve successful outcomes.

This firm is an excellent match for founders of late-stage fintech or financial services companies seeking a partner with deep domain knowledge. If you're looking for an experienced, global investor to guide you through the final stages of growth, Franklin Templeton is a strong candidate.

• Investment Stage: Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Financial Services, Hedge Funds, Professional Services, Wealth Management
• Founded: 1947
• Portfolio Snapshot: 217 investments and 68 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Draper Associates

Draper Associates is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs companies with the potential to transform their industries. They are known for getting involved at the earliest stages, providing the initial capital to help founders bring ambitious ideas to life.

The firm’s investment thesis centers on backing bold, often unconventional, technologies and business models. They invest across a wide range of stages, from seed and even crowdfunding to early-stage venture, showing a flexible and founder-friendly approach to financing.

Draper Associates is an excellent match for founders with disruptive visions, especially in software and fintech. If your startup is built on a contrarian idea that could redefine a market, this firm has a track record of supporting that journey.

• Investment Stage: Crowdfunding, Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of Focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Software, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio Snapshot: 414 investments and 67 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Ballistic Ventures

Ballistic Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses exclusively on funding and incubating new companies in the cybersecurity space. They provide capital and support to entrepreneurs with innovative security-focused solutions.

The firm’s singular dedication to cybersecurity is its defining characteristic. As early-stage investors, they partner with companies that are just beginning to scale their security products and find market fit.

This firm is an excellent match for founders building an early-stage cybersecurity company. If you are looking for an investment partner with deep expertise in the security market, Ballistic Ventures is a prime candidate.

• Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Cyber Security, Information Technology, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2021
• Portfolio Snapshot: 63 investments and 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Defy.vc

Defy is a venture fund that invests in high-potential companies, with a strong focus on the seed stage. They partner with founders early on to help build businesses from the ground up.

While known for their seed investments, Defy supports companies across their entire lifecycle, from early to late-stage rounds. This signals a commitment to being a long-term partner, rather than just an initial check.

This firm is a great fit for founders who are looking for an investor to stick with them for the long haul. If you value a partner who can provide follow-on capital and support as you scale, Defy is worth considering.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Business Development, Financial Services, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio Snapshot: 105 investments and 12 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Sierra Ventures

Sierra Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that invests globally, with a clear focus on next-generation enterprise and emerging technologies. With a long history in the industry, they provide capital to help companies build foundational technologies for business.

The firm’s deep concentration on enterprise technology is a key characteristic, as is its long-standing presence since 1982. This combination signals extensive experience and a stable, long-term perspective on building B2B companies.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders building enterprise technology companies. If you are seeking an investor with a long track record and the ability to provide support from seed through later stages, Sierra Ventures is worth a look.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Next Generation Enterprise, Emerging Technologies, Finance, Financial Services
• Founded: 1982
• Portfolio Snapshot: 425 investments and 93 exits
• Geographical Focus: Global

You can refer to their website here.

6. +ND Capital

+ND Capital is a venture firm that invests in disruptive technologies at the intersection of life and physical sciences. They focus on companies pioneering new frontiers in deep tech and science-based innovation.

The firm’s distinct focus on nanotechnology and the convergence of scientific disciplines is a key differentiator. Their ability to invest from seed to late-stage signals a commitment to supporting companies throughout their entire growth journey.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders with a strong scientific or engineering background building a deep-tech company. If your startup is based on a breakthrough in the life or physical sciences, +ND Capital has the specialized expertise you need.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Nanotechnology
• Founded: 2002
• Portfolio Snapshot: 63 investments and 12 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. BlueRun Ventures

BlueRun Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies at the intersection of mobile technology and financial services. They provide capital from the earliest seed rounds through to later stages, supporting companies throughout their growth.

The firm's clear focus on mobile software and fintech signals deep expertise in these fast-evolving sectors. Their willingness to invest across seed, early, and late stages indicates they are positioned as long-term partners for their portfolio companies.

BlueRun Ventures is a strong match for founders building companies in the mobile or fintech space. If you're looking for an investor who understands your market and can provide capital and support from inception to scale, they are a compelling choice.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Mobile Software, Financial Services, FinTech, Information Technology
• Founded: 1998
• Portfolio Snapshot: 218 investments and 42 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Redpoint

Redpoint is a venture capital firm that backs companies across the technology sector, with a particular interest in retail and electronics. They partner with founders from the earliest stages through to significant growth rounds.

A key aspect of Redpoint's approach is their multi-stage investment capability, supporting companies from seed to late-stage venture. Their extensive portfolio and high number of exits demonstrate a long history of guiding companies to successful outcomes.

This firm is a great choice for founders at any stage who are seeking a well-established partner with a broad network. If you want an investor with a proven track record of scaling companies across consumer and enterprise tech, Redpoint is a strong contender.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Technology, Retail, Electronics, Financial Services
• Founded: 1999
• Portfolio Snapshot: 791 investments and 172 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Benchmark

Benchmark is a prominent venture capital firm known for its early-stage investments in transformative technology companies. They partner with founders at the beginning of their journey, providing the initial capital to build and scale their businesses.

A defining feature of Benchmark is their focus on high-growth categories like marketplaces, social platforms, and enterprise software. Their investment model supports companies from seed funding through to post-IPO, demonstrating a commitment to long-term partnership.

This firm is an excellent match for founders of early-stage tech companies with ambitions for massive scale. If you are building a business in one of their core sectors and seek an experienced partner to guide you through growth, Benchmark is a top-tier choice.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO
• Industries of Focus: Mobile, Marketplaces, Social, Infrastructure, Enterprise Software
• Founded: 1995
• Portfolio Snapshot: 705 investments and 194 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Forgepoint Capital

Forgepoint Capital is a global venture firm that invests in companies building the future of digital infrastructure. They focus on early-stage opportunities, providing the initial capital to help founders get their ideas off the ground.

A key characteristic is their deep specialization in cybersecurity, which signals a strong thematic focus. Their investment mandate spans from early to late-stage venture, indicating they are prepared to support companies throughout their growth cycle.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders of early-stage cybersecurity or digital infrastructure companies. If you're looking for an investor with deep domain expertise and the capacity for follow-on funding, Forgepoint is a strong candidate.

• Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: Cyber Security, Information Technology, Financial Services
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio Snapshot: 70 investments and 17 exits
• Geographical Focus: Global

You can refer to their website here.

11. Phoenix Venture Partners

Phoenix Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs to commercialize breakthrough innovations in materials science. They focus on turning advanced scientific discoveries into viable, market-ready businesses.

The firm’s deep specialization in advanced materials is its defining feature, setting it apart from generalist tech investors. Their multi-stage investment approach, from seed to late-stage, shows they are equipped to support companies through their entire lifecycle.

This firm is an excellent match for founders with deep technical expertise who are building companies based on materials science. If your startup is commercializing a novel material or manufacturing process, Phoenix Venture Partners has the specific domain knowledge to be a valuable partner.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of Focus: Advanced Materials
• Founded: 2010
• Portfolio Snapshot: 47 investments and 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. DNX Ventures

DNX Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in B2B startups aiming to reshape major industries. They focus on companies that are fundamentally changing how people live and work.

A key aspect of their approach is their dedicated B2B focus combined with a multi-stage investment strategy. This signals they are prepared to back founders from the initial seed round all the way through to later growth stages.

The firm is a strong fit for founders of B2B startups who are looking for a long-term financial partner. If you need an investor who can support your company's journey from inception to scale, DNX Ventures is a compelling option.

• Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of Focus: B2B, Finance, Financial Services
• Founded: 2011
• Portfolio Snapshot: 276 investments and 40 exits

You can refer to their website here.

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

Our review of San Mateo's top venture capital firms reveals a well-balanced and mature market for founders. You'll find strong support across all funding stages, from initial seed capital to late-stage growth rounds. A significant number of firms on our list invest across multiple stages, which is a positive sign for founders seeking long-term partners who can provide follow-on funding as your company grows.

The area also features a healthy mix of both generalist and specialist investors. While many firms back a wide range of technology companies, you can also find deep expertise in specific sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, and even advanced materials science. This diversity means that no matter your industry, you have a good chance of finding an investor who truly understands your business.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires immense focus, and knowing which investors to approach saves valuable time and energy. We hope this curated list helps you connect with the right partners for your company.

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 provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. These tools are designed to help you manage your new funding with efficiency and control.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in San Mateo

Are there SaaS venture capital firms in San Mateo?

Yes, San Mateo is home to many VCs that invest in B2B and SaaS companies. Firms like Sierra Ventures and DNX Ventures focus on enterprise technology, backing startups with strong software solutions from seed to later stages.

Which San Mateo VCs offer seed funding for startups?

Many San Mateo firms provide seed funding. Defy, Draper Associates, and Sierra Ventures are excellent starting points for founders seeking initial capital to develop their product and gain early traction in the market.

What are the top cybersecurity venture capital firms in San Mateo?

San Mateo is a hub for cybersecurity investment. Firms like Ballistic Ventures and Forgepoint Capital specialize in this sector, providing early-stage funding and deep industry expertise to help security-focused startups grow and succeed.

Are there life sciences venture capital firms in San Mateo?

Yes, the area has specialist investors for deep tech. For example, +ND Capital focuses on the intersection of life and physical sciences, while Phoenix Venture Partners backs companies commercializing innovations in advanced materials science.

What do venture capital firms for startups look for?

VCs prioritize a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and a product with a clear competitive advantage. They also look for evidence of traction, such as early revenue or strong user engagement, and a compelling vision.

How can I manage my funds after a successful raise?

Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments to keep your finances organized. You can get started with Rho in minutes.