Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Seattle

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the local venture capital scene is a critical first step. In Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest, knowing which investors are active is key to a successful fundraise. To help, our team at Rho curated this overview of the top VC firms in the Emerald City. We designed this guide to help you quickly understand the most relevant investors for your startup, whether you're actively raising or just preparing.

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 Seattle VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, it’s important to know which investors to approach. To make it easier, we’ve organized this list of Seattle VC firms by the stage at which they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, used to develop an initial product and find product-market fit. For founders at this stage, Seattle offers pre-seed VC firms like Ascend, startup studios like Pioneer Square Labs, and specialized investors such as Bloccelerate for blockchain companies.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage funding, such as Series A and B rounds, helps startups with proven traction scale their operations and accelerate growth. Notable early-stage venture capital firms in the area include Flying Fish for AI startups, as well as Fuse and Tola Capital for enterprise software companies.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies seeking significant capital to expand, make acquisitions, or prepare for an IPO. Prominent firms that participate in late-stage rounds include Madrona, which invests from seed to post-IPO, and Elevar Equity, which provides growth capital with a focus on social impact.

Some VC firms also invest across multiple startup funding stages.

Here is our deep dive on the top VC firms in Seattle, including key details on their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each a compelling partner for founders like you.

1. Madrona

Madrona is a Seattle-based venture capital firm that has been backing companies in the Pacific Northwest and beyond since 1995. They partner with founders across a wide spectrum of stages, from the earliest days to post-IPO.

A key characteristic of Madrona is their commitment to founders for the long haul, investing from seed all the way through a company's public offering. This multi-stage approach suggests they provide deep operational support tailored to a company's evolving needs as it scales.

If you're a founder in the region looking for a long-term capital partner that can support you through multiple rounds of growth, Madrona could be a great fit. Their broad industry focus, including cloud services and finance, suits ambitious teams building durable companies.

• Investment Stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO.
• Industries of Focus: Cloud data services, finance, and other service industries.
• Geographic Focus: Primarily the Pacific Northwest, but they invest beyond the region.
• Founded: 1995.
• Track Record: Over 530 investments and more than 100 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Tola Capital

Tola Capital is a venture firm that invests globally in early-stage enterprise software companies. They partner with founders who are building the next generation of software for the enterprise market.

The firm maintains a clear focus on B2B software, especially in sectors like cloud security, developer tools, and financial services. This specialization suggests they offer deep technical and market knowledge to the companies they back.

If you are building a technical enterprise software product, Tola Capital may be an ideal partner. Their focus indicates they are well-equipped to support founders tackling complex problems in the B2B space.

• Investment Stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity.
• Industries of Focus: Enterprise software, cloud security, developer tools, and financial services.
• Geographic Focus: Global.
• Founded: 2010.
• Track Record: Over 76 investments and 17 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

3. Amazon Alexa Fund

The Amazon Alexa Fund is the corporate venture capital arm of Amazon, providing up to $200 million in funding to fuel innovation in voice technology. As a corporate VC, its investments are often strategic, aimed at building out the ecosystem around its core products.

The fund’s broad investment mandate across stages—from seed to late-stage—and industries like AI, consumer electronics, and IoT signals a clear priority. They are focused on supporting companies that can expand the capabilities and applications of voice-powered technology.

If your startup is building a product that integrates with or enhances voice interfaces, the Alexa Fund could be a powerful partner. This is especially true for founders who would benefit from a strategic alignment with Amazon's platform and market reach.

• Investment Stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage.
• Industries of Focus: Voice technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), consumer electronics, IoT, and software.
• Founded: 2015.
• Track Record: Over 141 investments and 23 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

4. Arrington Capital

Arrington Capital is a thesis-driven firm that invests in digital assets and Web3. Founded in 2017 by the team behind TechCrunch, they focus on backing crypto-native founders from the earliest stages.

What's notable is their hands-on approach; they describe themselves as builders and operators who incubate and use the products they fund. This signals a deep, practical involvement beyond just providing capital.

The firm is an ideal match for founders in the Web3 space who are looking for a partner with deep operational roots. If you value a team that understands building companies and has a strong network in crypto, Arrington may be a great fit.

• Investment Stages: Seed and early-stage.
• Industries of Focus: Digital assets, Web3, and cryptocurrency.
• Team Background: Led by ex-operators and the founders of TechCrunch.
• Founded: 2017.
• Track Record: Over 37 investments and 2 exits.
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Solana, Polkadot, Avalanche, and Near.

You can refer to their website here.

5. Ascend

Ascend bills itself as the most active pre-seed venture capital fund in the Pacific Northwest. As a micro VC, they concentrate on providing the initial capital that helps founders get their ideas off the ground.

The firm’s clear commitment to the pre-seed stage is a defining feature, often investing through convertible notes. Their industry interests in e-commerce and financial services suggest specific domain expertise.

If you are a founder in the Pacific Northwest at the very beginning of your journey, Ascend could be a strong fit. This is particularly true for those building companies in the e-commerce or financial services sectors.

• Investment Stages: Pre-seed, seed, and early-stage.
• Industries of Focus: E-Commerce and Financial Services.
• Geographic Focus: Pacific Northwest.
• Founded: 2019.
• Track Record: 83 investments and 6 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

6. Pioneer Square Labs

Pioneer Square Labs is a startup studio that creates and launches new technology companies. Rather than simply investing in existing startups, they are actively involved in building businesses from the ground up.

Their model as a studio and incubator is a key differentiator, signaling deep operational involvement from a company's inception. This hands-on approach focuses on enterprise software, internet, and mobile ventures, suggesting a team with expertise in these specific markets.

PSL is an ideal partner for founders at the earliest stages who are looking for more than just capital. If you have an idea and need a team to help build, validate, and launch it, their studio model could be a perfect fit.

• Investment Stages: Seed and early-stage.
• Industries of Focus: Enterprise Software, Internet, and Mobile.
• Model: A startup studio that also functions as an incubator and accelerator.
• Founded: 2015.
• Track Record: 25 investments and 1 exit.

You can refer to their website here.

7. Flying Fish Partners

Flying Fish is an early-stage venture firm that backs companies building applied artificial intelligence and machine learning products. They also invest in the tools and infrastructure that support the AI/ML ecosystem.

The firm's defining characteristic is its sharp focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Their investment thesis centers on companies using AI/ML to solve real-world problems.

If you are a founder building an early-stage AI or machine learning company, Flying Fish could be a great partner. Their specialization suggests they bring deep technical expertise to the table.

• Investment Stages: Seed, convertible note, and early-stage venture.
• Industries of Focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
• Founded: 2016.
• Track Record: 62 investments and 5 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

8. FUSE

FUSE is a venture capital firm that backs early-stage software companies, with a strong presence in the Seattle tech scene. They focus on providing capital and support to businesses as they move from their initial stages toward significant growth.

The firm maintains a clear focus on B2B software, especially companies leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. This specialization suggests they offer deep technical and market knowledge to the companies they back.

If you are a founder building an intelligent software product for the enterprise, FUSE may be an ideal partner. Their focus on early-stage ventures means they are equipped to support teams building and scaling their technology.

• Investment Stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture.
• Industries of Focus: Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning.
• Geographic Focus: Pacific Northwest.
• Founded: 2020.
• Track Record: Over 47 investments and 1 exit.

You can refer to their website here.

9. Elevar Equity

Elevar Equity provides early growth capital to companies where social impact and financial returns are directly connected. They invest in businesses that serve underserved customers in emerging markets.

A defining feature is their investment thesis, which centers on the direct link between positive social impact and strong financial performance. Their focus on financial services suggests they look for businesses that improve access and opportunity for these communities.

Elevar is a strong match for founders building scalable businesses where impact is a core driver of the business model, not just a byproduct. This is especially true for entrepreneurs creating more equitable systems in finance and other essential services.

• Investment Stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity.
• Industries of Focus: Impact investing, finance, and financial services.
• Founded: 2008.
• Track Record: Over 82 investments and 8 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

10. Acequia Capital (AceCap)

Acequia Capital, also known as AceCap, is a Seattle-based venture firm that has been investing in technology companies since 2010. They have built a large and diverse portfolio, signaling a broad and active investment strategy across the tech sector.

A notable characteristic is their flexible, multi-stage approach, providing capital from seed rounds all the way to late-stage venture. With over 470 investments, their model appears to favor a high volume of deals rather than a concentrated, hands-on portfolio.

Acequia may be a good fit if you're looking for a long-term capital partner that can support your company through multiple funding rounds. Their broad tech focus suits a wide range of companies, particularly those in the finance and financial services industries.

• Investment Stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage, and late-stage venture.
• Industries of Focus: Technology, finance, and financial services.
• Founded: 2010.
• Track Record: Over 472 investments and 54 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

11. Bloccelerate VC

Bloccelerate is a venture fund and accelerator that invests in blockchain companies around the world. They provide both capital and structured support to founders building in the Web3 space.

A key aspect of their model is the combination of a fund and an accelerator, signaling hands-on support for early-stage teams. Their exclusive focus on blockchain indicates deep domain expertise in this specific sector.

This firm is a great match for founders at the seed or early stage who are building a blockchain company. The accelerator component makes them particularly well-suited for teams looking for structured guidance alongside their initial funding.

• Investment Stages: Seed and early-stage venture.
• Industries of Focus: Blockchain.
• Model: A global accelerator and venture fund.
• Geographic Focus: Global.
• Founded: 2018.
• Track Record: 31 investments.

You can refer to their website here.

12. Capria Ventures

Capria Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies applying Generative AI to serve markets across the Global South. They provide capital to founders building technology-driven solutions in emerging economies.

The firm's investment thesis is defined by its unique intersection of advanced technology and impact-focused markets. Their interest in sectors like FinTech, EdTech, and AgTech signals a clear priority for backing businesses that address fundamental needs.

Capria is a strong match for founders in the Global South who are using applied AI to build scalable companies. If your startup is creating practical solutions for essential industries, their specialized focus could make them an ideal partner.

• Investment Stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture.
• Industries of Focus: Applied Generative AI, FinTech, EdTech, AgTech, and SaaS.
• Geographic Focus: Global South.
• Founded: 2012.
• Track Record: Over 67 investments and 1 exit.

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Seattle, Washington, United States's VC Scene

This overview of Seattle's venture capital firms reveals a market with robust support for founders at the earliest stages. Many investors on our list concentrate on pre-seed and seed rounds, indicating a healthy environment for getting a new company funded and off the ground. While several firms invest across all stages, the ecosystem appears particularly welcoming to new ventures.

The city also shows distinct strengths in specific sectors. You'll find a significant concentration of investors focused on enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and financial technology. For founders building in these areas, Seattle offers a deep pool of specialized capital from partners who understand your market and can provide more than just a check.

Raise Confidently with Rho

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

Once your round is closed, the next step is putting that capital to work. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform integrates business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you manage your new funds with clarity. We give you the tools to scale your operations and grow your business with confidence.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Seattle

Are there many life sciences or clean tech venture capital firms in Seattle?

Yes, Seattle has a growing ecosystem for these sectors. While our list focuses on software, you'll find specialized firms and angel groups dedicated to biotech, medtech, and clean technology innovation throughout the Pacific Northwest.

How important is a warm introduction to a Seattle VC?

A warm introduction from a trusted contact is the most effective way to get a meeting. VCs receive many cold emails, so a referral from a founder, lawyer, or advisor in their network helps you get noticed.

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

Early-stage firms prioritize the founding team's experience and vision. They also want to see initial signs of product-market fit, a large addressable market, and a clear plan for using the capital to scale the business.

What is the difference between venture capital and private equity?

Venture capital firms typically fund early-stage, high-growth startups for a minority stake. Private equity firms usually acquire majority control of more mature, established companies, often using significant debt to finance the purchase.

How can I manage my funds after a successful seed round?

Once you secure funding, managing it effectively is key. Our platform provides integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend management to help you deploy your capital efficiently. Get started with Rho today.