Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Washington

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Washington, D.C., and the greater Capital Region is a critical first step. Knowing which investors are active in the area and what they look for can make a significant difference in your fundraising process.

To help you get started, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms for startups operating in D.C. We've focused on firms that provide venture capital financing for startups across various stages, from pre-seed to Series A and beyond.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Seeking venture capital funding means partnering with investors who provide capital in exchange for equity, helping your startup grow.
• The Washington, D.C. area has a strong venture capital community, with top players including International Finance Corporation, Quona Capital, Construct Capital, and Zeal Capital Partners.
• If you're a startup leader raising capital or have just closed a round, our team at Rho can help you manage your new funds with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay services.

Which Washington VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing the right investors to connect with is important at every point in your company's journey, from its earliest days to a potential exit. To help, we've put together a quick summary of D.C. area VCs and their preferred investment stages.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Washington

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, often used to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders seeking seed funding venture capital firms in the D.C. area, investors like Construct Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Accion Venture Lab focus on this critical initial stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Washington

Early-stage venture capital, typically covering Series A and Series B rounds, is for startups that have found product-market fit and are ready to scale operations. Some notable early-stage VC firms in Washington include AAF Management Ltd. and Revolution Ventures, which provide capital to help companies accelerate their growth.

Late Stage VC Firms in Washington

Late-stage funding is for more mature companies looking to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit like an IPO. In Washington, firms such as International Finance Corporation and the fintech-focused Quona Capital are key players in providing late-stage venture capital.

It's also worth noting that many private venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.

Below is our detailed summary of Washington, D.C.'s top VC firms, including their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each a strong potential partner for your startup.

1. International Finance Corporation

As a member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a global development institution. It operates as a private equity and venture capital firm that invests in private sector companies across developing countries.

The IFC is notable for its incredibly broad investment mandate, providing everything from seed funding to late-stage venture and private equity. Their focus is on creating markets and opportunities in emerging economies, particularly within the financial services sector.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building scalable businesses in developing nations that contribute to economic growth. If your company operates in an emerging market, especially in finance, the IFC could be a valuable long-term capital partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, and Debt
• Industries of focus: Financial services, finance, and funding platforms
• Geographical focus: Developing countries
• Founded: 1956
• Portfolio size: Over 600 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Quona Capital

Quona Capital is a venture capital firm that backs fintech companies in emerging markets. Their goal is to support businesses that are making financial services more accessible and inclusive across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The firm's focus on "impact investing" within the fintech space is a key part of its identity. They invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage, showing a commitment to supporting companies throughout their growth.

If you are a founder building a fintech solution for an emerging market and have a strong mission-driven component to your business, Quona Capital could be an excellent partner. They are well-suited for companies aiming to create both financial returns and positive social change.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, and Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Fintech, financial services, and impact investing
• Geographical focus: Emerging markets
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio size: Over 160 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Construct Capital

Construct Capital invests in founders building technology to modernize core sectors of the economy. The firm backs companies that are improving foundational industries through software and automation.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage ventures, with a clear focus on enterprise software, industrial automation, and supply chain management. This shows their commitment to supporting companies that are digitizing and improving complex, real-world operations.

If you're a founder developing technology for these fundamental industries, Construct Capital could be a strong partner. They are a good match for early-stage companies looking for capital to build and scale their solutions.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Industrial Automation, Supply Chain Management
• Founded: 2020
• Portfolio size: 42 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Zeal Capital Partners

Zeal Capital Partners is a venture firm that practices what it calls “Inclusive Investing™.” The firm partners with early-stage businesses led by diverse management teams that are working to close wealth and skills gaps.

The firm concentrates on specific sectors: financial technology, health equity, and the future of work and learning. A key part of their approach is providing both capital and operational expertise to help their portfolio companies grow.

If you are a founder with a diverse team building a business in one of Zeal’s focus areas, this firm could be a great fit. They are particularly well-suited for companies whose missions align with creating greater economic opportunity.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Technology, Health Equity, Future of Work & Learning
• Investment thesis: Inclusive Investing™ to narrow the wealth and skills gap
• Founded: 2020
• Portfolio size: 32 investments
• Notable portfolio company: Esusu

You can refer to their website here.

5. Village Capital

Village Capital supports entrepreneurs who are building businesses for a more inclusive and sustainable world. They focus on connecting founders with the resources and networks needed to scale their impact-driven companies.

A key aspect of their model is the combination of venture capital with accelerator and entrepreneurship programs. This signals a hands-on approach that provides structured support and mentorship beyond just a capital investment.

This firm is an excellent match if your startup has a clear social or environmental mission and operates in sectors like fintech, edtech, or agriculture. Founders who would benefit from a program-based, supportive community will find their model particularly valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note, Debt, and Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, EdTech, Education, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech
• Investor type: Accelerator, Entrepreneurship Program, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2009
• Portfolio size: Over 360 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Bezos Expeditions

Bezos Expeditions is the personal investment firm and family office for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The firm manages his private venture capital investments across a wide range of companies and industries.

The firm’s approach is defined by its broad investment range, covering everything from seed to late-stage rounds. Their focus includes sectors like financial services and mobile technology, signaling an interest in foundational tech areas.

This firm is a potential match for founders with ambitious, long-term visions, particularly in the financial services and mobile sectors. Companies that could benefit from patient capital and a multi-stage investment partner may find their model appealing.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Venture Capital
• Investor type: Family Investment Office, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2005
• Portfolio size: 108 investments
• Track record: 25 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Paladin Capital Group

Paladin Capital Group is a global investor that provides both venture investment and growth capital to technology companies. They focus on supporting innovative businesses through various stages of their development.

A key characteristic of the firm is its multi-stage investment strategy, covering early-stage venture, late-stage venture, and private equity. This approach, combined with a focus on the finance and financial services sectors, shows their capacity to back companies for the long haul.

Paladin is a strong potential partner for founders in the financial technology sector who are seeking a capital partner for the entire company lifecycle. Their model is well-suited for businesses with plans for significant, long-term growth that may require funding beyond typical venture rounds.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
• Investor type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2001
• Portfolio size: 176 investments
• Track record: 50 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Anzu Partners

Anzu Partners is an investment firm that backs companies in the industrial and life science technology sectors. They provide capital to businesses that are developing breakthrough innovations in these fields.

The firm’s ability to invest across a company's entire lifecycle—from seed funding to private equity and post-IPO support—is a key characteristic. This indicates they are prepared to be a long-term partner, supporting companies from their earliest stages through to maturity.

Anzu Partners is a good fit for founders in industrial tech or life sciences who are looking for a capital partner that can grow with them. Their multi-stage approach is ideal for companies with ambitious, long-term roadmaps that will require different types of funding over time.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Private Equity, and Debt
• Industries of focus: Industrial Technology, Life Science, Biotechnology
• Investor type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2014
• Portfolio size: 73 investments
• Track record: 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Accion Venture Lab

Accion Venture Lab is an investment initiative that provides seed capital and strategic support to startups. They are dedicated to backing companies that are building inclusive fintech solutions.

The firm's focus on impact investing within the fintech sector is a core part of its identity, targeting companies that improve financial services for underserved populations. Their model combines seed-stage capital with hands-on support, showing a commitment to helping founders through the earliest phases of company building.

This firm is a great match for founders of early-stage, mission-driven fintech companies. If your startup aims to create both financial returns and positive social impact, Accion Venture Lab's specialized focus could make them a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Impact Investing
• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2011
• Portfolio size: 111 investments
• Track record: 9 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Revolution Ventures

Revolution Ventures is part of the broader venture capital firm Revolution and invests in early-stage companies. They have a distinct focus on backing founders who are building businesses outside of traditional coastal tech hubs.

A core part of their strategy is investing in companies across the United States, signaling a belief in innovation happening everywhere. The firm is also a multi-stage investor, providing capital from seed rounds through later stages of growth.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are building a company outside of Silicon Valley or New York and are looking for a long-term capital partner. Their ability to invest across multiple rounds makes them a good fit for founders with ambitious growth plans.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
• Geographical focus: Companies across the United States
• Founded: 2013
• Portfolio size: 48 investments
• Track record: 10 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. AAF Management Ltd.

AAF Management Ltd. is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology companies. They concentrate on providing capital for Seed and Series A rounds to help new businesses get established and grow.

A key part of their approach is a broad focus on technology companies across sectors like fintech, healthcare, and software. Their significant number of investments and exits points to an active and experienced team that knows how to back early-stage winners.

This firm could be a good partner if you are a founder building a technology-driven business at the seed or Series A stage. Their wide industry scope makes them a potential fit for companies that don't fall into a narrow investment niche.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care, IT, Mobile, Software
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio size: 133 investments
• Track record: 24 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. Bezos Earth Fund

The Bezos Earth Fund is Jeff Bezos's $10 billion commitment to address climate change. It provides grants to scientists, activists, and non-governmental organizations working on climate and nature solutions.

The fund’s defining feature is its grant-based model, meaning it provides capital without taking an equity stake in an organization. This structure signals a focus on philanthropic impact over financial returns, supporting a wide range of projects from scientific research to policy advocacy.

This fund is a good match for leaders of non-profits or research initiatives whose work directly contributes to combating climate change. It is not a fit for for-profit startups seeking venture capital, but for organizations that can leverage grant funding for large-scale environmental projects.

• Investment stages: Grant
• Focus areas: Climate and nature solutions, supporting scientists, activists, and NGOs
• Founded: 2020
• Commitment: $10 billion
• Portfolio size: 35 grants awarded

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Washington's VC Scene

This look at Washington's top investors reveals a well-rounded market for founders. You have access to firms that concentrate on seed and early-stage rounds, providing that critical first check. Additionally, the region has many multi-stage investors ready to provide capital from your first round through later growth stages.

Two clear themes also emerge from this list: a strong focus on financial technology and a significant interest in impact-driven businesses. This suggests that if your startup operates in fintech or has a clear social mission, you may find the D.C. investor community especially receptive to your goals.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is a major advantage when you're raising capital. It allows you to direct your limited time and energy toward the conversations that matter most.

After you close a round, the next step is putting that capital to work. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes so you can get back to building your business.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your new funds efficiently. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Washington

What are the top fintech venture capital firms in Washington?

The D.C. area has a strong fintech focus. Firms like Quona Capital, Accion Venture Lab, and Paladin Capital Group are key players that invest in financial technology companies at various stages, from seed to growth equity.

Are there cybersecurity venture capital firms in the D.C. area?

Yes, the region's proximity to government and defense sectors makes it a hub for cybersecurity. Paladin Capital Group is a prominent global investor in this space, backing technology companies that address critical digital infrastructure and security challenges.

Which D.C. firms are social impact venture capital firms?

Several D.C. firms focus on social impact. Zeal Capital Partners uses its "Inclusive Investing™" thesis to close wealth gaps, while Village Capital and Accion Venture Lab support businesses that promote financial inclusion and sustainability.

What should I do after securing venture capital financing for my startup?

Once you've secured funding, it's crucial to have a solid financial foundation. This includes setting up a business bank account, managing corporate spending, and establishing efficient payment systems to put your new capital to work effectively.

How can Rho help my startup manage its new funding?

Our platform is built for founders. With Rho, you can quickly open business bank accounts, issue corporate cards, and automate bill pay. We provide the tools to manage your capital so you can focus on growth.