Top Venture Capital Firms in Washington, District of Columbia

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Washington, D.C. is a critical first step. Knowing which investors focus on your industry and stage can make all the difference in a successful fundraise.

To help you connect with the right partners in the Capital Region, our team at Rho curated this guide to the area's top VC firms. We created this overview to help you quickly identify relevant investors as you begin the fundraising process.

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 Washington VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is early-stage or preparing for an exit, knowing which investors to approach is key. Here is a brief overview of Washington, D.C. venture firms and the stages they typically invest in.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, designed to help you turn an idea into a viable product and achieve initial market traction. For founders seeking seed funding, particularly in sectors like fintech or social impact, firms like Construct Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Accion Venture Lab specialize in backing businesses at this initial stage.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage VC firms typically invest in Series A and Series B rounds, providing capital for companies that have found product-market fit and are ready to scale. In Washington, D.C., investors such as Revolution Ventures and AAF Management Ltd. focus on this growth phase, often backing SaaS and other technology companies.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage financing is for established companies looking to expand significantly, prepare for an IPO, or consider acquisition opportunities. These rounds are often led by private equity and venture capital firms like Paladin and Bezos Expeditions, which provide growth capital to mature businesses.

Keep in mind that many investors, including some we've mentioned, are multi-stage and provide venture capital financing for startups across their entire lifecycle.

To help you find the right investors, here is our detailed look at the top VC firms in Washington, D.C. We've outlined their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each a compelling partner for founders.

1. International Finance Corporation

As a member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a unique investor focused on advancing economic development. They provide capital to private sector businesses in developing countries to create jobs and improve lives.

What makes the IFC distinct is its broad mandate, offering everything from seed funding to late-stage private equity and debt financing. Their approach is deeply tied to fostering growth in emerging markets, particularly within the financial services sector.

The IFC is an ideal partner for founders building companies in developing countries, especially those in finance and fintech. Their ability to invest across a company's entire lifecycle makes them a valuable long-term strategic ally.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Funding Platforms
• Geographical focus: Private sector in developing countries
• Founded: 1956
• Portfolio size: Over 600 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Quona Capital

Quona Capital is a venture firm that invests in innovative fintech companies across emerging markets. Their core mission is to support businesses that are expanding financial access to underserved communities.

The firm’s defining characteristic is its dual focus on financial returns and measurable social impact. By investing across stages from seed to late-stage venture, Quona demonstrates a commitment to backing founders for the long haul.

If you are a founder building a fintech company with a clear social mission in a developing market, Quona Capital is a strong potential partner. They are a great fit for entrepreneurs who want an investor with deep expertise in impact-driven finance.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Financial Services, Impact Investing
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio size: 164 investments
• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

3. Construct Capital

Construct Capital invests in founders building technology to transform foundational industries like manufacturing and logistics. They back companies that are modernizing the core pillars of the global economy.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage ventures, with a specific interest in enterprise software and industrial automation. Their approach is to support entrepreneurs who are bringing digital solutions to complex, legacy sectors.

If you are a founder creating technology for supply chain management or other foundational markets, Construct Capital could be a great fit. They are an ideal partner for early-stage teams tackling difficult, unglamorous problems.

• Investment stages: Seed, 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 an early-stage venture firm that invests in diverse management teams. Their mission is to back founders who are building businesses that close wealth and skills gaps for underserved communities.

The firm's approach is centered on its "Inclusive Investing™" thesis, focusing on companies within FinTech, the Future of Work, and Health Equity. Beyond capital, they emphasize providing connectivity to help their portfolio companies scale and succeed.

Zeal is an excellent partner if you are a founder from a diverse background building an early-stage company in one of their core sectors. They are a strong fit for teams who want an investor aligned with a clear social and economic mission.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Technology, Future of Work, Health Equity
• Founded: 2020
• Portfolio size: 32 investments
• Core thesis: Inclusive Investing™ to support diverse founders and close wealth and skills gaps.

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 capital and networks needed to address major social and environmental challenges.

A key aspect of their model is the integration of an accelerator and entrepreneurship programs with traditional venture capital. This signals a hands-on approach, providing deep operational support to companies in sectors like FinTech, EdTech, and sustainable agriculture.

Village Capital is an excellent partner for founders whose companies have a clear impact-driven mission. If you are seeking not just capital but also structured guidance and a supportive community to help you scale, their model is a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, EdTech, Education, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech
• Investor type: Accelerator, Entrepreneurship Program, Venture Capital
• Founded: 2009
• Portfolio size: 364 investments
• Number of exits: 28

You can refer to their website here.

6. Bezos Expeditions

Bezos Expeditions is the personal investment firm of Jeff Bezos, managing his venture capital portfolio. It functions as a family office, deploying capital into promising companies across various sectors.

The firm's investment strategy is notably broad, covering seed, early, and late-stage ventures. This multi-stage approach signals a capacity to support companies from inception through significant growth, without being tied to a single industry.

This firm is a good match for founders with highly ambitious, scalable visions that could benefit from a long-term capital partner. The connection to one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs is a significant draw for those building category-defining companies.

• 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
• Number of exits: 25

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Washington, District of Columbia, United States's VC Scene

The venture capital scene in Washington, D.C. appears well-balanced, offering opportunities for companies at nearly every stage. While dedicated early-stage firms exist, many of the area's investors provide capital from seed through late-stage rounds. This suggests that as your company grows, you can find partners prepared to support you throughout your journey.

A clear theme among D.C. investors is a focus on fintech and impact-driven companies, often with a global or social mission. This reflects the city's unique position at the crossroads of finance, technology, and policy. For founders building businesses in these areas, the region provides a particularly strong network of specialized capital and expertise.

Raise Confidently with Rho

A focused list of relevant investors is invaluable when time and energy are limited. We hope this guide helps you connect with the right partners for your company.

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 gives you the tools to manage your new funding efficiently. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay designed for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Washington

Which D.C. firms invest in SaaS startups?

Many D.C. firms, including Revolution Ventures and Construct Capital, focus on SaaS. To find the right fit, research each firm's portfolio to see if they have experience with your specific type of software and business model.

Are there cybersecurity venture capital firms in Washington?

Yes, the D.C. area has a strong cybersecurity ecosystem. Firms like Paladin focus on this sector, leveraging the region's deep government and defense industry connections to support companies protecting digital infrastructure.

What do D.C. venture capital firms look for?

D.C. investors typically look for a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and clear product-market fit. For impact-focused firms, a compelling mission that aligns with their investment thesis is also essential for securing funding.

How do I find pre-seed VC firms in Washington?

To find pre-seed investors, focus on firms that explicitly state an interest in the earliest stages, like Construct Capital or Zeal Capital Partners. Networking within local startup communities and accelerators can also reveal active angel investors.

What defines a social impact VC firm?

Social impact firms in D.C., such as Quona Capital and Village Capital, invest in companies that generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental outcomes. Their goal is to fund businesses that solve significant global challenges.

How can Rho help after I raise capital?

Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation to streamline your finances, letting you focus on growth. Get started with Rho.