Top 9 Venture Capital Firms for Advanced Materials Startups

For founders in the Advanced Materials sector, preparing to raise capital means finding investors who truly understand your work. The right partner appreciates the unique timelines and technical hurdles common in deep tech and materials science.

To help you connect with the right people, our team has curated this overview of top venture capital firms active in the space. It’s a straightforward guide to help you quickly identify relevant investors for your startup.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding gives you the capital for long-term research and development and a partner who understands the technical risks inherent in materials science.
• Firms like Material Impact, Breakout Ventures, Creative Ventures, and Phoenix Venture Partners are notable backers of companies developing new materials.
• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage your capital with integrated tools for business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Advanced Materials Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is important at every stage, from your first round to a potential exit. To help, we've outlined some of the key VC firms in advanced materials and the stages where they typically invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Advanced Materials

This initial funding is for turning your foundational research or prototype into a viable business, often before you have significant revenue. For deep tech startups at this stage, firms like Breakout Ventures and Creative Ventures focus on backing scientist-entrepreneurs from the beginning.

Early Stage VC Firms in Advanced Materials

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is meant to help you scale operations, build out your team, and achieve product-market fit. Some early stage venture capital firms with a strong track record in materials science include Material Impact, Capital-E, and Valhalla Ventures.

Once you've secured your funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

Late Stage VC Firms in Advanced Materials

Late-stage capital supports mature companies preparing for major growth, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Corporate venture capital arms like Applied Ventures and HorizonX Ventures are active at this stage, alongside specialists like Phoenix Venture Partners, which has a history of successful exits.

If you're looking for non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round, Rho Capital can connect you to venture debt and credit line options tailored to your business model.

It's also worth noting that many firms, including several mentioned here, invest across multiple stages from seed to growth.

To help you find the right fit, here is a more detailed overview of the top VC firms focused on the Advanced Materials sector, including their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a compelling choice for founders.

1. Material Impact

Based in Boston, Material Impact is a venture capital firm that builds companies around breakthroughs in material science and deep tech. They focus on turning these scientific advancements into tangible products.

The firm invests across stages from seed to post-IPO, showing a commitment to supporting companies through their entire lifecycle. Their portfolio includes companies like 6K Inc, which produces advanced materials for batteries, and Soft Robotics, a leader in automation grippers.

Material Impact is a good fit for founders with a strong technical background who are looking for a hands-on partner to help build a business from the ground up. Their approach is well-suited for startups commercializing deep technology with real-world applications.

Once you secure funding from a firm like Material Impact, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Deep Technology
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: 6K Inc, Soft Robotics, Source Global, Gen Phoenix
• Portfolio size: 40 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Breakout Ventures

Based in San Francisco, Breakout Ventures is an early-stage fund that backs scientist-entrepreneurs. They focus on companies built on deep scientific insights, helping translate complex research into commercial products.

The firm's approach is product-centric, backing companies with strong technical foundations in sectors like life sciences and advanced materials. Their portfolio includes pioneers like Ecovative Design, which develops mycelium-based materials, and Twelve, a climate-tech unicorn turning CO₂ into sustainable fuel.

Breakout Ventures is a strong match for founders with a scientific background who are developing tangible solutions to major problems. If your startup is built on a core scientific breakthrough, their team has the experience to support you from lab to market.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Life Science, Energy
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Twelve, Ecovative Design, Cytovale, Modern Meadow
• Portfolio size: 35 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech firm based in Oakland that invests in early-stage companies. They focus on startups tackling major global challenges, from climate change to healthcare.

The firm backs companies with strong technical foundations and has a portfolio that shows a history of successful exits. Notable examples include the acquisition of Caper by Instacart and Sense Photonics by Ouster.

Creative Ventures is a good fit for founders using deep technology to address fundamental problems. If your startup is at the seed or early stage and has a clear, ambitious mission, their team is structured to support that vision.

If you're looking for non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round, Rho Capital can connect you to venture debt and credit line options tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Clean Energy, Robotics, Health Care, Construction
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Caper (acquired by Instacart), Sense Photonics (acquired by Ouster), Bleximo, ALICE
• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Phoenix Venture Partners

Phoenix Venture Partners is a firm that partners with entrepreneurs to commercialize breakthrough innovations in materials science. Based in San Mateo, they focus on turning deep technical research into market-ready companies.

The firm has a strong record of successful exits, including the IPO of Absci and the acquisition of Serenex by Pfizer. This history demonstrates their expertise in guiding companies toward significant liquidity events.

PVP is a compelling choice for founders with a background in materials science who are building a business with a clear path to an exit. Their experience is well-suited for teams aiming for an IPO or a strategic acquisition.

Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials
• Geographical presence: San Mateo, California
• Founded year: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Absci, Finisar, NeoPhotonics, DarkVision
• Portfolio size: 47 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Valhalla Ventures

Valhalla Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that invests in companies building what they call "enduring moats." They focus on early-stage and seed rounds, backing businesses with strong, defensible competitive advantages.

The firm supports founders across deep tech sectors, from K2 Space, which builds satellite platforms, to Biofire, a developer of biometric smart guns. This signals a clear focus on companies with foundational technology and long-term market potential.

Valhalla is a good match for founders with a clear vision for creating a category-defining company. If your startup is built on a core technical or scientific innovation, their focus on defensible technology aligns well.

If you're looking for non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round, Rho Capital can connect you to venture debt and credit line options tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Energy, Space Travel, Gaming
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded year: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: K2 Space, Biofire, Jaza, Terran Biosciences
• Portfolio size: 23 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Applied Ventures

Applied Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Applied Materials, a global leader in nanomanufacturing technology. Based in Santa Clara, they invest in companies that align with their parent company's strategic interests.

The firm backs companies from seed to late stage, with a clear focus on semiconductors, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. Their portfolio includes unicorns like Rescale and Lightmatter, and a notable exit with Inpria's acquisition, showing their ability to support high-growth deep tech startups.

Applied Ventures is an excellent choice for founders whose technology could benefit from a strategic partnership with an industry leader. If your startup operates in materials science or semiconductors, their deep technical expertise and market access can be a significant advantage.

Once you secure funding from a firm like Applied Ventures, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Semiconductor
• Geographical presence: Santa Clara, California
• Founded year: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Rescale, Inpria, Lightmatter, Kateeva
• Portfolio size: 97 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Tekfen Ventures

Tekfen Ventures is a New York-based corporate venture capital group that backs early-stage technology companies. The firm focuses on startups bringing innovation to industrial sectors like construction, agriculture, and real estate.

The firm invests from seed to late stage and has a history of guiding companies to successful exits, including the IPOs of Latch and Quanergy Systems. This signals their focus on businesses with clear paths to market leadership and liquidity.

Tekfen Ventures is a strong partner for founders building technology for legacy industries like construction, manufacturing, and real estate. Their corporate backing can provide strategic advantages for startups aiming to scale in these markets.

Once you secure funding from a firm like Tekfen Ventures, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Construction, Agriculture, Industrial Manufacturing, Real Estate
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Latch, Quanergy Systems, Claroty, Avvir
• Portfolio size: 23 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Boeing HorizonX Ventures

Boeing HorizonX Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the aerospace company Boeing. Based in Chicago, the firm invests in companies from late seed through mid-stage growth, focusing on technologies with strategic importance.

As a CVC, its investments are concentrated in sectors with direct applications to aerospace and industrial manufacturing, such as advanced materials, AI, and space travel. The firm has backed notable companies like Gamma Alloys, a producer of advanced aluminum-ceramic composites, and AI software unicorn SparkCognition.

HorizonX is a strong partner for founders whose technology has clear applications in the aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries. The potential for a strategic relationship with Boeing offers a significant advantage beyond capital.

If you're looking for non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round, Rho Capital can connect you to venture debt and credit line options tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, AI, Space Travel, Manufacturing, Cyber Security
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded year: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: SparkCognition, Reaction Engines, Gamma Alloys, Productive Machines
• Portfolio size: 38 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Capital-E

Capital-E is an early-stage venture firm that provides capital to companies built on foundational electronics or advanced materials. Based in Washington, D.C., they focus on businesses with strong technical foundations.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on hardware and deep technology, particularly in semiconductors and telecommunications infrastructure. Notable investments include Silicon Mobility, which develops semiconductors for electric vehicles, and Accelleran, a software provider for 5G networks.

Capital-E is a good fit for founders commercializing innovations in electronics or materials science. If your startup has a clear product with applications in sectors like automotive or communications, their expertise aligns well.

Once you secure funding from a firm like Capital-E, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Electronics, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded year: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: Accelleran, Silicon Mobility, Silicon Line
• Portfolio size: 26 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Advanced Materials Companies

The venture capital support for companies in Advanced Materials appears healthy and well-rounded. The firms listed show a strong commitment to early-stage startups, which is critical for a sector built on deep research and development. At the same time, the presence of multi-stage investors and corporate venture arms provides a clear path for companies ready to scale, offering opportunities for founders at nearly every point in their journey.

While there is a notable concentration of firms in California, investors are also active in major hubs like Boston, New York, and Chicago. This geographic spread suggests that you can find the right partner without limiting your search to a single region. Once you secure your funding, our integrated platform at Rho helps you manage that capital with tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments, so you can focus on building your company.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors saves you valuable time and energy during a fundraise. This guide is designed to help you connect directly with the right partners for your company.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help you access financing tailored to your business model without chasing lenders.

Once your capital is secured, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. These tools are built to help you deploy funds efficiently, so you can focus on building your business.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Advanced Materials

Are there many European venture capital firms for advanced materials?

Yes, Europe has a strong and growing ecosystem of deep tech investors. Firms often focus on industrial applications and sustainability, backing companies with strong ties to universities and research institutes across the continent.

What do seed stage venture capital firms look for in deep tech?

At the seed stage, investors prioritize the strength of your core technology and the founding team's technical expertise. They look for a clear scientific validation, a large potential market, and a credible plan for de-risking the technology.

What are the benefits of working with a corporate venture capital firm?

Corporate VCs offer more than just capital. They can provide deep industry expertise, access to established distribution channels, and valuable strategic partnerships. This relationship can help accelerate your path to market and validate your technology with a key player.

How important is intellectual property for materials science venture capital firms?

Intellectual property is critical. For materials science startups, a strong patent portfolio is often your primary defensible advantage. Investors will closely examine your IP strategy to ensure your innovation is protected and creates a durable barrier to entry.

How can I find non-dilutive funding for my deep tech startup?

Finding the right non-dilutive options can be time-consuming. Rho Capital simplifies this by connecting you to venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process, helping you access financing tailored to your business model without chasing lenders.

How can Rho help my startup manage its funding?

Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay in one place, helping you deploy funds efficiently. Get started with Rho.