Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Focused on Banking Startups

When you're preparing to raise capital, knowing which investors truly understand your space is critical. For founders in Banking, Fintech, and Financial Services, finding the right venture capital firm means finding a partner who gets the specific challenges and opportunities of your business.

To help you identify the right investors, our team put together this overview of the top VC firms active in the banking technology sector. We've curated this list to give you a direct look at the firms that could be a great fit for your startup.

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Which VC Firms in Banking Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. This is a quick overview of which VC firms in banking technology invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Banking

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders in the banking technology space, firms like Brooklyn Bridge Ventures and Mithril are known for making these foundational investments.

Early Stage VC Firms in Banking

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your operations and accelerate growth once you have product-market fit. Some early stage venture capital firms with a history in fintech and banking include Greycroft, First Analysis, and Thursday Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms in Banking

Late-stage capital is for established companies preparing for a major expansion, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Prominent late stage VC firms active in financial services include major players like Goldman Sachs and specialists such as Carrick Capital Partners.

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

To help you find the right partner, we've compiled key details on the top VC firms in the banking sector. The following list covers their investment stages, where they invest, and what makes each one a compelling choice for founders.

1. StepStone Group

StepStone Group is a global private markets firm with a significant presence in the financial sector. They operate across a wide spectrum of investment types, from venture capital to private equity.

What makes them different is their ability to invest across the entire company lifecycle, from seed rounds to late-stage private equity. Their focus is clearly on financial services, banking, and fintech, and they build their portfolio through a mix of direct investments and other strategies.

This firm could be a great match if you're looking for a long-term financial partner that can support your company through multiple funding stages. Founders with a strong focus on banking technology or financial services will find their industry expertise particularly valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, late stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, FinTech
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York with a global reach
• Founded: 2007
• Number of investments: 101
• Firm type: Venture Capital and Private Equity

You can refer to their website here.

2. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a global financial institution that operates as both an investment bank and a venture capital investor. Their reach extends across securities, investment banking, and asset management services for a wide range of clients.

A key characteristic is their ability to invest across the entire lifecycle of a company, from seed rounds to late-stage private equity. Their portfolio includes some of the most recognizable tech companies, such as Uber, Meta, and Spotify, demonstrating a history of backing category-defining businesses.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you're building a company with high-growth potential and need a backer with the resources to support you from start to exit. Founders aiming for a major public offering or acquisition will find their deep market expertise and extensive network invaluable.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, late stage, private equity, and debt
• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York with global operations
• Founded: 1869
• Notable investments: Uber, Meta (Facebook), Spotify, Pinterest
• Number of investments: 1,090
• Number of exits: 414

You can refer to their website here.

3. Greycroft

Greycroft is a venture capital firm that invests in technology startups, with a strong focus on the internet and mobile markets. They are known for backing companies from their earliest stages through to growth rounds.

The firm invests across the full company lifecycle, from seed and early-stage rounds to late-stage and private equity. Their portfolio highlights a history of successful fintech exits, including major payment platforms like Venmo and Braintree, signaling a clear strength in the sector.

This firm could be a good fit if you're building a technology company in the internet or mobile space, especially within fintech. Founders seeking a partner for the long haul will appreciate their ability to invest across multiple funding stages.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, late stage, private equity, convertible note, and debt
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, FinTech, Internet, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York
• Founded: 2006
• Notable investments: Venmo, Braintree, The RealReal
• Number of investments: 825
• Number of exits: 146

You can refer to their website here.

4. Visa

Visa is a multinational financial services company known for its global electronic payments network. Through its corporate venture arm, it also invests directly in technology companies that are shaping the future of commerce and payments.

The firm’s investment strategy is closely aligned with its core business, backing companies that can extend its global ecosystem. Notable investments in companies like Stripe, Marqeta, and Airwallex signal a clear focus on payments infrastructure and fintech platforms that can become strategic partners.

Visa is a strong potential match for founders building payment technologies that could benefit from a deep integration with a global network. If you are looking for a strategic investor that provides both capital and a powerful distribution channel, Visa's corporate venture arm is a compelling choice.

• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Mobile Payments, Payments
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Foster City, California
• Founded: 1958
• Notable investments: Stripe, Marqeta, Grab Holdings, Airwallex, DocuSign
• Number of investments: 124
• Number of exits: 30
• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

5. Mithril Capital Management

Mithril Capital Management is a global investment firm that backs technology companies. They focus on businesses in the technology, finance, and macroeconomic sectors.

The firm is known for backing companies that are building durable, category-defining technologies. Their portfolio includes businesses like data-analytics firm Palantir and robotic-surgery company Auris Health, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson.

Mithril could be a good partner if you are building a company based on fundamental technological breakthroughs. Founders with a long-term vision to create a market-defining business will find their approach fits well.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, and late stage venture
• Industries of focus: Technology, Finance, Financial Services, Banking
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Palantir, Auris Health, Helion, BlackSky
• Number of investments: 62
• Number of exits: 14

You can refer to their website here.

6. Carrick Capital Partners

Carrick Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests in software, SaaS, and tech-enabled service companies. They focus on partnering with founders to help grow their businesses and build market leaders.

The firm shows a clear preference for B2B technology, with portfolio companies like DailyPay in on-demand pay and Exiger in risk management. Their track record of successful exits, including Saama Technologies, points to a focus on scaling companies for significant outcomes.

This firm is a good match if you're a founder of a growing software or SaaS company, especially in fintech or compliance. They are well-suited for entrepreneurs looking for an operationally-focused partner to prepare for a major exit.

• Investment stages: Early stage venture, late stage venture, and private equity
• Industries of focus: SaaS, FinTech, Banking, Tech-Enabled Services
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: DailyPay, Exiger, Saama Technologies
• Number of investments: 31
• Number of exits: 10

You can refer to their website here.

7. Brooklyn Bridge Ventures

Brooklyn Bridge Ventures is a New York-based firm that has historically focused on seed-stage investments. It is important for founders to know that the firm is no longer actively seeking new investments.

The firm is recognized for backing technology companies with strong consumer and B2B applications. Their portfolio includes successes like the AI-powered grocery service Hungryroot and the fintech app Brigit, which points to their ability to identify companies on a path to significant scale.

While they are no longer active, this firm was a good match for founders of seed-stage technology companies, particularly those in the New York area. Their track record suggests a fit for businesses in consumer tech, fintech, and other high-growth sectors.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage venture
• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Hungryroot, Brigit, Superhuman, itselectric
• Number of investments: 117
• Number of exits: 25
• Firm status: No longer making new investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. First Analysis

First Analysis is a venture capital firm that also provides investment banking and equity research services. This combination gives them a unique, research-driven perspective on the market.

The firm invests in early and late-stage B2B technology companies, particularly in critical sectors like cybersecurity, healthcare, and financial services. Their portfolio includes companies like Fortress Information Security, which helps secure the U.S. power grid, and Dina, a fast-growing digital health platform.

This firm is a strong choice if you're a founder of a B2B tech company in a complex or regulated industry. Their deep research capabilities can provide significant strategic value beyond just capital.

• Investment stages: Early stage venture, late stage venture
• Industries of focus: B2B Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, Cybersecurity
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Chicago
• Founded: 1981
• Notable investments: Fortress Information Security, Dina, Gradient Cyber, Applied StemCell
• Firm type: Venture Capital and Investment Bank
• Number of investments: 95
• Number of exits: 34

You can refer to their website here.

9. LionTree

LionTree operates as both an investment bank and a venture capital firm, focusing on companies at the intersection of creativity, community, and capital. They provide advisory services alongside direct investment, positioning themselves as a strategic financial partner for growth.

A key characteristic of LionTree is their portfolio of high-profile consumer and technology companies, including the fintech app Public.com and sports-merchandise giant Fanatics. This signals a focus on businesses with strong brand recognition and community engagement, often supporting them through major transactions like public offerings.

This firm is a compelling choice for founders building companies with significant brand potential, especially in media, consumer tech, or fintech. If you are looking for a partner that offers both capital and deep expertise in strategic finance for M&A or an IPO, LionTree's model is a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, late stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Fanatics, FuboTV, Public.com, Oatly
• Number of investments: 83
• Number of exits: 22
• Firm type: Investment Bank and Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

10. Thursday Ventures

Thursday Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies with the potential for global impact. They focus on finding and supporting businesses that are developing foundational technologies.

A look at their portfolio reveals a focus on ambitious, tangible technologies, from robotics companies like 1X Technologies to the fitness wearable WHOOP. This signals an appetite for businesses building complex products with real-world applications.

This firm is a great potential partner if you are a founder working on deep technology, robotics, or other complex hardware. They appear well-suited for entrepreneurs with a long-term vision to build a category-defining company.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, and late stage venture
• Industries of focus: Robotics, FinTech, Software, Electric Vehicle, Banking
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: WHOOP, Chronosphere, Biobot Analytics, 1X Technologies
• Number of investments: 20

You can refer to their website here.

11. Greenoaks

Greenoaks is a global investment firm that partners with technology companies across sectors like financial services, B2B, and health tech. They are known for making concentrated, long-term investments to help build enduring businesses.

The firm takes a high-conviction, long-term approach, often backing companies from their early stages all the way to the public markets. Their portfolio includes major public companies like Toast and Klaviyo, signaling a clear strategy of supporting businesses to become market leaders.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are building a technology business with the ambition to define a category and eventually go public. Founders seeking a patient investor with a track record of supporting companies to massive scale will find them a good fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, and late stage venture
• Industries of focus: Internet, FinTech, B2B, Health Tech, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Carvana, Coupang, ServiceTitan, Toast, Klaviyo
• Number of investments: 150
• Number of exits: 11
• Firm type: Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

12. William Blair

William Blair is a global firm that operates as both an investment bank and an asset manager, giving them a broad perspective on the financial markets.

The firm invests in growth-stage technology companies, often through its venture arm, William Blair New World Ventures. Their portfolio shows a history of backing B2B companies like the martech firm Signal and achieving successful exits through strategic acquisitions.

This firm is a strong choice if you are a founder of a B2B technology company who could benefit from a partner with deep M&A and capital markets expertise for a future exit.

• Investment stages: Early and late stage venture
• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Wealth Management, B2B Technology
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Chicago
• Founded: 1935
• Notable investments: Signal, Interior Define, Kollective
• Number of investments: 25
• Number of exits: 11
• Firm type: Investment Bank and Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

13. Jefferies

Jefferies is a global firm that functions as both an investment bank and a venture capital investor. It provides clients with research and execution services in equity, fixed income, and foreign exchange markets.

The firm's investment activity is characterized by its positions in some of the world's largest public companies, including Apple and Alphabet. This focus on highly valuable, established corporations indicates a strategy geared toward public markets and debt financing rather than traditional early-stage venture capital.

Jefferies is a suitable partner for mature companies or institutional clients in need of debt financing or advisory for major transactions. While their model differs from typical startup funding, their deep market expertise is a significant asset for companies at a later stage.

• Investment stages: Debt
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Wealth Management
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York
• Founded: 1962
• Notable investments: Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc., AT&T Inc., Avis Budget Group, Inc.
• Number of investments: 46
• Number of exits: 16
• Firm type: Investment Bank and Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

14. Volvo Cars Tech Fund

Volvo Cars Tech Fund is the corporate venture arm of the global automaker, Volvo Cars. It provides strategic capital and market access to technology startups working on innovations relevant to the automotive sector.

The fund’s investments show a clear focus on technologies that can be integrated into future vehicles, from fast-charging batteries to in-car augmented reality. As a corporate venture capital firm, it offers portfolio companies a direct line to Volvo's global operations and deep industry expertise.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders developing technologies in electrification, mobility services, or advanced in-car systems. If your startup could benefit from a strategic partnership with a major automaker, this fund offers a direct path to collaboration and scale.

• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Information Technology, Logistics
• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Mountain View, California
• Founded: 1927 (parent company)
• Notable investments: StoreDot, Carwow, Varjo, Zūm
• Number of investments: 36
• Number of exits: 2

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Banking Companies

This overview shows a healthy funding environment for companies in the banking sector. You have access to investors at every point, from initial seed funding to late-stage growth capital. Many firms on this list are stage-agnostic, meaning they can support a business from its early days all the way to a major exit. This provides stability for founders looking for long-term partners.

The mix of investor types is also a key takeaway. You can pursue capital from traditional venture firms, large investment banks, or strategic corporate funds. This variety offers different kinds of partnerships beyond just money. It is worth noting that activity is concentrated in financial centers like New York and tech hubs like San Francisco, which may inform your fundraising approach.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors who understand the banking industry is a significant advantage. It allows you to direct your time and energy where it will have the most impact during your fundraise.

If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. We make it simple to put your new capital to work right away.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your funds efficiently. With integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay, you can keep your startup moving forward.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Banking

What makes a banking startup attractive to venture capital firms?

VCs look for a strong founding team with deep industry knowledge, a large addressable market, and a clear, scalable business model. Your ability to show early traction or a unique technological advantage is also very important for them.

How do early-stage fintech VC firms evaluate startups?

Early-stage firms focus on your team's expertise, the size of the market opportunity, and evidence of product-market fit. They want to see a clear vision for how your technology solves a significant problem for a specific customer segment.

What are insurtech or regtech venture capital firms looking for?

These specialized VCs seek startups that solve specific industry pain points, like claims processing or compliance monitoring. They value teams with regulatory understanding and technology that can be easily integrated into existing financial systems and workflows.

Are there many fintech venture capital firms outside the US?

Yes, the fintech VC scene is global. Major hubs like London, Berlin, Singapore, and Hong Kong have many active firms funding local and international startups. These investors often look for solutions tailored to their specific regional markets.

How can Rho help after I secure funding from a VC firm?

Once your funding is secured, you can set up your financial operations in minutes. Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payables to help you manage your new capital efficiently with Rho.