Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Revolutionizing Big Data

For founders in the Big Data, AI, and machine learning sectors, understanding which investors specialize in your field is a critical part of preparing to raise capital. The right partner understands your business on a deeper level.

To help you find them, our team has curated this overview of top venture capital firms that actively invest in data-intensive companies. Use this guide to quickly identify relevant investors for your startup.

Just raised, or about to? 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 VC Firms in Big Data Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to approach. Here is a quick overview of venture capital firms that invest in data-focused companies, organized by stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Big Data

This initial funding helps founders validate an idea, build a minimum viable product, and make key early hires. For data-focused startups, seed stage venture capital firms like New York-based Differential Ventures, Chicago's VITALIZE, and Palo Alto's The Hive are excellent places to start.

Early Stage VC Firms in Big Data

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for companies with proven market traction that need capital to scale their team and accelerate growth. Some early stage venture capital firms with a history in Big Data include Illuminate Ventures, Seattle's Voyager Capital, and the team at Space Capital.

Late Stage VC Firms in Big Data

Late-stage rounds provide significant capital to established companies preparing for an exit, such as an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO). Among the many technology venture capital firms operating at this level are Adit Ventures, DCVC, and GSV Ventures, all of which have backed companies through major exits.

Keep in mind that some VC firms invest across all startup funding stages, too.

To help you find the right investors, here is a closer look at the top VC firms in the Big Data sector. We've outlined their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. Script Capital

Script Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that backs internet and software startups at the early stages. They primarily participate in seed and other early venture rounds.

The firm has a strong track record of exits to major technology companies, including acquisitions by Snapchat, Datadog, and Spotify. This suggests a keen eye for products that can integrate well with larger platforms.

This firm could be a great partner if you are an early-stage founder in software, SaaS, or data-focused industries. Their history of successful acquisitions may appeal to founders who see integration with a larger company as a primary goal.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, FinTech, IoT, SaaS, and software
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2016
• Notable investments: Patreon, Zenly, and Sqreen

You can refer to their website here.

2. Illuminate Ventures

Based in Oakland, California, Illuminate Ventures invests in B2B and enterprise software companies. They concentrate on seed-stage startups that are slightly more developed and can demonstrate a clear, rapid return on investment.

The firm’s portfolio highlights a focus on tangible business solutions, with major exits like the multi-billion dollar IPO of e-commerce company Coupang. They also backed sales-performance provider Xactly through its own public offering and subsequent acquisition.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you lead a B2B software startup with demonstrated traction. Their history of guiding companies to successful public listings and strategic acquisitions makes them a compelling choice for founders with high-growth ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise software, SaaS, AI, and Big Data
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Coupang, Xactly, and Opsmatic
• Number of investments: 65

You can refer to their website here.

3. GSV Ventures

GSV Ventures is a San Francisco-based firm that invests in the global education technology sector. They support companies across the full startup lifecycle, from seed and early-stage rounds to late-stage growth capital.

The firm’s portfolio features some of the most recognizable names in EdTech, including Coursera's public offering and unicorn companies like Andela and Apna. This track record demonstrates a clear focus on backing companies with the potential for massive scale and market leadership.

If you are a founder in the EdTech or Big Data sectors with a clear path to high growth, GSV Ventures is a compelling choice. Their experience in guiding companies toward major public listings and acquisitions makes them a valuable partner for ambitious teams.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, EdTech, Education, and STEM Education
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2016
• Notable investments: Coursera, Andela, Apna, and Physics Wallah
• Number of investments: 148

You can refer to their website here.

4. DCVC

DCVC is a Palo Alto-based firm that invests in companies tackling massive global challenges through deep technology. They support startups from the earliest seed rounds through to later growth stages.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear preference for companies with a strong scientific or engineering foundation. They have backed major exits, including the IPO of AbCellera, an antibody discovery platform, and the acquisition of generative AI platform MosaicML by Databricks.

DCVC is an excellent potential partner if your startup is built on a significant technical breakthrough. Founders with deep expertise in fields like AI, robotics, or life sciences will find a team that understands their work.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Cyber Security, Enterprise Software, IT Infrastructure
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: AbCellera, Blue River Technology, MosaicML, Rocket Lab, Planet
• Number of investments: 519

You can refer to their website here.

5. VITALIZE Venture Capital

VITALIZE is a Chicago-based venture capital firm and angel community that invests in early-stage B2B software companies. The firm concentrates on startups that are shaping the future of work.

Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like foot-traffic analytics platform Placer.ai, which recently reached a $1.5 billion valuation. They also backed The Mom Project, a digital talent marketplace that secured an $80 million Series C and has generated significant economic impact.

This firm is a great match if you are building a B2B software business at the seed or early stages. Founders focused on the future of work or data analytics will find a team with relevant experience and a strong angel network.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Placer.ai, The Mom Project, ShotTracker
• Number of investments: 62

You can refer to their website here.

6. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests across the full company lifecycle, from seed to later growth stages. Their investment thesis bridges the gap between consumer-focused industries like food and beverage and deep technology sectors like AI and robotics.

The firm's portfolio highlights a clear focus on tangible innovation, backing companies like plant-based food pioneer Beyond Meat and restaurant robotics developer Bear Robotics. This shows an interest in businesses with physical products and strong brand potential that address modern consumer needs.

Founders in the food-tech, AgTech, or sustainable technology sectors would find a good partner in Cleveland Avenue. The firm is also a strong fit if your company is developing hardware or robotics solutions for consumer or enterprise markets.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and growth-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, Big Data, AI, E-Commerce, Robotics
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, Soul Machines, SparkCharge
• Number of investments: 136

You can refer to their website here.

7. Differential Ventures

Differential Ventures is a New York-based fund that invests in seed-stage B2B companies. Their focus is on startups building data-centric technology solutions.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear commitment to data-intensive businesses, with successful exits to major technology players like IBM. Their investments, such as natural-language analytics startup Seek AI and cybersecurity platform DeepSurface, point to a strategy of backing companies with strong acquisition potential.

This firm is a compelling partner if you are a seed-stage founder in B2B software, particularly in AI or data analytics. Their track record of acquisitions suggests they are a good fit for teams building products that can integrate with larger enterprise platforms.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, and FinTech
• Geographical presence: Based in New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Seek AI, DeepSurface, Agnostiq
• Portfolio size: 41 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Space Capital

Space Capital is a New York-based firm that invests in companies building foundational technologies for the space economy. They concentrate on seed and early-stage startups, providing capital to businesses at the frontier of technology and growth.

The firm’s portfolio features some of the most prominent names in the commercial space industry, including SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Planet Labs. This signals a clear focus on backing companies with the potential for massive scale and market leadership.

If your startup operates in sectors like satellite communications, GPS, or earth observation, Space Capital is a highly relevant investor. Founders with ambitious goals to build critical infrastructure for the space industry will find a team with deep sector expertise.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Space Travel, Satellite Communication, GPS, Big Data
• Geographical presence: Based in New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, Varda Space
• Number of investments: 78

You can refer to their website here.

9. Joule Ventures

Joule Ventures is a New York-based firm that serves as a first-check partner for Israeli founders. They focus on helping enterprise-grade technology companies commercialize their solutions in U.S. markets.

The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a strong record of strategic acquisitions by major tech companies like Qualcomm and ServiceNow. This points to an approach that builds companies with clear integration value for larger enterprise platforms.

This firm is an excellent match for Israeli founders of B2B software or data-focused startups aiming to enter the U.S. market. Their specific focus on this transition makes them a valuable partner for teams with global growth plans.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Enterprise Software, Cyber Security, Cloud Infrastructure, IoT
• Geographical presence: Based in New York; invests in Israeli-led companies
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Coralogix, Cellwize, BehavioSec, Appsee
• Number of investments: 41

You can refer to their website here.

10. Oceans

Oceans is a New York-based venture capital firm that provides early-stage and seed funding. They focus on giving startups the operational support needed to grow and find success.

The firm's portfolio shows a wide range, from deep-tech companies like AI chip developer Etched to consumer platforms like Kanga, which was acquired by Riot Games. Their backing of iFundWomen, a large crowdfunding marketplace for female entrepreneurs, also signals an interest in inclusive startup financing.

Oceans is a strong potential partner for early-stage founders in software, financial services, or data-intensive industries. Teams looking for a hands-on investor with a record of guiding companies to successful acquisitions would find them a good fit.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Financial Services, Software, Natural Language Processing
• Geographical presence: Based in New York
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: Etched, iFundWomen, Kanga, Lean, David Energy
• Number of investments: 59

You can refer to their website here.

11. Adit Ventures

Adit Ventures is a New York-based firm that operates across venture capital, secondary markets, and as a family investment office. They provide capital to companies at both early and late stages of growth.

The firm is known for backing high-profile, category-defining companies, including SpaceX and Flexport. Their portfolio also includes blockchain gaming company Animoca Brands, which reached a multi-billion-dollar valuation, signaling a focus on established unicorns.

Adit Ventures is a good fit for founders leading established, high-growth companies that are already leaders in their respective markets. Their experience in late-stage and secondary investments makes them a relevant partner for teams considering growth equity or liquidity events.

• Investment stages: Early and late-stage venture, secondary market
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Space Travel, FinTech, EdTech, Cyber Security
• Geographical presence: Based in New York
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: SpaceX, Animoca Brands, Flexport, Rubrik, Dataminr
• Number of investments: 25

You can refer to their website here.

12. The Hive

Based in Palo Alto, The Hive is a micro-VC and incubator that co-creates and funds data-driven companies. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage ventures, providing hands-on support from the start.

Their portfolio reveals a clear interest in deep technology, particularly in AI and blockchain. They backed Bitcoin infrastructure company Blockstream and saw a major exit with the $350 million acquisition of retail data platform Bridg.

The Hive is an excellent partner for technical founders building companies in data-intensive sectors. Their incubator model is ideal for teams seeking an active, operational partner in the earliest stages.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, FinTech, Incubators
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Blockstream, CloudWalk, Lightning Labs, Bridg
• Number of investments: 29
• Number of exits: 12

You can refer to their website here.

13. Voyager Capital

Voyager Capital is a Seattle-based firm that has been investing in technology companies since 1997. They provide entrepreneurs with capital and connections to build their businesses across seed, early, and late stages.

The firm has a strong history of guiding companies to the public markets, with notable IPOs including analytics platform Amplitude and policy-intelligence firm FiscalNote. Their portfolio also features high-growth companies like real-time database provider DataStax.

Voyager Capital is a compelling choice for founders of B2B software companies, particularly in the cloud and data sectors. Their track record with public offerings makes them a strong partner for teams with clear ambitions for an IPO.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Cloud Computing, FinTech, and Software
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle
• Founded: 1997
• Notable investments: ChargePoint, Amplitude, FiscalNote, DataStax, Carbon Robotics
• Number of investments: 185

You can refer to their website here.

14. Capital One Ventures

Capital One Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Capital One, investing in startups that are building the future of data, technology, and financial services. They support companies across multiple stages, from seed and early rounds to later growth financing.

The firm’s portfolio features category-defining companies, including cloud data leader Snowflake and B2B payments platform Melio. Their backing of unicorns like Glean and Aqua Security signals a focus on businesses with the potential for significant market leadership.

This firm is a strong match for founders of established companies in FinTech, enterprise AI, or data infrastructure. Teams with proven market traction and a clear path toward a major exit will find them a compelling partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: B2B, Big Data, Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise, FinTech
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: Snowflake, MoneyLion, Melio, Glean, Aqua Security
• Number of investments: 123
• Number of exits: 24

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Big Data Companies

This overview shows that the investment community for data-focused companies is both robust and varied. For founders, this means you have options at every stage, from pre-seed funds that help validate an idea to late-stage investors who can guide a company toward an IPO. While many firms invest across the entire company lifecycle, there is a strong group of early-stage specialists ready to write that first check.

Geographically, investors are concentrated in major technology centers like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York, but firms in cities like Chicago and Seattle also show a clear interest in the sector. The variety of investors—from corporate VCs to specialized funds—means you can find a partner whose expertise aligns with your specific goals.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising is a demanding process, and your time is best spent talking with the right people. A focused list of investors who understand your sector is a powerful tool for an efficient fundraise.

Once your round is closed, we can help you manage your new capital with confidence. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes, so you can get back to building.

Our platform combines business banking through partner banks with corporate cards and automated bill pay. It's everything you need to control spending and track cash flow in one place.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Big Data

Which US cities are hubs for Big Data venture capital firms?

The San Francisco Bay Area and New York City are the primary centers for technology venture capital firms. However, cities like Chicago, Seattle, and Boston also have a strong and growing community of investors focused on data-intensive startups.

What should I expect from seed stage venture capital firms?

Seed stage investors provide initial capital and often take a hands-on role. They offer guidance on product development, market fit, and making key early hires, helping you build a solid foundation for future growth and subsequent funding rounds.

Are there European venture capital firms investing in AI?

Yes, Europe has a growing number of AI-focused venture capital firms, with major hubs in London, Berlin, and Paris. Many of these firms invest across the continent and actively seek out promising enterprise technology and deep tech startups.

What is the difference between a corporate and traditional VC firm?

Traditional VCs focus purely on financial returns. Corporate VCs, the investment arm of a large company, also seek strategic value, such as access to new technology or markets that align with their parent company’s business goals.

How can I manage my funds after a successful raise?

Once your round closes, our platform helps you manage your new capital. Rho combines banking, corporate cards, and payments, giving you the financial tools to control spending and scale your business with confidence.