Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Revolutionizing Big Data
If you're raising capital for your Big Data startup, this list is for you. We cover the top VC firms currently investing in the industry.
Rho Editorial Team
For founders in the Big Data, AI, or machine learning space, finding the right investor is about more than just capital. It’s about securing a partner who understands your specific technology. Knowing which venture capital firms are active in your field is a critical first step when preparing to raise funds.
To help you find potential partners, our team at Rho curated this overview of top VC firms investing in data-focused companies. Use this guide to quickly understand relevant investors, from early-stage to multistage firms, before or during your fundraising process.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
For startups in the Big Data space, securing venture funding means finding a partner with deep technical knowledge, not just a source of capital.
Venture capital firms like Script Capital, Illuminate Ventures, GSV Ventures, and DCVC are notable backers of companies focused on large-scale data.
If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho can help you manage and deploy your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
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 firms that invest in Big Data companies, organized by stage.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Big Data
Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, typically used to validate an idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders working with Big Data, AI, or machine learning, firms like The Hive, Differential Ventures, and VITALIZE are known seed stage venture capital firms that provide this initial backing.
Early Stage VC Firms in Big Data
Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps startups with a proven product scale their operations and grow their customer base. Some early stage venture capital firms with a focus on enterprise technology include Bay Area-based Script Capital and Illuminate Ventures, along with NYC venture capital firms like Oceans.
Late Stage VC Firms in Big Data
Late-stage rounds are for established companies looking to expand significantly, enter new markets, or prepare for an acquisition or IPO. Investors like Adit Ventures, which is active in the secondary market, and the experienced team at Voyager Capital are examples of firms that support companies through these later growth phases.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Keep in mind that many multistage VC firms, such as DCVC and GSV Ventures, invest across all funding stages, from seed to exit.
To help you find the right investors, here is a more detailed look at the top VC firms focusing on the Big Data sector. We’ve outlined key details about their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm’s approach unique for founders.
1. Script Capital
Based in San Francisco, Script Capital is an early-stage venture firm that invests in internet and software companies. Since its founding in 2016, the firm has focused on backing startups in their initial seed and venture rounds.
A key characteristic of Script Capital is its track record of portfolio companies being acquired by major tech players like Snapchat, Datadog, Spotify, and Twitter. This history suggests a focus on products with clear strategic value to larger platforms, alongside well-known investments like Patreon.
This firm may be a good match for early-stage founders in the Big Data, FinTech, or SaaS industries. Their portfolio indicates an ability to spot companies that become attractive acquisition targets for established technology leaders.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: Big Data, FinTech, SaaS, Software
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2016
Notable portfolio companies: Patreon, and successful exits including Zenly (acquired by Snapchat) and Sqreen (acquired by Datadog)
Portfolio size: 56 investments and 9 exits
You can refer to their website here.
2. Illuminate Ventures
Based in Oakland, California, Illuminate Ventures invests in B2B enterprise software companies, with a preference for seed-stage startups that are slightly more developed. The firm looks for solutions that can provide customers with a rapid and measurable return on investment.
A key characteristic of the firm is its impressive record of portfolio company exits, including the IPO of e-commerce company Coupang and the successful acquisition of SaaS provider Xactly. This history demonstrates a focus on backing businesses with strong strategic value and clear potential for a public offering or acquisition.
Illuminate Ventures may be a good match for founders of B2B software companies, particularly in the AI, Big Data, or SaaS industries. You are likely to be a strong candidate if your product has already gained some traction and offers a clear, demonstrable ROI.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Generative AI, SaaS
Geographical presence: Oakland, California
Founded: 2010
Notable portfolio companies: Coupang (IPO), Xactly (acquired by Vista Equity Partners), and Opsmatic (acquired by New Relic)
Portfolio size: 65 investments and 11 exits
You can refer to their website here.
3. GSV Ventures
GSV Ventures is a San Francisco-based firm that invests in education technology companies. Since its founding in 2016, it has become a key player in the EdTech sector, backing companies from their earliest stages through to later growth rounds.
The firm's portfolio is marked by several high-profile successes, including the Coursera IPO and unicorn-status companies like Andela and Apna. This signals a focus on businesses with the potential for global scale and significant market impact in education and workforce development.
GSV Ventures is a strong potential partner if you are a founder in the EdTech space, particularly if your company addresses online learning, career up-skilling, or classroom tools. Their track record suggests an appetite for ambitious, category-defining companies.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: Big Data, EdTech, Education, STEM Education
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2016
Notable portfolio companies: Coursera (IPO), Andela, Apna, Nearpod, and Physics Wallah
Portfolio size: 148 investments and 25 exits
You can refer to their website here.
4. DCVC
DCVC is a Palo Alto-based firm that invests from seed to late stage, backing entrepreneurs who are using deep tech to solve complex, real-world problems. They focus on companies with strong scientific or engineering foundations that can transform major industries.
The firm's portfolio is defined by significant outcomes, including the AbCellera IPO and major acquisitions like Blue River Technology by John Deere and MosaicML by Databricks. This highlights their ability to back companies with fundamental technology that attracts strategic buyers and public markets.
DCVC is an ideal partner for founders building companies grounded in deep tech, whether in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, or life sciences. If your startup is tackling a massive challenge with a unique technical approach, their team is likely to be a good fit.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Big Data, Cyber Security, Enterprise Software, IT Infrastructure
Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2011
Notable portfolio companies: AbCellera (IPO), Blue River Technology (acquired by John Deere), MosaicML (acquired by Databricks), Rocket Lab, and Planet
Portfolio size: 519 investments and 110 exits
You can refer to their website here.
5. VITALIZE Venture Capital
VITALIZE Venture Capital is a Chicago-based fund and angel community that backs early-stage B2B software startups. The firm concentrates on companies building technology that is shaping the future of work.
A defining feature is its combination of a traditional fund with an angel network, offering founders a broader community of support. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like foot-traffic analytics platform Placer.ai and talent marketplace The Mom Project, showing a clear interest in data-driven B2B models.
This firm is a strong fit for founders developing B2B software, especially if your product addresses the future of work. Their seed and early-stage focus makes them a good partner for companies seeking initial capital and community support.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: B2B Software, Future of Work, Big Data, Enterprise Software
Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
Founded: 2017
Notable portfolio companies: Placer.ai, The Mom Project, and ShotTracker
Portfolio size: 62 investments and 4 exits
You can refer to their website here.
6. Cleveland Avenue
Cleveland Avenue is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests in companies from seed to growth stages. They have a broad mandate, supporting businesses across the food, technology, and lifestyle sectors.
A notable aspect of the firm is its focus on the intersection of technology and consumer-facing industries, particularly food and beverage. Their portfolio includes major brands like Beyond Meat and NotCo, showing an ability to back companies that redefine consumer markets.
This firm is a strong potential partner for founders whose companies apply technology like AI, robotics, or data analytics to traditional industries. If you are building a business in AgTech, Food Tech, or supply chain management, Cleveland Avenue’s multi-stage approach could be a good fit.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
Industries of focus: AgTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, E-Commerce, Food and Beverage, Lifestyle, Robotics, Supply Chain Management
Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
Founded: 2015
Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat (IPO), NotCo, Bear Robotics, and Soul Machines
Portfolio size: 136 investments and 12 exits
You can refer to their website here.
7. Differential Ventures
Differential Ventures is a New York-based, seed-stage fund that invests in B2B companies with data at their core. They support founders building solutions in areas like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
A key characteristic of the firm is its focus on data-oriented technology, backing companies that solve specific enterprise problems. Their portfolio shows a pattern of successful exits to strategic acquirers, including Seek AI’s acquisition by IBM and the sale of DeepSurface to AttackIQ.
This firm is a good match for early-stage founders building B2B software where data is the main asset. If your company uses AI or machine learning to create a clear business advantage, their team’s focus could be valuable.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cyber Security, FinTech, Machine Learning
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2017
Notable portfolio companies: Seek AI (acquired by IBM), DeepSurface (acquired by AttackIQ), and Agnostiq (acquired)
Portfolio size: 41 investments and 5 exits
You can refer to their website here.
8. Space Capital
Space Capital is a New York-based venture firm that invests in early-stage companies building technology for the space economy. They focus on seed and early-stage rounds, backing founders at the start of their journey.
The firm has a clear focus on the infrastructure layer of the space industry, with portfolio companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab. Their investments in companies like Planet Labs show a commitment to businesses that form the backbone of this growing sector, from launch to data analytics.
Space Capital is a good match for founders whose work involves the space ecosystem, including satellite data, communications, or logistics. If your company is creating technology that leverages or contributes to space-based infrastructure, their specialized expertise could be valuable.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: GPS, Satellite Communication, Space Travel, Big Data
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2017
Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, and Varda Space
Portfolio size: 78 investments and 6 exits
You can refer to their website here.
9. Joule Ventures
Joule Ventures is a New York-based firm that acts as a first-check partner for Israeli founders. They specialize in helping enterprise technology companies enter and grow within the U.S. market.
A key aspect of their model is guiding Israeli companies into the U.S. market, with a portfolio that shows a pattern of successful exits to strategic acquirers like Qualcomm and LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
This firm is an ideal partner for Israeli founders with enterprise-grade software solutions ready for U.S. commercialization. If your company operates in areas like cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, or data analytics, their expertise could be a significant asset.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Big Data, Business Intelligence, Cloud Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Software
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2010
Notable portfolio companies: Coralogix, Cellwize (acquired by Qualcomm), and BehavioSec (acquired by LexisNexis)
Portfolio size: 41 investments and 6 exits
You can refer to their website here.
10. Oceans
Oceans is a New York-based venture firm that invests in seed and early-stage companies. They focus on providing founders with the necessary support to build successful businesses.
A key trait of the firm is its focus on providing hands-on support for founders. Their portfolio includes companies like deep-tech hardware maker Etched and the crowdfunding platform iFundWomen, showing an interest in businesses with strong technical foundations and community-driven models.
Oceans may be a good partner for early-stage founders building software or tech-enabled companies across a range of industries. If you are seeking a supportive first-check investor in the New York ecosystem, their team could be a strong match.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: Big Data, Financial Services, Software, Natural Language Processing
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2018
Notable portfolio companies: Etched, iFundWomen, David Energy, and exits including Kanga (acquired by Riot Games) and Lean (acquired by When I Work)
Portfolio size: 59 investments and 5 exits
You can refer to their website here.
11. Adit Ventures
Adit Ventures is a New York-based firm that invests from early to late stages, with a significant focus on the secondary market. They manage capital for a large network of limited partners and provide liquidity to shareholders in high-growth private companies.
A key aspect of the firm is its strategy of backing established, high-value private companies like SpaceX and Flexport. Their portfolio also includes blockchain gaming company Animoca Brands, showing an interest in category-defining businesses that have already achieved massive scale.
This firm is a strong match for founders of mature, late-stage companies seeking liquidity options or growth capital ahead of a potential IPO. Their activity in the secondary market makes them less suited for early-stage startups looking for their first institutional check.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Secondary Market
Industries of focus: Augmented Reality, Big Data, Cloud Security, Cyber Security, EdTech, FinTech, Internet of Things, Sharing Economy, Space Travel
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2014
Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Animoca Brands, Flexport, Rubrik, and Dataminr
Portfolio size: 25 investments and 6 exits
You can refer to their website here.
12. The Hive
The Hive is a Palo Alto-based firm that operates as a co-creator and early-stage investor for companies centered on data. They primarily back businesses in the Big Data, FinTech, and enterprise software sectors.
A key feature of the firm is its incubator-style model, providing hands-on support to build companies from the ground up. Their portfolio highlights a focus on deep technology, with investments in Bitcoin infrastructure pioneer Blockstream and a notable exit with Bridg, acquired by Cardlytics for approximately $350 million.
This firm is an ideal partner for founders with a strong technical background in AI, blockchain, or data applications. If you are looking for a collaborative, first-check investor to help shape your company, The Hive could be a great match.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: Big Data, Finance, FinTech, Incubators
Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2012
Notable portfolio companies: Blockstream (unicorn), CloudWalk (unicorn), Lightning Labs, and Bridg (acquired by Cardlytics for ~$350M)
Portfolio size: 29 investments and 12 exits
You can refer to their website here.
13. Voyager Capital
Voyager Capital is a Seattle-based firm that has provided resources and capital to tech entrepreneurs since 1997. They invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, with a focus on software, cloud, and data-focused companies.
The firm is distinguished by its long history and a strong track record of guiding companies to the public markets. Their portfolio includes several high-profile exits, including the ChargePoint IPO and real-time database firm DataStax.
Voyager Capital is a good fit for founders building scalable B2B technology companies, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest. If you have a long-term vision for your company that includes a potential public offering, their experience could be particularly valuable.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Big Data, Cloud Computing, FinTech, Software
Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 1997
Notable portfolio companies: ChargePoint (IPO), Amplitude (IPO), FiscalNote (SPAC merger), DataStax, and Carbon Robotics
Portfolio size: 185 investments and 52 exits
You can refer to their website here.
14. Capital One Ventures
Capital One Ventures is the strategic investment arm of Capital One, backing companies that are building the future of financial services, data, and technology. Based in San Francisco, the firm invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.
As a strategic investor, the firm focuses on companies with the potential for massive scale, evidenced by portfolio successes like the Snowflake IPO and unicorns such as Glean and Aqua Security. This indicates a preference for businesses that can become leaders in their respective markets.
This firm is a strong potential partner for founders in FinTech, enterprise AI, and data infrastructure. You are likely a good fit if you are building a B2B company with a clear path to significant growth and market leadership.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
Industries of focus: B2B, Big Data, FinTech, Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2014
Notable portfolio companies: Snowflake (IPO), MoneyLion (SPAC), Glean, and Aqua Security
Portfolio size: 123 investments and 24 exits
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Big Data Companies
This overview of venture firms shows a balanced investor distribution for companies in the Big Data space. While many firms are multistage and can support a company through its entire lifecycle, there is a strong contingent focused specifically on seed and early-stage rounds. This is an encouraging sign for founders who are just beginning their fundraising process, as it indicates a healthy appetite for new ideas in the sector.
Geographically, investment activity is concentrated in major tech hubs like the Bay Area and New York, but firms in cities like Chicago and Seattle also show a clear interest in data-focused startups. This suggests that while the primary centers of capital remain prominent, you may find partners in other growing technology communities.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Fundraising requires significant time and focus. Having a curated list of investors who understand your field lets you direct your energy where it matters most.
Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.
Our platform gives you the tools to deploy your new funding with control and clarity, offering integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for startups.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Big Data
Which are the top venture capital firms in Boston for Big Data?
Boston has a strong VC community for data-focused startups. Firms like .406 Ventures and Glasswing Ventures are known for backing data-intensive companies, often looking for B2B software and AI startups with strong technical teams and clear market applications.
What do seed stage venture capital firms look for in a Big Data startup?
At the seed stage, investors focus on the founding team’s expertise and vision. They also want to see a unique technical approach to a significant problem and early signs of a large market opportunity for your data-driven solution.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Are there many European venture capital firms investing in AI?
Yes, the European VC scene for AI is growing. Firms like London's Atomico and Berlin's Point Nine are active investors. They often seek companies with global potential and strong engineering talent, supporting them from early stages onward.
What makes deep tech venture capital firms different?
Deep tech VCs invest in companies built on significant scientific or engineering breakthroughs. They have longer investment horizons and technical expertise to evaluate complex technologies that can solve fundamental problems in major industries, as seen with firms like DCVC.
How can Rho help manage my capital after fundraising?
Once your round is closed, Rho helps you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you full control and clarity over your new capital.