Key takeaways
- Securing venture funding in the cybersecurity sector provides the capital to develop your technology and signals strong investor confidence in your company's potential.
- Leading venture capital firms like Scout Ventures, Ballistic Ventures, Maverick Ventures, and NightDragon are actively investing in promising cybersecurity startups.
- If you're a startup leader that's raising or just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.
For founders in the cybersecurity space, preparing to raise capital means knowing who the key investors are. Approaching venture capital firms that already understand the InfoSec world saves you time and increases your chances of finding the right partner for your company's growth.
To help with your research, the Rho team created this guide to some of the top VC firms funding cybersecurity startups. Use it to quickly identify investors who are active and knowledgeable in your specific field.
Just raised, or about to? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Which VC Firms in Cyber Security Are Right for Your Stage?
Whether your company is early-stage or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to talk to. Here’s a quick look at the cybersecurity VC firms that invest at each stage.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Cyber Security
This stage is for founders who are just starting out, often with an idea or a prototype, and need capital to build their product and find initial market fit. For cybersecurity startups at this stage, firms like YL Ventures and Silent Ventures are known for backing seed-stage entrepreneurs, while Atlanta-based TechOperators also focuses on seed and early-stage companies.
Early Stage VC Firms in Cyber Security
Early-stage funding, typically Series A or B, is for companies with a product and early customer traction that are ready to scale operations. Venture capital firms with a cybersecurity focus for this stage include Ballistic Ventures, which invests exclusively in the sector, and Forgepoint; you could also consider Maverick Ventures, which backs technology-driven businesses.
Late Stage VC Firms in Cyber Security
Late-stage rounds are for established companies with strong revenue growth that need significant capital for expansion, market leadership, or to prepare for an M&A event or IPO. In this space, you'll find investors like NightDragon, which concentrates on growth and late-stage companies, and Ten Eleven Ventures, a specialized global venture capital firm that invests from seed all the way to post-IPO.
It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across all startup funding stages.
To help you find the right investors, we've compiled information on some of the leading VC firms in cybersecurity. For each firm, you'll find details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and specific attributes that might appeal to your startup.
1. Scout Ventures

Scout Ventures is an Austin-based firm that invests in what it calls "frontier technologies"—innovations that aim to make the world safer. They have a particular interest in dual-use technologies that have both commercial and government applications.
The firm invests across seed, early, and late stages, backing companies in sectors like cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum computing. Their portfolio includes notable unicorns like digital identity network ID.me and health-tech platform Unite Us.
This firm could be a great partner if your startup operates in one of their core technology areas, especially with potential for dual-use applications. Their broad investment stage focus suggests they can support companies from inception through growth.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Drones, Robotics, Quantum Computing, and other frontier technologies
- Geographical presence: Based in Austin, Texas
- Founded year: 2010
- Notable portfolio companies: ID.me, Unite Us, Virtuix
- Portfolio size: Over 125 investments and 28 exits
You can refer to their website here.
2. Ballistic Ventures

Ballistic Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests exclusively in cybersecurity startups. They focus on both funding and incubating new companies in the space.
The firm's sole dedication to cybersecurity gives them deep domain expertise and a concentrated network. Their portfolio includes major exits like Talon Cyber Security, acquired by Palo Alto Networks, and AlienVault, which was bought by AT&T.
If you're an early-stage founder building a cybersecurity company, Ballistic could be a strong partner. They are a good fit for teams looking for specialist investors who provide hands-on support and have a clear playbook for growth and acquisition.
- Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Information Technology
- Geographical presence: Based in San Mateo, California
- Founded year: 2021
- Notable portfolio companies: Talon Cyber Security, AlienVault, ArcSight
- Portfolio size: 63 investments
You can refer to their website here.
3. Maverick Ventures

Maverick Ventures is the venture capital division of Maverick Capital, focusing on early-stage healthcare and technology-driven companies. They operate out of San Francisco and invest across a wide range of stages.
The firm supports companies from seed to late-stage rounds, with a portfolio that includes high-profile exits like One Medical's acquisition by Amazon and Coupang's IPO. Their investment in BioCatch also shows their experience in the cybersecurity sector.
Maverick Ventures could be a strong partner if your startup is in health-tech or a specific technology field like generative AI or cybersecurity. Founders aiming for a major exit, either through an IPO or a strategic acquisition, may find their experience valuable.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Generative AI, Health Care
- Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
- Founded year: 2015
- Notable portfolio companies: Coupang, One Medical, Hims & Hers Health, BioCatch
- Portfolio size: 199 investments and 39 exits
You can refer to their website here.
4. NightDragon

NightDragon is an investment and advisory firm that concentrates on growth and late-stage companies in cybersecurity, safety, and privacy. Their focus on sectors that intersect with national security and public safety gives them a distinct position in the market.
With portfolio companies like intelligent safety platform RapidSOS and real-time alert service Dataminr, they are a good match for founders of established companies with strong traction. If your business has applications in the public sector, NightDragon's expertise could be a strong asset.
- Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, National Security, Privacy, Public Safety
- Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
- Founded year: 2016
- Notable portfolio companies: RapidSOS, Dataminr, Capella Space, Onapsis
- Portfolio size: 34 investments and 5 exits
You can refer to their website here.
5. YL Ventures

YL Ventures is a venture capital firm that funds and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs in the cybersecurity sector. They have a strong track record of backing companies from their earliest stages and guiding them toward significant exits.
The firm's deep focus on cybersecurity gives them specialized knowledge, and they have a history of identifying future market leaders. Their portfolio includes unicorns like Axonius and Orca Security, plus major acquisitions like Twistlock, which was bought by Palo Alto Networks.
This firm is a great fit for seed-stage cybersecurity founders who want a partner with deep industry expertise. They are particularly well-suited for teams aiming for a major acquisition or a high-growth trajectory that leads to a large valuation.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Financial Services
- Geographical presence: Based in Mill Valley, California
- Founded year: 2007
- Notable portfolio companies: Axonius, Orca Security, Twistlock, Hexadite
- Portfolio size: 64 investments and 15 exits
You can refer to their website here.
6. Silent Ventures

Silent Ventures is a Dallas-based firm that provides what it calls "stealth capital for elite operators." They invest in early-stage companies building technologies for national security, cybersecurity, and industrial automation.
The firm has a clear concentration on defense and dual-use technology, backing companies like defense-tech unicorn Anduril Industries and Hadrian, which builds AI-powered factories. If your startup operates in the defense-tech space, particularly with applications in AI or robotics, Silent Ventures could be a good fit, especially for founders with operational experience.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, National Security, AI, Drones, Industrial Automation
- Geographical presence: Based in Dallas, Texas
- Founded year: 2022
- Notable portfolio companies: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, Voyager Technologies, Saronic Technologies
- Portfolio size: 25 investments
You can refer to their website here.
7. Ten Eleven Ventures

Ten Eleven Ventures is a global venture capital firm that invests exclusively in cybersecurity companies. They are one of the original specialist firms in the sector, bringing deep industry knowledge to their investments.
The firm supports companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed funding all the way to post-IPO. Their portfolio features a history of significant exits, including BlackBerry's $1.4 billion acquisition of Cylance and Vista Equity Partners' $4.6 billion purchase of KnowBe4.
Ten Eleven Ventures is a strong choice for cybersecurity founders at any stage who are looking for a long-term, specialist partner. If you are building a company with the potential for a major IPO or acquisition, their track record shows they know how to support that journey.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Post-IPO, Private Equity
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security
- Geographical presence: Based in Burlingame, California
- Founded year: 2014
- Notable portfolio companies: KnowBe4, Darktrace, Ping Identity, Cylance, Twistlock
- Portfolio size: Over 90 investments and 22 exits
You can refer to their website here.
8. Thomvest Ventures

Thomvest Ventures is a cross-stage venture capital firm that has been investing since 1996. They support companies across their entire lifecycle, from early rounds to post-IPO and private equity deals.
The firm has a strong focus on financial services, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Their portfolio includes major fintech successes like SoFi and Lending Club, as well as DevOps unicorn Harness.
Thomvest is a good match for founders in their core sectors who are looking for a long-term partner. Their ability to invest across all stages means they can provide continuous support as a company scales.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Post-IPO, Private Equity, Debt
- Industries of focus: Financial Services, Cloud Infrastructure, Cyber Security
- Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
- Founded year: 1996
- Notable portfolio companies: SoFi, Lending Club, Harness, Kabbage
- Portfolio size: 135 investments and 33 exits
You can refer to their website here.
9. Forgepoint Capital

Forgepoint Capital is a global venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies building the future of digital infrastructure. They focus on providing capital and support to founders creating foundational technologies in cybersecurity, finance, and IT.
The firm has a clear specialization in cybersecurity, with a portfolio that includes high-profile exits like Attivo Networks, acquired by SentinelOne, and Area 1 Security, bought by Cloudflare. This track record demonstrates their ability to guide security companies toward successful acquisitions.
Forgepoint could be an excellent partner if you are an early-stage founder in cybersecurity or a related field. Their experience is particularly valuable for teams aiming for a strategic acquisition by a major technology company.
- Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Information Technology, Financial Services
- Geographical presence: Based in San Mateo, California
- Founded year: 2015
- Notable portfolio companies: Attivo Networks, Area 1 Security, AlienVault, BehavioSec
- Portfolio size: 70 investments and 17 exits
You can refer to their website here.
10. MassMutual Ventures

MassMutual Ventures is the global venture capital arm of MassMutual, investing across multiple stages. They back companies in enterprise software, cybersecurity, financial technology, and digital health.
The firm has a strong record in cybersecurity, with major exits like threat intelligence company Recorded Future and attack surface manager RiskIQ. Their portfolio also includes health-tech and fintech unicorns, showing their global reach and ability to support high-growth companies.
This firm is a good choice for founders in their key sectors who are looking for a strategic partner with corporate backing. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them a potential long-term supporter for companies from seed funding through to later growth rounds.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
- Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Cyber Security, FinTech, Digital Health
- Geographical presence: Based in Boston, Massachusetts
- Founded year: 2014
- Notable portfolio companies: Recorded Future, RiskIQ, Biofourmis, Turtlemint
- Portfolio size: 128 investments and 17 exits
You can refer to their website here.
11. DCVC

DCVC is a Palo Alto-based investment firm that backs companies working on deep-tech solutions. They invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage venture, in sectors like cybersecurity, enterprise software, and big data.
The firm has a clear focus on companies with strong scientific and technical foundations. Their portfolio includes agricultural robotics startup Blue River Technology and commercial space company Rocket Lab, and they have a history of significant exits, including the billion-dollar acquisition of MosaicML by Databricks.
DCVC is a good fit for founders with deep technical expertise who are building companies to solve complex problems. Their ability to invest across stages makes them a potential long-term partner for startups planning to scale significantly.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Big Data, Cyber Security, Enterprise Software, IT Infrastructure
- Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
- Founded year: 2011
- Notable portfolio companies: AbCellera, Blue River Technology, MosaicML, Rocket Lab, Planet
- Portfolio size: Over 500 investments and 110 exits
You can refer to their website here.
12. ff Venture Capital

ff Venture Capital is a New York-based firm that invests in technology companies across several key sectors. Their primary areas of interest include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, machine learning, and cloud software.
The firm supports companies across a wide spectrum of funding stages, from seed and early rounds to late-stage and debt financing. Their portfolio highlights successful exits across different industries, including digital identity company Socure and the industrial security platform CyberX, which was acquired by Microsoft.
This firm is a good match for founders building technology-driven companies in their specified sectors. Because they invest across all stages, they can be a long-term partner for teams with ambitions to scale significantly toward a major acquisition or public offering.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Debt
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, AI, Machine Learning, Drones, Cloud Software
- Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
- Founded year: 2008
- Notable portfolio companies: Socure, Owlet, Plated, CyberX
- Portfolio size: Over 370 investments and 36 exits.
You can refer to their website here.
13. Titanium Ventures

Titanium Ventures is a technology-focused firm that invests in companies across early and late stages. A key part of their approach is creating revenue opportunities for their portfolio companies through strategic introductions.
The firm has a history of backing companies that achieve major exits, including the $6.5 billion acquisition of Auth0 and successful IPOs for GitLab and CrowdStrike. This track record shows a focus on businesses with the potential for significant scale and market leadership.
This firm is a strong potential partner for founders in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, or fintech who are aiming for a large exit. Their experience with IPOs and major acquisitions suggests they are well-equipped to support companies on a high-growth path.
- Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cloud Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Financial Services, Internet of Things
- Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
- Founded year: 2011
- Notable portfolio companies: Auth0, GitLab, CrowdStrike, Snap Inc., DocuSign
- Portfolio size: 137 investments and 36 exits
You can refer to their website here.
14. Benhamou Global Ventures

Benhamou Global Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on sourcing and building the next generation of B2B technology companies. They have been investing since 2004, supporting startups across their entire lifecycle.
The firm has a clear concentration on enterprise technology, with investments in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and financial services. They have a history of guiding companies to significant exits, including the IPO of digital engineering company Grid Dynamics and the acquisition of networking pioneer 3Com by Hewlett-Packard.
This firm is a strong match for founders building B2B companies in their core sectors. Their ability to invest from seed to late-stage makes them a good long-term partner for teams planning to scale toward a public offering or major acquisition.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Financial Services
- Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
- Founded year: 2004
- Notable portfolio companies: Grid Dynamics, 3Com, Finjan Holdings, Totango
- Portfolio size: 116 investments and 22 exits
You can refer to their website here.
15. TechOperators Venture Capital

TechOperators is an Atlanta-based venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage companies. They concentrate on software-as-a-service (SaaS), cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence startups.
The firm has a strong record in the cybersecurity sector, with notable exits like Phantom Cyber's acquisition by Splunk and Endgame's sale to Elastic. This history points to a deep understanding of the security market and a clear path for portfolio companies toward acquisition.
TechOperators could be a great partner if you're an early-stage founder in the SaaS or cybersecurity space, especially if you're based in the Southeast. Their focus on these sectors suggests they can provide relevant operational support and industry connections.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Cyber Security, SaaS, AI, Finance, Information Technology
- Geographical presence: Based in Atlanta, Georgia
- Founded year: 2008
- Notable portfolio companies: Phantom Cyber, Flashpoint, Endgame, Automox, Todyl
- Portfolio size: 61 investments and 19 exits
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Cyber Security Companies
This list of investors shows a healthy and active funding environment for companies in the cybersecurity sector. You'll find capital available across all growth phases, from pre-seed and seed rounds to late-stage financing. While many firms are multi-stage investors capable of supporting a company long-term, there are also specialists that concentrate on early-stage startups, providing focused support when it's most needed.
Geographically, while there is a strong concentration of firms in California, you also have access to significant investors in other tech hubs like New York, Boston, and Austin. This variety gives you options. The main takeaway from our research is that the funding environment for cybersecurity is well-balanced, offering a good mix of stages, locations, and specializations for founders to consider.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Fundraising requires significant time and energy, and a focused list of relevant investors helps you direct your efforts effectively. Approaching firms that already understand your field increases your chances of finding the right partner.
Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes, allowing you to concentrate on building your company.
Our platform offers business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, all designed for startups. We provide the tools you need to manage your new funding with clarity and control.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Cyber Security
Are there top cybersecurity VC firms outside the US?
Yes, many leading cybersecurity investors are global. Firms like Ten Eleven Ventures have a worldwide presence, and hubs in Israel, the UK, and Singapore have their own specialized venture capital firms focused on security technology.
Should I approach a specialist or generalist VC firm?
Specialist firms like Ballistic Ventures offer deep industry knowledge, while generalist firms may provide broader market connections. Your choice depends on whether you need focused cybersecurity expertise or a wider network for growth.
What do early-stage VCs look for in a cybersecurity startup?
Early-stage investors typically look for a strong founding team with relevant experience, a clear problem you're solving, and initial signs of product-market fit. A large addressable market and a defensible technology are also key factors.
Which are the top cybersecurity venture capital firms in Israel?
Israel is a major hub for cybersecurity innovation. While our list focuses on US-based firms, prominent Israeli investors include YL Ventures (which also has a US presence), Team8, and Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP).
How can Rho help after I raise from a venture capital firm?
Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We offer business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments in one place, giving you the financial control to focus on building your company. Get started with Rho.
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