Top 8 Venture Capital Firms for Developer Tools Startups

For founders in the Developer Tools space, understanding which investors fund companies like yours is a critical first step when preparing to raise capital. Approaching the right VCs saves time and increases your chances of finding a partner who truly gets your vision.

To help you find the right investors, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top venture capital firms that actively invest in DevTools, SaaS, and API-first companies. Think of it as a starting point for your research.

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 Developer Tools Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing which investors to approach is crucial. This is a quick overview of the VC firms that focus on Developer Tools, broken down by investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Developer Tools

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, used to validate an idea, build a minimum viable product, and find initial market traction. For founders building developer tools, some seed stage VC firms to consider are boldstart ventures, MAGIC Fund, and Vela Partners, all known for backing founders from the very beginning.

Early Stage VC Firms in Developer Tools

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B rounds, helps startups with a proven product scale operations, grow the team, and expand their customer base. Among the technology VC firms that focus on this phase are Tola Capital, Expa, and 500 Emerging Europe, which support SaaS and API-first companies ready for significant growth.

Late Stage VC Firms in Developer Tools

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies looking to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or prepare for an exit through an acquisition or IPO. While many software-focused venture capital firms concentrate on earlier rounds, investors like Trajectory Ventures and Graph Ventures also participate in late-stage deals for companies on a clear path to scale.

Keep in mind that many venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages, from a company's inception to its pre-IPO rounds.

Below, we've detailed some of the top VC firms that invest in developer tools, highlighting their preferred investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each one a compelling partner for founders.

1. Tola Capital

Based in Seattle, Tola Capital is a venture firm that invests globally in enterprise software companies. Since 2010, they have focused on backing founders building the next generation of B2B software solutions.

The firm shows a strong focus on enterprise infrastructure, with notable investments in developer-focused companies like Pulumi and a significant exit with Clipchamp’s acquisition by Microsoft. Their portfolio highlights a pattern of supporting companies with deep technical foundations that grow to become market leaders.

Tola Capital is a compelling partner for founders building enterprise or API-first software who value operational experience. Their track record suggests they are well-equipped to help companies scale toward major growth milestones or an acquisition.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Developer Tools, Cloud Security, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle with a global investment focus
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Pulumi, Clipchamp, OneTrust, Glia
• Portfolio size: Over 75 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. boldstart ventures

Based in Miami, boldstart ventures has been backing founders since 2010. They operate as a micro VC, focusing their capital and support on companies at the seed stage.

The firm positions itself as a partner from day one, with a clear preference for developer-first, infrastructure, and SaaS companies. Their portfolio, which includes companies like Superhuman and BigID, reflects a commitment to technically-focused founders.

If you are a technical founder building a developer tool or enterprise SaaS product and need a partner for your first institutional round, boldstart is a strong fit. They are geared toward founders who value a close partnership from the very beginning.

• Investment stages: Seed
• Industries of focus: Developer Tools, SaaS, Cloud Infrastructure, Cyber Security
• Geographical presence: Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Superhuman, BigID, Blockdaemon, Hypernative
• Portfolio size: Over 200 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. MAGIC Fund

MAGIC Fund is a global collective of founders backing other founders, operating since 2017. Based in Los Angeles, they focus on early-stage and seed investments.

The firm’s “founder-first” approach is central to its identity, offering support from people who have been in the same position. Their portfolio includes developer-focused successes like Retool, alongside major fintech and e-commerce companies in emerging markets.

MAGIC Fund is a great match if you're an early-stage founder looking for more than just capital. Their global founder network is a significant asset for those seeking peer support and mentorship.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Developer Tools, SaaS, FinTech, E-Commerce, Emerging Markets, Health Care
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles with a global focus
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Retool, Novo, Payfazz, Frubana
• Portfolio size: Over 170 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. 500 Emerging Europe

500 Emerging Europe is a venture capital firm that helps founders from emerging European markets take their companies global. While based in San Francisco, their core mission is to back and scale startups from that specific region.

The firm concentrates on early-stage and seed investments in technology sectors like SaaS, AI, and companies building developer tools. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Carbon Health, which achieved unicorn status, and shows a track record of successful exits like Newoldstamp.

This firm is an excellent choice if you are a founder based in an emerging European market with ambitions to scale internationally. Their focus on early-stage tech companies means they are prepared to support you from the initial growth phases.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Developer Tools, Enterprise Software, Gaming, Machine Learning, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco with a focus on emerging European markets
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Carbon Health, Averon, Newoldstamp, Evreka
• Portfolio size: Over 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Vela Partners

Vela Partners is a San Francisco-based firm that uses a quantitative, AI-driven approach to venture capital. Since 2017, they have focused on seed and early-stage companies, aiming to make investing more of a science.

The firm’s data-centric model is a key characteristic, signaling a preference for technically complex companies in AI, B2B, and developer tools. Their portfolio includes successful exits like the data-security platform LeakSignal and no-code prototyping software Protopie.

Vela Partners is a strong match for founders building B2B or developer-focused products with a deep AI or machine learning component. Their analytical style is well-suited for teams that appreciate data-driven decision-making from their investment partners.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), B2B, Developer Tools, Machine Learning
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: LeakSignal, Promoted, Protopie, Cartken, Phaidra
• Portfolio size: 41 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Expa

Expa is a San Francisco-based venture studio and fund that has supported early-stage startups since 2013. They provide founders with capital, operational expertise, and access to their network to help build companies from the ground up.

The firm operates as both an incubator and a traditional VC, signaling a hands-on approach to company building. Their portfolio includes major names like the digital freight network Convoy and the open-source BI tool Metabase, showing a focus on both enterprise and developer-focused companies.

Expa is a strong choice for founders who are looking for an active partner to help shape their company from its earliest stages. Their studio model is particularly well-suited for teams that need more than just capital to get started.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Software, Developer Tools, E-Commerce Platforms, Enterprise Software, FinTech
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Convoy, Current, Metabase, Wingcopter
• Portfolio size: Over 125 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Graph Ventures

Graph Ventures is a Palo Alto-based investment group made up of founders and operators with experience scaling technology companies. Since 2007, they have focused on early-stage companies but invest across the full lifecycle from seed to late-stage rounds.

The firm’s portfolio is marked by major consumer exits, including Hinge (acquired by Match Group) and Houseparty (acquired by Epic Games). This track record, combined with their operator-led team, points to a practical, hands-on approach to company building.

Graph Ventures is a strong match for founders who value guidance from those with direct operational experience. Their broad industry focus, which includes developer tools, makes them a versatile partner for many B2B and consumer startups.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Apps, B2B, Consumer, Developer Tools, FinTech
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto with a global investment focus
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Hinge, Houseparty, Blue Apron, BigBox VR
• Portfolio size: 167 investments
• Team background: Comprised of founders and operators

You can refer to their website here.

8. Trajectory Ventures

Trajectory Ventures is a New York-based firm that has been funding companies since 2012. They support businesses that are driving significant technological change across global markets.

The firm invests across a wide range of industries, from developer APIs and machine learning to aerospace and electric vehicles. Their portfolio includes ambitious companies like AI-chip maker Groq and space-tech firm Stoke Space, showing a focus on foundational technologies.

Trajectory Ventures is a good fit for founders building capital-intensive, technically complex products. Their ability to invest from seed through late stages makes them a potential long-term partner for companies with big goals.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Developer APIs, Developer Tools, Machine Learning, Aerospace, E-Commerce Platforms
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Groq, Stoke Space, AlphaSense, Monarch Tractor
• Portfolio size: 115 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Developer Tools Companies

Our overview shows that the investment community for developer tools is active and varied. There is a noticeable concentration of firms that support companies in the seed and early stages, which is positive news if you are building a product from the ground up. This indicates a healthy interest in new, foundational technologies.

At the same time, the number of firms investing from seed through late-stage rounds means that capital is also available for companies ready to scale. Geographically, while traditional tech hubs are well-represented, investors are located across the U.S. and often have a global focus. This gives you a broad set of options when searching for the right financial partner for your company's journey.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors is a significant advantage when your time and resources are limited. It allows you to direct your energy toward conversations with firms that are genuinely interested in your space.

Once your fundraise is complete, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes so you can get back to building your business.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your new funding with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Developer Tools

Are Silicon Valley VC firms the best for developer tools startups?

While Silicon Valley remains a major hub with deep networks, great developer tool investors are now global. Firms in New York, Europe, and beyond actively fund strong technical teams, giving you more options than ever before.

What are the top New York VC firms for SaaS companies?

New York has a strong ecosystem for SaaS. Firms like Trajectory Ventures are based there, and many generalist technology VC firms in the city also have significant SaaS portfolios, offering you a wide range of potential partners.

How do seed stage VC firms evaluate technical founders?

Seed stage VC firms often prioritize your technical expertise and vision. They look for a deep understanding of the problem you're solving, a clear product roadmap, and early signs of community engagement or user interest around your tool.

What do AI-focused venture capital firms look for in a pitch?

AI-focused venture capital firms want to see more than an idea. They look for a proprietary data advantage, a strong technical team with relevant experience, and a clear application of your AI that solves a real business problem.

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

Once you've raised capital, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We offer integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated payments designed for financial control. Set up your company's finances in minutes with Rho.