Top 13 Venture Capital Firms for Education Startups

For founders in the Education and EdTech space, preparing to raise capital means knowing which investors to approach. Finding the right firm is about more than just the money; it’s about partnering with a team that truly understands your business and the sector.

To help you find those partners, our team has curated this guide to the top education venture capital firms. Use it to quickly identify relevant investors for your startup, whether you're looking for pre-seed, seed, or growth stage funding.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides your Education startup with the capital to grow, but more importantly, it brings on a partner who understands the sector and can offer valuable guidance.
• Many venture capital firms focus on the education industry, with notable backers like Pear VC, Village Capital, J-Ventures, and TMV actively funding startups.
• If you're raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated tools for business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Education Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, it’s crucial to know which investors to approach. Below is a quick look at venture capital firms in the education space, broken down by the stage at which they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Education

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, intended to help you turn an idea into a minimum viable product and find initial market fit. For education startups at this stage, seed venture capital firms like Pear VC, BBG Ventures, and LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator are often a great fit.

Early Stage VC Firms in Education

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for companies with proven traction that need capital to scale their team and accelerate growth. Some early-stage venture capital firms that focus on the education sector include GSV Ventures, Village Capital, and TMV.

Late Stage VC Firms in Education

Late-stage funding supports mature companies as they expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit like an IPO. Notable late-stage and growth-stage venture capital firms backing established leaders include J-Ventures and ARK Invest.

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 VC firms invest across multiple startup funding stages.

To help with your fundraising process, our team has prepared a closer look at the top VC firms focused on the education sector. We’ve included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a compelling partner for founders.

1. Pear VC

Based in Menlo Park, Pear VC is a venture capital firm that partners with founders at the earliest stages of their journey. They focus on pre-seed and seed investments, helping entrepreneurs build their companies from the ground up.

The firm is known for backing future category leaders, with notable early investments in companies like DoorDash and Guardant Health. Their approach is hands-on, supporting founders through the entire process from initial idea to market leadership and successful exits.

Pear VC is an excellent match for founders who are just starting out and have a bold vision for a technology company, including those in the education sector. Their deep expertise in the pre-seed and seed stages makes them a strong partner for building a solid foundation.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Education, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: DoorDash, Guardant Health, Credible Labs
• Number of investments: Over 400

You can refer to their website here.

2. Village Capital

Village Capital is a Washington, D.C.-based firm that supports entrepreneurs focused on building a more inclusive and sustainable world. They operate as both a venture capital investor and an accelerator, providing a unique blend of funding and programmatic support.

The firm invests across several stages, from seed to early-stage venture, and also provides debt and convertible notes. Their portfolio includes promising companies like mPokket and MPOWER Financing, which are approaching unicorn status, and they have a history of successful exits.

Village Capital is a great match for founders in the EdTech or FinTech sectors whose companies have a clear social or environmental impact mission. If you value structured support and a strong community alongside capital, their accelerator and investment model could be a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note, Debt
• Industries of focus: EdTech, Education, FinTech, Financial Services, Agriculture
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: mPokket, MPOWER Financing, Neighborly
• Number of investments: 364

You can refer to their website here.

3. J-Ventures

J-Ventures is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm that operates as an LP-driven fund, investing from seed to late-stage rounds. Their model suggests a collaborative approach, drawing on the expertise of their Limited Partners.

The firm invests across a broad set of industries, including education, FinTech, and medical sectors. A key characteristic is their track record of backing major unicorns like Ramp, Ro, and DataRobot, showing a focus on companies with high-growth potential.

J-Ventures is a compelling option for founders with ambitious goals who are building companies in one of their focus industries. Their ability to invest across multiple stages makes them a potential long-term partner for a company's entire growth journey.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Construction, Education, FinTech, Marketing, Medical, Retail, Web Development
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Ramp, Ro, DataRobot, PlayStudios, Yotpo
• Number of investments: 56
• Number of exits: 7

You can refer to their website here.

4. TMV

TMV is a New York-based, early-stage venture firm that invests in companies shaping "the future of living well." They back purpose-driven founders across a range of sectors, including healthcare, FinTech, and education.

The firm has a strong record of supporting companies to significant milestones, including unicorns like Cityblock Health and the medical apparel brand FIGS. Their portfolio also includes successful exits, such as Casper's IPO and the acquisition of the parent-teacher platform ClassTag.

TMV is a good match for early-stage founders whose businesses have a clear mission to improve people's lives. Their focus on purpose-driven companies makes them a strong partner for founders who value impact alongside growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Education, Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care, Logistics, Transportation
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Cityblock Health, FIGS, Casper Sleep, ClassTag
• Number of investments: 66
• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

5. GSV Ventures

GSV Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that invests exclusively in the education technology sector. They support companies from the seed stage through early and late-stage rounds.

The firm is defined by its singular focus on EdTech, backing companies from seed to growth stages. Their portfolio includes some of the most recognized names in the industry, such as Coursera and Andela, indicating a strategy of investing in future market leaders.

GSV Ventures is an ideal partner for founders building high-growth technology companies within the education sector. If your vision is to create a category-defining product with global reach, their track record and industry focus make them a compelling choice.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: EdTech, Education, STEM Education, Big Data
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Coursera, Andela, Apna, Nearpod, Physics Wallah
• Number of investments: 148
• Number of exits: 25

You can refer to their website here.

6. devlabs

devlabs is an Oakland-based micro VC that invests in teams solving major problems in large markets. The firm focuses on sectors like finance, agriculture, education, and health, backing companies from the seed stage onward.

A key aspect of their portfolio is a focus on Latin America, with flagship investments including the fintech unicorn Kushki and the AI-driven debt collection platform Colektia. They support companies through convertible notes and equity, primarily at the early stages.

The firm is a strong match for early-stage founders building scalable solutions for large, established industries. Founders with a focus on the Latin American market may find their experience particularly valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, Education, Finance, Health Care, Tourism
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Kushki, Colektia, Radar Treasury
• Number of investments: 34
• Number of exits: 2

You can refer to their website here.

7. ARK Investment Management

ARK Investment Management is a New York-based firm that takes a thematic approach to investing, targeting companies poised for significant long-term growth. They are active across the full company lifecycle, providing capital from seed rounds all the way to post-IPO stages.

The firm is distinguished by its focus on breakthrough technologies, with a strong interest in high-growth private companies. Their portfolio includes some of the most valuable private firms in the world, such as SpaceX, OpenAI, and Epic Games, according to their venture fund's holdings.

ARK is an excellent match for founders building companies with the potential for exponential growth, particularly in fields like AI, fintech, and other innovative sectors. Their ability to invest across all stages makes them a potential partner for a company's entire journey.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Education, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Epic Games, Coinbase
• Number of investments: 34
• Number of exits: 17

You can refer to their website here.

8. Acumen

Acumen is a New York-based non-profit venture fund that invests in companies using entrepreneurial methods to address global poverty. They support businesses that aim to create sustainable, market-based solutions for underserved communities.

The firm’s model is distinctive, blending venture capital with a non-profit mission to back founders in sectors like education, financial services, and clean energy. Their portfolio, including companies like Esusu and EarnUp, shows a clear focus on financial inclusion and improving livelihoods.

Acumen is a strong partner for founders whose businesses are fundamentally built to tackle issues related to poverty. If your company has a clear social impact mission and a scalable model, their expertise could be invaluable.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, Clean Energy, Education, Financial Services, Non Profit
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2001
• Notable portfolio companies: Esusu, EarnUp, Ema, Level
• Number of investments: 142
• Number of exits: 4

You can refer to their website here.

9. 7wire Ventures

7wire Ventures is a Chicago-based firm that invests in early and growth-stage companies at the intersection of technology and healthcare. They support founders in the digital health, mHealth, and education sectors.

The firm is known for backing companies with significant market impact, including Livongo, which had a notable IPO before being acquired for $18.5 billion. They also take an active role in company creation, having hatched the consumer health platform Transcarent.

This makes 7wire a strong match for founders building technology-driven solutions in healthcare, particularly those focused on consumer platforms or financial tools. Their ability to invest from seed to late stage offers the potential for long-term partnership.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Health Care, mHealth, Education
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2011
• Notable portfolio companies: Livongo, Transcarent, PayZen
• Number of investments: 72
• Number of exits: 6

You can refer to their website here.

10. BBG Ventures

BBG Ventures is a New York-based, early-stage fund that backs female founders with ambitious ideas. They focus on companies that are set to reshape how people live, work, and shop.

The firm's clear commitment to investing in women-led businesses is its defining feature. Their portfolio includes the mental health unicorn Spring Health, the popular wedding platform Zola, and the education subscription service KiwiCo.

BBG Ventures is an ideal partner for female founders at the seed or early stages. If your company is consumer-focused and operates in sectors like education, health, or sustainable goods, they are a compelling choice.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Education, Health Care, Women's-focused businesses
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Spring Health, Zola, The Mom Project, KiwiCo
• Number of investments: 117
• Number of exits: 14

You can refer to their website here.

11. LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator

LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator is a Boston-based firm that invests in and supports entrepreneurs on a mission to transform education. They operate as both a venture capital fund and an accelerator, focusing on early-stage companies.

The firm’s dual model of investing and accelerating provides founders with both capital and structured guidance. Their portfolio includes companies like Kaymbu, an early-childhood platform acquired by Teaching Strategies, and Entri, a fast-growing learning app in South Asia.

LearnLaunch is a great fit for early-stage EdTech founders who are looking for hands-on support to grow their business. If you value mentorship and a programmatic approach alongside your seed funding, their model is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: EdTech, E-Learning, Corporate Training, Higher Education
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Kaymbu, Entri, Robo Wunderkind, GoSprout
• Number of investments: 90
• Number of exits: 12

You can refer to their website here.

12. VilCap Investments

VilCap Investments is a San Francisco-based venture firm that provides risk capital to early-stage companies. Its investment process is unique, as it funds businesses that are peer-selected out of Village Capital's accelerator programs.

The firm’s model is directly linked to the Village Capital accelerator, meaning its portfolio companies are chosen by fellow founders. They have a history of successful exits, including the acquisition of the financial wellness platform Vault and the consumer-electronics warranty provider Upsie Technology.

VilCap is an excellent match for founders who have participated in a Village Capital accelerator. It's also a strong choice for early-stage companies in education, finance, or health care that value a peer-driven investment process.

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, Private Equity, Debt
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, Clean Energy, Education, Finance, Health Care
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Vault, Upsie Technology, Billpocket, Kuli Kuli
• Number of investments: 85
• Number of exits: 17

You can refer to their website here.

13. TechRise Chicago

TechRise Chicago is a venture capital firm and startup competition dedicated to supporting Black and Latinx tech founders. Based in Chicago, this multi-stakeholder initiative provides critical early-stage capital and resources.

The firm's model is notable for its combination of grants, seed, and early-stage venture funding, reflecting a flexible approach to backing founders. Their focus is on the founder demographic rather than a narrow industry, with investments spanning education, finance, and construction.

TechRise is an ideal partner for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of building their companies. Founders looking for a supportive ecosystem and flexible funding options in the Chicago area will find their model particularly compelling.

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, Grant
• Industries of focus: Construction, Education, Finance, Food and Beverage, Insurance, Medical, Professional Services, Web Design
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2021
• Number of investments: 139

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Education Companies

This list shows that the venture capital scene for the education sector is well-developed, particularly for companies in their early stages. A significant number of firms provide pre-seed, seed, and early-stage funding, which is positive news if you're just starting out. Geographically, investors are concentrated in major US tech hubs, which is typical for the industry.

What's also apparent is the variety of investor types. Beyond dedicated EdTech funds, you'll find generalist VCs, impact-driven firms, and investors focused on specific founder communities. This diversity means you have a better chance of finding a partner whose goals and values align with your own, giving you more options as you build your outreach strategy.

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

Your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. A focused list of relevant investors helps you direct your efforts effectively.

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 provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you manage and deploy your new capital efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Education

Which Bay Area venture capital firms invest in EdTech?

The Bay Area is a major hub for EdTech. Many firms, from large to small, are based there and actively invest in education technology. It's a great place to connect with investors focused on the sector, including Pear VC and J-Ventures.

Are there EdTech VC firms in NYC?

New York has a strong community of EdTech investors. Firms like TMV, BBG Ventures, and ARK Invest are based there and actively fund education companies, offering capital and valuable connections in a key market.

Can I find education-focused VC firms in the UK or Europe?

Yes, the EdTech venture scene is global. You can find active investors in hubs like London and across Europe. Many US firms also invest internationally, so your location does not have to limit your fundraising options.

How do I find pre-seed venture capital firms for education startups?

Focus on firms that explicitly state a pre-seed or "earliest stages" focus. Many accelerators, like LearnLaunch, also provide initial capital. Networking and researching firms that have backed similar early-stage companies is a great starting point.

What do education technology VC firms look for?

Investors want to see a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and a clear product vision. For EdTech, demonstrating early user engagement or a unique pedagogical approach can make your company more attractive to them.

What should I do after securing venture capital?

Once your round is closed, it's crucial to manage your new capital effectively. Our platform at Rho provides integrated banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you deploy your funds with confidence.