Top 7 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Fashion Startups

For founders in the fashion, apparel, or beauty space, understanding which investors are active in your world is a crucial first step before raising capital. The right partner brings more than just funding; they offer specific industry knowledge.

To help you find them, the Rho team has curated this guide to the top venture capital firms in the consumer products sector. It’s a quick overview of relevant investors, from early-stage to growth-stage, to support your fundraising research.

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

Key Takeaways

• For a fashion startup, securing venture funding means gaining the capital to scale production and marketing, plus getting access to a partner’s industry-specific expertise.
• Several venture firms are active in the fashion sector, with top players like Bullish, The Venture Reality Fund (VRF), The Helm, and M3 Ventures backing a range of consumer startups.
• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage and deploy your capital efficiently with integrated tools for business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Fashion Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to speak with is helpful at every stage, from your first funding round to a future exit. Here is a quick overview of venture capital firms in fashion, organized by the stage at which they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Fashion

Pre-seed and seed funding is typically the first capital a startup raises, used to validate the business idea and build an initial product. For founders in the beauty and apparel space, several seed venture capital firms specialize in providing this foundational support, including Sputnik ATX, the women-led The Helm, and Fab Co-Creation Studio.

Early Stage VC Firms in Fashion

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B rounds, helps companies with proven market traction to scale their operations and growth. Consumer product venture capital firms such as New York-based Bullish and The Venture Reality Fund are known for backing brands at this stage.

Late Stage VC Firms in Fashion

Late-stage venture capital is for mature companies looking to expand significantly, prepare for an IPO, or consider acquisition opportunities. You might look to growth stage venture capital firms like Founders Circle Capital or M3 Ventures, which provide capital to help established companies reach their next major milestone.

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.

It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across multiple startup funding stages, from seed to exit.

Here is more information on the top venture capital firms investing in fashion. We’ve included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a potentially strong partner for your startup.

1. Bullish

Based in New York, Bullish is an early-stage consumer investment firm that also functions as a strategy-led brand agency. They provide both seed and early-stage venture capital to companies in the consumer sector.

The firm’s dual role as investor and brand-builder is a key differentiator, offering founders hands-on strategic support. Their portfolio highlights a deep expertise in the direct-to-consumer model, featuring household names like Peloton Interactive, Casper, and Warby Parker.

Bullish is a strong potential partner for founders building consumer-facing brands who value strategic guidance on branding and market positioning. Their model is especially well-suited for teams that need more than just a check to get started.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Consumer, Fashion, Financial Services, Wellness
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Peloton, Casper, Warby Parker, Harry’s, Birchbox
• Portfolio size: 69 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. The Venture Reality Fund/VRF

The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) is an early-stage firm that invests in companies building the future of digital interaction through AI and spatial computing. Based in California, they back founders from the seed stage onward, focusing on technologies that power immersive experiences.

VRF’s clear priority is deep tech, particularly in augmented and virtual reality, which is evident in their portfolio of notable investments like Owlchemy Labs (acquired by Google). Their approach centers on backing companies with strong strategic value in the evolving digital world.

The firm is a strong match for founders with a technical background whose products have applications in gaming, social media, or immersive fashion. Teams aiming for strategic acquisitions by major tech players would fit well with VRF's track record.

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, Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality, Fashion, Gaming, Software, Virtual Reality
• Geographical presence: Burlingame, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Baobab Studios, Strivr, Owlchemy Labs
• Portfolio size: 64 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. The Helm

Based in New York, The Helm is an early-stage venture firm that invests exclusively in companies founded by women. They operate through a fund and an investor membership, signaling a community-driven approach to supporting founders from the seed stage onward.

Their portfolio is diverse, backing ambitious ideas in deep tech like Venus Aerospace and breakout consumer brands like Billie, which was acquired for $310 million. This makes The Helm an ideal partner for women founders who value a strong network and are building high-impact companies, whether in consumer, healthcare, or tech.

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, Venture
• Industries of focus: Communities, Fashion, Finance, Financial Services, Lifestyle
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Venus Aerospace, Tia, Rebellyous Foods, Billie
• Portfolio size: 31 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. M3 Ventures

M3 Ventures is a New York-based firm that acts as a strategic partner for founders in the fashion, lifestyle, and wellness sectors. They invest across the startup lifecycle, from seed and early-stage rounds to private equity, supporting companies as they grow.

The firm’s portfolio highlights a focus on consumer-facing brands, with successful exits in maternity fashion (HATCH Collection) and premium diapers (Coterie). They also back high-growth companies like outdoor brand Cotopaxi and their unicorn investment, the primary-care clinic Forward.

M3 Ventures is a strong match for founders building direct-to-consumer brands who want a partner with a track record of scaling companies toward major exits. Their experience with both niche consumer products and tech-enabled services makes them a versatile investor for ambitious teams.

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, Private Equity, Seed
• Industries of focus: Fashion, Lifestyle, Wellness
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Forward, HATCH Collection, Coterie, Foxtrot, Cotopaxi
• Portfolio size: 39 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Founders Circle Capital

Founders Circle Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that primarily invests in growth-stage companies. Their stated focus is on "investing in people," backing experienced teams at companies that have already demonstrated significant market traction.

The firm’s portfolio is defined by its high-profile successes, including companies like DoorDash and Robinhood that went on to have major IPOs. This track record points to a strategy of backing established market leaders on their path to a major liquidity event.

This firm is an excellent match for founders of mature, late-stage companies seeking capital to scale for an IPO or acquisition. Their experience is best suited for teams that have already achieved product-market fit and are leading their category.

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: Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
• Industries of focus: Education, Fashion, Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: DoorDash, Robinhood, VMware, Ethos, MaintainX
• Portfolio size: 53 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Sputnik ATX

Sputnik ATX is an Austin-based venture fund and accelerator that invests in early-stage companies. They specifically back “maker-founders,” signaling a preference for teams with a hands-on, product-building mindset.

The firm's model as both an accelerator and a fund suggests they provide close guidance alongside capital. Their portfolio is diverse but includes consumer brands like LAMIK, a vegan cosmetics company, showing their interest in the beauty sector.

This firm is a good fit for founders who identify as “makers” and are looking for an accelerator program that provides both capital and structured support. Early-stage teams in the beauty or fashion space could find their model particularly helpful.

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: Beauty, Fashion, Retail, Social, Enterprise
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: LAMIK, Vybe, Cognitive View, Kargoplex
• Portfolio size: 116 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures

Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that invests in early-stage companies. They focus on conscious beauty and fashion brands, new commerce platforms, and direct-to-consumer models.

The firm shows a clear commitment to sustainability, backing material-science innovator Kintra Fibers and textile-recycling platform SuperCircle. Their portfolio also includes tech-forward brands like the shoppable video app Trendio.

This firm is a strong match for founders building conscious consumer brands, particularly in beauty and fashion with a sustainable component. Teams using technology to create new retail experiences would also find their focus relevant.

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: Conscious Beauty & Fashion, Retail Technology, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: Kintra Fibers, SuperCircle, Trendio, Function Health
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Fashion Companies

This list of investors shows a strong focus on early-stage companies in the fashion sector. The majority of firms covered here are prepared to write the first checks, with a clear emphasis on seed and early-stage rounds. This indicates a healthy environment for new founders, with capital available across key hubs like New York, California, and Texas.

Beyond stage, the investors themselves are varied. You can find partners specializing in brand strategy, tech applications for fashion, or sustainable materials. This variety allows you to seek a firm whose expertise aligns with your company's specific model and goals.

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

Having a focused list of relevant investors is a significant advantage. It allows you to direct your energy toward partners who understand your industry and are ready to invest.

Once your round is closed, the work of building begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes so you can get started right away.

Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you the tools to manage and deploy your new capital efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Fashion

Are there prominent fashion venture capital firms in Europe?

Yes, cities like London and Paris are hubs for fashion investment. European firms often seek brands with global appeal and a strong local market presence, backing companies from the seed stage through their growth phases.

Are there VCs that specialize in luxury fashion brands?

Yes, some firms concentrate on the high-end market. These investors seek exceptional brand stories, quality craftsmanship, and a clear plan for maintaining exclusivity while growing. This focus is critical for success in the luxury sector.

Are there venture capital firms that focus on women-led fashion startups?

Yes. Firms like The Helm, mentioned in our guide, invest exclusively in women-founded companies. Many other consumer-focused funds also have a strong mandate to back diverse founders, recognizing the unique market perspectives they often bring.

What do early-stage venture capital firms look for in a fashion brand?

Beyond a great idea, early-stage investors look for initial market traction and a deep understanding of your target customer. They also prioritize a strong founding team and a business model that shows potential for significant growth.

What are fashion tech venture capital firms?

These firms invest in technology serving the fashion industry. This includes sustainable materials, supply chain software, e-commerce platforms, and virtual reality tools. Their focus is on innovations that can improve how fashion is made, sold, or experienced.

How can Rho help after I secure funding from a fashion VC?

Once your round closes, our platform helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you the financial tools to start building immediately.