Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Specializing in Impact Investing

If you're building a business focused on social or environmental impact, finding the right investors is about more than just capital. You need partners who understand your mission and the specific challenges of growing a purpose-driven company.

To help you prepare for your fundraise, our team has put together this overview of venture capital firms active in impact investing, ESG, and climate tech. This guide is designed to give you a quick summary of potential partners who align with your goals.

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Which VC Firms in Impact Investing Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is key. This is a quick overview of impact investing VC firms, organized by the stage at which they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Impact Investing

This initial stage is for getting your idea off the ground, often before you have significant revenue. For founders focused on social or environmental impact, firms like Better Ventures, Initialized Capital, and Fifty Years are known for providing some of the first checks to mission-driven companies.

Early Stage VC Firms in Impact Investing

Early-stage funding, typically Series A or B, is designed to help you scale your operations and build a strong market presence. Some early stage venture capital firms with sector-specific expertise in impact investing include BoxGroup and True Ventures, both of which have a track record of backing high-growth technology startups.

Late Stage VC Firms in Impact Investing

Late-stage capital is for established companies looking to expand significantly, prepare for an IPO, or pursue an acquisition. Global venture capital firms like Sixth Street Partners often provide this type of growth equity and have experience guiding companies toward a strong exit strategy.

It's also worth noting that many VC firms, such as Felicis and Wing Venture Capital, invest across multiple stages from seed to growth.

Below is a more detailed summary of top VC firms in the impact investing space. We've outlined their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a notable option for founders.

1. BoxGroup

Based in New York, BoxGroup is an early-stage investment fund that has been backing technology companies since 2009. They primarily provide capital at the seed and early stages to help founders get their businesses off the ground.

The firm is known for getting in on the ground floor with companies that grow to become category leaders, such as Plaid, Airtable, and Ramp. Their portfolio shows a strong conviction in fintech, enterprise software, and high-growth consumer brands.

BoxGroup may be a good match if you're a founder building a technology-driven business with ambitions for significant scale. They have a clear track record of supporting companies from their earliest days through to major growth milestones and successful exits.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Technology, with notable experience in FinTech, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, but invests across the United States
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: Plaid, Airtable, Ramp, Warby Parker
• Portfolio size: Over 700 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Wing Venture Capital

Based in Palo Alto, Wing Venture Capital invests in technology businesses from their earliest stages through to late-stage growth. The firm has a clear focus on foundational technology, particularly in areas like machine learning, data, and financial services.

Their portfolio shows a history of guiding companies to successful exits, including the IPO for Opower and several high-profile acquisitions. Wing may be a good partner if you are building a business-focused technology company and are looking for a long-term capital partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Technology, Machine Learning, Financial Services, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Algorand, Opower, Palerra, Noteable
• Portfolio size: Over 190 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a global investment firm based in San Francisco that provides capital and solutions to businesses across various stages of growth. Founded in 2009, they operate with a flexible mandate, allowing them to invest across different asset classes and industries.

The firm takes a thematic approach, developing deep insights into specific sectors and offering tailored financial solutions. Their portfolio includes well-known companies like Airbnb and investments in high-growth SaaS platforms like Awardco and Wealthbox.

Sixth Street may be a good partner if your company is more established and looking for a flexible capital provider for growth. They are well-suited for founders who need a partner that can offer different types of financing, from venture debt to private equity.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, with a global investment focus
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: Airbnb, Awardco, AirTrunk, Wealthbox, 1upHealth
• Portfolio size: Over 80 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Haun Ventures

Haun Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies building the future of the internet with web3. Based in Menlo Park, they provide capital to crypto-focused startups from their earliest stages.

The firm has a clear focus on the cryptocurrency and financial services sectors, backing foundational companies in the space. Their portfolio includes category-defining names like OpenSea and Chainalysis, showing a strategy of investing in potential market leaders.

Haun Ventures may be a good match if you are a founder building a company in the web3 ecosystem. They appear to be a strong partner for teams with deep technical knowledge and a vision to build core infrastructure for the decentralized web.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Cryptocurrency, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: OpenSea, Chainalysis, Fireblocks, Aptos Labs
• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Human Capital

Human Capital is a venture firm based in San Francisco that invests in companies from seed to late stage. They provide capital to businesses across a range of industries, with a focus on technology and financial services.

The firm’s name suggests a founder-centric approach, and their portfolio includes some of the most significant technology companies of the last decade. They have backed businesses like Snowflake, which had the largest software IPO ever, and Brex, a major player in startup finance.

Human Capital may be a good fit if you are a founder building a technology-driven company with high-growth ambitions. Their multi-stage investment strategy indicates they are prepared to support teams for the long term.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Impact Investing, and Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Snowflake, Brex, Anduril, Livongo, Scale AI
• Portfolio size: Over 120 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Felicis

Felicis is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park that invests in companies from seed through Series C. They back businesses across a wide range of industries, with a focus on frontier technology.

The firm is known for backing iconic companies like Shopify and Opendoor from their early days. Their portfolio suggests a focus on businesses with the potential to become market leaders, regardless of the specific industry.

Felicis may be a good partner if you are building a company with the potential for significant scale and market leadership. Their multi-stage approach makes them a strong choice for founders seeking a long-term capital partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Impact Investing, Frontier Tech
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Shopify, Opendoor, Dialpad, SoundHound, Tines
• Portfolio size: Over 670 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Quona Capital

Quona Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in fintech companies across emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., they focus on businesses that are building financial solutions for underserved populations.

The firm has a clear focus on driving financial inclusion through technology and invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds. Their portfolio shows a history of backing companies to successful exits, including the IPO of IndiaMART and the growth of African e-commerce startup Wasoko.

Quona Capital may be a good partner if you are a founder building a fintech company in an emerging market. They are well-suited for teams that need a capital partner with specific expertise in financial inclusion and a track record of guiding companies to an exit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Washington, D.C., with a focus on emerging markets
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: IndiaMART, Wasoko, Azimo, Coins.ph
• Portfolio size: Over 160 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. True Ventures

True Ventures is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm that has been investing in early-stage technology startups since 2005. They focus on providing foundational capital to companies at the seed and early stages.

The firm has a strong record of backing consumer-facing companies that become household names, including Peloton, Fitbit, and Ring. Their portfolio shows a clear ability to identify and support businesses with significant market potential, guiding them toward major exits like IPOs and billion-dollar acquisitions.

True Ventures could be an excellent partner if you are a founder building a technology company, particularly in the consumer space. Their focus on the earliest stages suggests they are prepared to support founders from the very beginning of their journey.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Finance, Financial Services, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: Peloton, Fitbit, Ring, Sweetgreen, HashiCorp
• Portfolio size: Over 740 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Bling Capital

Bling Capital is a San Jose-based firm that invests in early-stage companies, focusing on seed and venture rounds. They back businesses across a variety of sectors, including consumer tech, fintech, SaaS, and automation.

The firm’s portfolio features several high-profile technology companies that have achieved public listings, such as Lyft, Palantir, and GitLab. This track record signals a focus on identifying and supporting companies with the potential for large-scale growth and successful market exits.

Bling Capital may be a good partner if you are a founder of a technology business with ambitions for significant growth. Their experience suggests they are well-equipped to guide companies toward an IPO or other major liquidity event.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Tech, FinTech, SaaS, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Jose, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, Palantir, PagerDuty, Lime, GitLab
• Portfolio size: Over 140 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Fifty Years

Fifty Years is a San Francisco-based venture firm that backs early-stage entrepreneurs focused on solving major global challenges. Their mission is to partner with companies that can generate both significant financial returns and large-scale social or environmental impact.

The firm has a clear focus on impact investing and life sciences, backing companies with deep technological foundations. Their portfolio includes high-profile names like genetic-testing company Invitae and lab automation provider Opentrons, showing a commitment to complex, world-changing ideas.

Fifty Years is likely a good fit if you are a founder using technology to address fundamental problems in areas like health, climate, or food. They seem to favor ambitious, mission-driven teams building businesses with the potential for both commercial success and positive global change.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Life Science
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Substack, Worldcoin, Invitae, Health Catalyst, Opentrons
• Portfolio size: 150 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Google.org

Google.org is the philanthropic arm of Google, providing funding to organizations with ambitious ideas for creating long-term global impact. They operate as a corporate venture capital investor, focusing on non-profits and companies that prioritize social good.

The organization has a distinct focus on non-profits and for-profits that address major global issues, often through technology. Their portfolio includes companies like eSolar, a pioneer in solar power, and Medic Mobile, which develops health apps for remote communities.

Google.org is a strong potential partner if your organization is built around a core mission to solve a major social or environmental problem. They are well-suited for founders who need a partner that understands both technology and large-scale impact initiatives.

• Investment stages: Grant, Seed, and Venture
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Non Profit
• Geographical presence: Based in Mountain View, with a global focus
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: BrightSource Energy, eSolar, Sirum, Medic Mobile, Noora Health
• Portfolio size: 86 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Initialized Capital

Initialized Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that provides early-stage funding, with a focus on supporting software engineers and designers with their first seed investment. They have been active since 2012, building a reputation for getting in on the ground floor with promising tech companies.

The firm has a strong track record of backing companies that become household names, including Coinbase, Instacart, and Cruise. Their focus on providing the first check to technical founders suggests a hands-on, product-centric approach to building businesses from the very beginning.

Initialized Capital may be a good partner if you are a software engineer or designer looking for your first institutional funding. They are well-suited for founders building ambitious software companies who need a partner with experience guiding businesses to massive scale and successful exits.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Software, Finance, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Coinbase, Instacart, Cruise, Patreon, Opendoor
• Portfolio size: Over 530 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. SE Ventures

SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund based in Menlo Park, backed by over $1 billion from industrial technology leader Schneider Electric. They invest in companies that are shaping the future of energy and industrial efficiency.

The firm's connection to Schneider Electric provides portfolio companies with deep industry expertise and potential strategic partnerships. Their investments in companies like AutoGrid and Claroty show a clear focus on climate tech and industrial automation.

This firm is a strong choice for founders in the energy, sustainability, or industrial sectors who are seeking a strategic capital partner. They are particularly well-suited for teams that can benefit from corporate backing to scale their technology.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Climate tech, industrial automation, energy, and sustainability
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, with a global investment focus
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Claroty
• Portfolio size: 45 investments
• Fund size: Over $1 billion

You can refer to their website here.

14. Elevar Equity

Elevar Equity is a Seattle-based firm that provides early growth capital to companies in emerging markets. Their investment thesis is built on the idea that high financial returns and significant social impact are directly linked.

The firm has a clear focus on financial inclusion and essential services, backing unicorns like Latin American e-commerce platform Nuvemshop and Indian edtech company LEAD. Their portfolio shows a strong commitment to businesses serving underserved communities, from agri-fintech in India to digital banking in Mexico.

Elevar Equity may be a good partner if you are building a business in an emerging market that addresses a fundamental need for low-income communities. They are well-suited for founders who can demonstrate a clear connection between their business growth and positive social outcomes.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage, Late Stage Venture, and Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, with a focus on emerging markets like Latin America and India
• Founded: 2008
• Notable portfolio companies: Nuvemshop, LEAD, Covalto, Samunnati
• Portfolio size: 82 investments

You can refer to their website here.

15. Better Ventures

Better Ventures is an Oakland-based firm that provides early-stage capital to entrepreneurs building companies with a positive global impact. They are mission-driven, backing founders who are working to create a better world.

The firm shows a strong commitment to sustainability, with investments in food-tech companies like Meati Foods and ag-tech startups like NuCicer. Their portfolio also includes core infrastructure for fleet electrification, such as Synop, signaling a focus on tangible, technology-driven solutions to environmental problems.

Better Ventures is a strong potential partner if your company's core business model is designed to generate both financial returns and measurable social or environmental benefits. They are particularly well-suited for founders in climate tech, sustainable food, and other impact-focused industries.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, Sustainability, FinTech, Transportation
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Meati Foods, Synop, Avalo, SMBX
• Portfolio size: 86 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Impact Investing Companies

This overview shows a healthy variety of funding sources for companies focused on social and environmental impact. There is significant support at the early stages, with many firms dedicated to providing seed and Series A capital. At the same time, the number of multi-stage investors and late-stage specialists means you can find partners for your entire growth journey.

While many of these firms are based in U.S. tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area, several have a global mandate, actively investing in emerging markets. For founders, this suggests a well-balanced field of potential investors. Capital is available across different stages and geographies, giving you a solid range of options as you plan your next steps.

Raise Confidently with Rho

A targeted list of investors saves you valuable time and energy during a fundraise. It allows you to focus on the partners who are truly aligned with your company's mission.

If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. We provide the financial infrastructure you need to put your new capital to work with confidence.

Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. These tools are designed to give you clear visibility and control over your company's finances.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Impact Investing

What do climate tech venture capital firms look for in a startup?

Climate tech VCs seek companies with scalable, technology-driven solutions to major environmental challenges. They look for a strong founding team, a clear business model, and the potential for significant, measurable impact on sustainability and carbon reduction.

Which European venture capital firms focus on impact investing?

Many European VCs specialize in impact, with hubs in cities like Berlin and Paris. These firms often focus on climate tech and sustainability, providing capital for founders building businesses with a clear environmental or social mission.

Are there Asian VC firms that specialize in ESG and impact investing?

Yes, a growing number of venture capital firms in Asia, particularly in hubs like Singapore, are dedicated to ESG and impact. They often look for companies with strong exit potential and clear, measurable social or environmental goals.

How do accelerators like Y Combinator fit into the impact investing space?

Accelerators like Y Combinator are often the first stop for early-stage founders. While not exclusively focused on impact, they support many mission-driven companies, providing initial funding, mentorship, and connections to later-stage impact venture capital firms.

How can I find founder-friendly VCs for my impact startup?

Look for firms with a transparent process and a portfolio of founders who speak highly of their experience. Founder-friendly VCs often offer flexible term sheets and provide genuine support beyond just capital, aligning with your long-term mission.

How can Rho help my startup after a successful fundraise?

Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments, giving you the financial tools to scale your business with confidence.