Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Specializing in Impact Investing

For founders building mission-driven companies, finding the right investor goes beyond securing capital. You need a partner who understands the unique goals of social impact and ESG-focused businesses. Knowing which venture capital firms specialize in this area is a critical first step before you start fundraising.

To help you identify potential partners, our team at Rho curated this overview of top VCs in the impact investing space. This guide offers a quick summary of firms that support sustainable, clean tech, and other mission-driven startups.

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

Key Takeaways

• For startups focused on social impact, securing venture funding provides the capital to scale your operations and validates your mission with a partner who shares your goals.
• Venture capital firms are active in this space, with notable backers of various startups including BoxGroup, Wing Venture Capital, Sixth Street, and Haun Ventures.
• Once you've closed a funding round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

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

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to makes all the difference. To help, we’ve created a quick overview of which VC firms in the impact investing space invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Impact Investing

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you’ll raise, often to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders in the social impact space, firms like Initialized Capital, BoxGroup, and Better Ventures specialize in writing those first checks.

Early Stage VC Firms in Impact Investing

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven traction that need capital to scale their team and accelerate growth. Some notable early-stage venture capital firms with a focus on ESG and sustainability include True Ventures, Felicis, and Human Capital.

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.

Late Stage VC Firms in Impact Investing

Late-stage rounds provide significant capital to mature companies for market expansion, major acquisitions, or as a final step before an IPO. If your company is at this point, you might consider partners like Sixth Street Partners or SE Ventures, which have experience with growth equity and pre-exit financing.

Keep in mind that many climate tech and social venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages, from seed to exit.

Below is our overview of top VC firms specializing in impact investing, with key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a compelling choice for founders.

1. BoxGroup

BoxGroup is an early-stage fund based in New York that has been investing in technology companies since 2009. They focus on writing the first checks for promising startups, often getting involved at the seed stage.

The firm is known for backing category-defining companies from their earliest days, including Plaid, Airtable, and Ramp. Their portfolio shows a strong track record in fintech and SaaS, signaling a product-centric investment approach.

This firm is a great match for founders who need an early, conviction-driven partner for a high-growth technology business. Once you close that crucial first round, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, financial services, and impact investing
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: Plaid, Airtable, Ramp, Warby Parker
• Track record: Over 700 investments and more than 120 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Wing Venture Capital

Based in Palo Alto, Wing Venture Capital invests in technology-driven businesses across their entire lifecycle. The firm is active from seed and early rounds all the way to late-stage venture, providing long-term partnership.

The firm has a clear focus on sectors like machine learning and financial services, with a portfolio that includes notable exits. Companies like Opower (IPO) and Palerra (acquired by Oracle) highlight their experience in building businesses for significant outcomes.

Wing Venture Capital is a strong choice for founders building enterprise technology companies with ambitions for a major exit. Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Business Development, Financial Services, Machine Learning, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, CA
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Algorand, Opower, Palerra
• Track record: Over 197 investments and 27 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a global investment firm that takes a thematic approach to providing capital solutions for businesses across various industries. They operate as both a private equity firm and venture capital investor, offering a wide range of financing options.

The firm is notable for its flexible investment mandate, participating in everything from early-stage venture rounds to post-IPO financing and debt. Their portfolio, which includes companies like Airbnb and enterprise SaaS platforms like Wealthbox, shows a capacity for backing both consumer brands and B2B technology.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders of growth-stage companies who need a flexible capital provider for scaling. Their experience across finance, impact investing, and technology makes them a good fit for companies seeking significant, structured investment.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early-stage to post-IPO, private equity, and debt
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Impact Investing, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: Airbnb, Awardco, AirTrunk, Wealthbox
• Track record: Over 80 investments and 24 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Haun Ventures

Haun Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to backing founders in the web3 and crypto space. Based in Menlo Park, the firm invests from the earliest stages of a company's life, focusing on both seed and early-stage rounds.

The firm has a clear focus on foundational web3 companies, with a portfolio that includes market leaders like OpenSea and Chainalysis. Their investment strategy shows a commitment to partnering with teams building core infrastructure and platforms for the decentralized internet.

This firm is a strong match for founders building ambitious crypto-native projects who want a partner with deep expertise in the ecosystem. Their portfolio suggests a preference for businesses with the potential to define new categories in web3.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and secondary market
• Industries of focus: Cryptocurrency, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, CA
• Founded: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: OpenSea, Chainalysis, Fireblocks, Aptos Labs
• Track record: 30 investments and 1 exit

You can refer to their website here.

5. Human Capital

Human Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco that partners with companies from their earliest stages through growth. They invest across seed, early-stage, and late-stage rounds, offering long-term support for ambitious founders.

The firm is known for backing highly ambitious technology companies that have gone on to become market leaders. Their portfolio includes major successes like Snowflake, Brex, and Anduril, indicating a focus on businesses with category-defining potential.

Human Capital is a strong fit for founders building deeply technical companies with the potential for massive scale. If you are creating foundational technology in areas like AI, data infrastructure, or fintech, their track record suggests they are a compelling partner.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Impact Investing, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Snowflake, Brex, Anduril, Livongo, Scale AI
• Track record: 126 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Felicis

Felicis is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park that invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to Series C. They take a broad approach, backing founders in a wide range of sectors and industries.

The firm is known for its sector-agnostic strategy, with a portfolio that includes frontier tech alongside more established industries. Their track record features major successes like Shopify, Opendoor, and SoundHound, highlighting their ability to back companies that achieve massive scale and successful public exits.

Felicis is a compelling partner for founders building high-growth businesses, regardless of the specific industry. If you are creating a company with the potential to become a category-defining leader, their experience makes them a strong fit.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Impact Investing, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, CA
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Shopify, Opendoor, Dialpad, SoundHound, Tines
• Track record: 679 investments and 169 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Quona Capital

Quona Capital is a venture capital firm that backs innovative fintech companies in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., they have a global mandate to support financial inclusion and technology-driven growth.

The firm has a distinct focus on fintech for financial inclusion across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Their portfolio highlights a track record of successful exits, including India’s B2B marketplace IndiaMART and the cross-border remittance platform Azimo.

Quona Capital is an ideal partner for founders building fintech solutions aimed at underserved populations in emerging markets. If your company is focused on financial inclusion and has a clear path to scale, their expertise is highly relevant.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, 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
• Track record: 164 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. True Ventures

True Ventures is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm that partners with technology startups at the earliest stages. Since its founding in 2005, the firm has focused on providing foundational capital to companies from their inception.

The firm is recognized for backing iconic consumer and enterprise brands, guiding companies like Peloton, Fitbit, and Ring to major exits. This track record shows a strong ability to identify companies with mass-market potential and support them through to an IPO or major acquisition.

True Ventures is a great match for founders building ambitious technology companies in both consumer and enterprise sectors. If you are aiming for a high-profile outcome and need an early partner with deep experience, their portfolio makes them a compelling choice.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Finance, Financial Services, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, CA
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: Peloton, Fitbit, Ring, Sweetgreen, and HashiCorp
• Track record: 740 investments and 120 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Bling Capital

Bling Capital is a San Jose-based firm founded in 2018 that invests in technology companies at the seed and early stages. They take a broad approach, backing startups across consumer tech, SaaS, fintech, and automation.

The firm is notable for its portfolio of high-profile companies that have achieved major exits, including Lyft, Palantir, and GitLab. This track record signals a focus on identifying and backing businesses with the potential for massive scale and public market success.

Bling Capital is a good fit for founders building ambitious technology companies who need an early partner with experience guiding startups to significant outcomes. Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer tech, SaaS, fintech, automation, and impact investing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Jose, CA
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, Palantir, PagerDuty, Lime, GitLab
• Track record: 143 investments and 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Fifty Years

Fifty Years is an early-stage venture fund based in San Francisco that backs entrepreneurs using technology to address major global challenges. They focus on companies with the potential to create significant positive social or environmental impact.

The firm has a clear focus on science and technology-driven solutions, with a portfolio that includes leaders in life sciences, data analytics, and web3. Their investments in companies like Opentrons and Health Catalyst show a commitment to backing businesses that solve complex, real-world problems.

Fifty Years is a strong partner for founders building deep-tech or science-based companies with a clear mission. If your startup is tackling a large-scale problem in areas like healthcare or climate technology, their focus on impact makes them a compelling choice.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Impact investing, life science, and venture capital
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Substack, Worldcoin, Invitae, Health Catalyst, Opentrons
• Track record: 150 investments and 8 exits

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 long-term global impact. They operate as a corporate venture capital firm, supporting both non-profits and for-profit companies through grants and direct investment.

The firm has a clear focus on technology-driven solutions to major challenges, from clean energy to public health. They backed clean energy pioneers like eSolar and also support health-tech platforms like Medic Mobile and Sirum, which use technology to improve healthcare access.

Google.org is an excellent match for founders of non-profits or social enterprises using technology to address large-scale problems. If your work aligns with creating widespread social good, their grant and venture funding can provide critical support.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Grant, seed, and venture
• Industries of focus: Impact investing and non-profit
• Geographical presence: Based in Mountain View, CA, with a global focus
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: BrightSource Energy, eSolar, Sirum, Medic Mobile, Noora Health
• Track record: Over 85 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Initialized Capital

Initialized Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that has been providing seed funding to startups since 2012. They have a reputation for writing the first checks for founders, with a particular focus on supporting software engineers and designers.

The firm is known for its early bets on companies that became household names, including Coinbase, Instacart, and Cruise. Their portfolio demonstrates a strong ability to identify and back foundational companies that go on to achieve significant scale and major exits.

This firm is a great fit for technical founders building ambitious software companies who need a partner with a proven record of backing unicorns from the seed stage. If you're creating a business with the potential for massive growth, their experience is highly relevant.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Software, Finance, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Coinbase, Instacart, Cruise, Patreon, Opendoor
• Track record: Over 530 investments and 106 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. SE Ventures

SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund backed by Schneider Electric, managing over $1 billion to invest from seed to late-stage rounds. Their focus is squarely on technology that can decarbonize and electrify our world, targeting sectors like cleantech, energy storage, and industrial automation.

Their portfolio includes unicorns like Scandit and Claroty, alongside strategic exits such as AutoGrid’s acquisition by Schneider Electric. This firm is a strong match for founders building technology for the energy and industrial sectors who want a strategic partner with deep market access.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Sustainability, Industrial Automation, Energy, AI
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, CA
• Founded: 2017
• Fund size: Over $1 billion
• Notable portfolio companies: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Volta Charging, Claroty
• Track record: 45 investments and 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Elevar Equity

Elevar Equity provides early growth capital to companies where social impact and financial returns are directly linked. The firm is based in Seattle and invests across a wide range of stages, from seed to private equity, focusing on businesses that serve underserved customers.

Their portfolio shows a strong focus on emerging markets, backing unicorns like Latin American e-commerce platform Nuvemshop and Indian edtech company LEAD. They also support companies driving financial inclusion, such as Mexico’s first digital challenger bank Covalto and agri-fintech platform Samunnati.

This firm is an excellent choice for founders building scalable businesses for underserved communities in Latin America and India. If your model proves that positive impact can generate strong commercial returns, Elevar Equity’s approach aligns well.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Impact investing, FinTech, and Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, with a focus on emerging markets in Latin America and India
• Founded: 2008
• Notable portfolio companies: Nuvemshop, LEAD, Covalto, Samunnati, Indifi
• Track record: Over 82 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

15. Better Ventures

Better Ventures is an Oakland-based firm that backs entrepreneurs building a better world. They focus on providing seed and early-stage capital to technology companies with a clear mission to address major social and environmental challenges.

The firm’s portfolio shows a strong commitment to sustainability, with investments in food-tech unicorn Meati Foods, ag-tech startup NuCicer, and Synop, which provides an operating system for commercial EV fleets. This signals a focus on businesses where positive impact and commercial success are deeply connected.

Better Ventures is a strong fit for founders whose business models are fundamentally tied to creating positive change in sectors like climate-tech, sustainable food, and financial inclusion. Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Sustainability, FinTech, Transportation, and Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, CA
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Meati Foods, NuCicer, Synop, Avalo, SMBX
• Track record: 86 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

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

This list of firms shows that the funding options for impact-focused companies are both broad and deep. For you as a founder, this is an encouraging sign. There is significant capital available at the seed and early stages, with many investors ready to write the first check. Importantly, the support extends well beyond that, as many of these firms partner with companies through their entire growth cycle, from Series A to late-stage rounds.

The investor base itself is also varied. You’ll find dedicated impact funds alongside large, generalist firms and corporate VCs, giving you different types of potential partners. While many are located in major US tech hubs, several have a global focus, especially on emerging markets. This variety means you have a better chance of finding a partner whose model and mission truly fit your own. 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

Fundraising is a full-time job, and your energy is finite. This overview is meant to help you focus on investors who are genuinely aligned with your mission.

After you close your round, putting that capital to work is the next priority. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform gives you integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. These tools help you manage and deploy your new funding with clarity and control.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Impact Investing

What makes a venture capital firm founder-friendly?

Founder-friendly VCs offer fair term sheets, respect your vision, and provide genuine support beyond capital. They act as true partners, offering their network and expertise to help you succeed without taking excessive control of your company.

Are there many European venture capital firms for impact investing?

Yes, Europe has a growing number of impact VCs. Firms across the UK, Berlin, and Paris are actively funding startups in sustainability and social good, offering capital for companies focused on making a positive environmental or social difference.

Which Asian VC firms specialize in ESG criteria?

Many Asian VC firms now integrate ESG criteria. Firms in Singapore and across the region look for strong financial returns alongside measurable environmental and social governance metrics, reflecting a growing demand for sustainable business practices in their portfolios.

What do early-stage climate tech venture capital firms look for?

Early-stage climate tech VCs seek strong technical teams, a clear path to commercialization, and technology that can scale. Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently, so you can focus on growth.

How do I find the right social impact venture capital firm?

Start by researching firms that align with your mission and stage, like those on our list. Network with other founders, attend industry events, and use databases to find investors whose portfolios show a genuine commitment to your sector.

How can Rho help after I secure funding from an impact VC?

Once your round is closed, managing funds is critical. Our platform provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy capital with clarity. Get started with Rho in minutes.