15 Notable Industrial Venture Capital Firms To Watch

For founders in Industrial Tech, finding the right investor is about more than just capital. You need a partner who understands the unique challenges of sectors like advanced manufacturing, robotics, or cleantech. Knowing which venture capital firms specialize in your area makes the fundraising process much more direct and effective.

To help, our team put together this guide to the top VC firms investing in Industrial Tech. We've curated this overview to help you quickly identify relevant investors for your startup, whether you're raising a seed round or preparing for growth stage financing.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast. Once funding is secured, our integrated financial tools help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in the Industrial Tech space means gaining a strategic partner who understands the sector's specific operational and technical needs, not just a source of capital.

• Top firms like SE Ventures, Blue Bear Capital, Activate Capital Partners, and Ironspring Ventures are notable backers in the Industrial Tech industry, actively investing in startups across advanced manufacturing and robotics.

• If you're a startup leader raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Industrial Tech Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're just starting out or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to contact. Here’s a brief overview of VC firms in the Industrial Tech space, broken down by investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Industrial Tech

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders in construction tech or manufacturing, firms like Ironspring Ventures and Contrarian Thinking specialize in this stage, while Primitive Ventures focuses on seed-stage blockchain and industrial applications.

Early Stage VC Firms in Industrial Tech

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven product-market fit that need capital to scale operations and grow their team. Some notable early-stage venture capital firms in the energy and cleantech sectors include Piva, SE Ventures, and Blue Bear Capital.

Late Stage VC Firms in Industrial Tech

Late-stage financing supports established companies aiming for significant expansion, market leadership, or preparing for an exit through an acquisition or IPO. Industrial technology venture capital firms like Activate Capital Partners and private equity investors such as Access Industries provide this type of growth 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.

Keep in mind that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to growth.

To help you find the right fit, here is a more detailed overview of top VC firms that focus on Industrial Tech. For each firm, we've outlined their investment stages, geographic preferences, and what makes them a strong potential partner for founders.

1. SE Ventures

Backed by industrial giant Schneider Electric, SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund with over $1 billion in assets. The firm invests in companies developing new technologies in sustainability, electrification, and industrial automation.

With its corporate backing, SE Ventures offers deep technical expertise and a clear path to market for its portfolio companies. Notable investments include the industrial cybersecurity unicorn Claroty and AutoGrid, an AI energy platform that was successfully acquired by Schneider Electric.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders whose technology aligns with Schneider Electric's strategic goals in energy management and automation. If you're seeking a hands-on investor with industry connections that can accelerate growth, SE Ventures is a strong candidate.

• Investment stages: Seed to late stage

• Industries of focus: Climate tech, energy management, industrial automation, mobility, and cybersecurity

• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California, with a global investment focus

• Founded: 2017

• Fund size: Over $1 billion

• Notable portfolio companies: Claroty, Scandit, Proterra, Volta Charging

You can refer to their website here.

2. Blue Bear Capital

Blue Bear Capital is a venture capital firm that supports companies applying AI and data-driven technologies to the energy and infrastructure sectors. They invest in digital solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of these foundational industries.

The firm invests from seed to late stage, signaling a capacity to support companies throughout their growth. Their portfolio features successful exits like the cybersecurity firm Mission Secure, demonstrating a clear strategy for backing specialized industrial tech.

If you're a founder building data-intensive software for energy, cleantech, or industrial applications, Blue Bear Capital could be a strong partner. They are a good match for teams seeking an investor with deep expertise in these specific markets.

• Investment stages: Seed to late stage

• Industries of focus: Energy, infrastructure, cleantech, and industrial software

• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: FreeWire Technologies, TruckLabs, Ocient, Mission Secure

You can refer to their website here.

3. Activate Capital Partners

Activate Capital Partners invests in high-growth companies whose technologies are fundamentally reshaping the industrial economy. The firm supports businesses across early and late venture stages, focusing on teams ready to scale.

Their investment history includes backing category-defining companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity, which signals a focus on ambitious ventures with the potential for major impact. This track record suggests they are experienced in guiding companies toward significant growth and high-profile exits.

Activate Capital is a good match for founders with proven technology in the industrial, transportation, or IT sectors. If you have a product with clear market traction and a vision for large-scale expansion, their experience could be a strong asset.

• Investment stages: Early to late stage

• Industries of focus: Industrial, Information Technology, Transportation

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, Stem, Ping Identity

• Number of investments: 36

You can refer to their website here.

4. Ironspring Ventures

Ironspring Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that leads and co-leads investments in companies digitizing the industrial world. They specialize in sectors like construction, manufacturing, transport and logistics, and alternative energy.

The firm shows a clear preference for leading seed rounds and backs ambitious companies like ICON, a 3D-printed housing pioneer. Their hands-on approach is also seen in their investments in the fintech Solvento and workforce SaaS Wilya.

Ironspring is a strong potential partner for founders at the earliest stages who are building foundational technology for traditional industries. They are a good fit if you are looking for a hands-on lead investor to help get your company off the ground.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Construction, manufacturing, transport & logistics, and alternative energy

• Geographical presence: Based in Austin, Texas

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: ICON, Solvento, Wilya

• Number of investments: 32

You can refer to their website here.

5. Anzu Partners

Anzu Partners invests in industrial and life science technology companies, distinguishing itself with a remarkably broad strategy. The firm supports businesses across their entire lifecycle, from initial seed funding to post-IPO and private equity stages.

The firm backs companies with breakthrough innovations, such as Banyan Biomarkers, which created the first FDA-approved blood test for brain injuries, and the popular open-source electronics platform, Arduino. Anzu has a clear history of guiding companies to successful exits, including both acquisitions and public market debuts.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders with deep-tech or hard-science products seeking a long-term investor. If your startup operates in a complex, regulated field or has ambitions for a public offering, Anzu’s experience across the full company lifecycle is a significant asset.

• Investment stages: Seed to private equity

• Industries of focus: Industrial, life science, biotechnology

• Geographical presence: Based in Washington, D.C.

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Arduino, Banyan Biomarkers, Pivotal Systems

• Number of investments: 73

You can refer to their website here.

6. Piva Capital

Piva Capital is a venture firm that invests in early-stage companies aiming to solve major challenges in the energy and industrial sectors. Backed by Malaysian energy giant Petronas, the firm focuses on startups with technologies that can reshape foundational industries.

The firm has a clear focus on deep-tech and hardware, backing companies like Boston Metal, which is developing zero-carbon steel, and Velo3D, a metal 3D printing company that went public. This portfolio shows a commitment to capital-intensive businesses with the potential for significant industrial impact.

Piva is a strong match for founders with science-driven solutions for decarbonization, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems. If you are building a company with foundational technology and need an investor who understands long development cycles, Piva is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Energy, industrial, software

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Velo3D, Boston Metal, Lunar Energy, Menlo Micro

• Number of investments: 25

You can refer to their website here.

7. Valhalla Ventures

Valhalla Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in companies with strong, sustainable competitive advantages, which they describe as "investing in enduring moats." They back founders building businesses with long-term defensibility.

The firm's portfolio is notable for its focus on deep-tech and frontier industries, from space travel and advanced manufacturing to biotechnology and sustainability. Investments like K2 Space, which builds large satellite platforms, and Rain, a maker of autonomous firefighting helicopters, show their interest in ambitious, hardware-intensive solutions.

Valhalla Ventures is a good match for founders building companies with foundational technology and strong intellectual property in complex sectors. If your startup is tackling major challenges in areas like climate, space, or advanced hardware, their focus on long-term defensibility could be a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Deep tech, including advanced materials, space, energy, and biotechnology

• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: K2 Space, Rain, Biofire, Jaza

• Number of investments: 23

You can refer to their website here.

8. Third Prime

Third Prime is an early-stage venture firm that partners with founders from the seed stage onward. Based in New York, they focus on backing companies in foundational sectors like industrial tech and financial services.

The firm’s portfolio shows a willingness to support companies through the entire business lifecycle. Their investments include the smart-lock company Latch, which went public via a SPAC, and the bookkeeping service Bench, which was acquired after an abrupt shutdown.

Third Prime is a strong potential partner for early-stage founders in industrial tech or fintech who value an investor with experience in volatile markets. Their track record suggests they are a hands-on firm that sticks with companies through growth, pivots, and challenging outcomes.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Industrial, Financial Services, Fintech

• Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Latch, BlockFi, Bench

• Number of investments: 131

You can refer to their website here.

9. Contrarian Thinking Capital

Contrarian Thinking Capital is an early-stage fund that invests in foundational, often-overlooked sectors like manufacturing and small business services. They focus on what they call “boring” businesses with strong, real-world demand.

The firm’s portfolio reflects this strategy, backing industrial startups like Pave Robotics, which develops road-maintenance bots, and high-growth platforms like Beehiiv. This approach prioritizes tangible solutions and strong business fundamentals over industry hype.

This firm is a strong match for founders building practical companies in industrial or SMB markets. If your business has clear cash-flow potential but operates outside of trendy sectors, their contrarian viewpoint could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Industrial, manufacturing, small and medium businesses

• Geographical presence: Based in Austin, Texas

• Founded: 2022

• Notable portfolio companies: Pave Robotics, Beehiiv, Percent

• Number of investments: 29

You can refer to their website here.

10. Hyperplane

Hyperplane is a Boston-based firm that backs founders building companies centered on machine intelligence and data. They invest in businesses that apply complex data science to solve practical problems.

The firm's focus is on the application of AI, with a portfolio that includes companies like Pickle Robot Co., which automates truck unloading, and Tive, which provides real-time supply chain tracking. This shows a clear interest in businesses using machine intelligence to create value in industrial, logistics, and enterprise software sectors.

Hyperplane is a good fit for founders whose core product is built on a machine intelligence or data-driven model. If you are using AI to address challenges in sectors like industrial tech, finance, or logistics, this firm has the specific expertise you may be looking for.

• Investment stages: Seed to late stage

• Industries of focus: Machine intelligence and data companies, with applications in industrial, fintech, and software

• Geographical presence: Based in Boston, Massachusetts

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Pickle Robot Co., Tive, LinkSquares, Biobot Analytics

• Number of investments: 94

You can refer to their website here.

11. Primitive Ventures

Primitive Ventures is an international firm that invests in seed-stage companies building on blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. They back founders at the earliest stages who are creating new infrastructure for the decentralized web.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on foundational blockchain infrastructure, with investments in projects like the cross-chain protocol Multichain. Their backing of the NFT marketplace LooksRare also shows an interest in the application layer of web3.

Primitive Ventures is a good fit for founders building at the intersection of blockchain and industrial applications, particularly at the seed stage. If your company is focused on core crypto infrastructure or decentralized finance, their specific expertise is a clear advantage.

• Investment stages: Seed

• Industries of focus: Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and industrial applications

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, with an international focus

• Founded: 2018

• Notable portfolio companies: Kadena, Multichain, LooksRare, SharpLink

• Number of investments: 33

You can refer to their website here.

12. Access Industries

Access Industries is a privately held industrial group with a global portfolio of long-term holdings. The firm operates as a corporate venture capital investor, backing companies across a wide range of sectors and stages.

What's notable is their investment strategy, which spans the entire company lifecycle from seed funding to private equity and post-IPO support. Their portfolio includes major tech companies like Spotify and Square, showing a track record of backing businesses all the way to the public markets.

Access Industries is a good fit for founders seeking a long-term financial partner with experience in scaling companies for major exits. If your business is in a capital-intensive sector or has ambitions for an IPO, their broad-stage approach and public market experience are valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO and private equity

• Industries of focus: Industrial, chemical, natural resources, and technology

• Geographical presence: Based in New York, with global holdings

• Founded: 1986

• Notable portfolio companies: Spotify, Square (now Block), Snap, DigitalOcean, Opendoor

• Number of investments: 81

You can refer to their website here.

13. Angel Collective Opportunity Fund

Angel Collective Opportunity Fund is a venture capital firm that invests across a company's lifecycle, from seed to late stage. They focus on foundational sectors including B2B, fintech, and industrial technology.

The firm has a strong record of backing high-growth companies, with unicorns like the generative AI platform Jasper and crypto tax software provider TaxBit in its portfolio. Their willingness to back ambitious, sometimes controversial, ideas is also seen in their investment in DoNotPay, an AI service that was fined by the FTC.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building high-growth companies in fintech, B2B software, and industrial AI. If you are seeking an investor with a track record of backing category-defining unicorns, Angel Collective is a compelling option.

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, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), B2B, FinTech, Generative AI, Industrial

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: Mercury, Jasper, TaxBit, Boom Supersonic

• Number of investments: 77

You can refer to their website here.

14. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in climate-focused companies. They support startups from seed to late stage, providing capital to businesses aiming to address environmental challenges.

The firm's portfolio shows a strong track record of backing successful companies, including the e-scooter operator Lime and the satellite-imaging firm Planet. Their focus spans a wide range of climate solutions, from clean energy and manufacturing to agriculture technology.

Prelude is an excellent partner for founders building technology with a direct impact on decarbonization and sustainability. If you need a long-term investor with experience guiding companies to significant scale and public market exits, they are a strong candidate.

Once you secure your funding, 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, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Climate tech, including AgTech, Clean Energy, Manufacturing, and Carbon Capture

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Lime, Planet, Fervo Energy, GreenLight Biosciences

• Number of investments: 150

You can refer to their website here.

15. Loeb.nyc

Loeb.nyc is a New York-based firm that functions as both a startup lab and an early-stage private investor. This hybrid model means they are deeply involved in building companies, not just funding them.

A key aspect of their approach is this hands-on, operational support, which goes beyond typical venture capital. Their portfolio includes major consumer and fintech successes like Fetch Rewards and Payoneer, demonstrating experience in scaling companies to billion-dollar valuations.

This firm is an excellent match for early-stage founders who value active partnership and operational guidance. Given their track record, they are particularly strong for founders in consumer tech, fintech, and industrial businesses with a strong brand component.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Industrial, marketing, B2B, and B2C

• Geographical presence: Based in New York, NY

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Fetch Rewards, Payoneer, Priceline, Mercato

• Number of investments: 32

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Industrial Tech Companies

This overview shows a healthy and varied funding environment for companies in Industrial Tech. The investor group is well-balanced, with capital available from seed rounds to late-stage growth. However, there is a notable concentration of firms focused on early-stage investments, which is good news if you are just getting started and need initial backing.

While many of these firms are based in major US tech hubs, their investment interests are often national or global, so your company’s location is not necessarily a barrier. The key is finding a partner whose focus aligns with your specific technology and stage of growth.

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 requires significant focus, and knowing which investors to approach makes all the difference. We created this list to help you direct your efforts toward partners who understand your industry.

When you've secured your funding, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. Our platform provides the business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay tools you need to manage your new capital efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Industrial Tech

Are there industrial VC firms outside the US?

Yes, many industrial VC firms operate globally. Europe, particularly Germany and the UK, has a strong industrial base and active investors. You'll also find specialized funds in innovation hubs across India and Singapore focused on manufacturing and supply chain technology.

How do I find VCs for a niche like robotics or construction tech?

Look at the portfolios of firms that interest you to see if they've invested in similar companies. Industry-specific conferences, publications, and databases are also excellent resources for identifying active robotics or construction tech venture capital firms.

What is the difference between a corporate and a traditional industrial venture capital firm?

Corporate VCs are investment arms of large corporations, often seeking strategic alignment and access to new technology. Traditional VCs are primarily focused on financial returns, though they also provide strategic guidance to their portfolio companies.

What do seed stage venture capital firms look for in an industrial startup?

At the seed stage, investors focus on the strength of your founding team, the size of the market opportunity, and early evidence of product-market fit. A clear vision for how your technology solves a real-world industrial problem is crucial.

Is the due diligence process different for deep tech venture capital firms?

Yes, due diligence for deep tech and hardware venture capital firms is often more intensive. Investors will closely examine your intellectual property, technical roadmap, and the feasibility of your manufacturing or development plan, sometimes bringing in subject-matter experts.

How can I manage my funds after a successful raise?

Once funding is secured, it's critical to have a system for managing your new capital. Our platform provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently. You can get started with Rho today.