Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Machine Learning Startups

For founders in the Machine Learning and AI space, understanding the venture capital scene is a crucial part of preparing to raise capital. Knowing which investors specialize in your field can make the difference in finding the right partner for your business.

To help, our team put together this guide to some of the top VC firms investing in AI and deep tech. We hope it gives you a clear starting point for your fundraising research.

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Which VC Firms in Machine Learning Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or further along in your growth, connecting with the right investors is essential. Here is a quick look at some notable VC firms in the Machine Learning space, grouped by the stage at which they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Machine Learning

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, often to build your initial product and find product-market fit. For founders in the AI and deep tech space, some seed stage VC firms to know are Bee Partners, which leads pre-seed rounds, along with New York-based Differential Ventures and Silicon Valley's Amino Capital.

Early Stage VC Firms in Machine Learning

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for startups with proven traction that need capital to scale their team and accelerate growth. Among the many early-stage venture capital firms, you might consider Fuse, which focuses on software companies, or LDV Capital, which invests in teams using AI to analyze visual data. Another option is SignalRank, which uses its own algorithms to identify high-potential companies.

Late Stage VC Firms in Machine Learning

Late-stage venture capital is for more established companies looking for significant growth financing on the path to an IPO or acquisition. While many firms participate in later rounds, some technology venture capital firms with a track record here include Wing Venture Capital and Amplify Partners. Walden Catalyst also has experience with major exits, backing companies like Zoom and Nuvia.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from a company's inception through to its exit.

Here is a closer look at some of the top VC firms that focus on the Machine Learning sector. We've included key details about their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. Wing Venture Capital

Based in Palo Alto, Wing Venture Capital invests in early-stage technology companies, with a specific focus on the business-to-business market. Founded in 2013, the firm partners with founders to build companies that can become leaders in their industries.

The firm concentrates on what it calls "Business Technology," backing companies that create new markets or transform existing ones with data and AI. Their portfolio includes notable exits like the data-notebook platform Noteable, acquired by Confluent, and the energy-efficiency software firm Opower, which had a successful IPO.

Wing Venture Capital is a strong potential partner if you are building a B2B technology company, especially in data, AI, or security infrastructure. Founders looking for investors with a track record of guiding companies toward major acquisitions or public offerings may find them to be a good fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Machine Learning, Financial Services, Business Development
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Algorand, Noteable, Opower
• Portfolio size: Over 190 investments and more than 25 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. LDV Capital

Based in New York, LDV Capital invests in deep-tech teams that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to analyze visual data. The firm backs founders who are building businesses with this specialized technology at their core.

LDV Capital focuses on pre-seed and early-stage companies, and their portfolio shows a history of significant exits, including the street-level imagery platform Mapillary, which was acquired by Meta. They also backed the generative AI video company Synthesia, which has achieved unicorn status.

This firm is an excellent potential partner for founders with strong technical skills who are creating products centered on visual data analysis. If your company applies AI to visual information, LDV Capital has the specific expertise you may be looking for.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Synthesia, Clarifai, Mapillary, Ezra
• Portfolio size: Over 55 investments and 10 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Amino Capital

Based in Palo Alto, Amino Capital is an early-stage venture firm that invests in data-driven companies. The firm has been recognized on Forbes' Midas Seed List and as a top AI trendsetter for its focus on the sector.

Amino Capital concentrates on AI, enterprise software, and SaaS, backing companies from seed to early-stage venture rounds. Their portfolio includes several high-profile unicorns like the neobank Chime and the HR platform Rippling, showing a strong ability to support companies to significant valuations.

This firm could be a great fit if you are a founder building a data-centric or AI-powered business, particularly in enterprise software or fintech. Their track record suggests they are well-suited for founders with ambitions for high growth and market leadership.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Enterprise Software, Generative AI, Machine Learning, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Chime, Webflow, Rippling, GRAIL, Replit
• Portfolio size: 164 investments and 21 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Flying Fish Partners

Flying Fish Partners is an early-stage venture firm based in Seattle that invests in companies working on applied AI and machine learning. They back startups building both AI-powered applications and the underlying infrastructure that makes them possible.

The firm invests from the seed stage onward, with a portfolio that shows a clear pattern of successful acquisitions by larger technology companies. Notable exits include the smart-calendar tool Reclaim.ai, which was bought by Dropbox, and the remote video-assistance platform Streem.

Flying Fish could be a good match if you are an early-stage founder building a business centered on applied AI. Their history of acquisitions suggests they are a strong partner for teams aiming for a strategic exit with an established company.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning
• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Reclaim.ai, Streem, Picnic, Finn.ai
• Portfolio size: 62 investments and 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. FUSE

FUSE is a Seattle-based venture capital firm that backs early-stage software companies. They focus on businesses in the Pacific Northwest, aiming to support the next generation of technology leaders.

The firm's portfolio includes companies with major exits, such as identity platform Auth0 and cloud-management tool Apptio. Their network includes founders and leaders from these successful companies, suggesting a strong community of experienced operators.

FUSE is a compelling choice for founders building enterprise software companies, particularly in AI and machine learning. If you value a close-knit community and access to experienced operators, this firm could be a strong partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Software
• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: Carbon Robotics, Icertis, Auth0, Apptio, Smartsheet
• Portfolio size: 47 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. SignalRank

SignalRank takes a unique, data-driven approach to venture capital, using its own algorithms to find promising early-stage companies. The firm focuses on identifying businesses with the highest potential to raise a strong Series B round.

The firm's model is built on indexing premier companies, using a quantitative process to find its next investment. Their portfolio includes major successes like robotic-process-automation leader UiPath and vertical-farming unicorn InFarm.

SignalRank is a good fit for founders whose companies already show strong traction and data signals of high growth. If your business is in AI, fintech, or software and you are building toward a significant Series B, their analytical approach could be a compelling match.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, FinTech, Software
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: UiPath, InFarm, Around
• Portfolio size: 22 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Heavybit

Heavybit is a San Francisco-based venture firm that specializes in companies built for software developers. They are known for helping technical founders create successful, developer-first businesses.

The firm concentrates on what it calls "dev-first" companies, backing businesses that create tools, platforms, and infrastructure for the software community. Their portfolio includes major successes like PagerDuty and Snyk, which shows their ability to support companies that become essential to developers.

Heavybit is an ideal partner if you are a technical founder building products for other developers. Their specific focus suggests they provide specialized support for go-to-market and community-building strategies within the developer ecosystem.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Developer APIs, Developer Platform, Cloud Infrastructure, AI, Machine Learning
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: PagerDuty, CircleCI, Netlify, LaunchDarkly, Snyk
• Portfolio size: 96 investments and 21 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Bee Partners

Based in San Francisco, Bee Partners is a venture firm that leads pre-seed rounds for deep-tech companies. They focus on writing the first check for founders in fields like AI, robotics, and industrial automation.

The firm has a clear focus on tangible, industrial technologies and has backed several companies to major exits. Notable successes include the construction platform BuildingConnected, acquired by Autodesk, and the video advertising pioneer TubeMogul, bought by Adobe.

Bee Partners is a strong choice for founders at the very beginning of their journey who are building companies in complex, technical fields. If you are a pre-seed deep-tech founder looking for a lead investor, they could be an excellent fit.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Indiegogo, Rapid Robotics
• Portfolio size: Over 127 investments and 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. ff Venture Capital

ff Venture Capital is a New York-based firm that has been funding technology companies since 2008. They invest in a range of sectors, including businesses focused on AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud software.

The firm is notable for its broad investment range, supporting companies from seed rounds through late-stage venture and even debt financing. Their portfolio highlights include digital identity unicorn Socure and smart-baby-monitor company Owlet, which went public.

Founders in ffVC's target industries who are seeking a financial partner for the entire company lifecycle may find them to be a good fit. Their experience with major exits, from acquisitions to IPOs, indicates they can support founders with high-growth ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Debt
• Industries of focus: AI, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Software
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2008
• Notable portfolio companies: Socure, Owlet, Plated, CyberX
• Portfolio size: 374 investments and 36 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Bloomberg Beta

Bloomberg Beta is an early-stage venture fund backed by Bloomberg, with a focus on companies building the future of work. They primarily invest in startups that use machine learning to create new business models and opportunities.

As the venture arm of Bloomberg, the firm provides founders with access to a significant global network and deep data expertise. Their portfolio includes major successes like the developer-tool company Replit and the online learning platform MasterClass, showing their ability to back category-defining businesses.

This firm is a strong choice for early-stage founders whose companies are centered on machine learning or the future of work. If your startup could benefit from the resources and credibility of a major financial data company, Bloomberg Beta is a compelling potential partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Machine Learning, Future of Work, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Netlify, Replit, MasterClass, Chef Robotics, Enveil
• Portfolio size: Over 300 investments and 43 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Walden Catalyst

Walden Catalyst is a San Francisco-based firm that provides early-stage capital and operational support to companies in deep tech. They focus on businesses in data, AI, cloud infrastructure, and digital biology.

The firm has a history of backing companies that achieve significant outcomes. Their portfolio includes the quantum-computing company IonQ, which went public, and several major acquisitions like the AI chipmaker Habana Labs.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders building companies in highly technical fields with ambitions for a large-scale exit. If you are developing a deep tech or AI business and aiming for an IPO or major acquisition, their experience is highly relevant.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data, Cloud, Digital Biology
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: Zoom, Nuvia, Habana Labs, IonQ, AI21 Labs
• Portfolio size: 24 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. 2048 Ventures

2048 Ventures is a New York-based firm that takes a thesis-driven approach to investing in pre-seed and seed-stage companies. They partner with founders who are using technology to solve difficult, real-world problems.

The firm focuses on sectors like B2B software, AI, and health tech, often backing companies with deep technical or scientific foundations. A notable success is their investment in Aerodome, a drone startup acquired for over $300 million.

This firm could be a strong partner if you are an early-stage founder building a business in a complex or regulated industry. Their thesis-driven model suggests they value founders with deep domain expertise and a clear, long-term vision.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), B2B, Biotechnology, Health Care, Machine Learning, Robotics, SaaS
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: Aerodome, GlossGenius, Soona, Nomic Bio, Vitally
• Portfolio size: 136 investments and 2 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. Differential Ventures

Differential Ventures is a New York-based seed-stage fund that invests in B2B companies building data-oriented technology. Founded in 2017, the firm backs founders who are creating solutions in sectors like AI, big data, and fintech.

The firm has a history of guiding its portfolio companies toward high-profile acquisitions by major technology players. Notable exits include the natural-language data startup Seek AI, acquired by IBM, and the cybersecurity platform DeepSurface, which was bought by AttackIQ.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders of data-intensive B2B software companies at the seed stage. If your goal is a strategic acquisition, their track record suggests they have the experience to help you get there.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Grant
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cyber Security, FinTech, Machine Learning
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Seek AI, DeepSurface, Agnostiq
• Portfolio size: 41 investments and 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Amplify Partners

Amplify Partners is a Menlo Park-based firm that backs early-stage technical founders. They have a strong focus on companies creating developer tools and new information technology infrastructure.

The firm is known for investing in foundational technology, from developer tools to AI and machine learning platforms. Their portfolio includes major successes like Datadog, which went public, and companies like Buddybuild, which was acquired by Apple.

Amplify Partners is a great potential investor if you are a technical founder building tools for other developers or enterprise IT. Their track record suggests they are well-equipped to support companies aiming for a major exit or IPO.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Developer Tools, Information Technology
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Datadog, Buddybuild, Chef, Cask Data
• Portfolio size: 228 investments and 34 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Machine Learning Companies

This list shows a healthy funding environment for companies in the Machine Learning space, with a clear emphasis on early-stage investment. The majority of firms we've highlighted are active at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, which is good news if you're just starting out.

You'll also notice a concentration of investors in technology centers like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York. Beyond location, the firms themselves are varied. Some focus on deep tech, others on developer tools or B2B software. This diversity allows you to find a partner whose expertise truly aligns with your business. We hope this guide provides a solid foundation for your research.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so a focused list of relevant investors is a powerful tool. It helps you direct your efforts where they are most likely to yield results.

Once you've secured your funding, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. We provide the business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay tools that growing companies need.

Our platform is built to help you manage your new capital with clarity and control. This lets you concentrate on building your business, knowing your finances are organized.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Machine Learning

Which are the leading AI venture capital firms in Europe?

Europe has a strong and growing number of AI-focused venture capital firms. Key hubs include London, Berlin, and Paris, where investors actively seek out early-stage and deep tech opportunities in the artificial intelligence sector.

What are the top AI VC firms in Asia?

The venture capital scene for AI in Asia is expanding rapidly. You can find active investors in major hubs like Singapore, Bangalore, and Beijing, with many firms specializing in AI, machine learning, and deep tech startups.

How do I choose a seed stage VC firm for my AI startup?

Look for seed stage VC firms with technical expertise and a relevant network. The right partner will understand your vision and provide more than just capital, helping you find product-market fit and build your initial team.

What is unique about deep tech venture capital firms?

Deep tech VC firms often have longer investment horizons and teams with scientific or engineering backgrounds. They understand the complex challenges and extended timelines required to bring foundational technologies from the lab to the market.

How should I manage my capital after fundraising?

Once you secure funding, it's important to have a solid financial system. Rho offers an all-in-one platform with banking, corporate cards, and expense management, designed to help you manage your capital effectively.