Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Manufacturing Startups

For founders in the manufacturing and industrial tech space, preparing to raise capital means finding investors who truly understand your business. Connecting with a venture capital firm that has deep experience in areas like robotics, supply chain, or advanced materials is a significant step toward a successful fundraise.

To help you identify the right partners, our team has curated this overview of the top VC firms actively investing in manufacturing technology. Think of it as a starting point for your investor research.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• For manufacturing startups, securing venture funding means gaining not just capital for scaling operations, but also a strategic partner with deep industry experience.
• Firms like Eclipse Ventures, Glasswing Ventures, Silent Ventures, and Bee Partners are notable backers of startups focused on manufacturing technology.
• Whether you are actively raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Manufacturing Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. This is a quick overview of some top VC firms in manufacturing and the stages where they typically invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Manufacturing

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, which is typically used to validate an idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders in deep tech and industrial automation, firms like Bee Partners and Motivate Venture Capital focus on this initial stage, while incubators such as mHUB also provide critical early support.

Early Stage VC Firms in Manufacturing

Early-stage funding, including Series A and B rounds, is for startups with established product-market fit that need capital to scale operations and accelerate growth. Industrial technology venture capital firms like Glasswing Ventures, Silent Ventures, and Schematic Ventures are active at this stage, backing companies that are ready to expand.

Late Stage VC Firms in Manufacturing

Late-stage capital is for established companies looking to solidify their market position, expand globally, or prepare for an exit through an acquisition or IPO. Investors like Eclipse Ventures and corporate VCs such as Applied Ventures participate in these larger rounds, often supporting companies through to public offerings.

As you evaluate your options, Rho Capital can connect you to non-dilutive funding like venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model without giving up equity.

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

Below is our overview of leading venture capital firms that specialize in manufacturing technology. For each firm, you'll find information on their investment stages, geographic preferences, and the specific value they bring to founders.

1. Eclipse Ventures

Eclipse Ventures invests in companies building foundational technology for physical industries. They partner with founders from seed to later stages, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and transportation.

The firm backs ambitious companies that integrate hardware, software, and data to modernize core infrastructure. Their portfolio includes AI chipmaker Tenstorrent and physical security platform Verkada, showing a focus on businesses with deep technical expertise.

Eclipse is a strong match for founders tackling complex, real-world problems in industrial sectors. If you need a partner with operational experience to help scale a capital-intensive business, their team could be a good fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Manufacturing, logistics, transportation
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Verkada, Tenstorrent, Kindred AI
• Number of investments: Over 180

Once you secure funding from a firm like Eclipse, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. Our tools for business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay are built to help you deploy capital efficiently.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Glasswing Ventures

Glasswing Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs startups using AI and other advanced technologies. Their focus is on companies building solutions for the enterprise and cybersecurity markets.

The firm has a clear focus on companies with deep technical foundations, particularly in artificial intelligence. Their portfolio includes Basetwo AI, which helps manufacturing engineers build digital twins, and Black Kite, a leader in supply-chain security.

This firm is a good match for founders of early-stage companies that apply AI to solve complex enterprise problems. If your startup is focused on manufacturing, supply chain, or security, Glasswing's technical expertise could be valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Software, Security
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Basetwo AI, Black Kite, Zylotech
• Number of investments: 71

Once you’ve secured a round, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy your capital efficiently.

You can refer to their website here.

3. Silent Ventures

Silent Ventures provides "stealth capital for elite operators," concentrating on companies in defense, national security, and industrial automation. They invest in founders building critical technologies for both government and commercial applications.

The firm backs companies at the seed and early stages, with a clear focus on sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Their portfolio includes defense-tech leader Anduril Industries and Hadrian, which builds AI-powered factories, signaling a preference for ambitious, capital-intensive businesses.

Silent Ventures is a strong partner for founders with deep domain expertise in defense or industrial sectors. If your company is developing technology with national security implications, their specialized network could be a significant asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Drones, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing, National Security
• Geographical presence: Dallas, Texas
• Founded: 2022
• Notable portfolio companies: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, UNION Technologies
• Number of investments: 25

As you explore equity funding, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you find the right financing for your business model.

You can refer to their website here.

4. Bee Partners

Bee Partners is a venture firm that specializes in pre-seed deep tech investments, often writing the first check for founders. They focus on companies building foundational technologies in areas like AI, robotics, and industrial automation.

The firm's commitment to being the first institutional investor is a key part of their strategy, backing founders at the very beginning. Their portfolio includes major exits like BuildingConnected and TubeMogul, showing a history of backing successful companies.

Bee Partners is a good fit for founders at the pre-seed stage who are developing complex technology for industrial applications. If you need a lead investor with deep technical knowledge to help get your company off the ground, their team is worth connecting with.

After securing a pre-seed round with a firm like Bee Partners, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy your new capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, AI, Robotics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Indiegogo, Rapid Robotics
• Number of investments: Over 120

You can refer to their website here.

5. Ironspring Ventures

Ironspring Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in companies modernizing industrial sectors. They specialize in areas like construction, manufacturing, and logistics, often leading or co-leading seed and early-stage rounds.

A key aspect of their approach is leading seed rounds for companies building digital infrastructure for physical industries. Their portfolio includes ICON, a pioneer in 3D-printed housing, and Solvento, a fintech for trucking payments, showing a focus on tangible, real-world applications.

This firm is a good match for founders building technology for legacy industries who need a lead investor for their seed or early-stage round. If your company is focused on digitizing construction, logistics, or manufacturing, Ironspring's sector expertise could be a strong asset.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Construction, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Clean Energy
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: ICON, Solvento, Wilya
• Number of investments: 32

After closing a seed or early-stage round with a partner like Ironspring, our integrated financial tools can help you manage your new capital. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently.

You can refer to their website here.

6. Schematic Ventures

Schematic Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in companies building technology for industrial sectors. They focus on businesses that are digitizing supply chains, manufacturing, and logistics.

The firm concentrates on technology that improves how physical industries operate, from warehouse automation to supply chain management. Their portfolio includes logistics unicorn Flock Freight and supply-chain intelligence platform Altana AI.

Schematic Ventures is a good partner for founders developing technology for complex industrial applications. If your company is focused on supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing automation, their industry expertise could be a valuable asset.

As you evaluate equity partners, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and convertible note
• Industries of focus: Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Warehouse Automation, Electronics
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Flock Freight, Outrider, Altana AI
• Number of investments: 60

You can refer to their website here.

7. Valhalla Ventures

Valhalla Ventures invests in early-stage companies building what they call "enduring moats." They back founders in deep tech and other sectors where technology creates a strong, defensible market position.

The firm's focus is on businesses with foundational technology, from advanced materials and space travel to biotech. Their portfolio includes companies like K2 Space, which builds large satellite buses, and Biofire, the developer of a biometric smart gun.

Valhalla is a good match for founders creating companies with significant intellectual property or complex hardware. If your business is built on a core technological advantage, their focus on long-term defensibility could be a strong fit.

As you consider equity partners like Valhalla, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you find the right financing for your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Energy, Gaming, Industrial, Manufacturing, Space Travel, Sustainability
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: K2 Space, Biofire, Jaza, Rain
• Number of investments: 23

You can refer to their website here.

8. mHUB

mHUB is a Chicago-based innovation center that supports hardtech and manufacturing startups. As an accelerator and incubator, it provides early-stage capital and resources to founders building physical products.

A key feature is its hybrid model, which combines venture funding with hands-on support for product development and prototyping. Their portfolio includes companies like Hyivy Health, a CES Innovation Award winner, signaling a focus on startups with tangible, market-ready technology.

This makes mHUB an ideal partner for early-stage founders working on hardware or other physical products who need both capital and development support. If you're building a business in manufacturing, IoT, or med-tech, their specialized resources can be a significant advantage.

After securing early-stage funding from a partner like mHUB, our integrated financial tools can help you manage your new capital. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Hardtech, Manufacturing, IoT, Electronics, Product Design
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: NovaXS, Hyivy Health, Aerospec
• Investor type: Accelerator, Incubator, Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

9. Motivate Venture Capital

Motivate Venture Capital is a micro VC firm that backs pre-seed and seed-stage companies across the United States and Canada. They focus on providing the initial capital to help founders get their ideas off the ground.

The firm has a clear focus on SaaS, financial services, and manufacturing startups. Their portfolio includes several high-profile successes, such as the banking platform Chime and the social trading platform TradingView, indicating a strong ability to identify future market leaders.

Motivate is a good match for founders at the pre-seed or seed stage who are building companies in SaaS, fintech, or manufacturing. If you are based in the US or Canada and need an early institutional partner, their team could be a valuable connection.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: SaaS, Financial Services, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: Chime, TradingView, Home Chef, Hallow
• Number of investments: 70

Once you secure a seed round with a firm like Motivate, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage it effectively. Our tools for business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay are built to help you deploy capital efficiently.

You can refer to their website here.

10. Contrarian Thinking Capital

Contrarian Thinking Capital is a venture firm that invests in early-stage companies, particularly those in industrial, manufacturing, and small-to-medium business sectors. They back founders who are building technology for often-overlooked markets.

The firm's name signals its strategy: backing founders with unconventional ideas in markets others might ignore. Their portfolio includes robotics startup Pave Robotics, which automates road maintenance, and newsletter platform Beehiiv.

This firm is a good match for founders at the seed or early stages who are building businesses for industrial or SMB customers. If your approach challenges conventional wisdom, their philosophy may align well with your vision.

As you explore equity partners like Contrarian Thinking Capital, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you find the right financing for your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Industrial, Manufacturing, Small and Medium Businesses
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2022
• Notable portfolio companies: Pave Robotics, Beehiiv, Percent
• Number of investments: 29

You can refer to their website here.

11. Applied Ventures

Applied Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Applied Materials, a global leader in nanomanufacturing technology. They invest in companies that are pushing the boundaries of deep tech and advanced materials.

As a corporate VC, the firm provides startups with access to the resources and expertise of its parent company, Applied Materials. Their portfolio features deep-tech companies like photonic AI-chip maker Lightmatter and cloud computing platform Rescale.

This firm is a strong partner for founders developing foundational technology in the semiconductor and advanced materials sectors. If your business could benefit from a strategic relationship with an industry leader, their team is worth a look.

As you evaluate strategic equity partners like Applied Ventures, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Semiconductors
• Geographical presence: Santa Clara, California
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Rescale, Lightmatter, Kateeva, Inpria
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Number of investments: 97

You can refer to their website here.

12. Ventioneers

Ventioneers is a venture capital firm that invests in technology companies, with a focus on deep tech, SaaS, energy, and AI. They support entrepreneurs across multiple stages, from initial seed funding through later-stage growth.

A key part of their strategy involves investing through a syndicate and in secondary markets, which is not typical for most VCs. This approach gives them access to shares in high-profile private companies like aerospace leader SpaceX and AI research firm Anthropic.

Ventioneers is a good match for founders seeking a flexible capital partner that operates beyond traditional funding rounds. Their activity in secondary markets may also appeal to founders and employees of major tech companies.

As you evaluate equity partners, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, SaaS, Energy, AI, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: Houston, Texas
• Founded: 2023
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, ByteDance, Stripe, Neuralink, Anthropic
• Investor type: Venture Capital, Syndicate, Secondary Purchaser
• Number of investments: 20

You can refer to their website here.

13. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies building solutions to address climate change. They partner with founders across multiple stages, from seed funding through later-stage growth rounds.

The firm’s focus on climate is clear from its portfolio, which includes companies in clean energy, AgTech, and sustainable manufacturing. They have a track record of backing market leaders, with several portfolio unicorns and IPO exits.

Prelude is a strong match for founders developing technology with a direct environmental benefit. If your company is creating solutions in areas like carbon capture or green building, their specialized expertise could be a valuable asset.

Once you secure funding from a partner like Prelude, our integrated financial tools can help you manage your new capital. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, AgTech, Manufacturing, Carbon Capture, Automotive
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Lime, Planet, Fervo Energy, Benson Hill
• Number of investments: 150

You can refer to their website here.

14. Boeing HorizonX Ventures

Boeing HorizonX Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the aerospace giant, Boeing. The firm invests in startups from late seed through mid-stage growth, focusing on technologies with strategic relevance to its parent company.

As a corporate VC, HorizonX provides startups with more than just capital; it offers access to Boeing's deep technical expertise and global network. Their portfolio includes companies like AI software firm SparkCognition and hypersonic engine developer Reaction Engines, highlighting a focus on dual-use technologies.

This firm is a strong partner for founders developing technology in aerospace, advanced materials, or AI that could benefit from a strategic relationship with an industry leader. If your company aligns with Boeing's long-term vision, their team is worth connecting with.

As you evaluate strategic equity partners like Boeing HorizonX, Rho Capital can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, AI, Cyber Security, Manufacturing, Space Travel
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: SparkCognition, Reaction Engines, Gamma Alloys
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Number of investments: 38

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Manufacturing Companies

This overview shows a well-balanced funding environment for manufacturing technology. While there is a strong concentration of firms focused on early-stage rounds, many investors on this list support companies from their initial seed funding all the way to post-IPO. This means you can find a capital partner regardless of your company's current stage.

Geographically, investors are not limited to a single region. While California and Texas are prominent, you'll find active firms in major hubs like Chicago and Boston. This variety extends to investor types, with traditional VCs, corporate partners, and accelerators all active in the space. As you plan your fundraising strategy, remember that our team at Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing like venture debt to complement your equity rounds.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is critical when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We hope this overview helps you identify the right partners for your manufacturing technology company.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help you access financing tailored to your business model without giving up equity.

Once your capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools to help you manage and deploy it efficiently. Our platform combines business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to support your growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Manufacturing

Which European venture capital firms focus on manufacturing?

While this list focuses on US firms, Europe has a strong industrial base with VCs like Point Nine and Speedinvest backing manufacturing tech. Founders should research firms specific to their target markets for the best alignment.

Are there additive manufacturing venture capital firms?

Yes, many deep tech and industrial VCs invest in additive manufacturing. Specialized firms exist to back companies advancing 3D printing technology for industrial use, recognizing its potential to transform production processes and supply chains.

What do growth stage venture capital firms look for?

Growth-stage investors seek proven product-market fit, strong revenue traction, and a clear path to profitability. They provide capital for scaling operations, expanding into new markets, and solidifying your company's market leadership position.

What is the difference between private equity and venture capital firms?

Venture capital firms invest in early-stage, high-growth companies for a minority stake. Private equity firms usually acquire majority control of more mature, established businesses, often using debt to finance the purchase of the company.

How can I get funding without giving up equity?

Non-dilutive funding is a great option. Our team at Rho Capital connects founders with financing like venture debt and credit lines, helping you secure capital tailored to your business model without impacting your equity structure.

How can Rho help my manufacturing startup?

We help you find the right capital, from non-dilutive funding to equity partners. Once funded, our platform provides integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation to manage your finances. Get started with Rho today.