Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Manufacturing Startups

For founders in industrial tech, robotics, or advanced manufacturing, finding the right investor is a critical step when preparing to raise capital. You need partners who understand the unique complexities of hardware, supply chains, and deep tech—not just another software-focused fund.

To help you find the right fit, our team at Rho has curated this overview of top venture capital firms that actively invest in the manufacturing sector. This guide is designed to give you a quick summary of relevant investors for your fundraising process.

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

Key Takeaways

• For startups in the manufacturing space, securing venture funding is about more than just capital; it’s the key to scaling production, building resilient supply chains, and hiring specialized engineering talent.
• Venture capital firms like Eclipse Ventures, Glasswing Ventures, Silent Ventures, and Bee Partners are notable backers in the manufacturing industry, actively funding businesses in this sector.
• Whether you are actively raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated tools like fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated 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, knowing who to talk to is essential. This is a quick overview of venture capital firms that invest in manufacturing and the specific stages they focus on.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Manufacturing

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, typically used to validate an idea, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and make initial hires. For founders in industrial automation or deep tech, firms like Bee Partners, which leads pre-seed rounds, along with Motivate Venture Capital and Ironspring, are active seed stage venture capital firms.

Early Stage VC Firms in Manufacturing

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B rounds, is for companies with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and grow their customer base. Some industrial technology venture capital firms focusing on this stage include Glasswing Ventures, with its focus on AI, and Silent Ventures, which backs robotics and industrial automation startups.

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 Manufacturing

Late-stage capital is for mature companies preparing for major expansion, acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Corporate venture arms are often active here; for example, Applied Ventures (the fund of Applied Materials) and HorizonX Ventures (Boeing's CVC) invest alongside traditional growth stage venture capital firms like Eclipse Ventures.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital investment firms are stage-agnostic, investing across the full lifecycle of a startup.

To help you evaluate potential partners, we offer a more detailed look at the top VC firms focused on the manufacturing sector. We’ve included information on their investment stages, locations, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. Eclipse Ventures

Eclipse Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies rebuilding essential physical industries like manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. Founded in 2015, they partner with founders from the earliest stages to help build generational businesses.

The firm backs companies creating full-stack solutions, as seen in portfolio companies like AI chipmaker Tenstorrent and physical security platform Verkada. With a broad investment focus from seed to post-IPO, they provide long-term support for companies throughout their growth cycle.

Eclipse is a strong potential partner for founders developing complex products that combine hardware and software to modernize core sectors of the economy. Their focus on physical industries makes them a good match for teams with deep technical expertise.

• Investment stages: Seed to 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 (acquired by Ocado)
• Portfolio size: Over 180 investments with 20 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Glasswing Ventures

Glasswing Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that backs startups applying artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies. Their focus is on companies building solutions for the enterprise and cybersecurity markets, including the manufacturing sector.

The firm shows a clear preference for AI-driven platforms, with portfolio companies like Basetwo AI, which offers an AI copilot for manufacturing engineers. Their investments, such as supply-chain security leader Black Kite and the customer-data platform Zylotech (acquired by Terminus), demonstrate a pattern of backing companies with deep technical applications.

Glasswing is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder using AI to solve complex problems in manufacturing, enterprise software, or security. Their focus on frontier tech makes them a good fit for teams with a specialized, technical background.

• Investment stages: Seed and early stage
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Manufacturing, Enterprise Software, Security, Supply Chain Management
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Basetwo AI, Black Kite, Zylotech (acquired by Terminus)
• Portfolio size: Over 70 investments with 9 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Silent Ventures

Silent Ventures is a venture capital firm that provides what it calls "stealth capital for elite operators." The firm concentrates on foundational sectors, including industrial automation, manufacturing, and national security.

The firm invests from seed to early stages, backing founders with deep operational experience. Their portfolio shows a clear focus on defense and industrial technology, with investments in companies like Anduril Industries and Hadrian, which is building AI-powered factories. This reflects their contrarian approach to backing ambitious projects aimed at rebuilding America's industrial base.

Silent Ventures is a good match for founders with backgrounds in defense, robotics, or advanced manufacturing. If you are building a company in a complex, regulated industry and have a clear operational advantage, their model of backing "elite operators" may be a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed and early stage
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Drones, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing, National Security
• Geographical presence: Dallas, Texas
• Founded: 2022
• Notable portfolio companies: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, Saronic Technologies, UNION Technologies
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Bee Partners

Bee Partners is a venture capital firm that specializes in pre-seed deep tech investments. They focus on writing the first check for founders building companies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and industrial automation.

The firm is known for leading pre-seed rounds and has a strong track record of backing companies that achieve significant exits, such as BuildingConnected (acquired by Autodesk). Their portfolio highlights a clear focus on deep tech, with investments in companies like Rapid Robotics, which provides robotics-as-a-service for manufacturing.

Bee Partners is an excellent choice for founders at the earliest stages of building a deep tech company. If you have a strong technical background and are developing solutions in AI, robotics, or advanced manufacturing, their first-check approach could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed and seed
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing, Machine Learning, Software
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2009
• Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected (acquired by Autodesk), TubeMogul (acquired by Adobe), Rapid Robotics
• Portfolio size: Over 125 investments with 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Ironspring Ventures

Ironspring Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas. They focus on digital industrial sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and logistics.

The firm actively leads and co-leads seed and early-stage rounds, showing a commitment to being a key partner from the start. Their portfolio highlights a focus on companies digitizing traditional industries, such as ICON's 3D-printed construction and Solvento's payment infrastructure for trucking.

Ironspring is a strong potential investor if you are an early-stage founder building technology for core industrial markets. Their hands-on approach of leading rounds makes them a good fit for teams seeking an active, foundational partner.

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 and early stage
• Industries of focus: Construction, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Clean Energy
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: ICON, Solvento, Wilya
• Portfolio size: 32 investments with 1 exit

You can refer to their website here.

6. Schematic Ventures

Schematic Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies building technology for industrial sectors. They focus on startups that are improving supply chains, manufacturing, and logistics.

The firm backs companies digitizing complex physical operations, as seen in portfolio companies like shared-truckload provider Flock Freight and autonomous yard-truck developer Outrider. Their investment in Altana AI also shows a focus on using data to map and manage global supply chains.

Schematic Ventures is a good fit for founders with deep expertise in industrial domains who are building technology to modernize these sectors. Their broad investment range from seed to late stage makes them a potential partner across a company's lifecycle.

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 to late stage
• Industries of focus: Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, Warehouse Automation
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Flock Freight, Outrider, Altana AI
• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Valhalla Ventures

Valhalla Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies with deep, defensible technology. They focus on foundational industries like advanced materials, space travel, and manufacturing, backing businesses that are building what they call "enduring moats."

The firm invests from seed to early stages, targeting sectors where technology creates a strong competitive advantage. Their portfolio includes companies like K2 Space, which builds large satellite platforms, and Biofire, the developer of a biometric smart gun, showing a clear interest in hardware and advanced manufacturing.

Valhalla Ventures is a good match for founders building businesses with high technical barriers to entry in areas like industrial tech, biotech, or energy. If your company's core value is a defensible technological innovation, their focus on long-term moats could be a strong fit.

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 and early stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Energy, Industrial, Manufacturing, Space Travel
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: K2 Space, Biofire, Rain, Jaza
• Portfolio size: 23 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. mHUB

mHUB is an early-stage venture firm and innovation center that supports hardtech and manufacturing startups. Based in Chicago, it functions as both an accelerator and incubator for companies building physical products.

The firm provides more than just capital, operating as an innovation hub with a focus on physical products and hardware. Its portfolio includes companies like NovaXS, a YC-backed med-tech startup, and Aerospec, which provides drone analytics for the energy sector.

mHUB is a great match for seed-stage founders building a hardware or physical product company. If you need hands-on support, manufacturing resources, and an ecosystem of fellow builders, their model is particularly compelling.

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 and early stage
• Industries of focus: Hardtech, Manufacturing, IoT, Hardware, Product Design
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: NovaXS (YC grad), Aerospec, Hyivy Health (CES Innovation Award)
• Portfolio size: 45 investments
• Investor type: Accelerator, Incubator, Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

9. Motivate Venture Capital

Motivate Venture Capital is a Chicago-based firm that invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across the United States and Canada. They focus on writing early checks to support founders from the very beginning.

While the firm invests across SaaS, manufacturing, and financial services, its portfolio shows a strong record in backing high-growth consumer and fintech companies. Notable successes include the digital banking platform Chime and the meal-kit company Home Chef, which was acquired by Kroger.

Motivate is a compelling partner for founders at the pre-seed or seed stage who are building businesses with the potential for massive scale. Their track record suggests a good fit for teams in consumer tech and fintech aiming for wide market adoption.

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: Pre-seed and seed
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Manufacturing, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois (invests across the US and Canada)
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: Chime, TradingView, Home Chef (acquired by Kroger)
• Portfolio size: 70 investments
• Investor type: Micro VC

You can refer to their website here.

10. Contrarian Thinking Capital

Contrarian Thinking Capital is a venture firm that backs early-stage founders in often-overlooked sectors like manufacturing and industrial services. The firm extends the philosophy of its well-known media brand, focusing on businesses with strong fundamentals.

The firm's strategy centers on a "contrarian" thesis, investing in foundational industries rather than chasing trends. Their portfolio includes companies like Pave Robotics, which automates road maintenance, and Beehiiv, a newsletter platform emerging as a key Substack alternative.

This firm is a good match for founders building practical solutions for industrial markets or small and medium-sized businesses. If your company operates in a sector that other VCs might consider "boring," their approach may be a great fit.

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
• Industries of focus: Industrial, Manufacturing, Small and Medium Businesses
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2022
• Notable portfolio companies: Pave Robotics, Beehiiv, Percent
• Portfolio size: 29 investments
• Investor type: Venture Capital

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. This connection gives them deep expertise in sectors like semiconductors and advanced materials.

The firm invests from seed to late stages, focusing on companies with defensible technology that aligns with its parent company's strategic interests. Their portfolio includes unicorn AI-chip startup Lightmatter and Rescale, a cloud computing platform, showing a clear focus on deep tech.

Applied Ventures is an ideal partner for founders building companies in semiconductors, advanced materials, or nanotechnology. If your startup could benefit from a strategic relationship with a major industry player, their corporate backing provides a significant advantage.

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 to late stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Semiconductor
• Geographical presence: Santa Clara, California
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Lightmatter, Rescale, Inpria (acquired by JSR Corporation)
• Portfolio size: Over 95 investments with 19 exits
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

12. Ventioneers

Ventioneers is a venture capital firm that invests in deep tech, SaaS, and AI startups. Based in Houston, the firm backs entrepreneurs across a wide range of stages, from initial seed funding to the secondary market.

The firm operates with a flexible model, acting as a venture fund, syndicate, and secondary market purchaser. This is reflected in a portfolio that includes secondary investments in iconic private companies like SpaceX, valued at about $350 billion, and the AI research company Anthropic.

Ventioneers is a compelling choice for founders building ambitious deep-tech companies that are aiming for massive scale. Their broad investment mandate and access to secondary markets may also appeal to founders seeking a partner with a flexible, multi-stage approach.

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, late stage, secondary market
• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, SaaS, Energy, AI, Manufacturing
• Geographical presence: Houston, Texas
• Founded: 2023
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, ByteDance (TikTok), Stripe, Neuralink, Anthropic
• Portfolio size: 20 investments
• Investor type: Venture Capital, Syndicate, Secondary Purchaser, Fund of Funds

You can refer to their website here.

13. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies addressing climate change. Since its founding in 2013, it has focused on startups in sectors ranging from clean energy to sustainable manufacturing.

The firm's investment thesis is centered entirely on climate tech, and it backs companies from seed to late stage. Its portfolio includes high-profile successes like the e-scooter operator Lime and geothermal energy developer Fervo Energy, showing a track record of supporting businesses to significant scale.

Prelude Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders building technology with a clear climate-positive impact. If your company operates in sectors like clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, or agtech, their specialized focus and multi-stage investment strategy make them a compelling choice.

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 to late stage
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, Manufacturing, AgTech, Clean Energy, Carbon Capture, Industrial
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Lime, Fervo Energy, Planet (IPO), Benson Hill (IPO)
• Portfolio size: 150 investments with 14 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Boeing HorizonX Ventures

Boeing HorizonX Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of The Boeing Company. The firm invests in startups developing technologies that are strategic to the future of aerospace and defense.

Their portfolio shows a clear focus on deep tech with investments in AI software company SparkCognition and hypersonic engine developer Reaction Engines. This signals a priority for innovations that can be integrated into Boeing's long-term product and service roadmap.

HorizonX is an excellent potential partner for founders whose technology has clear applications in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing. A strategic investment from them can provide not just capital but also deep industry expertise and a potential path to market.

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 to late stage
• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Manufacturing, Space Travel
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: SparkCognition, Reaction Engines, Productive Machines
• Portfolio size: 38 investments with 5 exits
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Manufacturing Companies

This overview shows a healthy and varied funding environment for manufacturing startups. One clear trend is the strong support available at the early stages. Many firms on this list concentrate on pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, which is encouraging for founders who are just beginning to build their companies and prove their models.

Geographically, investment in industrial technology is not confined to one region. While California remains a key hub, there are active and specialized investors in states like Texas, Illinois, and Massachusetts. This distribution gives you more flexibility when searching for the right partners.

The variety of investor types—from traditional VCs and corporate arms to accelerators—also means you can find a partner whose structure and expertise best fit your company’s specific needs. 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

Having a focused list of investors is a major advantage when you're raising capital. It allows you to direct your limited time and energy toward the firms most likely to understand your vision.

Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform gives you the tools to put your new funding to work immediately. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Manufacturing

Which Bay Area venture capital firms focus on industrial tech?

The Bay Area is a major hub for industrial innovation. Firms like Eclipse Ventures, Bee Partners, and Schematic Ventures are based there and actively invest in industrial technology, from robotics and automation to supply chain software, offering deep sector expertise.

Are there manufacturing VC firms in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a growing number of industrial tech investors. Firms like Speedinvest in Austria and La Famiglia in Germany are active in backing startups in manufacturing, robotics, and deep tech, creating more opportunities for founders across the continent.

What do industrial automation VC firms look for in a seed stage startup?

At the seed stage, these firms prioritize a strong technical team with deep industry knowledge. They also want to see a clear problem you're solving, a large market opportunity, and early evidence of a defensible technological advantage.

How do cleantech venture capital firms evaluate manufacturing deals?

Cleantech VCs focus on your startup's environmental impact. They assess how your manufacturing process or product reduces emissions, waste, or energy consumption. A scalable business model with a clear sustainability advantage is essential for securing their investment.

How can I prepare for a meeting with an industrial venture capital firm?

Know your numbers, from production costs to market size. Clearly articulate your technological moat and go-to-market strategy. Be ready to explain why your team has the specific expertise required to succeed in this complex industrial sector.

How can Rho help after I close my funding round?

Once your round is closed, Rho helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently. Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you immediate control over your new funds.