Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Shaping Media and Entertainment
To help you find investors for your media or entertainment startup, we've listed 15 top venture capital firms funding companies like yours.
Rho Editorial Team
For founders in media and entertainment, finding an investor who truly gets your business is a critical part of fundraising. You need a partner who understands your specific market—whether you’re in digital media, gaming, or sports tech—not just a generic source of capital.
To help with your search, our team has curated this overview of top venture capital firms that actively invest in the M&E space. Use this guide to identify the investors most relevant to your company before or during your fundraise.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
For startups in media and entertainment, securing venture funding is about finding a strategic partner who understands your specific market, not just obtaining capital.
Firms like TCG, Torch Capital, Branded Hospitality, and Schooner Capital are active investors in this sector, backing a range of media and entertainment companies.
If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
Which VC Firms in Media and Entertainment Are Right for Your Stage?
Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is crucial.
Here’s a brief overview of venture capital firms in the media and entertainment sector, organized by the stage at which they typically invest.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Media and Entertainment
Pre-seed and seed funding is typically the first capital you’ll raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders in media and entertainment, seed venture capital firms like New York-based Torch Capital, Not Boring Capital, and Atlanta-based Sound Media Ventures specialize in backing companies at this foundational stage.
Early Stage VC Firms in Media and Entertainment
Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is designed to help you scale your operations and achieve product-market fit. Some early-stage VC firms with a strong media presence include Powerhouse Capital, a Los Angeles venture capital firm focused on gaming and entertainment, and Boston-based Progress Ventures, which targets digital advertising technology.
Late Stage VC Firms in Media and Entertainment
Late-stage venture capital is for established companies seeking significant growth capital to expand into new markets or prepare for an M&A event or IPO. Major venture capital firms like TCG and the corporate venture arm Hearst Ventures are active late-stage investors, often backing well-known consumer and media brands on their path to an exit.
Of course, many technology venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to exit.
Once your funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.
To help you find the right partner, here is a more detailed review of top VC firms investing in media and entertainment. We've outlined their investment stages, geographic focus, and the unique qualities that might make them a good match for your startup.
1. TCG
Based in Los Angeles, TCG is a multi-stage investment firm that supports companies from their earliest days through to the public markets. The firm concentrates on building businesses in the consumer, media, and technology sectors.
TCG is notable for its flexible investment approach, participating in rounds from seed to private equity, and its history with major consumer brands. Their portfolio includes significant exits, such as Ring’s acquisition by Amazon and Crunchyroll’s sale to Sony.
This firm could be a strong partner for founders building a consumer-facing company with the potential for mainstream adoption. They have a clear record of backing businesses in digital media and consumer tech on their way to achieving major scale.
Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO
Industries of focus: Digital Media, Film Production, Media and Entertainment, TV Production
Geographical presence: Los Angeles
Founded: 2010
Notable portfolio companies: Barstool Sports, Crunchyroll, Ring, OpenSea, Oura
Number of investments: 122
You can refer to their website here.
2. Torch Capital
Based in New York, Torch Capital is an early-stage venture fund that invests in consumer technology companies and the infrastructure layers that power them. They partner with founders building brands that have the potential to become household names.
The firm is known for backing high-growth consumer businesses, with a portfolio that includes unicorns like the telehealth platform Ro and the fast-casual chain Sweetgreen. This track record signals their focus on brands with strong consumer appeal and massive scaling potential.
Torch Capital could be a great partner for founders building direct-to-consumer companies at the seed or early stages. If your startup has a strong brand identity and targets a large consumer market, their experience could be a significant asset.
Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
Industries of focus: Financial Services, Health Care, Media and Entertainment, Small and Medium Businesses, Wellness
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 2018
Notable portfolio companies: Acorns, Ro, Thrasio, Sweetgreen, Lobos 1707
Number of investments: 90
You can refer to their website here.
3. Branded Hospitality
Branded Hospitality is a New York-based investment firm that backs companies at the intersection of hospitality, media, and technology. They focus on ventures that are shaping the future of how consumers dine, drink, and interact with service businesses.
The firm operates with a flexible investment model, participating in rounds from seed and convertible notes to private equity. Their portfolio highlights a strong interest in hospitality tech, with investments like Bbot, a QR-code payment platform acquired by DoorDash, and Big Chicken, the fast-casual chain founded by Shaquille O’Neal.
This firm is a good match for founders building technology for the restaurant and hospitality industries, or for those launching consumer brands in food and beverage. Their flexible approach could be valuable for companies that don't fit a standard venture capital path.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note, Private Equity
Industries of focus: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Retail Technology, Media and Entertainment
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 2017
Notable portfolio companies: Bbot (acquired by DoorDash), Big Chicken, PourMyBeer, Chowly
Number of investments: 73
Number of exits: 8
You can refer to their website here.
4. Schooner Capital
Schooner Capital is a Boston-based private investment firm with a long history of backing companies since 1971. The firm invests across all stages, from seed and early-stage venture rounds to late-stage and private equity deals.
What's distinctive about Schooner is its broad investment thesis, with a portfolio spanning clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods alongside media. Their track record includes high-profile exits, such as the sale of Seventh Generation to Unilever and the IPO of Cullinan Oncology.
Schooner Capital may be a good fit for founders building companies with significant long-term potential, even if they fall outside of a single industry focus. Their flexible, multi-stage approach is well-suited for businesses that require a patient, long-term capital partner.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
Industries of focus: Financial Services, Media and Entertainment, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical
Geographical presence: Boston
Founded: 1971
Notable portfolio companies: Seventh Generation, Cullinan Oncology, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, 4G Clinical
Number of investments: 70
Number of exits: 14
You can refer to their website here.
5. Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment is the corporate venture capital arm of the global music giant, based in New York. As a subsidiary of Sony, its investment activities are closely tied to the parent company's strategic interests in music, digital media, and entertainment.
The firm's investment history shows a clear focus on technologies that shape the future of music and audio content. They acquired the podcast studio Neon Hum to build their podcast division and co-led a funding round for the AI platform Vermillio. Their early investment in Shazam, later acquired by Apple, highlights their ability to spot key players in the music tech ecosystem.
Sony Music is an ideal partner for founders building companies directly related to the music industry, from creation and distribution tools to new listening experiences. If your startup could benefit from a strategic alignment with a major music label, they are a valuable connection to make.
Industries of focus: Digital Entertainment, Media and Entertainment, Music
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 1929
Notable portfolio companies: Neon Hum, Vermillio, Shazam, Keyhole Inc. (now Google Earth)
Number of investments: 27
Number of exits: 5
You can refer to their website here.
6. Powerhouse Capital
Powerhouse Capital is a Los Angeles-based venture fund that invests in technology, media, entertainment, and interactive gaming. The firm supports companies across various stages, from seed rounds to private equity deals.
The firm is distinguished by its portfolio of well-known consumer brands, including the podcast network Wondery and the meditation app Calm. Their track record of successful exits to major companies like Amazon and The New York Times highlights a focus on businesses with mainstream appeal.
Powerhouse Capital is a strong potential partner for founders building consumer technology in the media and gaming sectors. If your company has the potential for wide adoption and a clear strategic value to larger media or tech corporations, their experience is highly relevant.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
Industries of focus: Gaming, Media and Entertainment, Audio, Video, Music
Geographical presence: Los Angeles
Founded: 2019
Notable portfolio companies: Wondery, The Athletic, MasterClass, Calm, Epic! Kids
Number of investments: 24
Number of exits: 5
You can refer to their website here.
7. Not Boring Capital
Not Boring Capital is a Seattle-based early-stage fund that invests in companies with compelling stories to tell. The firm, which manages an $8 million fund, focuses on helping founders build and share a strong narrative around their business.
The firm’s defining feature is its focus on narrative, actively helping portfolio companies communicate their story as a key part of their growth strategy. Their investments show a focus on tech-forward companies in diverse fields, including AI infrastructure with Scale and the Web3 publishing platform Mirror.
This firm is a great match for founders who believe storytelling is central to their strategy and are looking for more than just capital. If you are building a company with a powerful mission and need help sharing it, Not Boring could be the right partner.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
Industries of focus: Information Technology, Media and Entertainment
Geographical presence: Seattle
Founded: 2019
Notable portfolio companies: Scale, NexHealth, Snackpass, Mirror, MarketerHire
Number of investments: 28
Fund size: $8 million
You can refer to their website here.
8. MassVentures
MassVentures is a Boston-based firm dedicated to supporting startups across Massachusetts. Founded in 1978, it invests across all stages, from seed and grants to late-stage venture rounds.
The firm’s most distinct quality is its exclusive focus on the Massachusetts tech ecosystem. Its portfolio highlights a history of successful exits, including the acquisition of retail-media platform OwnerIQ and crowd-testing marketplace Applause.
This firm is a clear choice for founders building a company within Massachusetts, regardless of stage. They are a good fit for teams seeking a local partner with deep regional connections and a flexible mandate.
Investment stages: Seed, Grant, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Information Technology, Media and Entertainment, Security
Geographical presence: Massachusetts
Founded: 1978
Notable portfolio companies: Applause, OwnerIQ, MachineMetrics, lifeIMAGE
Number of investments: 437
Number of exits: 79
You can refer to their website here.
9. MCJ
MCJ is a Boston-based venture firm that backs founders working to address climate change. They primarily invest in companies driving the transition of energy and industry toward more sustainable systems.
The firm’s defining feature is its sharp focus on climate tech, with a portfolio that includes major players in decarbonization like Crusoe Energy Systems and the energy-data platform Arcadia. Their multi-stage investment approach, from seed to late-stage, shows a commitment to supporting companies through their entire growth cycle.
MCJ is an ideal partner for founders building technology-driven solutions for climate change, particularly in energy, carbon removal, or industrial processes. While their official industry list is broad, their clear track record is in the climate sector.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Climate Tech, Energy, Financial Services, Information Technology
Geographical presence: Boston
Founded: 2019
Notable portfolio companies: Crusoe Energy Systems, Arcadia, Heirloom
Number of investments: 78
You can refer to their website here.
10. Progress Ventures
Progress Ventures is a Boston-based fund that invests in advertising and digital media technology. While they describe themselves as an early-stage fund, they participate in rounds across the startup lifecycle, from seed to late-stage.
The firm has a distinct focus on ad-tech, with a portfolio that demonstrates a history of successful exits. Their track record includes the IPO of Integral Ad Science and the acquisition of TruOptik by TransUnion, signaling their ability to back companies to a significant scale.
This firm is a strong match for founders building technology for the advertising and digital media industries. If your startup is creating tools for programmatic advertising, audience data, or publisher monetization, their deep industry expertise is a major advantage.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Debt
Industries of focus: Advertising, Media and Entertainment, Business Development
Geographical presence: Boston
Founded: 2008
Notable portfolio companies: Integral Ad Science (IAS), Simpli.fi, TruOptik, Sovrn
Number of investments: 33
Number of exits: 11
You can refer to their website here.
11. Hearst Ventures
As the corporate venture arm of the global media company, Hearst Ventures invests in early-stage media, information, and software companies from its New York base. Their strategic backing offers startups more than just capital, providing access to the parent company's vast industry network.
The firm is known for its multi-stage investment capability and a portfolio of high-profile exits, including Roku's IPO and Pandora's acquisition by Sirius XM. This history demonstrates their ability to support companies from their early days through to major market success.
Hearst Ventures is a strong match for founders whose companies could benefit from a strategic partnership with a media giant. They are particularly well-suited for businesses in media and enterprise tech seeking a long-term partner for growth.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Post-IPO
Industries of focus: Media and Entertainment, Information Services, Software
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 1995
Notable portfolio companies: Roku, BuzzFeed, Pandora, Via Transportation
Number of investments: 180
Number of exits: 50
You can refer to their website here.
12. HearstLab
HearstLab is an early-stage venture fund based in New York that exclusively backs tech-enabled startups led by women. As part of the larger Hearst organization, it provides portfolio companies with strategic support that extends beyond capital.
The firm’s clear commitment to investing in women-led companies is its defining characteristic. Their portfolio includes businesses across different sectors, from the enterprise infrastructure company StrongDM to the beauty and wellness SaaS platform GlossGenius.
HearstLab is the right partner for women founders of early-stage, tech-focused startups. Companies that can benefit from the deep industry connections and resources of the broader Hearst network are especially well-positioned to succeed with their support.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Media and Entertainment, FinTech, Information Technology, Marketing
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 2016
Notable portfolio companies: GlossGenius, PowerToFly, Planet FWD, FreeWill
Number of investments: 74
Unique focus: Exclusively backs tech-enabled startups led by women.
You can refer to their website here.
13. Sound Media Ventures
Based in Atlanta, Sound Media Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in and mentors media technology startups worldwide. They provide capital at the seed and convertible note stages, focusing on companies that are shaping the future of media.
The firm has a clear focus on emerging media technologies, with investments in Web3 and gaming. Their portfolio includes the Web3 identity platform Unstoppable Domains and has seen successful exits, including the acquisitions of esports organization Ghost Gaming and streaming art platform Loupe.
Sound Media Ventures is a good match for founders building at the intersection of media and technology, especially in Web3 or gaming. If you are an early-stage company seeking a partner with experience guiding startups toward successful acquisitions, they could be a strong fit.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
Industries of focus: Media and Entertainment, Blockchain
Geographical presence: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded: 2019
Notable portfolio companies: Unstoppable Domains, Ghost Gaming, Loupe
Number of investments: 22
Number of exits: 3
You can refer to their website here.
14. RSE Ventures
RSE Ventures is a New York-based private investment firm that focuses on companies in sports and entertainment, media, and food and lifestyle. The firm operates with a flexible model that includes incubation, venture capital, and private equity investments.
This blended approach allows them to back both emerging and established consumer companies. Their portfolio includes the restaurant reservation platform Resy, which was acquired by American Express, and the professional Drone Racing League.
RSE Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders building consumer brands in sports, media, or food. Their ability to act as an incubator and private equity investor makes them a good fit for companies seeking hands-on support beyond just capital.
Investment stages: Incubator, Early Stage Venture, Venture, Private Equity
Industries of focus: Sports & Entertainment, Media & Marketing, Food & Lifestyle, Technology
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 2012
Notable portfolio companies: Resy, Drone Racing League, Momofuku, The Action Network, Magnolia Bakery
Number of investments: 42
Number of exits: 15
You can refer to their website here.
15. Sterling.VC
Sterling.VC is a New York-based venture fund that invests in companies at the intersection of media, sports, and technology. They support businesses across multiple stages, from seed and early-stage rounds to later venture investments.
The firm has a clear concentration on web3, gaming, and eSports, signaling a strong interest in the next generation of interactive entertainment. Their portfolio includes major names like the blockchain metaverse The Sandbox and the biometric identity company CLEAR Secure, highlighting a history of backing companies to successful exits.
Sterling.VC is a great potential partner for founders building in the web3 gaming and interactive media spaces. If your company is creating technology for eSports or blockchain-based entertainment, their industry focus and track record could be a significant advantage.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Web3, eSports, Media and Entertainment, Sports, Blockchain
Geographical presence: New York
Founded: 2014
Notable portfolio companies: The Sandbox, Latch, CLEAR Secure
Number of investments: 61
Number of exits: 10
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Media and Entertainment Companies
This review highlights a varied group of investors for media and entertainment companies. While major hubs like New York and Los Angeles are home to many of these firms, strong investors are also present in cities like Boston and Atlanta. This suggests that while geography can play a role, you have options in several key markets.
The funding environment appears well-balanced across different growth phases. You’ll find firms that focus specifically on early-stage rounds as well as flexible, multi-stage partners that can support a company from seed to exit. This variety provides founders with multiple paths for securing capital, depending on their specific stage and 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 relevant investors is invaluable when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We hope this guide helps you connect with the right partners for your media or entertainment company.
Once you've closed your round, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes, allowing you to focus on building your business.
Our platform provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. These tools are built to help you manage and deploy your new funding with confidence and efficiency.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Media and Entertainment
Which are the top media venture capital firms in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a key hub for media and entertainment investment. Firms like TCG and Powerhouse Capital are active in the area, backing companies from gaming to digital media, making it a prime location for founders in this space.
Are there sports venture capital firms in NYC?
Yes, New York is home to several firms investing in sports and entertainment. RSE Ventures, for example, focuses on this sector, backing companies in sports, media, and lifestyle, making the city a strong base for sports-tech founders.
What do early-stage VC firms look for in media startups?
Early-stage VCs typically look for a strong team with relevant experience, a unique product with clear market potential, and initial signs of user engagement. A compelling brand story is also a significant factor for many investors in this sector.
How can I find the right consumer focused venture capital firms?
Research firms with a portfolio of consumer brands that align with your own. Investors like Torch Capital and TCG specialize in this area, so reviewing their past investments can help you identify partners who understand your market and growth model.
How can Rho help after I secure funding?
After closing your round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with an all-in-one platform. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently and with confidence.