Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Shaping Media and Entertainment

For founders in the Media and Entertainment space, knowing which investors understand your business is critical when preparing to raise capital. Approaching a firm that specializes in digital media, gaming, or sports tech is far more effective than a generalist pitch.

To help you identify the right partners, our team at Rho has curated this overview of top venture capital firms investing across the M&E sector. This guide is designed to help you quickly understand the key players, whether you're looking for early-stage or late-stage funding.

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

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding from investors who specialize in media and entertainment provides startups with capital and industry-specific guidance to grow their business.

• Top firms like TCG, Torch Capital, Branded Hospitality, and Schooner Capital are active backers of companies across the media and entertainment sector.

• If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Media and Entertainment Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising your first round or preparing for an exit, knowing which investors to approach is key. Here’s a brief overview of top Media and Entertainment VC firms, broken down by the stages they invest in.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Media and Entertainment

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to validate your idea and build your first product. For founders in media and entertainment, there are several seed venture capital firms to consider, such as New York-based Torch Capital, Not Boring Capital, and the Atlanta-based Sound Media Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in Media and Entertainment

Early-stage funding, which typically covers Series A and B rounds, is for startups with market traction that need capital to grow their team and scale operations. Among the early stage vc firms in this category are Branded Hospitality, a New York venture capital firm focused on hospitality and media, and RSE Ventures, a consumer focused venture capital firm backing sports and entertainment companies.

As you prepare for these rounds, Rho Capital can connect you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you secure financing tailored to your business model.

Late Stage VC Firms in Media and Entertainment

Late-stage venture capital is for mature companies looking to expand into new markets, make strategic acquisitions, or prepare for an IPO. Top media venture capital firms like Boston-based Schooner Capital and the corporate venture arm Hearst Ventures provide this type of growth capital to established industry leaders.

It's also worth noting that many technology venture capital firms invest across all funding stages. Once your funding is secured, Rho's integrated platform helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

To help you find the right investor, we've compiled details on top VC firms in the media and entertainment industry. The following list covers their investment stages, location preferences, and specific strengths to help you identify the best fit.

1. TCG

Based in Los Angeles, TCG is a multi-stage investment firm that supports companies from their earliest seed rounds through to post-IPO stages. They concentrate on partnering with businesses across the consumer, internet, and media sectors.

The firm has a strong record of backing high-profile consumer brands that have achieved significant scale, including Ring, Crunchyroll, and Barstool Sports. Their portfolio highlights a focus on companies with mass-market appeal and the potential for major exits.

TCG is a solid match for founders building ambitious consumer-facing companies who seek a long-term financial partner. As you scale with an investor like TCG, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy your capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity, and post-IPO

• Industries of focus: Digital Media, Film & TV Production, Media and Entertainment

• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: Barstool Sports, Crunchyroll, Ring, OpenSea, Oura

• Portfolio size: Over 120 investments and 25 exits

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 foundational platforms that support them.

The firm backs recognizable consumer brands, with notable investments in companies like Sweetgreen, Acorns, and Ro. This highlights their focus on businesses with strong brand identity and the potential for widespread adoption.

Torch Capital is a good fit for founders building consumer-focused technology companies, especially in sectors like health, finance, and media. If you're building a high-growth consumer brand, our team at Rho can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options to complement your equity raise.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Technology, Financial Services, Health Care, Media and Entertainment, Wellness
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Acorns, Ro, Sweetgreen, Thrasio, Lobos 1707
• Portfolio size: Over 90 investments and 6 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Branded Hospitality

Branded Hospitality is a New York-based investment firm that backs companies in hospitality, media, and consumer goods. They provide capital across multiple stages, from seed and early-stage venture to private equity.

The firm focuses on both B2B technology solutions and consumer brands, with portfolio companies like Bbot, a QR-code payment platform acquired by DoorDash, and Big Chicken, a fast-casual chain founded by Shaquille O’Neal. This shows their interest in businesses with clear paths to market adoption and high-growth potential.

Branded Hospitality is a strong potential partner for founders building technology for the restaurant and retail industries or launching a consumer brand with mass appeal. Once you secure funding, Rho’s platform can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, private equity

• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Media and Entertainment, Retail Technology

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: Bbot, Big Chicken, Chowly, PourMyBeer

• Portfolio size: Over 70 investments and 8 exits

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. They invest across all stages, from seed and early venture rounds to late-stage and private equity deals.

The firm's portfolio is notably diverse, spanning sectors from media and financial services to pharmaceuticals and clean energy. Their track record includes high-profile exits like Seventh Generation's acquisition by Unilever and Cullinan Oncology's IPO.

Schooner Capital is a good match for founders with ambitious, long-term goals who are looking for a partner that can support them across multiple funding rounds. As you prepare for these later stages, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options to help you extend your runway and maintain ownership.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Media and Entertainment, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical

• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts

• Founded: 1971

• Notable portfolio companies: Seventh Generation, Cullinan Oncology, Commonwealth Fusion Systems

• Portfolio size: 70 investments and 14 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Sony Music Entertainment

As the corporate venture capital arm of the global music conglomerate, Sony Music Entertainment invests strategically from its headquarters in New York. The firm focuses on companies in the music, digital entertainment, and media sectors.

Sony Music makes targeted investments in companies that complement its core business, such as its acquisition of podcast studio Neon Hum. The firm also backs emerging technologies, co-leading a funding round for the AI platform Vermillio.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders developing technology for the music and audio industries, from AI tools to new distribution platforms. Once you secure a strategic investment, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments.

• Investment stages: Corporate venture, strategic investments

• Industries of focus: Music, Digital Entertainment, Media and Entertainment

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 1929

• Notable portfolio companies: Neon Hum, Vermillio, Shazam, Keyhole Inc.

• Portfolio size: 27 investments and 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Powerhouse Capital

Powerhouse Capital is a Los Angeles-based venture fund that invests in technology, media, and interactive gaming companies. The firm is a multi-stage partner, providing capital from seed rounds through to private equity to support businesses throughout their growth.

The firm’s portfolio features several high-profile consumer brands that have achieved significant exits, including podcast network Wondery and the meditation app Calm. This track record demonstrates a clear focus on backing companies with mass-market appeal and the potential to become household names.

Powerhouse Capital is a strong match for founders building consumer-facing media or gaming companies with ambitions for large-scale adoption. As you scale with a partner like Powerhouse, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy your capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity

• Industries of focus: Media and Entertainment, Gaming, Audio, Video, Music

• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Wondery, The Athletic, MasterClass, Calm, Epic! Kids

• Portfolio size: 24 investments and 5 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Not Boring Capital

Not Boring Capital is a Seattle-based fund that invests in seed and early-stage companies with compelling stories to tell. The firm not only provides capital but also actively helps its portfolio companies shape and share their narratives.

The firm’s strategy is built around narrative, backing businesses that have a strong story and helping them communicate it. Their portfolio includes companies like AI data provider Scale and Web3 publishing platform Mirror, showing a focus on tech-driven businesses with high growth potential.

Not Boring is a great fit for founders who believe storytelling is key to their growth and are looking for more than just a check. Once you secure your funding, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Information Technology, Media and Entertainment, Venture Capital

• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Scale, NexHealth, Snackpass, Mirror, MarketerHire

• Fund size: $8 million

• Portfolio size: 28 investments and 2 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. MassVentures

MassVentures is a Boston-based venture capital firm that has supported Massachusetts startups since 1978. The firm is dedicated to helping local deep-tech and high-growth companies succeed within the state.

The firm invests across a wide spectrum of stages, from seed and grants to late-stage venture rounds. Their portfolio shows a history of successful exits, including the acquisition of crowd-testing platform Applause and retail-media company OwnerIQ.

MassVentures is a great option for Massachusetts-based founders in tech, security, or media who need a long-term financial partner. As you prepare for these funding rounds, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing to complement your equity raise.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and grant

• Industries of focus: Information Technology, Media and Entertainment, Security

• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts

• Founded: 1978

• Notable portfolio companies: Applause, OwnerIQ, MachineMetrics, lifeIMAGE

• Portfolio size: Over 430 investments and 79 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. MCJ

MCJ is a Boston-based venture capital firm that backs founders working on climate change solutions. They focus on companies that are transforming energy and industrial sectors.

The firm has a distinct focus on climate technology, backing high-growth companies like Crusoe Energy Systems and Arcadia. While their portfolio is centered on energy and industry, they also invest across information technology and media.

MCJ is a good fit for founders building companies that address climate change, from energy transition to carbon removal. As you scale a capital-intensive business in this sector, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding to complement your equity rounds.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Climate Technology, Energy, Information Technology, Media and Entertainment

• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Crusoe Energy Systems, Arcadia, Heirloom

• Portfolio size: 78 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Progress Ventures

Progress Ventures is a Boston-based investment fund that focuses on early-stage companies in the advertising and digital media markets. They provide capital to help businesses grow from their initial phases.

The firm has a clear concentration in advertising technology, with a portfolio that includes major exits like the IPO of Integral Ad Science and the acquisition of TruOptik. This track record demonstrates their deep expertise and success within the ad-tech sector.

This firm is an excellent match for founders building technology for the advertising and digital media industries. Once you secure funding, Rho’s platform can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, debt

• Industries of focus: Advertising, Media and Entertainment, Business Development

• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts

• Founded: 2008

• Notable portfolio companies: Integral Ad Science (IAS), TruOptik, Simpli.fi, Sovrn

• Portfolio size: 33 investments and 11 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Hearst Ventures

Hearst Ventures is the corporate venture capital fund of the global media company, Hearst. The firm invests in early-stage companies across the information, software, and technology sectors.

The firm has a history of backing major media and technology brands, including early investments in companies like Roku, BuzzFeed, and Pandora. This demonstrates their ability to identify and support businesses that achieve significant scale and market leadership.

Hearst Ventures is an ideal strategic partner for founders in media and tech who can benefit from the corporate network and industry expertise of a global media powerhouse. Once you secure strategic funding, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments.

• Investment stages: All stages, from seed and early-stage to late-stage and post-IPO

• Industries of focus: Media and Entertainment, Information Services, Software

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 1995

• Notable portfolio companies: Roku, BuzzFeed, Pandora, Via Transportation

• Portfolio size: Over 180 investments and 50 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. HearstLab

HearstLab is a venture fund operating within the global media company Hearst, dedicated to backing early-stage, women-led startups. Based in New York, the firm provides capital and strategic support to tech-enabled businesses.

The firm's clear mission is to invest in companies founded and led by women, giving them access to Hearst's extensive network and resources. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like the beauty and wellness SaaS platform GlossGenius and the infrastructure access company StrongDM.

HearstLab is an ideal partner for female founders building tech companies in sectors like fintech, media, and enterprise software. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Analytics, FinTech, Information Technology, Marketing, Media and Entertainment

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: GlossGenius, StrongDM, PowerToFly, FreeWill

• Portfolio size: Over 70 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. Sound Media Ventures

Sound Media Ventures is an Atlanta-based firm that invests in and mentors media technology startups around the world. The firm is focused on discovering promising companies and providing hands-on support to help them scale.

The firm has a clear interest in emerging technologies, backing companies like Web3 identity platform Unstoppable Domains and the esports organization Ghost Gaming. Their strategy of investing at the seed and early stages shows a commitment to partnering with founders from the very beginning.

Sound Media Ventures is a strong match for founders building media tech companies, especially in Web3, blockchain, or gaming. If you are an early-stage founder looking for both capital and mentorship, our team at Rho can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options to complement your equity raise.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note

• Industries of focus: Media and Entertainment, Blockchain, Venture Capital

• Geographical presence: Atlanta, Georgia

• Founded: 2019

• Notable portfolio companies: Unstoppable Domains, Ghost Gaming, Loupe

• Portfolio size: 22 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. RSE Ventures

RSE Ventures is a New York-based private investment firm that backs companies across sports, entertainment, media, and food. They operate as a multi-stage partner, providing support as an incubator, private equity firm, and venture capital investor.

The firm's portfolio features high-profile consumer brands, including the restaurant reservation platform Resy and the Drone Racing League. Their track record of successful exits, such as sports-betting media company The Action Network, highlights a focus on building valuable brands.

RSE Ventures is a strong match for founders building consumer brands in high-growth sectors like sports, media, and lifestyle. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Venture

• Industries of focus: Sports, Media and Entertainment, Food and Beverage, Consumer

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2012

• Notable portfolio companies: Resy, Drone Racing League, Momofuku, Magnolia Bakery

• Portfolio size: 42 investments and 15 exits

You can refer to their website here.

15. Sterling.VC

Sterling.VC is a New York-based venture fund that invests in companies from seed to late-stage rounds, with a strong focus on web3, gaming, and sports technology.

The firm's portfolio highlights a history of backing companies to successful public exits, including smart-lock platform Latch and identity company CLEAR Secure. An investment in The Sandbox also shows their deep involvement in the metaverse and blockchain gaming.

Sterling.VC is a strong match for founders in the web3 and eSports sectors who are building for large-scale adoption and have ambitious growth plans. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Web3, Blockchain, eSports, Sports, Media and Entertainment
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Latch, The Sandbox, CLEAR Secure
• Portfolio size: 61 investments and 10 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Media and Entertainment Companies

This review of firms shows that investors for media and entertainment companies are often located in major industry centers like New York and Los Angeles, with a notable presence in Boston. This geographical focus suggests that founders in these areas may have more direct access to potential partners who understand their market.

The funding environment appears well-balanced, with support available for companies at every point of their journey. The list includes multi-stage investors capable of providing capital from seed to exit, alongside specialized funds focused on early-stage rounds. This variety gives you options for finding a partner whose investment style aligns with your growth plans.

As you identify the right equity partners, our team at Rho can also help you explore non-dilutive financing. Rho Capital connects you with venture debt and credit lines, offering a way to secure capital that complements your fundraising efforts without requiring you to give up additional ownership.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Knowing which investors to approach is critical when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. This focused list helps you connect with partners who understand your market, so you can spend your time building relationships that matter.

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. This allows you to secure capital that complements your equity raise without giving up additional ownership.

Our team helps founders access financing tailored to their business model, from working capital to venture debt. Once your funding is in place, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage it all with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Media and Entertainment

Which media venture capital firms are in London?

Yes, London is a key hub for media investment. Firms there often focus on digital media, gaming, and ad-tech, providing capital and access to European markets for founders looking to expand their reach beyond North America.

What are celebrity venture capital firms?

These are investment funds backed by high-profile entertainers or athletes. They often provide startups with capital, industry connections, and brand credibility, making them strategic partners for consumer-facing companies in media, sports, and entertainment.

What do early-stage media VC firms look for?

Early-stage firms want to see a strong founding team, a clear market opportunity, and initial traction. For media startups, this often means demonstrating user engagement, a unique content strategy, or proprietary technology that can scale.

How do I find the right media and entertainment VC for my startup?

Start by researching firms that invest in your specific sector and stage, like those on our list. Focus on their portfolio to see if your company aligns, and seek warm introductions through your network for the best results.

How can Rho help my media startup with funding?

Our Rho Capital service connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt. Once funded, our integrated platform helps you manage your capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments. Raise confidently with Rho.