Top 11 Venture Capital Firms for Medical Startups

For founders in the Medical, MedTech, or Life Sciences sectors, preparing to raise capital means finding investors who understand your specific field. The right venture capital firm brings more than just funding; they offer industry-specific guidance and connections that are critical for growth in areas like biotech and healthcare technology.

To help you find those partners, our team at Rho has curated this overview of top healthcare VC firms. This guide is designed to help you quickly identify the investors most relevant to your business as you prepare for your fundraise.

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

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in the medical sector provides startups with not only capital but also crucial industry-specific expertise and network access from specialized investors.
• VCs and corporate venture arms active in the medical industry include firms like RA Capital Management, Pfizer, J-Ventures, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, who are notable backers of innovative startups.
• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Medical Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is just starting out or preparing for an exit, knowing which investors to approach is crucial. Here’s a brief overview of active VC firms in the medical sector, organized by the stages they invest in.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Medical

This initial funding stage is for getting your idea off the ground, often before you have significant revenue. For founders seeking seed stage venture capital, firms like TechRise and Blue Falcon Capital are active in this space, as are angel groups such as IrishAngels.

Early Stage VC Firms in Medical

Early-stage funding, like Series A or B, is for companies with a product and initial traction that are ready to scale. Some early-stage healthcare venture capital firms to know are DigiTx Partners, which focuses on digital health, and the corporate venture arms of major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

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 Medical

Late-stage rounds provide capital for established companies to accelerate growth, expand into new markets, or prepare for an exit. Medical device and life science venture capital firms that participate in this stage include RA Capital Management, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, and Emergent Medical Partners.

It's also common for a single VC firm to invest across all startup funding stages.

To help you identify the right partners, we've compiled details on top VC firms investing in medical technology and life sciences. For each firm, you'll find information on their investment stages, where they invest, and what makes them unique.

1. RA Capital Management

RA Capital Management is an investment advisor that specializes in the life sciences and drug development sectors. They support companies working on new therapies and medical technologies from their headquarters in Boston.

The firm invests across the entire company lifecycle, from seed rounds to post-IPO financing, which is a key part of their strategy. Their portfolio includes major successes like Moderna, the biotech company behind an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

This makes RA Capital a strong potential partner for founders in biotech or life sciences who are looking for a long-term investor. They are equipped to provide capital and support at any stage of your company's growth.

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: All stages, from seed and early-stage venture to late-stage, private equity, and post-IPO.
• Industries of focus: Life sciences, biotechnology, drug development, medical
• Location: Boston, MA
• Founded: 2001
• Notable portfolio companies: Moderna, POINT Biopharma, Shockwave Medical
• Portfolio size: Over 450 investments and nearly 200 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Pfizer

As the corporate venture capital arm of the global biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer Ventures invests in emerging companies developing medicines and technologies that align with Pfizer's strategic interests.

The firm backs companies with promising science, from RNA-targeted therapeutics to DNA-damage-response oncology. Investments like Arrakis Therapeutics and Artios Pharma show a focus on businesses with strong potential for scientific breakthroughs and strategic partnerships.

Pfizer Ventures is a compelling partner for founders in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals whose work could benefit from the resources of a major industry player. They are a good fit if you are seeking a long-term partner with deep scientific expertise.

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: Private Equity, Venture
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Precision Medicine
• Location: New York, NY
• Founded: 1849
• Notable portfolio companies: Arrakis Therapeutics, Artios Pharma, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
• Portfolio size: 52 investments and 19 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. J-Ventures

J-Ventures is a community-driven venture capital fund based in Palo Alto that invests across a wide range of industries, including the medical sector.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage, and has backed several high-growth companies, including the telehealth unicorn Ro.

This makes J-Ventures a good fit for founders whose businesses may not fit a single category and who are looking for a partner to support them through multiple growth stages.

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, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Construction, Education, FinTech, Marketing, Medical, Retail, Web Development
• Location: Palo Alto, CA
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Ramp, Ro, DataRobot, PlayStudios, Yotpo
• Portfolio size: 56 investments and 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and distributes new medicines. As an investor, it focuses on companies that can expand its own therapeutic offerings.

The firm’s strategy centers on strategic partnerships and acquisitions in areas like oncology and neuroscience. Notable deals include acquiring Karuna Therapeutics to bolster its neuroscience portfolio and partnering with BioNTech to co-develop cancer therapies.

BMS is a compelling partner for founders in biotech whose work aligns with the company's core focus areas. They are a good fit if you are seeking a strategic investor with the resources of a major industry leader and are open to an acquisition.

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: Early Stage Venture, Venture
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Precision Medicine
• Location: New York, NY
• Founded: 1887
• Notable portfolio companies: BioNTech, Karuna Therapeutics, Cellares, Mirati Therapeutics
• Portfolio size: 101 investments and 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Kaiser Permanente Ventures

Kaiser Permanente Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of one of the nation's largest integrated healthcare systems. They invest in companies developing new technologies and services that can improve healthcare quality and affordability.

The firm invests across a broad range of stages and sectors, from medical devices and diagnostics to digital health. Their portfolio includes well-known digital health companies like Headspace Health and Omada Health, signaling a focus on technology that improves patient care and access.

This makes Kaiser Permanente Ventures a strong potential partner for founders in digital health, medical devices, and diagnostics. If you're seeking a strategic investor with deep connections to a major healthcare provider, they could be a good 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: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Venture
• Industries of focus: Health Care, Medical, Medical Device
• Location: Oakland, CA
• Founded: 1945
• Notable portfolio companies: Headspace Health, Omada Health, Oxford Immunotec
• Portfolio size: 116 investments and 34 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. DigiTx Partners

DigiTx Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests exclusively in digital health companies. Based in California, they provide funding to businesses at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

The firm shows a clear preference for companies developing clinically validated technologies, with portfolio companies like Eko Health and Rune Labs securing FDA clearance. Their investment in Cleerly, an AI-driven imaging company, highlights their ability to back businesses with significant growth potential.

DigiTx Partners is an ideal match for founders building digital health tools that require clinical validation and regulatory approval. If your early-stage company is focused on data, AI, or new software platforms for patient care, they could be the right 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: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Digital health, Health Care, Medical
• Location: Brisbane, CA
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Cleerly, Eko Health, Welldoc, Rune Labs
• Portfolio size: 27 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. TechRise Chicago

TechRise is a Chicago-based venture capital firm and startup competition with a specific mission. It operates as a multi-stakeholder initiative to support and fund tech companies led by Black and Latinx founders.

The firm's model is built around community and early-stage support, offering grants alongside seed and early-stage venture funding. Their broad industry focus, which includes the medical sector, indicates they prioritize the founder's background and potential over a narrow vertical.

TechRise is an excellent match for Black or Latinx founders in the medical field who are at the seed or early stages. If you are looking for a partner that provides a strong support system and is mission-aligned, this firm is worth considering.

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, Grant
• Industries of focus: Construction, Education, Finance, Food and Beverage, Insurance, Medical, Professional Services, Web Design
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Founded: 2021
• Portfolio size: 139 investments
• Focus: Supporting Black and Latinx tech founders

You can refer to their website here.

8. IrishAngels

IrishAngels is an angel investing network affiliated with the University of Notre Dame that invests in B2B, consumer, and medical companies. Based in Chicago, the firm operates as a community-driven group that supports businesses at their earliest stages.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage rounds, often using convertible notes, and provides access to its broad network of angel investors. Their portfolio highlights this diverse approach, featuring medical device company Avive, which created a next-generation defibrillator, and fintech leader Chime.

IrishAngels is a strong choice for founders at the seed or early stages who would benefit from a wide network of experienced operators and mentors. Their cross-industry focus makes them a good fit for companies in the B2B, consumer, or medical fields.

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, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: B2B, Consumer, Medical, SaaS, Financial Services
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Avive, Chime, Hallow, Appcast
• Portfolio size: Over 170 investments and 15 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Network.VC

Network.VC is a venture capital firm and syndicate based in Menlo Park that functions as an "operating system for independent VC professionals." It invests across a range of technology sectors, including companies in the medical field.

The firm’s model as a syndicate suggests a collaborative approach, pooling capital from various investors for early-stage companies. They invest from seed rounds through early-stage venture, often using convertible notes, and have backed high-growth companies like the crypto-infrastructure platform Mesh.

Network.VC is a good option for founders at the seed or early stages whose companies are in software, biotech, or medical technology. The syndicate structure could be particularly valuable if you are looking for a broad network of investors and advisors.

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, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Software, Internet, Information Technology, Health Care, Biotechnology, Medical, Apps
• Location: Menlo Park, CA
• Founded: 2019
• Notable portfolio companies: Mesh, VoiceScript, Wizart, NameCoach
• Portfolio size: 58 investments and 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Blue Falcon Capital

Blue Falcon Capital is a New York-based micro-VC and angel group that provides seed and early-stage funding. The firm invests across several industries, including software, healthcare, and food and beverage.

Their portfolio shows a focus on tech-driven companies, from AI-powered healthcare software like Radformation to cultivated-meat startup Vow. This signals an interest in businesses using technology to address challenges in established sectors.

Blue Falcon Capital is a good match for founders at the seed or early-growth stage who are building technology-first companies. Their focus on convertible notes and early venture rounds makes them a suitable partner for getting a new product off the ground.

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, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Health Care, Medical, Software, Food and Beverage, Marketing
• Location: New York, NY
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Vow, Radformation, Medsender
• Portfolio size: 34 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Emergent Medical Partners

Emergent Medical Partners is a California-based life sciences investment firm focused on medical device and healthcare companies. They support businesses from early-stage venture through private equity and have a clear track record of backing companies that lead to major acquisitions.

Notable exits include Ardian, which was acquired by Medtronic for $800 million, making the firm a strong fit for founders in the medical device space. They are an ideal partner if your long-term strategy includes a potential acquisition by a larger corporation.

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: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Venture
• Industries of focus: Biotechnology, Medical, Medical Devices
• Location: Portola Valley, CA
• Founded: 2006
• Notable portfolio companies: Ardian, Cianna Medical, Arterys
• Portfolio size: 36 investments and 14 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Medical Companies

The firms on this list show that the investment environment for medical companies is well-balanced. You can find investors focused on every stage, from specialized early-stage firms that help get ideas off the ground to larger funds that support companies through late-stage growth and acquisitions. This variety means you can find a partner whose focus aligns with your company's current maturity and long-term goals.

The investor base is also diverse, including traditional venture funds, corporate arms of major pharmaceutical companies, and community-driven angel groups. While there is a strong concentration of firms in hubs like California and New York, opportunities exist with investors in other regions. This gives you flexibility in finding a partner that fits your specific needs, whether it's deep industry connections or a strong local network.

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

Fundraising requires significant time and effort, and a focused list of relevant investors helps you direct your energy where it will have the most impact. We hope this guide gives you a strong starting point for finding the right partners.

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 provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you manage your new funding efficiently. This lets you spend less time on finance operations and more time building your business.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Medical

What are some top biotech venture capital firms in Boston?

Boston is a key hub for biotech innovation. Firms like RA Capital Management are prominent investors in the area, focusing on life sciences and drug development. The city's strong research ecosystem attracts many specialized VCs.

What do early-stage healthcare venture capital firms look for?

Early-stage healthcare VCs prioritize a strong founding team, a clear clinical or market need, and initial data supporting your product's value. A well-defined regulatory and commercialization strategy is also critical for securing their investment.

How do I find medical device venture capital firms?

To find medical device VCs, research firms with a history of investing in your specific device class. Review the portfolios of investors like Emergent Medical Partners to see if their focus aligns with your company's technology and stage.

What defines a life sciences VC firm?

Life sciences VC firms invest in companies focused on biology and chemistry, such as drug discovery, diagnostics, and genomics. They typically have deep scientific expertise and support companies through long research and development cycles.

How can I manage my capital after raising from a healthcare VC?

Once your round is closed, Rho can help you manage your new capital efficiently. Our platform provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, so you can focus on growth. Get started with us.