Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Mobile Startups

For founders building a business in the Mobile space, understanding which venture capital firms are active in your sector is essential when preparing to raise capital. It helps you focus your efforts on investors who truly get the mobile technology and wireless market.

To help with your search, the Rho team created this overview of top VC firms that fund Mobile startups. Think of it as a starting point for identifying the right financial partners for your company.

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

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides mobile startups with the capital needed to accelerate product development, expand their team, and gain a foothold in a competitive market.

• Top venture capital firms like Pioneer Square Labs, Bezos Expeditions, Lightbank, and The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) are notable backers of companies in the mobile technology sector.

• Once you secure funding, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Mobile Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you’re an early-stage founder or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is crucial. This is a quick overview of which VC firms invest in mobile technology at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Mobile

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders in the mobile space, some seed venture capital firms to look at include the Seattle-based accelerator Pioneer Square Labs, Austin's Sputnik ATX, and the AI-focused Recursive Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in Mobile

Early-stage funding, like Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your team and operations once you have market traction. Technology-focused venture capital firms like The Venture Reality Fund, which backs AI and AR companies, and the fintech-focused AAF Management Ltd. are active at this stage.

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 Mobile

Late-stage capital is for established companies preparing for significant growth, a potential acquisition, or an IPO. Prominent late stage venture capital firms include Bezos Expeditions, which has backed global brands like Uber, and Light Street Capital, which invests in both private and public technology companies.

Keep in mind that some VC firms, like Lightbank and Aspect Ventures, invest across all startup funding stages too.

To help you identify the right partners, we’ve compiled more information on top VC firms in the mobile sector. You’ll find details on their preferred investment stages, locations, and what distinguishes each firm.

1. Pioneer Square Labs

Pioneer Square Labs is a Seattle-based venture studio that both creates and invests in technology startups. They operate as a combination of an accelerator, incubator, and venture capital firm, focusing on building companies from the ground up.

The firm concentrates on early-stage and seed rounds for mobile, internet, and enterprise software companies. Their studio model implies deep operational involvement, and they have a strong track record with notable portfolio companies like BigBox VR (acquired by Meta) and the Jeff Bezos-backed Arrived.

PSL is a great match if you're an early-stage founder who values a hands-on partner to help validate an idea and build your company. Their location makes them particularly relevant for founders in the Pacific Northwest tech scene.

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, Seed

• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Internet, Mobile

• Location: Seattle, Washington

• Founded: 2015

• Notable investments: BigBox VR, Iteratively, Boundless, Copper, Arrived

• Model: A venture studio that also acts as an accelerator and incubator

You can refer to their website here.

2. Bezos Expeditions

Bezos Expeditions is the family investment office for Jeff Bezos, managing his personal venture capital investments. The firm backs companies across various sectors, with a focus on technology and finance.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, and is known for backing ambitious, category-defining companies. Its portfolio includes global brands like Uber and Airbnb, signaling a preference for businesses with massive scale potential.

This firm is a good fit for founders with transformative ideas that have the potential for significant global impact. They are looking for long-term partnerships with visionary teams aiming to build enduring companies.

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, Late Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Venture Capital

• Location: Washington, D.C.

• Founded: 2005

• Notable investments: Airbnb, Uber, Anduril, Workday, Grail

• Investor type: Family Investment Office, Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

3. Lightbank

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm led by Groupon co-founder Eric Lefkofsky. The firm invests across a wide range of sectors, including AI, SaaS, marketplaces, healthcare, and fintech.

The firm is stage-agnostic, backing companies from seed to late-stage rounds, and has a strong track record of successful exits. Its portfolio includes well-known public companies like Sprout Social and Fiverr, as well as the billion-dollar acquisition Tastytrade.

Lightbank is a strong potential partner for founders at any stage who are building businesses in their core industries. Their Chicago roots also make them a key investor for companies in the Midwest tech community.

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, Late Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: AI, SaaS, Marketplaces, FinTech, Mobile, Enterprise Software

• Location: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2010

• Notable investments: Sprout Social, Tastytrade, Tempus, Fiverr, SpotHero

• Portfolio size: Over 200 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. The Venture Reality Fund/VRF

The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) is a Burlingame-based firm that invests in AI and Spatial Computing. They focus on companies building technologies for what they see as our digital future, particularly at the seed and early stages.

The firm has a clear specialization in immersive technologies like AR and VR, which is reflected in their portfolio data. They have a history of backing companies that achieve significant exits, such as VR game developer Owlchemy Labs and AR navigation startup Phiar Technologies, both acquired by Google.

VRF is an ideal partner for founders building deeply technical products in immersive reality. If your company is focused on AR, VR, or the underlying AI that powers these experiences, this firm has the specific expertise you're looking for.

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, Seed

• Industries of focus: AI, Spatial Computing, AR/VR, Gaming, Mobile

• Location: Burlingame, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable investments: Owlchemy Labs, Strivr, Baobab Studios, Phiar Technologies

• Portfolio size: 64 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Recursive Ventures

Recursive Ventures is a micro VC firm that backs seed-stage tech startups in the US and Israel. They focus on companies using data and AI to create significant change in established industries.

The firm has a clear preference for businesses built on data and artificial intelligence, with a portfolio that includes major successes like Ring (acquired by Amazon) and the publicly-traded Life360. This track record signals their ability to identify and support companies with high-growth potential, such as Deel and Placer.ai.

This firm is a strong match for founders at the seed stage whose companies are fundamentally driven by data or AI. If you are building a tech startup in the US or Israel aimed at transforming sectors like finance or real estate, Recursive Ventures has relevant experience.

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, Seed

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Finance, FinTech, Insurance, Internet, IT Infrastructure, Mobile, Real Estate

• Location: Albany, California

• Founded: 2015

• Notable investments: Life360, Ring, Deel, Placer.ai, May Mobility

• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

6. Aspect Ventures

Aspect Ventures is a Palo Alto-based firm that invests in the emerging mobile marketplace. They are stage-agnostic, backing companies from seed to late-stage rounds, and look for businesses with the potential to define new categories.

Their portfolio highlights a focus on high-growth companies, including fintech leader Chime, HR platform Gusto, and luxury resale marketplace The RealReal, which had a notable IPO. They also backed successful mobile-first companies like Trulia and HotelTonight prior to their acquisitions.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders building businesses with massive scale potential, particularly in the mobile and marketplace sectors. Their broad investment strategy makes them relevant whether you're raising a seed round or preparing for 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: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note

• Industries of focus: Mobile, Business Development, Venture Capital

• Location: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2014

• Notable investments: Chime, Gusto, The RealReal, Trulia, HotelTonight

• Portfolio size: 119 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. AAF Management Ltd.

AAF Management Ltd. is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. They concentrate on providing capital at the seed and Series A stages, helping new businesses get off the ground.

The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a clear focus on high-growth fintech, backing category-defining companies like Robinhood, Flutterwave, and Current. Their investment in compliance-automation platform Drata, which achieved unicorn status in just 18 months, signals an eye for businesses with rapid scaling potential.

This firm is a strong match for founders building ambitious companies in the fintech, health care, and software industries. If you are raising a seed or Series A round and have a vision for significant growth, AAF Management’s track record makes them a relevant investor to consider.

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, Seed

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care, Software, Mobile

• Location: Washington, D.C.

• Founded: 2016

• Notable investments: Flutterwave, Drata, Current, Robinhood, StockX

• Portfolio size: 133 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Light Street Capital

Light Street Capital is a Palo Alto-based firm that invests globally in technology and media companies. They operate across both private and public markets, providing capital to businesses at various points in their growth.

A key part of their strategy is investing across the entire company lifecycle, from early venture rounds to post-IPO equities. Their portfolio includes major technology names like Uber, Slack, and Unity, showing a track record of backing companies through to significant public market events.

This firm is a good fit for founders of high-growth tech companies who are seeking a long-term partner. Their ability to invest in later stages and public markets makes them a valuable ally for businesses with ambitions for a large-scale exit or IPO.

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, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Secondary Market

• Industries of focus: Technology, Media, Cloud Computing, E-Commerce, Mobile

• Location: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2010

• Notable investments: Uber, Slack, Unity Technologies, GitLab, AMD

• Portfolio size: 26 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Frontiers is a New York-based venture fund that invests in early and growth-stage companies across Africa. They provide capital to businesses building foundational technology for the continent.

The firm’s portfolio shows a focus on high-impact sectors, backing companies like mobile games publisher Carry1st and open-banking API Mono. Their investments have attracted major global firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Tiger Global, signaling a strategy of backing businesses with significant regional scale.

This firm is a strong match for founders building technology companies that address core needs in African markets, particularly in fintech, logistics, and cleantech. Their multi-stage approach makes them relevant for both early-stage and growth-stage companies seeking a partner with deep regional 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: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Health Care, Logistics, CleanTech, Mobile

• Location: New York, New York

• Founded: 2017

• Notable investments: Carry1st, Mono, SeamlessHR, Octavia Carbon

• Portfolio size: 48 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Core Capital Partners

Core Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm that manages $350 million in assets. They invest in companies across the financial services, mobile, and wireless industries.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, and has a history of backing companies to major exits. Their portfolio includes high-profile successes like Sourcefire (acquired by Cisco) and Olo (a major food-tech IPO).

Core Capital is a good fit for founders at any stage who are building businesses in their key industries. Their track record with significant IPOs and acquisitions suggests they are looking for companies with large-scale potential.

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, Late Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Wireless

• Location: Washington, D.C.

• Founded: 1999

• Notable investments: Sourcefire, ZeroFox, Olo, Univa

• Portfolio size: 91 investments

• Fund size: $350 million under management

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sputnik ATX

Sputnik ATX is an Austin-based venture fund and startup accelerator that funds what they call “maker-founders.” They operate as a hybrid incubator and VC, providing capital and structured support to help early-stage companies grow.

A key characteristic of the firm is its exceptionally broad industry focus, with investments in sectors ranging from beauty and fashion to oil and gas and enterprise software. Their portfolio includes the AI website-builder Vybe, which has already exited, and the award-winning compliance platform Cognitive View.

Sputnik ATX is a strong match for hands-on founders at the seed stage who are deeply involved in building their product. Their accelerator model and diverse interests make them a relevant partner for entrepreneurs in many sectors, particularly those in the Texas tech community.

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, Seed

• Industries of focus: Mobile, Retail, Enterprise, Gaming, Fashion, Oil and Gas

• Location: Austin, Texas

• Founded: 2017

• Notable investments: Vybe, Cognitive View, Kargoplex, LAMIK

• Model: Accelerator, Incubator, and Venture Capital

• Portfolio size: 116 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Jaws Ventures

Jaws Ventures is a Miami-based firm that provides growth capital to companies in the consumer and technology sectors. They invest across the early stages, from seed to venture rounds, backing businesses with strong growth potential.

The firm has a clear focus on consumer-facing businesses, particularly in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer brands. Their portfolio includes well-known companies like Parachute Home and the e-commerce platform Route, as well as successful exits like Rubicon Technologies, which went public.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building consumer brands or the technology that powers them. Their investments also show an appetite for companies applying a tech-first approach to traditional industries, from waste management to advanced hardware.

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, Seed

• Industries of focus: Consumer, E-Commerce, Hospitality, Internet, Mobile

• Location: Miami, Florida

• Founded: 2014

• Notable investments: Rubicon Technologies, Parachute Home, Route, Lytro

• Portfolio size: 105 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Telegraph Hill Capital

Telegraph Hill Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies primarily across North America. They are stage-agnostic, providing capital from seed rounds through later venture stages to support companies throughout their growth.

While the firm lists mobile and enterprise software as interests, its portfolio reveals a deep specialization in life sciences and health tech. Their track record is defined by major exits in biotech and diagnostics, including IPOs for Akoya Biosciences and Teknova and acquisitions by major industry players.

This firm is an excellent match for founders building companies in the life sciences, diagnostics, or biotherapeutics sectors. If your startup is developing foundational technology in healthcare, Telegraph Hill Capital has specific domain expertise and a history of guiding companies to successful exits.

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, Late Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Life Sciences, Health Care, Diagnostics, Apps, Enterprise Software, Mobile

• Location: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2007

• Notable investments: Akoya Biosciences, Teknova, Precision NanoSystems, Verogen

• Portfolio size: 67 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Lauder Partners

Lauder Partners is a long-standing venture capital firm based in Atherton, California. Since its founding in 1986, the firm has invested in technology companies across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.

The firm is known for backing highly ambitious, category-defining companies. Their portfolio includes transformative businesses like SpaceX, the AI hardware company Groq, and the health-tracker brand Oura, signaling a focus on founders with visionary ideas.

This firm is a strong match for founders building deeply technical companies with the potential for massive global impact. Their stage-agnostic approach makes them a relevant partner whether you're just starting out or preparing for significant 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: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Mobile, Venture Capital, Aerospace, AI, Consumer Wearables

• Location: Atherton, California

• Founded: 1986

• Notable investments: SpaceX, AngelList, Oura, Groq, Orca Security

• Portfolio size: 95 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Mobile Companies

This list of investors shows a healthy and varied environment for mobile-focused companies seeking capital. The opportunities are quite distributed, with no single stage or location dominating. You’ll find strong support at the early stages from firms like Sputnik ATX and Recursive Ventures, which is crucial for getting new ideas off the ground.

At the same time, many stage-agnostic investors like Core Capital Partners and Lightbank are available to fund later growth. Geographically, while California is prominent, there are active investors in hubs like Austin, Chicago, and New York, giving you options outside of Silicon Valley. The main takeaway is that the investor base for the mobile sector is well-balanced, so your best path forward is to identify firms that align with your specific stage and goals.

Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy your new capital efficiently.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Raising capital requires your full attention, so starting with a focused list of investors is crucial. We hope this guide helps you identify the right financial partners for your company.

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, helping you manage and deploy your new funding efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Mobile

Are most mobile tech venture capital firms in the Bay Area?

While Silicon Valley is a major hub, our list shows active investors in New York, Chicago, and Austin. Focusing only on the Bay Area can cause you to miss valuable partners who understand your market.

What do seed stage venture capital firms look for?

At the seed stage, investors focus on the strength of your founding team, the size of your market opportunity, and early signs of product-market fit. A clear vision and a compelling prototype are often key.

How do I find AI-focused venture capital firms?

Look for firms with AI specialists on their team and a portfolio of AI companies. Firms like The Venture Reality Fund and Recursive Ventures are examples of investors with a clear focus on artificial intelligence technology.

When should I approach late stage venture capital firms?

Approach late-stage firms once you have a proven business model, significant revenue, and a clear path to profitability or an IPO. These investors provide capital for scaling operations, not for initial product development.

How can Rho help after I raise from a venture capital firm?

Once your round is closed, our platform helps you manage the new capital. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, all designed for growing startups. Get started with Rho.