Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Mobile Startups

For founders preparing to raise capital, knowing which investors specialize in the mobile technology space is critical. Approaching the right venture capital firms—those with a deep understanding of the mobile app ecosystem—means you're talking to people who get your business from the start.

To help you find the right partners, our team put together this overview of top VC firms that actively invest in mobile-focused startups. Use this guide to quickly identify investors who are a good fit for your company.

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Which VC Firms in Mobile Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to makes all the difference. This is a quick overview of which VC firms specializing in mobile technology invest 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 at this stage, mobile-focused venture capital firms like Sputnik ATX, Recursive Ventures, and Pioneer Square Labs are often the right partners to approach.

Early Stage VC Firms in Mobile

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your team and accelerate growth once you have product-market fit. Some of the top early-stage venture capital firms include The Venture Reality Fund, which invests in AI and spatial computing, along with consumer-focused Jaws Ventures and fintech specialist AAF Management Ltd.

Late Stage VC Firms in Mobile

Late-stage capital is for established companies preparing for major expansion, a potential acquisition, or an IPO. Technology venture capital firms that operate at this level include Light Street Capital, Bezos Expeditions, and Core Capital, all of which have experience backing companies through major exits.

It's also worth noting that many VC firms, such as Lightbank and Aspect Ventures, invest across all funding stages.

Here is a closer look at the top VC firms that invest in the mobile sector. We've included key details about their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders like you.

1. Pioneer Square Labs

Pioneer Square Labs (PSL) is a Seattle-based startup studio that builds and launches new technology companies from the ground up. They function as a co-founder, providing the initial idea, team, and capital to get a business started.

Their model is hands-on, focusing on enterprise software, internet, and mobile startups at the earliest stages. PSL has a strong track record, with notable exits like the VR game studio BigBox VR, which was acquired by Meta.

This firm is an excellent match if you're looking for a deeply involved partner to help shape your company from its inception. Founders who value operational expertise and a co-building approach will find PSL's model particularly compelling.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Internet, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, Washington
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: BigBox VR, Iteratively, Boundless, and Arrived
• Model: A startup studio that also functions as an incubator, accelerator, and venture capital investor.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Bezos Expeditions

Bezos Expeditions is the personal investment firm of Jeff Bezos, managing his venture capital portfolio. The firm backs companies across a wide range of stages and industries, reflecting a broad investment thesis.

The firm's portfolio is defined by its investments in transformative, category-defining companies like Airbnb and Uber. This focus on high-growth, market-leading businesses suggests a strategy of backing ambitious founders with potential for massive scale.

This firm is a good fit for founders with bold, long-term visions who are building companies with the potential to become household names. Given its investment history, Bezos Expeditions is likely looking for businesses that can fundamentally change an industry.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Based in Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: Airbnb, Uber, Anduril, and Workday
• Number of investments: 108

You can refer to their website here.

3. Lightbank

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests across a broad spectrum of technology sectors. Led by Eric Lefkofsky, the firm manages $700 million in assets and actively funds companies in AI, SaaS, marketplaces, healthcare, and fintech.

The firm’s portfolio is marked by high-profile successes, including the IPO of Sprout Social and the billion-dollar acquisition of Tastytrade. This track record signals a focus on backing companies with clear paths to major exits, whether through the public markets or strategic acquisitions.

Lightbank is a compelling choice for founders building high-growth businesses, as the firm invests from seed all the way to late-stage rounds. Their broad industry focus makes them a good fit for ambitious teams in both consumer and enterprise technology.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, FinTech, Mobile, Marketplaces, and AI
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Sprout Social, Tastytrade, Tempus, Fiverr, and SpotHero
• Portfolio size: Over 200 investments and 44 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. The Venture Reality Fund/VRF

The Venture Reality Fund, also known as VRF, is a California-based firm that invests in early-stage companies building the future of AI and spatial computing. They provide seed and venture funding to startups in these highly specialized sectors.

VRF has a clear investment thesis centered on immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Owlchemy Labs, which was acquired by Google, and Strivr, an enterprise training platform used by major organizations.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders whose work is deeply rooted in virtual reality, augmented reality, or applied AI. If your company is developing core technology in these areas, VRF has the specific expertise to be a valuable investor.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Spatial Computing, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality
• Geographical presence: Based in Burlingame, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Owlchemy Labs, Strivr, Baobab Studios, and Phiar Technologies
• Portfolio size: 64 investments with 9 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Recursive Ventures

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

The firm's investment thesis is centered on data and AI-driven businesses, with a strong track record of identifying future market leaders. Their portfolio includes major successes like Ring, which was acquired by Amazon, and the global payroll platform Deel.

This firm is a great fit for founders at the seed stage whose companies are built on a foundation of data and AI. If you are building a tech startup in the US or Israel with the potential for massive scale, Recursive Ventures is a compelling investor to consider.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), FinTech, Mobile, Real Estate, and IT Infrastructure
• Geographical presence: Based in California, with a focus on the US and Israel
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Ring, Deel, Life360, and Placer.ai
• Portfolio size: 48 investments with 11 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Aspect Ventures

Aspect Ventures is a Palo Alto-based firm that invests in companies within the mobile marketplace. They provide capital across all funding stages, from initial seed rounds to late-stage venture investments.

The firm’s portfolio is defined by its investments in high-growth, category-leading companies like the digital bank Chime and the HR platform Gusto. Their track record, which includes major exits like the acquisitions of Trulia and HotelTonight, signals a focus on backing businesses with the potential for massive scale.

This firm is a strong match for founders building companies with clear paths to widespread consumer adoption, especially in the mobile sector. If you have a proven concept and are aiming for a large-scale exit, their experience makes them a compelling partner to consider.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Mobile, Business Development
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Chime, Gusto, Trulia, The RealReal, and HotelTonight
• Portfolio size: 119 investments with 29 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. AAF Management Ltd.

AAF Management Ltd. is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Washington, D.C. that provides seed and Series A funding to technology companies.

The firm’s portfolio shows a strong focus on the fintech sector, with investments in high-profile companies like Robinhood, Flutterwave, and the mobile bank Current. Their track record of backing businesses that achieve unicorn status quickly, such as Drata and StockX, signals an interest in companies with potential for rapid, large-scale growth.

AAF Management is a strong fit for founders at the seed or Series A stage, especially those building businesses in fintech or mobile consumer applications. If your company has a clear path to market leadership, their experience with high-growth startups makes them a valuable potential partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care, Mobile, Software
• Geographical presence: Based in Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Flutterwave, Drata, Current, Robinhood, and StockX
• Portfolio size: 133 investments with 24 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Light Street Capital

Light Street Capital is a global investment firm that backs both private and public companies in the technology and media sectors. Based in Palo Alto, they manage investments across the entire company lifecycle.

The firm's portfolio is marked by investments in category-defining companies like Uber, Slack, and Unity, often supporting them through major IPOs or acquisitions. This focus on both private and public markets shows a strategy of backing businesses with long-term potential for market leadership.

This firm is a compelling partner for founders of late-stage companies preparing for a public offering or a significant exit. If your business has already achieved scale and is on a clear path to becoming a market leader, their experience is highly relevant.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, and Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Technology, Media, Cloud Computing, E-Commerce, and Mobile
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Uber, Slack, Unity, GitLab, and AMD
• Portfolio size: 26 investments and 11 exits

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 technology companies across Africa. They provide capital to businesses building foundational solutions for the African market.

The firm's portfolio features companies that have become regional leaders, such as open-banking API Mono and HR platform SeamlessHR. This signals a focus on backing businesses with the potential to define their categories on the continent.

This firm is a strong match for founders building technology companies in Africa, particularly in sectors like fintech, logistics, and healthcare. If you are creating a business to serve the African market, they are a relevant investor to consider.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Health Care, Logistics, Mobile, and CleanTech
• Geographical presence: Based in New York with a focus on Africa
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Carry1st, Mono, SeamlessHR, and Octavia Carbon
• Portfolio size: 48 investments with 1 exit

You can refer to their website here.

10. Core Capital Partners

Core Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based venture firm managing $350 million in capital. The firm invests across the company lifecycle, from seed and early-stage rounds to late-stage venture.

The firm has a strong track record of backing companies through major exits, including the IPO of Olo and Sourcefire's $2.7 billion acquisition by Cisco. This history points to a focus on businesses with the potential for significant, market-defining outcomes.

Founders building companies in enterprise technology, wireless, or financial services may find Core Capital to be a good match. Their experience guiding companies toward IPOs and large acquisitions makes them a relevant partner for teams with long-term ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Venture Capital, and Wireless
• Geographical presence: Based in Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 1999
• Notable portfolio companies: Sourcefire, ZeroFox, Olo, and Univa
• Portfolio size: 91 investments with 34 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sputnik ATX

Sputnik ATX is an Austin-based venture capital fund and startup accelerator that invests in early-stage companies. They specifically focus on backing "maker-founders"—entrepreneurs who are deeply involved in building their products.

The firm’s model combines an accelerator program with seed and early-stage venture funding, signaling a hands-on, supportive approach. Their portfolio is notably diverse, with investments in companies like the award-winning reg-tech platform Cognitive View and the vegan cosmetics brand LAMIK.

This firm is a strong match for founders who identify as builders and are looking for both capital and structured guidance through an accelerator. Their broad industry focus makes them a relevant choice for startups in sectors ranging from enterprise software to consumer retail.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise, Mobile, Retail, Beauty, Gaming, and more
• Geographical presence: Based in Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Cognitive View, Kargoplex, Lodgeur, and LAMIK
• Model: A combination of a startup accelerator, incubator, and venture capital fund
• 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 from seed to early-stage venture rounds, supporting businesses as they scale.

The firm's portfolio highlights a strong interest in consumer brands and e-commerce platforms, with investments in companies like Parachute Home and Route. Their track record includes notable exits, such as Lytro's acquisition by Google and Rubicon's public listing.

This firm is a great fit for founders building consumer-focused technology companies, especially in e-commerce. If you have a product with clear market appeal and are ready for growth, their experience is highly relevant.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer, E-Commerce, Hospitality, Internet, and Mobile
• Geographical presence: Based in Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Rubicon, Parachute Home, Route, and Lytro
• Portfolio size: 105 investments with 20 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. Telegraph Hill Capital

Telegraph Hill Capital is a San Francisco-based venture firm that invests in companies from seed to late-stage rounds. While their stated interests include mobile and enterprise software, their portfolio shows a distinct specialization in life sciences and diagnostics.

The firm’s track record is defined by guiding highly technical companies toward significant exits, including IPOs and strategic acquisitions by major industry players. This points to a deep expertise in complex, regulated markets and a focus on businesses with clear paths to liquidity.

Telegraph Hill is a compelling partner for founders in the life sciences, biotech, or medical technology sectors. If you are building a company with a strong scientific foundation, they have the specific experience to support your growth.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Enterprise Software, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, focusing on North America
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Akoya Biosciences, Teknova, Precision NanoSystems, and Verogen
• Portfolio size: 67 investments and 13 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Lauder Partners

Lauder Partners is a long-standing venture capital firm based in California, investing in technology companies since 1986. They support businesses across the entire lifecycle, from seed funding through late-stage growth rounds.

The firm's portfolio is defined by its investments in highly ambitious, category-creating companies like SpaceX, Oura, and the AI-chip maker Groq. This signals a clear focus on backing founders with transformative, deep-tech ideas that have the potential for massive scale.

Lauder Partners is an excellent match for founders building businesses with a strong technical foundation or those aiming to create entirely new markets. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them a good long-term partner for teams with bold, long-term visions.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Mobile, Deep Tech, AI, and Consumer Hardware
• Geographical presence: Based in Atherton, California
• Founded: 1986
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, AngelList, Oura, Groq, and Orca Security
• Portfolio size: 95 investments and 40 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Mobile Companies

This list shows that the investment community for mobile-focused companies is both broad and well-balanced. You'll find active investors at every stage, from early-stage specialists like Sputnik ATX to multi-stage firms like Lightbank that can support you from seed to exit. This distribution means there are funding opportunities whether you're just starting out or preparing for significant growth.

Geographically, while California remains a key center, there is a notable presence of firms in other major hubs like Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Austin. It's also clear that "mobile" is often part of a wider investment thesis that includes fintech, AI, or enterprise software. This suggests you should focus on investors who understand your specific market, not just the technology platform.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant focus, making it essential to connect with the right investors from the start. This list is designed to help you target firms that specifically understand the mobile technology sector.

Once your round is closed, the focus shifts to managing your new capital effectively. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

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FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Mobile

Which US cities are hubs for mobile venture capital firms?

While Silicon Valley is a major center, you'll find key mobile tech investors in other hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Austin. This gives founders across the country access to capital and expertise without needing to relocate.

What do early-stage VCs look for in mobile startups?

Early-stage investors prioritize a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and initial signs of product-market fit. They want to see a clear vision for how your mobile technology solves a real problem for a specific audience.

How should I approach a mobile-focused VC firm?

A warm introduction from a mutual connection is most effective. If that's not possible, a concise, personalized email explaining your business, traction, and why you are a specific fit for their portfolio is the best direct approach.

Why do many mobile VCs also invest in AI and fintech?

Mobile is often the delivery platform for other technologies. Many successful AI and fintech companies are mobile-first, so investors seek businesses that combine these strengths to create powerful, user-focused products with large market potential.

What is the main goal of seed funding for a mobile app?

The primary goal is to validate your core business idea and build an initial version of your product. This capital is used to find product-market fit, acquire your first users, and gather data to prove your model.

How can I manage my funding after a successful raise?

Once you secure funding, managing it well is critical. Our platform helps you open business bank accounts, issue corporate cards, and automate payments. Get started with Rho in minutes to manage your new capital efficiently.