Top 11 Venture Capital Firms for Payments Startups

For founders preparing to raise capital, knowing which venture capital firms truly understand the Payments industry is a significant advantage. Approaching investors who get the specifics of financial technology means you can have more productive conversations from the start.

To help, our team put together this overview of the top VC firms active in the Payments space. We've curated this list to help you quickly identify investors who are a great fit for your company.

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

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding from investors with deep experience in the payments industry provides more than just capital; it offers strategic guidance from partners who understand the sector's unique challenges and opportunities.

• Leading corporate and venture capital firms like Ripple, Visa, Diverse Angels, and Elefund are notable backers for companies focused on payments technology.

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

Which VC Firms in Payments Are Right for Your Stage?

From your first seed round to a potential exit, connecting with the right investors makes all the difference. We've organized this overview to show you which VC firms in the payments industry invest at each stage of a company's growth.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Payments

Pre-seed and seed rounds are the earliest stages of funding, intended to help you turn an idea into a viable product and find initial market fit. For founders in the B2B payments or e-commerce space, financial technology venture capital firms like Mu Ventures, Diverse Angels, and Elefund focus on this initial stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Payments

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for companies with a proven product and initial traction, aimed at scaling operations and growing the customer base. Once you secure this capital from early stage VC firms like Ripple or Pivot Investment Partners, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Late Stage VC Firms in Payments

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies looking to expand into new markets or prepare for an IPO, and can be sourced from firms like Visa, Junipero, and EquityZen. As you weigh your options, remember that Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing like venture debt to fuel growth without giving up more equity.

It's also worth noting that some general VC firms, like Advanced Technology Ventures and Fernbrook, invest across all startup funding stages.

Below, we offer a closer look at the top VC firms specializing in the payments industry. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a strong potential partner for your company.

1. Ripple

Ripple operates at the intersection of technology and finance, providing solutions for cross-border payments, crypto liquidity, and digital currency. This background gives them a unique perspective as an early-stage venture investor in the financial technology sector.

The firm shows a clear preference for companies in the blockchain, Web3, and payments industries. Their investments in companies like AI agent builder Voiceflow and logistics platform Rose Rocket highlight an interest in technology with practical, real-world applications.

Founders working on fintech or crypto infrastructure may find Ripple to be a strong strategic partner due to their specialized knowledge. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage that capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, FinTech, Payments, Web3
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded year: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Voiceflow, Rose Rocket, ZenHub
• Portfolio size: 44 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Visa

As a global leader in financial services, Visa's venture arm invests directly in companies shaping the future of payments and commerce. Their position gives them a unique advantage in identifying and supporting promising financial technology startups.

The firm's investment portfolio is a who's who of fintech and SaaS, including category-defining companies like Stripe, Marqeta, and DocuSign. This track record points to a strategy of backing businesses with the potential for significant global impact and market leadership.

Founders building ambitious payment infrastructure or financial platforms could find a powerful ally in Visa. For companies at this stage, managing a significant funding round is the next challenge, which is where our integrated platform for banking and spend management can help.

• Investment stages: Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Mobile Payments, FinTech
• Geographical presence: Foster City, California
• Founded year: 1958
• Notable portfolio companies: Stripe, Marqeta, Grab Holdings, Airwallex, DocuSign
• Portfolio size: 124 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Diverse Angels

Diverse Angels is an angel group and venture capital firm dedicated to increasing representation within the investment community. They bring a mission-driven approach to backing companies at their earliest stages.

The firm invests across a broad spectrum of industries, including payments, e-commerce, gaming, and health tech. Their portfolio features notable companies like the fintech unicorn Republic and the AI audio platform Sounder, which provided the firm with a successful exit.

This firm is a strong fit for founders at the seed or early stages who are building in high-growth technology sectors. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage that capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, E-Commerce, Gaming, Health Care, Internet, Marketplace, Payments, Software, Virtual Reality
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded year: 2021
• Notable portfolio companies: Republic, Sounder, Pariti, Players’ Lounge, Ash Wellness
• Portfolio size: 53 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Elefund

Elefund is a thesis-driven venture capital firm that concentrates on early-stage technology companies. They operate as a micro-VC, allowing them to make focused investments at the seed stage.

The firm has a strong track record of backing consumer technology and fintech companies that became household names, including Robinhood, Calm, and Carta. This history suggests a focus on businesses with strong product-market fit and the potential for massive user adoption.

Founders building ambitious consumer or financial technology products may find Elefund to be a good partner for their seed round. After securing funding, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Payments, InsurTech, Wellness, Mobile Apps
• Geographical presence: Mountain View, California
• Founded year: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Robinhood, Calm, Carta, Hotel Engine, Branch Insurance
• Portfolio size: 57 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. EquityZen

EquityZen operates a unique marketplace that provides liquidity for shareholders of private, late-stage companies. They connect employees and early investors with accredited buyers, creating opportunities in the secondary market before a company goes public.

The firm focuses on established technology companies, with a portfolio that includes well-known names like Lyft, Glassdoor, and 23andMe. Their track record of backing companies that go on to successful IPOs or acquisitions shows a clear focus on the late-stage, pre-liquidity phase.

EquityZen is a valuable resource for founders of mature companies looking to provide liquidity options for their teams and early investors. As you plan for this stage, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing like venture debt to fuel growth without giving up more equity.

• Investment stages: Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, FinTech, Payments, Trading Platform
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded year: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: 23andMe, Lyft, Glassdoor, Dataminr, Cloudera
• Portfolio size: 37 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Junipero Capital

Junipero Capital is a private investment firm that manages capital across a family of funds, with a focus on late-stage and secondary market opportunities. They invest in established technology companies that are leaders in their respective fields.

The firm's portfolio includes some of the most recognized technology companies in the world, such as Stripe, SpaceX, and UiPath. This focus on market-leading, late-stage businesses shows a clear strategy of backing proven winners as they approach major liquidity events.

Junipero is a strong potential partner for founders of established companies preparing for a significant growth phase or an exit. As you consider your late-stage financing options, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding like venture debt to support expansion without further dilution.

• Investment stages: Late Stage Venture, Secondary Market, Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, FinTech, IaaS, Logistics, Payments, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Miami, Florida
• Founded year: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: UiPath, Stripe, SpaceX, Coinbase, Airbnb
• Portfolio size: 26 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Fernbrook Capital Management LLC

Fernbrook Capital Management is a venture firm that backs technology-driven, consumer-focused companies. They invest across all stages, from initial seed funding to later venture rounds.

The firm shows a clear preference for brands with strong direct-to-consumer models, as seen in their investments in Beautycounter and Birdwell Beach Britches. Their portfolio also includes consumer-tech products like Ember's smart mugs, indicating an interest in companies that blend physical products with software.

Founders building consumer brands or tech-enabled products, especially in e-commerce or retail, may find Fernbrook to be a good fit. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage that capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, E-Commerce, FinTech, Payments, Retail, Software
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Beautycounter, Ember Technologies, BrewBird, Knotch
• Portfolio size: 34 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Elizabeth Street Ventures

Elizabeth Street Ventures is an early-stage investment firm that backs digital consumer companies. They focus on businesses that show a deep commitment to the customer experience.

The firm's portfolio highlights a clear interest in both fintech and direct-to-consumer brands, with investments in companies like the mobile bank Current. Their track record of successful exits suggests a keen eye for companies with strong market potential.

This firm is a great match for founders at the seed or early stages building consumer-focused products, particularly in fintech or e-commerce. Once you secure that initial funding, our integrated platform can help you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, FinTech, Wellness, Mobile Payments
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded year: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Current, Costa Brazil, Banyan, Pixlee, RISE Brewing Co.
• Portfolio size: 38 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Advanced Technology Ventures

Advanced Technology Ventures is a long-standing firm that invests across a wide range of technology and life science sectors. Their interests span from information and communications technology to finance and payments.

The firm has a history of backing foundational technology companies that went on to major exits, like Akamai Technologies and Tripwire. This focus on deep tech and infrastructure suggests a strategy of supporting businesses with long-term, category-defining potential.

Founders building complex technology in sectors like cybersecurity or enterprise infrastructure may find ATV a fitting partner. As you scale, our integrated platform can help you manage your funding with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: ICT, Infrastructure, Consumer Technology, Bio-pharmaceuticals, Medical, Finance, Payments
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
• Founded year: 1979
• Notable portfolio companies: Akamai Technologies, Cepheid, Tripwire, Fuze, Cedexis
• Portfolio size: 250 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Pivot Investment Partners

Pivot Investment Partners is an operator-led firm based in New York that focuses on early-growth B2B fintech companies. Their team brings direct industry experience to the table, aiming to support businesses that are ready to scale.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear focus on fintech and insurtech, backing companies like the HR platform Gusto and the investment marketplace iCapital Network. Their successful exit with the small-business insurance exchange BoldPenguin highlights their ability to support companies toward significant outcomes.

This firm is a strong match for founders building B2B solutions in finance or insurance who value guidance from experienced operators. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage that capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, InsurTech, Payments, Wealth Management, AI
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded year: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: iCapital Network, Gusto, BoldPenguin, Cowbell Cyber, Snapsheet
• Portfolio size: 62 investments
• Team background: Operator-led

You can refer to their website here.

11. Mu Ventures

Mu Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in commerce enablement companies. They focus on providing capital at the pre-seed and seed stages to help founders build foundational technology.

The firm's strategy centers on backing the infrastructure that powers modern e-commerce. Their investments in the B2B payments platform Balance and a successful exit with data-privacy tool Qonsent show a clear interest in B2B and SaaS models.

Founders building software for retail, payments, or supply chain management may find Mu Ventures to be a strong partner. Once you secure that initial funding, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: E-Commerce, Payments, SaaS, Retail Technology
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded year: 2022
• Notable portfolio companies: Balance, Alloy Automation, Qonsent
• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Payments Companies

This review of venture firms shows that the payments sector attracts a healthy mix of investors. You’ll find capital available across all growth phases, from dedicated pre-seed and seed funds to late-stage investors focused on established companies. This indicates a well-balanced and mature investment environment for founders in this space.

While many of these firms are located in major US tech hubs, their investment interests are varied, covering everything from B2B infrastructure to consumer-facing financial apps. This gives you multiple avenues to find a partner who understands your business model and can provide relevant support.

Once you secure funding, the focus shifts to managing it effectively. Our integrated platform, with tools for business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay, is built to help you deploy that capital with precision.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires significant time and energy, so approaching the right investors from the start is critical. This curated list is designed to help you connect with firms that genuinely understand your industry.

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. We help you access financing tailored to your business without chasing lenders or signing legacy terms.

Once capital is secured, our integrated platform helps you put it to work. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Payments

Which Bay Area venture capital firms focus on payments?

The Bay Area is a major hub for financial technology. Firms like Advanced Technology Ventures and Elefund are based there and actively invest in payments. Networking at local industry events and using professional platforms can help you connect with them.

How can I find Series A venture capital firms for my startup?

To find Series A investors, focus on firms with a history of funding companies at your stage. Research their portfolios to confirm a fit. Our list includes early-stage investors like Ripple and Pivot Investment Partners who specialize in this area.

Are there specific B2B payments venture capital firms?

Yes, many firms specialize in B2B payments. Investors like Mu Ventures and Pivot Investment Partners focus on this area. Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage it with tools for banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

What do generalist VC firms look for in a payments company?

Generalist VC firms look for large market opportunities and strong founding teams. For payments companies, they want to see a clear path to scale, a defensible product, and evidence of significant customer demand.

How can Rho help my startup with fundraising?

Through Rho, you can access non-dilutive financing options like venture debt. Once funded, our integrated platform helps you manage your capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to support your growth.