Top 6 Venture Capital Firms for Real Estate Investment Startups
Looking for funding for your real estate startup? We've identified the top 6 venture capital firms actively investing in your industry. Find your match.
Rho Editorial Team
When you’re preparing to raise capital for your real estate or proptech startup, understanding the investor ecosystem is essential. Approaching VCs who specialize in your industry saves time and increases your chances of finding the right partner.
To help you get started, the Rho team curated this overview of top real estate venture capital firms. Use this guide to quickly identify relevant investors for your company, whether you're seeking seed or later-stage funding.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
- Securing venture funding provides the capital for real estate and proptech startups to scale operations, develop technology, and expand their market presence.
- Firms like StepStone Group, Fifth Wall, Manhattan West, and Fortified Ventures are notable backers in the real estate technology space, actively funding a range of startups.
- If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.
Which VC Firms in Real Estate Investment Are Right for Your Stage?
Whether you're an early-stage founder or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to contact. Consider this your quick guide to venture capital firms that focus on real estate, broken down by their investment stage.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Real Estate Investment
Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, meant to help validate your idea and build an initial product. For proptech startups at this stage, real estate venture capital firms like Militello Capital and Fortified Ventures are active investors, while others like StepStone Group also participate in seed rounds.
Early Stage VC Firms in Real Estate Investment
Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is designed to help you grow your team, scale operations, and achieve product-market fit. Proptech VC firms to know in this category include Fifth Wall and Noventi, and it's worth noting that many US venture capital firms will invest in promising startups whether they're based in a major hub or a growing tech city like Austin.
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 Real Estate Investment
Late-stage rounds are for established companies looking to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit like an IPO or M&A. If you're preparing for a later round, you might connect with late stage venture capital firms such as Manhattan West or StepStone Group.
It's also important to remember that many VC firms invest across all startup funding stages.
Below is a closer look at top VC firms in the real estate investment sector. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a potential fit for founders like you.
1. StepStone Group
StepStone Group is a global private markets firm that builds custom investment portfolios for its clients. Founded in 2007, the New York-based firm combines primary, secondary, and co-investment strategies to support companies.
The firm invests across the full company lifecycle, from seed and venture rounds to private equity. Their approach is notable for its flexibility, allowing them to participate in various deal types and stages within industries like financial services and real estate.
StepStone could be a strong partner for founders who value a long-term financial relationship with a multi-stage investor. If your proptech or fintech startup is looking for capital with a flexible structure, their model is worth exploring.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, and Secondary Market
- Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, and Real Estate Investment
- Headquarters: New York, NY
- Founded: 2007
- Number of investments: Over 100
You can refer to their website here.
2. Fifth Wall
Based in Los Angeles, Fifth Wall is a venture capital firm that concentrates on technology for the global real estate industry. Since its founding in 2016, it has become a significant investor in the proptech space.
The firm is known for investing across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity. Its portfolio includes major proptech companies like the digital home-buying platform Opendoor and construction management software Procore.
Fifth Wall is a good match if you're a founder in the real estate technology sector seeking a long-term financial partner. Their ability to invest from early stages through to exit makes them a valuable ally for companies with ambitious growth plans.
- Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, and Debt
- Industries of focus: Real estate technology, Finance, and Financial Services
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- Founded: 2016
- Notable investments: Opendoor, Procore, Aurora Solar, and Lime
- Number of investments: Over 180
- Number of exits: 16
You can refer to their website here.
3. Manhattan West
Manhattan West is a global strategic investment firm based in Los Angeles. Founded in 2016, it blends the functions of a family investment office with private equity and venture capital approaches.
The firm’s portfolio is notable for its investments in major public companies like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as late-stage leaders like Uber and Palantir. This suggests a focus on secondary markets and pre-IPO opportunities with established, high-growth companies.
Manhattan West is a good match for founders of mature companies seeking strategic capital for late-stage growth or pre-exit financing. Their experience with large-scale deals makes them a potential partner for companies on a clear path to an IPO or 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: Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Secondary Market, and Venture
- Industries of focus: Asset Management, Finance, Real Estate Investment, and Wealth Management
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- Founded: 2016
- Notable investments: Uber, Deliveroo, Palantir Technologies, Microsoft, and Amazon
- Number of investments: 23
You can refer to their website here.
4. Fortified Ventures
Fortified Ventures is a New York-based firm that invests in what it calls the next evolution of major asset classes, specifically real estate and AI/ML infrastructure. Founded in 2021, they operate as both a venture capital and private equity firm, supporting companies from seed to later stages.
The firm has a distinct focus on the intersection of real estate and deep technology, including artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. Their portfolio reflects this, with investments like Lambda, a GPU cloud provider, and Brightvine, a platform for tokenizing real estate assets.
Fortified Ventures could be a great fit if your startup operates at the convergence of real estate and advanced technology, such as AI or blockchain. Founders with a highly technical product seeking investors who understand deep infrastructure will find their focus particularly relevant.
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, and Private Equity
- Industries of focus: Real Estate, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cloud Infrastructure
- Headquarters: New York, NY
- Founded: 2021
- Notable investments: Lambda, Brightvine, and DwellFi
- Number of investments: 29
- Number of exits: 2
You can refer to their website here.
5. Noventi
Noventi is a California-based investment firm that has been backing companies globally since its founding in 2002. It operates as both a family investment office and a venture capital firm, pursuing opportunities across multiple stages.
The firm invests from early-stage venture through to private equity, with a strong track record of successful exits. Its portfolio shows a focus on deep technology, including robotics maker Neato Robotics and mobile software provider Bitfone, both of which were acquired.
Noventi is a strong potential partner for founders building technology-intensive companies with clear acquisition potential. Their multi-stage investment approach also suits founders looking for a financial partner who can support them through various growth phases.
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, and Private Equity
- Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Robotics, Information Technology, and Finance
- Headquarters: Newark, CA
- Founded: 2002
- Notable investments: Neato Robotics, Bitfone, and Sygate
- Number of investments: 23
- Number of exits: 10
You can refer to their website here.
6. Militello Capital
Militello Capital is a Virginia-based investment firm founded in 2011 that primarily invests in commercial real estate. The firm operates as a venture capital investor, backing companies at the seed and early stages.
While its main focus is real estate, the firm’s portfolio shows a history of backing successful tech companies, including dating app Hinge, which was acquired by Match Group. Militello Capital also leads early rounds, as it did for event-software company Social Tables before its acquisition.
This firm could be a good partner if you're an early-stage founder, even outside of proptech, with a company built for a strong exit. Their track record suggests they are comfortable taking early risks on ventures with high growth 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: Seed and Early Stage Venture
- Industries of focus: Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, and Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Leesburg, VA
- Founded: 2011
- Notable investments: Hinge, Social Tables, Fleksy, and Brazen
- Number of investments: 22
- Number of exits: 10
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Real Estate Investment Companies
The venture capital scene for real estate and proptech startups appears well-balanced, offering opportunities for companies at nearly every stage. While some firms specialize in early rounds and others target late-stage growth, many of the investors on this list support companies from seed funding through to exit. This variety means you can find partners suited for your immediate needs and long-term vision.
Geographically, investors are present in major financial centers like New York and California, but the inclusion of firms in other locations shows that opportunities are not limited to just a few cities. For founders, this indicates a healthy and varied funding environment where you can be selective about finding the right 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.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Raising capital requires your full attention, making a targeted list of investors essential. We created this guide to help you connect directly with the right partners for your company.
After a successful fundraise, we make managing your new capital simple. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes, providing business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay all in one place.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Real Estate Investment
Are there real estate venture capital firms in Austin, TX?
Yes, Austin is a growing hub for technology, including proptech. While many major real estate VC firms are based in New York or California, they often invest in promising startups nationwide, including those in Austin's expanding market.
What is the difference between proptech and real estate VC firms?
Proptech VC firms specialize in technology for the real estate industry, like software or hardware. Other real estate investment firms may focus more on acquiring or developing physical properties, so it's important to target investors aligned with your model.
Which stage is right for seeking real estate VC funding?
The right stage depends on your company’s maturity. Approach pre-seed or seed VCs with an early idea or MVP. Seek early-stage (Series A/B) or late-stage funding once you have traction and are ready to scale operations.
Should I only approach real estate focused VC firms?
Not necessarily. While specialized firms offer deep industry knowledge, generalist VCs with an interest in your sector can also be great partners. Focus on finding the right fit for your company’s specific goals and stage of growth.
How can Rho help after we close a funding round?
Once your round is closed, we help you manage the capital. Rho provides an all-in-one platform with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, so you can focus on building your business.