Top 6 Venture Capital Firms for Trading Platform Startups

Finding the right investors for your trading platform startup is a critical step in fundraising. Approaching venture capital firms that already invest in financial technology means you're talking to people who understand your business model and market from the start. It saves you time and improves your odds of securing a great partner.

To help you identify these key players, our team at Rho curated this list of top VC firms. Use this guide to quickly learn about the investors who are actively funding the next generation of online trading and fintech companies.

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

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides trading platform startups with the capital needed for growth and the validation that comes from a partner who understands the fintech industry.
• Leading venture firms like Coinbase, Inventus Capital Partners, EquityZen, and Peak 6 are notable backers of startups building new trading platforms.
• Once you secure funding, Rho helps you manage and deploy your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Trading Platform Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is crucial. To help, we've created a quick overview of venture capital firms that back trading platform companies, organized by their typical investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Trading Platform

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to validate your idea and build your minimum viable product. For founders in the trading platform space, fintech venture capital firms like Inventus Capital Partners and IDB Lab are known to invest at this foundational stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Trading Platform

Early-stage funding, typically Series A or B, is for startups with demonstrated traction that need capital to scale their team and accelerate growth. Some of the most active early stage venture capital firms include crypto vc firms like Coinbase and technology investors such as Inventus Capital Partners.

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 Trading Platform

Late-stage rounds provide growth capital to established companies preparing for a major event like an initial public offering (IPO) or acquisition. Investors like EquityZen, which operates a marketplace for private shares, and Peak6 Investments specialize in backing mature companies.

It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across all startup funding stages.

Here is a closer look at the top VC firms investing in the trading platform sector. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner for founders like you.

1. Coinbase

As a major public company operating a crypto exchange, Coinbase also runs a venture capital arm that invests in the next wave of digital currency and blockchain startups. This dual role gives them a unique perspective on the market and where it's headed.

Their venture arm focuses squarely on the web3 ecosystem, backing foundational projects that build the infrastructure for a decentralized internet. Their portfolio includes category leaders like the NFT marketplace OpenSea and key Ethereum scaling solutions like Arbitrum, as noted by their ventures team.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders with deep technical expertise building protocols, infrastructure, or applications in the crypto and web3 space. Their track record shows a preference for product-focused teams creating fundamental building blocks for the industry.

• Industries of focus: Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, FinTech, Trading Platforms
• Investment stages: Early stage
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, CA
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: OpenSea, Uniswap, Arbitrum, StarkWare

You can refer to their website here.

2. Inventus Capital Partners

Inventus Capital Partners is a venture firm that provides capital to entrepreneurs and businesses from their earliest stages. They focus on partnering with startups to provide financial services and support their growth.

The firm invests across seed, early, and late stages, showing a commitment to backing companies throughout their lifecycle. Their portfolio includes major successes like the fashion resale marketplace Poshmark, which was acquired for $1.2 billion, and the cloud-infrastructure company Nutanix, which had a successful IPO.

This firm is a strong match for founders building technology companies who want a long-term financial partner. Their broad industry focus and multi-stage investment strategy suit ambitious teams that plan to scale significantly.

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Trading Platforms, Technology
• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage
• Geographical presence: San Mateo, CA
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Poshmark, Nutanix, Pixxel, Quizizz
• Portfolio size: 58 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. EquityZen

EquityZen operates a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of private company shares, giving them a unique position in the late-stage investment world. Their platform provides liquidity for shareholders in pre-IPO companies, offering a different kind of partnership than a traditional VC.

The firm's focus is on established, high-growth companies with a clear path to an exit. Their portfolio includes major successes like the ride-hailing platform Lyft, which had one of the decade's largest tech IPOs, and the jobs site Glassdoor, which was acquired for $1.2 billion.

This firm is a strong match for founders of mature companies who need to provide liquidity for early employees or investors. If your startup is approaching a major event like an IPO, EquityZen's marketplace model could be a valuable resource.

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

You can refer to their website here.

4. Peak 6

Peak 6 is an investment management firm founded in 1997 that takes a broad approach to its portfolio. Based in Chicago, they operate across multiple asset classes, from venture capital to private equity.

The firm is known for its diverse investments, backing fintech companies like the commission-free trading platform Robinhood while also owning high-profile sports and esports franchises. Their portfolio includes stakes in European football clubs and the acquisition of the esports team Evil Geniuses, showing a strategy that extends beyond typical tech investments.

This firm is a good match for founders who value an investor with a flexible, multi-stage mandate and an eye for assets with strong brand recognition. Their experience in both private and public markets makes them a potential partner for companies with long-term growth ambitions.

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Information Technology, Trading Platforms, Venture Capital
• Investment stages: Early Stage, Late Stage, Private Equity, Venture Debt
• Geographical presence: Chicago, IL
• Founded: 1997
• Notable portfolio companies: Robinhood, Evil Geniuses, AS Roma, AFC Bournemouth
• Portfolio size: 36 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Jane Street Capital

Jane Street is a quantitative trading firm that also operates as a venture capital investor. Their approach is rooted in technology and collaborative problem-solving, making them a sophisticated financial partner.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear interest in foundational technology, from AI research companies like Anthropic to crypto exchanges like Gemini. They also back new market infrastructure, such as their investment in the Members Exchange (MEMX).

Founders building highly technical or quantitative platforms in fintech, crypto, or AI would find a good partner in Jane Street. Their expertise in market mechanics and technology makes them a strong fit for companies creating core infrastructure.

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.

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Trading Platforms, Cryptocurrency, AI
• Geographical presence: New York, NY
• Founded: 2000
• Notable portfolio companies: Anthropic, Gemini, 1inch, Members Exchange (MEMX), ZetaChain
• Portfolio size: 32 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. IDB Lab

IDB Lab operates as the innovation laboratory for the Inter-American Development Bank Group, focusing on driving development through technology. Their backing comes with the institutional weight of a major international development finance organization.

A key characteristic of the firm is its flexible approach to financing, offering grants, debt, and non-equity assistance alongside traditional venture funding. This model shows a commitment to supporting ventures that align with their development goals, regardless of structure.

This firm is an excellent match for founders in Latin America and the Caribbean whose fintech or trading platforms aim to promote financial inclusion. If you are seeking a partner with a developmental mission and flexible capital options, IDB Lab is a strong contender.

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.

• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Trading Platform
• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note, Debt, Grant, Non Equity Assistance
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 1992
• Portfolio size: 44 investments
• Investor types: Fund Of Funds, Venture Capital, Venture Debt

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Trading Platform Companies

This review of top investors shows a well-balanced and diverse funding environment for trading platform startups. You can find capital across all stages, from early-stage specialists focused on crypto to late-stage firms that provide liquidity for mature companies. The variety means you have options beyond traditional venture capital.

The geographic spread of these firms, with strong presences in New York and Chicago in addition to Silicon Valley, also signals broad interest in the sector. This variety gives you a better chance to find a partner whose investment style and expertise truly align with your company's goals and current 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.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors who understand your industry is a major advantage. It lets you direct your energy toward the conversations that matter most during a fundraise.

Once your round closes, we help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Trading Platform

Which NYC venture capital firms focus on trading platforms?

New York is a major hub for fintech. Firms like EquityZen and Jane Street are based there, backing companies from late-stage growth to quantitative trading technology. The city offers deep financial industry connections.

What are the top Bay Area venture capital firms for tech startups?

The Bay Area is home to many top technology investors. Firms like Inventus Capital Partners are active there, funding startups across multiple stages. It remains a key region for securing capital and finding experienced partners.

What do early-stage venture capital firms look for in a trading platform?

Early-stage investors want to see a strong founding team, a clear product vision, and initial signs of market validation. For trading platforms, this often means a working prototype and a defined target user base.

How can I find AI-focused venture capital firms?

Look for firms with AI companies in their portfolio, like Jane Street's investment in Anthropic. Many technology VCs now have dedicated partners or funds for AI, so check their websites for their specific investment thesis.

Are there UK venture capital firms that invest in fintech?

Yes, London is a major global fintech hub with many active VCs. While our list focuses on US firms, numerous UK and European investors specialize in financial technology and support startups from seed to late stage.

What should I do after my fundraise is complete?

Once your round closes, it's time to put your capital to work. We can help you set up your financial stack in minutes with integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated payments. Get started with Rho.