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Advertising startups are entering a pivotal window. Despite tighter late-stage funding, early-stage investing in AI-native AdTech/MarTech, retail media, and privacy-centric infrastructure remains active, driven by shifting consumer behavior, the rise of new channels, and the urgent need for better measurement. Global ad spend continues to hit new highs, and brands are reallocating budgets toward performance and commerce media—opening clear opportunities for startups that can prove outcomes and scale responsibly. What’s different now is the mix of tailwinds and constraints founders must navigate. The deprecation of third-party cookies, signal loss on major platforms, and evolving privacy regimes are forcing a re-architecture of the ad stack. At the same time, breakthroughs in generative AI and automation are compressing creative and operations cycles, while retail media networks and connected TV (CTV) create fresh inventory and first-party data access. Investors are backing founders who can turn these structural shifts into durable advantages with defensible data, interoperable integrations, and provable incrementality. Three forces define the opportunity in 2025. First, budgets are following channels with measurable ROI: retail media and commerce-driven advertising are among the fastest-growing categories, supported by closed-loop sales data. Second, AI is moving beyond copy and images into targeting, bid optimization, and media planning—making full-stack automation and creative-performance feedback loops a core differentiator rather than a nice-to-have. Third, privacy-by-design is now table stakes for enterprise sales; startups that can operate with consented first-party data, clean rooms, and modern identity frameworks unlock global brand and retailer partnerships. For founders raising capital, the bar is higher but clearer. Investors want crisp unit economics (gross vs. net revenue recognition, payback, retention), a credible go-to-market motion that fits brands, agencies, and retail media partners, and a moat grounded in proprietary data or workflow lock-in. Platform dependency risk must be addressed head-on with multi-channel strategies that include open web, CTV/streaming, and retail media. Compliance and security posture need to be part of your pitch, not an afterthought, to accelerate enterprise diligence and shorten sales cycles. In this guide you’ll find an up-to-date list of top global VCs actively investing in advertising-focused startups. We’ll cover the trends shaping the market, the technology shifts that matter, and the investor criteria that win term sheets. You’ll get a practical playbook on GTM, measurement, clean rooms, and compliance, plus cross-border fundraising tips, key accelerators and events, and exit pathways. With this information you can sharpen your narrative, strengthen your data room, and target the right investors with confidence. Top Global VCs Investing in Advertising Startups Aperiam About: Driving the Future of Advertising and Marketing Technology. Aperiam is the leading adtech and martech venture capital firm. In addition to venture capital, we offer advisory and technology orchestration services to drive outcomes for both our portfolio companies and their customers: brands, agencies, media owners, and other tech companies. Aperiam is led and backed by the adtech and martech entrepreneurs and operators who built the industry. North Base Media About: An investment firm focused on journalistic enterprise and digital-driven opportunities in emerging markets. Sweetspot check size: $ 750K Thesis: Digital media in global growth markets; engagement and monetization software NDRC About: NDRC is a business that transforms entrepreneurial teams and ideas into startups with early investment and research help. We're an Accelerator providing €100k SAFE to ~10 companies per cohort. Traction metrics requirements: Pre-seed. Team and Opportunity Thesis: Digital B2B Mature founders with deep domain knowledge Circadian Ventures About: Venture capital firm investing in early-stage tech and tech-enabled businesses. We actively partner with exceptional entrepreneurs to build enduring businesses. Circadian Ventures has investments in various sectors across the United States. Ground Up Ventures About: Our relationship with our founders is one in which we intend to grow together, learn from each other, and hold each other accountable. We check our egos at the door and jump into the trenches with you as you build your business. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Thesis: We partner with extraordinary founders building transformational companies from the ground up. Expert DOJO About: Expert DOJO is a startup accelerator based in Santa Monica. Sweetspot check size: $ 100K Traction metrics requirements: MVP Thesis: Our mission is to help entrepreneurs at the early stages of your startup’s development to achieve your goals and more. Ridge Ventures About: Ridge Ventures is a fast, flexible, and founder-focused early stage venture capital fund. Sweetspot check size: $ 5M Watkins Bay About: Watkins Bay assist Founders and Entrepreneurs realise their dreams by providing all the help they need too succeed, specialising in Go To Market for Hypergrowth . Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Traction metrics requirements: 20% CGMR digitalundivided About: At digitalundivided, we use original, proprietary research to develop a data-driven ecosystem that expands the current body of knowledge about entrepreneurship in emerging communities. Sweetspot check size: $ 5K Thesis: Founded in 2012, digitalundivided is the leading non-profit leveraging our data, programs, and advocacy to catalyze economic growth for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs and innovators. Our goal is to create a greater world in which all women of color own their work and worth. Our mission moves the entrepreneurial ecosystem forward, to increase funding, access, and opportunities for women of color in business and innovation. Key Element Capital About: At Key Element Capital, we’re dedicated to fueling the future of gaming, casino, and sportsbook innovations. As seasoned investors and industry enthusiasts, we’re passionate about discovering and supporting the next generation of gaming disruptors. Unit Economics & Revenue Quality Investors Expect Why Revenue Quality Matters in Ad/MarTech Advertising startups often blend software, data, and media. Investors differentiate between high-margin, repeatable platform revenue and pass-through media dollars. Clear disclosure of what’s true platform/technology revenue versus media spend is essential for comparability, margin analysis, and valuatio. Gross vs. Net Revenue Recognition Be explicit about when you recognize revenue on a gross versus net basis. If you control the media buy and set pricing, you may record gross; if you’re acting as an agent or facilitating spend, you typically record net (platform fee/take rate). Disclose take rates, rebates, and usage components so investors can normalize your P&L and metrics package. Media-In vs. Media-Out Models Media-in models (you purchase and resell media) can inflate top-line but compress gross margin and increase working-capital needs. Media-out models (SaaS, usage-based API, or take rate) generally yield higher gross margins and simpler recognition. Many ad startups run hybrids; if so, break out revenue and margin by line of business so investors can assess LTV, valuation multiple fit, and risk profile. CAC, LTV, and Payback the Way VCs Calculate Them Standardize CAC by channel and segment. Include sales cycle length, win rates, ACV by segment, and fully loaded sales/marketing costs. For LTV, anchor on gross margin dollars, realistic expansion assumptions, and observed churn, not aspirational. Early-stage investors often look for sub-12–18 month payback; growth investors favor <12 months with line of sight to single-digit months in core segments. Show how pilots/POCs convert to production and expand ACV to validate your payback logic. Cohort Quality, NRR, and Retention Present monthly or quarterly cohorts by vertical and product module. Separate expansion from new ARR to illuminate land-and-expand. Strong B2B adtech/martech signals include expanding cohorts after initial pilots and NRR above 110–120% in core ICPs; if seasonality depresses certain cohorts, explain why and how you counterbalance with multi-vertical mix. Customer Concentration and Seasonality Flag if any single brand, agency holding company, or retailer exceeds 10–15% of revenue and outline diversification plans. Normalize seasonality by showing TTM metrics, Q/Q bridges, and usage-adjusted gross margin. Clarify campaign-driven spikes and retention through non-cancelable terms or always-on contracts. Pricing Architecture and Margins Choose a model that aligns value with outcomes and supports margin expansion over time: platform subscription plus usage, take rate on spend, seats for workflow tools, or outcome-based fees tied to verified conversions/incrementality. Disclose discounts, credits, and rebates to avoid surprises in diligence. Track gross margin by product line and show how automation, AI-driven ops, and cloud efficiency will lift margins as you scale. The Metrics Pack for Your Data Room Include a GAAP P&L with gross/net reconciliation, revenue by product line and model (SaaS, usage, media), cohort tables with retention/expansion, CAC/LTV and payback by segment and channel, NRR/logo retention, gross margin by line of business, pipeline coverage and win rates by stage, channel mix with platform dependency exposure, and verified outcomes/incrementality studies to substantiate renewals. These artifacts let investors underwrite revenue durability and path to profitability (IAB/PwC measurement and revenue trends. Global Trends in Advertising Startup Fundraising (2025 and Beyond) AI Moves From Experimentation to Production Generative and predictive AI are now embedded in creative workflows, media planning, and bid optimization, with brands prioritizing tools that prove incrementality and compress time-to-value. Startups that pair proprietary data with measurable ROI and tight workflow integrations are attracting early-stage interest. Retail Media and CTV Outpace Overall Ad Growth Retail media remains the fastest-growing channel globally thanks to first-party shopper data and closed-loop attribution, while CTV/streaming expands with more addressable inventory and shoppable formats. These dynamics create openings for retail media infrastructure, off-site activation, commerce creative automation, CTV verification, and cross-device identity. Privacy and Identity Reshape Product Roadmaps Third-party cookie deprecation and tighter data protection enforcement are accelerating first-party data strategies, privacy-enhancing technologies, and clean room adoption. Enterprise buyers now expect privacy-by-design, interoperable identity, and consented activation as table stakes. Cross-Border Capital Is Selective but Active US and European investors are backing non-domestic teams with strong traction, particularly in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia, where digital ad growth outpaces mature markets. To win cross-border capital, founders must show localization readiness. Later-Stage Selectivity Favors Durable Economics Growth rounds prioritize efficient payback, healthy NRR, and diversified channel mix with limited platform concentration risk. Startups that demonstrate profitable unit economics by channel or vertical, plus margin expansion via automation and data moats, clear diligence more consistently. Defensibility & Moats in Advertising Tech What to Show Investors Investors look for proof, not promises. In your deck and data room, include: a description of your proprietary datasets and how they’re ethically sourced; an integration map showing depth across DSPs/retail media/CDPs/clouds; third-party-verified performance lift and incrementality; a compliance and security roadmap with milestones (e.g., SOC 2); case studies demonstrating retention and resistance to switching; and evidence of channel diversification beyond any single walled garden. Proprietary Data and Data Network Effects Defensibility starts with unique, consented datasets that competitors can’t easily replicate. High-value sources include first-party behavioral data, commerce and SKU-level signals, contextual and creative performance metadata, and privacy-safe retail media and CTV exposure logs. Pair data assets with a clear value exchange and robust consent management so data volume and quality improve as usage scales, creating a compounding model advantage. Workflow Lock-In Through Deep Integrations Embedding into the daily stack increases switching costs. Integrate natively with ad servers, DSPs/SSPs, retail media platforms, CDPs, cloud data warehouses, and BI tools, and expose activation via APIs and connectors so your product becomes a system of record rather than a point solution. Align with industry specs—OpenRTB, Prebid, transparency and supply chain standards—to reduce friction and win enterprise procurement. Model Performance Advantages and Continuous Learning A sustainable moat requires measurable lift versus baselines and incumbents. Build continuous learning loops—online learning, multi-armed bandits, and constrained optimization—that adapt to noisy, privacy-limited environments. Validate model advantage with incrementality tests, geo-experiments, and MMM triangulation, and report outcome metrics that withstand scrutiny in diligence and enterprise MSA renewals. Compliance, Trust, and Security as a Competitive Moat Enterprise buyers reward vendors who reduce risk. Make privacy-by-design, consent frameworks (GDPR/CCPA/CPRA), and clear data processing agreements part of your core product story. Maintain a SOC 2 roadmap and readiness to answer IT security questionnaires. Implement brand safety, fraud/IVT mitigation, and supply chain transparency to unlock larger-brand budgets and premium inventory access. Marketplace Liquidity and Two-Sided Network Effects If you operate a platform connecting advertisers with creators, retailers, or publishers, liquidity and quality control are your moat. Focus early on governance (verification, rating systems, SLAs), incentive design that rewards high-quality participation, and tooling that reduces cold-start friction. As both sides scale, matching efficiency and data richness improve, increasing defensibility and margin. Interoperability and Ecosystem Standards Winning vendors “play nice” with the ecosystem. Support major identity frameworks used in the market (such as UID2/SCID where applicable), leading clean rooms, and cloud/CDP connectors so customers can deploy you across multiple regions and partners without re-architecting. Interoperability is becoming a buying criterion in RFPs, especially for multinational brands and retailers. Find VCs Investing in Advertising Companies with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Advertising here. For Advertising startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Advertising sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

Raising venture capital for an e-commerce startup in 2025 is both more challenging—and more promising—than ever before. The global e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 73.52 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 19.2 percent, fueled by rapid adoption of AI-driven retail technology, the explosive growth of social commerce platforms like TikTok Shop, and increasing cross-border buying habits. Yet with these opportunities come new challenges: investors are becoming more selective in the wake of tighter capital markets, competition is intensifying across borders, and customer acquisition costs remain at historically high levels. For founders, navigating this evolving investment landscape means more than knowing your financial metrics—it requires understanding current fundraising trends, identifying the right venture capital partners, and positioning your business to thrive in multiple markets. Whether you’re launching a DTC brand in Europe, building a B2B e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, or scaling a marketplace in North America, securing the right funding at the right time can be the deciding factor in your long-term success. This guide compiles the top venture capital firms actively investing in e-commerce startups globally—sourced from our connect investor database and reports – alongside e-commerce-specific fundraising strategies, pitch tips, and global networking resources. Backed by up-to-date research, this is your go-to playbook for raising capital and scaling your e-commerce venture. Top VCs Investing in E-commerce Startups Imag/nary Ventures About: Founded by Natalie Massenet and Nick Brown, Imaginary Ventures is venture capital firm that invests in early–stage opportunities at the intersection of retail and technology in Europe and the US. Ascend About: Ascend is the most active pre-seed venture capital fund in the Pacific Northwest. Thesis: Pre-seed investor in marketplace, consumer brands, E-commerce, and B2B software. 14W About: 14W is a venture capital firm specializing in consumer internet, marketplace, E-commerce, CPG, and media. RevTech Ventures About: RevTech Ventures is a venture capital fund with a focus of early-stage investments at the intersection of retail and technology. We make dozens of small, initial investments, with larger follow-on investments in those companies that demonstrate rapid growth and sustainable advantage. We provide year-round content and support led by our managementteam and our large pool of world-class mentors. Thesis: We invest in technologies and concepts that help the retail industry adapt in the age of Amazon. Mu Ventures About: Early stage venture capital investing in the future of commerce. Thesis: Investing where Vertical AI meets Agentic Commerce. Powering the next era of frictionless transactions. - Commerce infrastructure - Vertical AI and marketplaces - Consumer software, AI-native brands 1984 Ventures About: 1984 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm proptech, fintech, healthcare, marketplace, SaaS, e-commerce, and consumer. Thesis: Looking for companies from pre-revenue to 100k+ in MRR Act One Ventures About: Seed stage fund focused on enterprise software and research from LA Universities. We believe in community, diversity, and Los Angeles. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Thesis: Investing in capital-efficient companies with excellent founder-market fit AppWorks About: Based in Taiwan, AppWorks is the largest startup accelerator in Greater Southeast Asia and one of the region's most active early-stage VCs. Detroit Venture Partners About: Detroit Venture Partners is an American venture capital firm that funds seed- and early-stage technology companies. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: Detroit Venture Partners is an American venture capital firm that funds seed- and early-stage technology companies. Harlem Capital About: Harlem Capital is an early-stage venture firm that invests in post-revenue tech-enabled startups, focused on minority and women founders. Sweetspot check size: $ 750K Traction metrics requirements: Post product ($6k+ MRR pref) Thesis: Women or POC founders (no deep tech, bio, crypto, hardware) Global E-Commerce Resources, Accelerators, and Networking Opportunities While capital is crucial, access to the right networks, mentorship, and market entry opportunities can be just as valuable for e-commerce founders. The global ecosystem offers a wide range of accelerators, incubators, events, and communities designed to help founders refine their business models, connect with investors, and scale internationally. Leading Global Accelerators and Programs for E-Commerce Founders Y Combinator — While not exclusively focused on e-commerce, Y Combinator has backed multiple category-defining companies like Stripe and DoorDash. Its global reach, network, and investor access make it a strong launchpad for founders with scalable e-commerce models. Techstars — Techstars runs retail and commerce-focused accelerators in partnership with major corporations, offering mentorship and early-stage investment. One being Techstars Future of E-commerce Powered by eBay Announces Inaugural Cohort. Plug and Play — Based in Silicon Valley with offices worldwide, this program connects startups with global brands and investors in retail, logistics, and digital commerce. 500 Global — Known for its extensive international network, 500 Global supports cross-border e-commerce ventures with an emphasis on market expansion. Chinaccelerator — Specializes in helping international startups enter the Chinese market, which is the largest e-commerce market in the world. Key Industry Events and Conferences Shoptalk — A leading global retail and e-commerce conference held in the US and Europe, focusing on innovation, technology, and consumer trends (shoptalk.com). NRF Retail’s Big Show — Hosted in New York, this event draws global retail leaders and showcases the latest in commerce technology (nrf.com). eTail — Regional editions in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific cover actionable insights on omnichannel strategy and scaling online sales (etail.com). Seamless — A major fintech, payments, and e-commerce event held across multiple continents, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia (terrapinn.com). International Funding and Cross-Border Considerations Investor Syndicates and Platforms — Platforms like our connect investor database allow founders to raise from a global base of investors. Cross-Border Logistics Partners — Success in international expansion often depends on partnerships with logistics leaders like DHL, Maersk, or SF Express, which can reduce delivery times and costs. Regulatory Compliance — Be prepared to address international data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, PDPA) and import/export rules during investor discussions. Demonstrating compliance readiness can give investors confidence in your scalability. Podcasts and Communities Tailored to E-Commerce Founders E-commerce Fuel: Hosted by Andrew Youderian, this podcast delivers weekly insights from seasoned store owners, including real numbers and growth strategies. It’s part of the broader eComFuel community, known for data-driven discussions and annual research reports. Down to Chat (DTC): Cody Plofker and Eli Weiss dive into DTC strategies spanning paid acquisition, retention tactics, and actionable growth playbooks from successful e-commerce founders. 9-Figure Operators: Hosted by founders of multi-million-dollar brands (e.g., HexClad, Ridge Wallet), this show features candid discussions about scaling, economic headwinds, and operational decision-making. Honest E-commerce: Chase Clymer interviews merchants who share real-life lessons—including CAC figures and near-bankrupt campaigns—making this a refreshingly transparent podcast. The E-commerce Playbook: A data-rich podcast by Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday and Richard Gaffin, offering metrics-driven strategies for ROAS, attribution models, and more. Beyond the Inbox: Presented by The Drip Team, this podcast explores email automation, abandonment recovery, and actionable sequences with real conversion data—ideal for founders focused on retention. E-commerce Conversations: Hosted by Beardbrand’s Eric Bandholz, this weekly show delivers interviews with e-commerce entrepreneurs that dive into the true realities of building online businesses. The E-commerce Coffee Break: Targeted at Shopify merchants, this podcast provides actionable marketing and conversion tips tailored to growing online stores. Newsletters That Keep E-Commerce Founders Ahead In The Snow: Founder-led newsletter packed with DTC and performance marketing wisdom—especially on Meta, TikTok, and AI-driven advertising tactics. The Operators: Provides deep, founder-level interviews and operational playbooks from top e-commerce operators—think strategies that don’t make it into Twitter threads. Driving Influence: Focuses on AI, culture, and commerce—highlighting how brands can adapt in an evolving digital-first landscape. Modern Retail: Sharp editorial coverage on commerce evolution, platform changes, and retail innovation, especially useful for digital-first brands. DTC Newsletter: Daily dose of growth-focused content for DTC founders—creative testing, CRO strategies, ad performance breakdowns, and toolkits. Retail Brew (by Morning Brew): A tri-weekly roundup of retail and e-commerce trends, insights, and news delivered in an engaging, easy-to-digest format. Digital Commerce 360: Offers daily, weekly, or monthly updates on B2B and retail e-commerce news—complete with topic-specific alerts in logistics, tech, and global commerce. Chase Dimond’s E-commerce Newsletter: Every Monday, receive tactical email marketing insights—from copywriting to campaign strategies—straight from an expert practitioner. Shopifreaks: Newsletter with over 13,000 subscribers, covering strategy, partnerships, platform insights, seed rounds, and industry developments across Shopify, Amazon, and more. Additional Resource from Shopify: 27 Retail News Sites & Newsletters to Follow E-commerce Fundraising Trends & Insights Raising capital for an e-commerce startup in 2025 requires more than a compelling product and growth story. Investors are navigating a market shaped by rapid technological change, evolving consumer behaviors, and tighter capital conditions. For founders, staying competitive means understanding the forces driving VC interest, adapting to new investment criteria, and positioning their companies for long-term sustainability. Macro Trends Driving E-commerce Investment AI-powered retail tech and intelligent tools: AI is reshaping e-commerce operations from the ground up. Startups are using AI for inventory optimization, demand forecasting, product recommendations, and dynamic pricing strategies. Investors are prioritizing companies that integrate AI into their core offerings rather than as an add-on feature, as these solutions often deliver measurable operational and revenue impact. Social commerce and creator-led marketplaces: Platforms such as TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, and other video-first marketplaces are driving a shift from search-led to discovery-led buying. Creator partnerships allow smaller brands to scale without heavy upfront ad spend, making social commerce one of the fastest-growing channels for customer acquisition in 2025. Logistics, local fulfillment, and micro-warehousing: Consumers increasingly expect same-day or next-day delivery, pushing demand for decentralized fulfillment networks. Startups offering micro-warehousing, cross-border logistics optimization, and regionally adaptive supply chains are gaining traction with investors who see logistics as a critical enabler of global E-commerce expansion. Investor Expectations Have Shifted Profitability or a clear path to profitability: The growth-at-all-costs era has given way to disciplined scaling. Investors now expect founders to show a roadmap to profitability, supported by strong unit economics, efficient operations, and realistic growth projections. Preference for SaaS-style revenue models: Recurring revenue, low churn, and predictable cash flow have become more appealing to VCs than purely transactional business models. E-commerce infrastructure providers, subscription platforms, and hybrid SaaS-commerce businesses stand out for their scalability and margin potential. How Founders Can Stay Ahead Founders can increase their fundraising success by aligning with the trends and investor preferences shaping the market. This includes focusing on contribution margins, retention rates, CAC payback periods, and overall capital efficiency. Demonstrating durability—whether through resilient supply chains, consistent demand, or market adaptability—is essential. Building a first-party data strategy is also critical as privacy changes and rising ad costs make third-party data less reliable. Above all, investors want to hear a scalable vision that connects market opportunity with platform potential, network effects, and long-term leadership. Pitching to E-Commerce VCs: Sector-Focused Tips Raising venture capital in today’s e-commerce landscape means proving that your business can scale profitably, adapt to shifting consumer behaviors, and leverage technology as a competitive advantage. While general pitch advice applies, e-commerce founders need to tailor their approach to address the nuances of this sector and the current investor mindset. Craft a Compelling Narrative Your pitch should quickly convey what makes your business stand out in a crowded market. This is more than describing your product—it’s about framing your company as the solution to a high-value, urgent problem. Examples include: Reducing logistics friction in a fast-growing market. Delivering AI-driven personalization for niche consumer segments. Enabling B2B e-commerce in emerging economies. By anchoring your story in a real, validated pain point, you position your startup as a must-have, not a nice-to-have. Showcase the Right Metrics Investors in e-commerce are increasingly data-driven. Go beyond top-line revenue and present the numbers that matter for sustainable growth: Customer lifetime value (CLTV) to customer acquisition cost (CAC) ratio. Retention and repeat purchase rates. Contribution margin and gross margin trends. CAC payback period. Including these metrics in your deck demonstrates both operational understanding and investor alignment. Demonstrate Global Readiness E-commerce is inherently global, and cross-border opportunities are expanding. Show how your product, logistics, payments, and compliance strategies support entry into new markets. Highlight any localization efforts—such as language, currency, and regional fulfillment—that make your business adaptable and competitive internationally. Tailor the Deck for E-Commerce While every pitch deck should cover the essentials (problem, solution, traction, market, team, financials), e-commerce decks benefit from added depth in certain areas: Detailed unit economics with a path to profitability. Market behavior insights specific to your target geography or niche. Your technology stack and how it supports scalability (e.g., automation, AI, micro-fulfillment). Partnerships with marketplaces, logistics providers, or payment platforms. Anchor with Platform or Infrastructure Value If you’re building a marketplace or infrastructure tool, emphasize the network effects and scalability potential. Show data that illustrates growing engagement between buyers and sellers, increasing GMV (gross merchandise value), and any early signs of defensibility, such as exclusive supplier relationships or proprietary technology. Find VCs Investing in E-commerce Companies with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in E-commerce here. For E-commerce startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the E-commerce sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

The best founders don’t just build companies, they build relationships. Regular communication with investors helps foster trust, accountability, and long-term alignment. That’s why we’ve made updates to help you stay consistent, strengthen your relationships, and keep your stakeholders engaged. Are You a Top Communicator? Most investors only hear from 10-30% of their portfolio companies on a regular basis. As Brett Brohl put it on the Thrive Through Connection podcast, “ One of the things that we found amongst our portfolio is that our highest performing companies are also the best communicators.” With our new Update Streaks feature, you can now track how many months in a row you’ve sent updates, making it easier to stay consistent, build trust, and stand out. See it for yourself below: Get More from Your Investor Updates Keeping investors up to date is a key touchpoint in the founder <> investor relationship. With our latest improvements, you’ll gain deeper insight into what resonates, enabling you to build stronger connections with your stakeholders. Here is what is new with Updates: React beyond the 👍 with new emoji-based reactions Export your update analytics for sharing or internal review Search across past updates and analytics with ease Explore the latest improvements to Updates: A Smoother Data Room Sharing Experience Whether you're starting a capital raise, deep into diligence, or exploring M&A, your Data Room helps share your story. We've recently streamlined the sharing experience and given you easier access to engagement analytics. You’ll also notice a more seamless experience on mobile, making it easier to manage your Data Room from anywhere.

Are you a founder building a Health & Wellness, digital health, medtech, or healthcare services startup? If you're actively seeking venture capital, this comprehensive guide is your essential resource. We understand the unique challenges and immense opportunities within this sector, and we're here to equip you with the knowledge and connections you need to succeed. In this article, you'll discover an up-to-date list of the top venture capital firms actively investing in Health & Wellness globally. Beyond the list, we'll dive deep into actionable, sector-specific fundraising insights, including current global trends, the unique challenges and opportunities within Health & Wellness, and practical tips for crafting a compelling pitch that resonates with VCs. We'll also cover key networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources available to Health & Wellness founders around the world, with a focus on international ecosystem trends, cross-border funding considerations, and major industry events. Top VCs Investing in Health and Wellness Startups Altitude Ventures About: Altitude Ventures aims to maximize value creation through value-added partnerships. AV provides early-stage venture capital financing to healthcare services and technology startups that improve healthcare. Sweet Spot Check Size: $2M Asset Management Ventures About: Asset Management Company made history as one of the first Silicon Valley venture capital firms. Founded and led by Franklin "Pitch" Johnson, the company has been instrumental in the birth and evolution of more than 100 outstanding companies. Asset Management focuses its primary capital investment on the emerging sector of digital health, in addition to the biotechnology and information technology sectors. Breakout Ventures About: Breakout Ventures is an early stage fund that backs bold scientist entrepreneurs. Thesis: Breakout Ventures backs bold companies working at the intersections of technology, biology, materials, and energy. Civilization Ventures About: Civilization Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on cutting edge innovations in exponential health tech and biology. Emmeline Ventures About: Emmeline Ventures is a female-founded early-stage fund investing in ambitious female founders building businesses that are helping women, in particular, manage their health, build their wealth, and live in a cleaner, safer world. Sweetspot check size: $ 2.50M Traction metrics requirements: Pre-seed - Prototype built with initial beta feedback underway; Seed- Early revenues in hand and insight for pivots and PMF emerging. Thesis: We invest across women's health, financial services, and sustainability specifically where breakout technology and innovaton is helping women live & thrive. HealthQuest Capital About: HealthQuest Capital is a growth equity, private equity firm investing in commercial-stage companies across the healthcare industry LionBird About: Investing in resetting healthcare's relationship with technology We provide pre-scale capital and assistance to teams on a mission to fix healthcare Thesis: We aspire to be the best pre-scale digital health investors out there. That means our focus is on helping founders lay the best foundations for their companies to scale and succeed. Lotux Sweetspot check size: $ 50K Traction metrics requirements: We would like to see some early validation but can invest in pre-revenue stage if we are bullish on the team and the opportunity. Thesis: Lotux focuses on partnering with mission-driven founders building software-based companies in the pre-seed stage that will improve the lives of the 99% in Latin America. RH Capital About: RH Capital a Rhia Ventures fund, is an impact-first venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups with the potential to transform women's health and increase health equity. Thesis: We invest across all healthcare segments, including the life sciences (diagnostics, devices, therapeutics), digital health, services, and consumer health, with a focus on contraception, maternal health and a broad range of other high-impact and underserved areas in women's health. entrepreneurs who share a common vision—to improve the health of all women in the US. Underlying all of our work is a continued commitment to gender and racial equity. SteelSky Ventures About: SteelSky Ventures is an early stage VC fund investing in Women’s Health. Sweetspot check size: $ 2.50M Thesis: SteelSky Ventures invests in companies that improve access, care, and outcomes in women's health. Our innovative approach allows investment across the spectrum of women’s health indications and in technology infrastructure that supports new and innovative care delivery models. TEAMFund Health Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 2M Thesis: Medtech, Digital health, impact (India and SSA) with global/leapfrog potential Town Hall Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 7M Thesis: Town Hall Ventures ("THV") is a healthcare-focused investment firm dedicated to partnering with technology and services businesses that address critical patient needs. THV partners with entrepreneurs and teams passionate about changing the United States health care system, focusing on solutions that use innovation to address health inequities. UNIQA Ventures About: We invest in outstanding founder teams in InsurTech, FinTech und Digital Health Sweetspot check size: $ 2M Fundraising Landscape Snapshot: Where Capital Is Flowing Now After the post-2021 cool-down, digital health and Health & Wellness funding has reset and stabilized. Deal volume is healthy, but average check sizes are lower; earlier-stage rounds dominate; AI-enabled companies attract an outsized share; and investors and buyers are prioritizing evidence of outcomes and real ROI over “growth at all costs.” In Q1 2024, U.S. digital health raised $2.7B across 133 deals, with AI-enabled startups capturing 40% of funding; creative financing structures remained common as founders bridged to milestones. By the end of 2024, total U.S. digital health venture funding reached $10.1B across 497 deals, with late-stage median check sizes stepping down and mega-rounds becoming rarer. Momentum continued into 2025. In Q1 2025, U.S. digital health startups raised roughly $3.0B across 122 deals, lifting the average deal size to $24.4M versus $15.5M in Q4 2024, with signs of a late‑stage rebound alongside continued early‑stage dominance. Globally, investors deployed $12.1 billion across 616 deals, with late-stage median rounds climbing to $49 million—the highest since 2021. Europe, led by the UK, saw the fastest growth, and therapeutic areas like oncology, mental health, and cardiovascular care drew the most investment. AI-driven innovation and evidence-backed outcomes are commanding investor attention, larger checks, and a bigger share of the market. Outcomes Evidence Is the New Moat Buyers and investors increasingly require evidence that solutions work in the real world. Rock Health highlights that outcomes data has become central to fundraising and enterprise sales, especially in crowded spaces. Founders should build a lean but rigorous evidence program early: well-structured pilots tied to buyer KPIs, real-world evidence and claims analyses, peer-reviewed posters and papers, and credible reference customers. Align endpoints to your primary buyer—e.g., utilization and total cost of care for payers, throughput and quality metrics for providers, productivity and benefits ROI for employers. Tip: Include an “evidence pack” in your data room with study design summaries, endpoints, statistical methods, outcomes, and external validation where possible. Exit and Liquidity Outlook After a long drought, public exits showed tentative momentum in mid-2024 with listings like Tempus and Waystar, plus a SPAC for Nuvo. Although selectivity is high, a thaw suggests more optionality for top performers with strong margins and visibility. M&A is expected to tick up in 2025 as late-stage companies face valuation pressure and seek strategic fits; private equity remains an active acquirer for assets with clear operational improvement levers. What “Great” Looks Like for 2025 Raises Investors are backing efficient growers with evidence and clear paths to durable margins. Expect scrutiny on CAC payback, net retention, cohort-level gross margins, and disciplined burn. Best-in-class teams show regulatory and security readiness, interoperability, and AI governance. Commercially, they demonstrate repeatable sales motions, multi-year enterprise agreements, and evidence-backed expansions and renewals—all tied to quantified buyer ROI. For AI-native products, come prepared with model risk management practices, safety documentation, and a defensible data advantage. Global Networking: Accelerators, Communities, and Events Why Ecosystem Access Matters The fastest Health & Wellness startups don’t just raise capital; they plug into the right ecosystems to win clinical pilots, validate outcomes, and unlock distribution. Accelerators, operator communities, and events compress learning cycles, surface the right buyers, and generate qualified investor intros. If you have a clear ICP, early evidence, and a defined regulatory path, you’re ready to leverage global networks. Choosing the Right Accelerator or Venture Studio Calibrate for fit on sector depth (digital health, medtech, wellness), pilot access and clinical partners, investor exposure, economics (equity/fees), and quality of post-program support. For North America, look for programs that can broker health system pilots or payer access; in Europe/UK, prioritize those with MDR/IVDR and NHS procurement expertise; across APAC, Middle East, and LatAm, seek partners with hospital group relationships and localization support. Investor and Operator Communities Engage communities that consistently convene founders with payers, providers, and top investors. Examples include the Health Tech 50 community and Health Tech Forward network (global investor/operator mix), the RockHealth network and Rock Health Summit (U.S.-centric investors, enterprise buyers, and policy voices), and specialist groups in your subcategory. These are valuable for warm intros, evidence design support, and regional “landing pads.” Be explicit about your asks (pilot design partner in X specialty, payer advisory, co-investor intros), contribute your data (benchmarks, lessons learned), and reciprocate with references and content—this raises your visibility for curated introductions. Conference and Event Calendar (By Region) United States J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM Week): The largest healthcare investor gathering; anchors many high-density side events for partnering and BD. BIO Partnering at JPM Week: Structured, double–opt-in 1:1 partnering alongside JPM; strong for scheduled investor and buyer meetings. Fierce JPM Week: Editorially led sessions and networking running in tandem with JPM; strong cross‑industry attendance. RESI JPM: One-day partnering forum focused on early-stage biotech, medtech, diagnostics, digital health, and AI; dense schedule of investor meetings. Rock Health Summit: High-signal investor, operator, and enterprise convening with curated conversations and strong U.S. buyer/investor density. Digital Health CEO Summit (invite-only): Intimate, candid roundtables for CEOs; strong peer learning and investor/operator access. Europe/UK Health Tech Forward (Barcelona): Flagship for healthtech innovation and investment; curated 1:1 meetings, Tech Meets Capital, and high buyer density. Health Tech Challengers (co-located): Epic startup pitch competition drawing investors and enterprise buyers across key healthtech tracks. Middle East WHX Dubai(World Health Expo): Arab Health transitioned to WHX Dubai (World Health Expo). The region’s largest healthcare exhibition and congress; strong buyer density across hospital groups, distributors, and government, plus extensive side programming for partnerships. Global Health Exhibition (Riyadh): Saudi Arabia’s flagship healthcare expo and conference; brings together providers, government, and investors with dedicated content and networking zones. Global Health Exhibition — Investor Program: Curated track connecting government officials, VCs/PE, healthtech/biotech startups, and healthcare executives; useful for capital and partnership discussions. Global Health Exhibition — NextGen Pitch Competition: Startup pitching platform to meet investors and buyers and showcase innovations aligned to KSA’s health transformation agenda. How to Pitch a Health & Wellness Startup to VCs Pitch Strategy: Narrative, Positioning, and Thesis–Market Fit Clarify the problem, who pays, and why now; align your story to macro trends VCs are actively backing (AI enablement, outcomes proof, efficiency). Tie your narrative to specific buyer pain points and the measurable outcomes you improve. Define your wedge and expansion: start with a focused ICP and use cases, then show how you land, expand, and compound value across adjacencies. Evidence Plan: Clinical, Real-World, and Economic Proof Map your evidence to the buyer (payer, provider, employer, consumer); specify endpoints, study designs, and timelines. Include early RWE, pilot KPIs, and health-economic modeling. Prepare an “evidence pack” for diligence: protocols, endpoints, statistical methods, outcomes to date, and references or publications. Leverage outcomes as a moat, per current investor expectations. Regulatory and Compliance Readiness Summarize applicable frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, UK DPA, MDR/IVDR, FDA/CE pathways) and where you are on the path. Clarify whether you are a medical device/DTx or wellness product and implications for labeling and claims. Outline your security program: data architecture, PHI handling, SOC 2/ISO 27001 roadmap, AI model risk management, and vendor oversight. Go-To-Market by Channel: Payer, Provider, Employer, Consumer Payer: show total cost-of-care impact, utilization shifts, and contractable outcomes; highlight pilots, LOIs, or MA benefits integration. Provider/Health System: emphasize throughput, clinician time saved, quality metrics, revenue cycle impact, and EHR interoperability (FHIR/HL7). Employer: quantify absenteeism/presenteeism improvements, benefits integration, and claims ROI; showcase broker/TPA partnerships. Consumer: demonstrate retention cohorts, LTV/CAC, and engagement drivers; show compliance with claims and marketing standards. Metrics That Matter: Traction and Efficiency Present a metric dashboard tailored to your model: CAC, payback period, gross margin by cohort, net revenue retention, unit economics, and contribution margin trends. Include pipeline coverage and sales velocity. For AI-enabled products: add productivity lift, accuracy/precision metrics, error-rate reduction, and governance KPIs. Product and Data Advantage Show why you win technically: proprietary data, integrations, workflow embedding, and model differentiation. Explain your defensibility (data network effects, switching costs, regulatory barriers). Interoperability: detail integrations, standards supported, and proof of seamless deployment in target environments. Team, Advisors, and Clinical Credibility Highlight domain-experienced leadership, clinical advisors, and operator talent. Make explicit how expertise reduces risk in regulatory, evidence generation, and commercialization. The Deck: Structure and Flow Problem and urgency; solution and product demo; who buys and why; evidence and ROI; business model and pricing; traction and metrics; GTM and pipeline; regulatory and security; roadmap and milestones; team; fundraise ask and use of funds. The Fundraise: Round Dynamics and Use of Proceeds Calibrate round size to milestones that unlock next-stage proof (e.g., evidence readout, payer contract, system deployment). Articulate a crisp use-of-funds tied to de-risking. Fit the Investor: Targeting and Personalization Map investor theses, stage, and portfolio to your category; tailor outreach to highlight alignment and avoid conflicts. Balance mega-funds for distribution with specialists for domain help. Diligence Readiness: Data Room and References Data room index: corporate docs, cap table, info sec, regulatory, clinical/evidence, product/architecture, GTM, financial model, KPI definitions, and customer references. Prepare a diligence FAQ: regulatory classification, claims you can make, evidence plan and timelines, security posture, and unit economics assumptions. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Over-claiming clinical impact without evidence, unclear regulatory classification, weak ROI story, and misaligned buyer/channel strategies. Provide concrete fixes and examples. Find VCs Investing in Health and Wellness Companies with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Health and Wellness here. For Health and Wellness startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Health and Wellness sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

Switzerland, renowned for its innovation, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial spirit, stands as a premier destination for startups and investors alike. The country's robust economy, world-class universities, and a business-friendly environment create a fertile ground for groundbreaking ventures. For startup founders eyeing the Swiss landscape, understanding the venture capital ecosystem is paramount. This guide serves as your comprehensive, up-to-date resource on the top venture capital firms currently funding startups in Switzerland. In addition to the list, we also cover insights on navigating the Swiss startup scene and leveraging local resources. Top VCs in Switzerland Verve Ventures About: Verve Ventures invests from EUR 500k to several million from Seed to Series B and beyond across Europe. Verve Ventures’ dedicated team helps companies with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions and access to an expert network of high-profile individuals. Sweetspot check size: $ 1.50M Thesis: Investing in (deep -) technology and science-driven startups. Adding value through our exclusive network of investors. Endeavour Vision About: Endeavour Vision is a leading venture capital and growth equity advisory firm focusing on commercial-stage medtech and digital health companies. We support transformative healthcare technologies that provide superior clinical benefits for patients or bring significant efficiencies to health systems. Our team offers strategic and operational expertise and extensive international experience investing in companies in Europe and North America. We have a proven track record of successful exits with recently realized investments that include Relievant Medsystems, Vertiflex, and Symetis, as well as several IPOs. Endeavour Vision’s international investment teams are located in Geneva, Switzerland, Minneapolis, US and San Francisco, US. Emerald Technology Ventures About: Emerald is a globally recognized venture capital firm, founded in 2000, that manages and advises assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore. The firm invests in start-ups that tackle big challenges in climate change and sustainability, with four current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups. Bold Ideas. Bright Future. Momenta Ventures About: Momenta is the leading Industrial Impact® venture capital firm, accelerating industrial innovators across energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and the supply chain. For over a decade, our team of deep industry operators has helped scale industry leaders and innovators to improve critical industries, the environment, and people's quality of life. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Seedstars International Ventures About: Seedstars Capital is an alternative investment platform specialized in emerging markets. The platform incubates, accelerates and invests in first-time and emerging venture capital funds. Sweetspot check size: $ 200 Swisscom Ventures About: Swisscom Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Swisscom, that specializes in early stage tech investments. Thesis: Swisscom Ventures invests in growth companies with emerging business models and technologies of strategic relevance to Swisscom's core business. As a value-add investor, Swisscom brings its investees the technicalexpertise and strategic insights of an incumbent telecom operator. Swiss Startup Capital AG About: Swiss Startup Group is a venture platform for scouting, building, accelerating, and investing in the most promising startups. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Thesis: We are looking for leading tech entrepreneurs TA Ventures About: We are backing companies in Europe and North America at Seed – Series A, alongside high-profile co-investors, across a range of tech sectors, with a special interest in Digital Health, Mobility, Enterprise Software and IndustrialTech. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Traction metrics requirements: No specific requirements Blue Horizon About: Blue Horizon is accelerating the transition to a Sustainable Food System that delivers outstanding returns for investors and the planet. The company is a global pioneer of the Future of Food. As a pure play impact investor, Blue Horizon has shaped the growth of the alternative protein and food tech market. The company invests at the intersection of biology, agriculture and technology with the aim to transform the global food industry. Blue Horizon was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. To date, the company has invested in more than 70 companies. Its business model offers an attractive opportunity to invest in the evolution of the global food system while contributing to a healthy and sustainable world. www.bluehorizon.com Thesis: Financial performance paired with an attractive risk-return profile and tangible impact. DART Labs & Ventures About: DART Labs is an Incubator for teams that build technologies for a more human future. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: We accelerate impactful European founders. We invest in breakthrough technologies that positively impact health and climate. Kickfund About: Kickfund exclusively invests in Swiss pre-seed and seed stage technology startups that have successfully completed the Venture Kick competition. Established in Luxembourg, the fund was initiated by supporters of the Swiss startup and innovation ecosystem. FoodHack c/o HackVentures Thesis: Investing globally from Stealth to Series A in companies that move the needle to a better people and planet (climate, health, food). Sweetspot check size: $ 100K Privilège Ventures About: Privilège Ventures is a Swiss-based Venture Capital firm, authorized by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA, www.finma.ch) as venture capital asset manager, investing in promising early-stage startups. With offices in Lugano, Zurich and Boston, we aim to support young founders on a mission to build the future. Our unique values derive from previous experiences as founders, entrepreneurs, operators and investors. We provide unceasing support, expertise, and valuable network access to help entrepreneurs forge ahead. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Thesis: Agnostic seed stage fund across Europe with a focus in Switzerland. Don't invest in Biotech and Crypto. Rewired.gg About: Launched in summer 2017, Rewired is a deep-tech fund, investing in applied science and technologies that advance machine perception. Thesis: We invest in applied science and technology ventures that can power the new economy whilst also doing good. Quadia About: Founded in 2010, Quadia specializes in direct impact investments, though equity, debt and funds. In line with its mission «we finance the solutions for a regenerative economy», Quadia targets companies which have positioned their business model and strategic development on products and services that contribute to a regenerative economy. These transformative companies operate in the areas of sustainable food, circular products & materials, and clean energy.. An internal impact management methodology is implemented by Quadia in collaboration with each portfolio company, allowing it to go beyond simple measurement of impact, promoting an environmental and social transition among all its stakeholders. Since its creation, Quadia has financed over 45 companies, projects and investment funds for the equivalent of EUR 220 million. Sweetspot check size: $ 3.50M Why Switzerland? Understanding the Swiss Startup and Venture Capital Ecosystem Switzerland consistently ranks among the world’s most innovative countries, earning top positions in the Global Innovation Index for over a decade. This reputation is built on a foundation of strong economic fundamentals, political stability, and a high quality of life—factors that make Switzerland a magnet for ambitious founders and investors. World-Class Innovation and Talent Pipeline Thanks to its world-class universities (ETH Zurich, EPFL) and research institutions, Switzerland consistently ranks at the top of the Global Innovation Index. These institutions are not just talent factories—they actively support spin-offs and technology transfer, making it easier for founders to access technical expertise and early-stage support. Founders should leverage university incubators, such as ETH’s Entrepreneurship Lab and EPFL’s Innovation Park, for mentorship, lab space, and networking with investors and corporate partners. Key Sectors and Funding Trends The Swiss startup scene is especially strong in healthtech, fintech, deep tech, and sustainability. In 2024, healthtech startups attracted over CHF 1.2 billion in funding, with AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine leading the way. Fintech startups raised CHF 800 million, benefiting from Switzerland’s regulatory clarity and global financial reputation. Green tech and sustainability-focused startups secured CHF 900 million, driven by national strategies like Energy Strategy 2050 and a strong ESG investment culture. Tip: Founders in these sectors should target specialized VCs and government grants (e.g., Innosuisse), and participate in sector-specific accelerators such as Kickstart Innovation (Zurich) and Venturelab (Lausanne). Funding Environment and Investor Landscape Despite a recent dip in total funding volume (CHF 2.3 billion in 2024, down 15% from 2023), Switzerland remains a magnet for both local and international investors. Early-stage investments surged by 35% in 2024, and the number of AI-focused deals doubled, reflecting strong investor appetite for innovation. Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne are the main hubs, but Basel and Zug are rapidly emerging, especially for life sciences and blockchain. Government Support and Local Resources Switzerland’s government is highly supportive of startups. Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency, offers grants, coaching, and access to global networks. Programs like Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Swissnex Network help startups expand internationally. The government’s Health2030 and 2050 Energy Strategy provide additional funding and regulatory support for healthtech and green tech startups. Tip: Apply early for Innosuisse coaching and grants, and leverage Swissnex for international market entry. Explore the Swiss Startup Radar for data-driven insights and ecosystem benchmarks. Networking and Community Switzerland’s startup community is highly collaborative, with regular events, pitch competitions, and industry meetups. Key events include Swiss Startup Days, Venture Leaders, and the Swiss Software Festival. These gatherings are essential for meeting investors, partners, and fellow founders. Tip: Join local associations like Swiss Startup Association and Digital Switzerland for ongoing support and advocacy. Regulatory Environment and Market Access Switzerland offers a stable regulatory environment, strong IP protection, and easy access to European and global markets. However, founders should be aware of high operational costs and a relatively small domestic market. Regulatory requirements can be complex, especially in healthtech and fintech, so early legal and compliance advice is crucial. Tip: Engage with local legal experts and industry associations early in your journey. Use government resources to understand visa, tax, and compliance requirements. Current Challenges and Opportunities While funding rounds and total investment volume have declined since 2022, the ecosystem remains robust, with a strong focus on AI, healthtech, and sustainability. Female founder participation is growing, especially in healthtech, but remains an area for improvement (14% of founders in 2024 were women, with the highest share in healthtech at 21%). Tip: Female founders should explore dedicated programs and networks, such as Female Founders Initiative and Women in Tech Switzerland. Key Networking Opportunities and Startup Events in Switzerland: Where Founders Meet Investors and Partners Swiss Startup Days Swiss Startup Days is one of the country’s flagship business and networking events, held annually in Bern. It brings together startups, investors, corporates, and enablers for a full day of pitching, workshops, and 1:1 meetings. Founders can apply to pitch, schedule meetings with investors in advance, and gain visibility through the event’s newcomer program. Startup Nights Startup Nights in Winterthur is Switzerland’s largest startup event, attracting over 8,000 participants, including founders, investors, and corporate partners. The two-day event features keynotes, hands-on workshops, a pitching competition, and extensive networking opportunities. Founders can showcase their startups, connect with investors, and join workshops to sharpen their skills. Swiss Startup Association Events The Swiss Startup Association organizes regular Founders Dinners, education sessions, and webinars across Switzerland. These events offer a relaxed atmosphere to meet fellow founders, learn from experts, and connect with investors. The association also hosts special events for female founders and scaleup executives. Venturelab Events Venturelab runs a comprehensive program of events, workshops, and international roadshows for Swiss startups. Highlights include the Venture Leaders program (with sector-specific tracks in fintech, biotech, and more), the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award, and regular pitch events. These are excellent opportunities to gain exposure, receive feedback, and build investor relationships. Startupticker.ch Event Calendar Startupticker.ch maintains the most complete calendar of startup events, pitch competitions, and training sessions across Switzerland. Founders can filter by location, sector, and event type to find relevant opportunities, from local meetups to major conferences like Swiss Medtech Day and Energy Startup Day. Local and Thematic Meetups Regular pitch nights, investor lunches, and tech meetups are held in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and other hubs. For example, Investor Connect: Pitch & Network Night Zürich and Startup Pitch & Networking Zürich are recurring events where founders can pitch and network with investors in an informal setting. Accelerators, Incubators, and Co-Working Spaces Many Swiss accelerators and incubators, such as Kickstart Innovation (Zurich), Tenity (fintech, Zurich), and EPFL Innovation Park (Lausanne), host demo days, open houses, and networking sessions. Co-working spaces like Impact Hub Zurich and Basel also organize community events and workshops, providing ongoing opportunities to connect with peers and mentors. Online Communities and Associations Joining organizations like the Swiss Startup Association, Digital Switzerland, and Women in Tech Switzerland gives founders access to exclusive events, advocacy, and peer support. Many of these groups also run online forums and Slack channels for ongoing networking. Tip: Founders should build relationships with both Swiss and international VCs, attend major events like the Swiss Startup Days and use platforms like Startup.ch to track active investors and recent deals. Resources and Support Systems for Startups in Switzerland Government-Backed Support Agencies Innosuisse: Switzerland’s federal innovation agency, Innosuisse, is the first stop for many founders. It offers non-dilutive grants, personalized coaching, and access to internationalization programs. Innosuisse’s Startup Coaching program matches founders with experienced mentors, while its Innovation Projects fund R&D collaborations with universities and industry partners. Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE): S-GE helps startups expand internationally by providing market entry advice, export consulting, and access to a global network of business hubs. Their “GoGlobal” programs are especially useful for founders looking to scale beyond Switzerland. Swissnex: Swissnex connects Swiss startups with innovation hubs worldwide, offering soft-landing programs, networking events, and support for international partnerships. With offices in key global cities, Swissnex is a gateway for founders aiming for global reach. Leading Accelerators, Incubators, and Innovation Parks Kickstart Innovation: Based in Zurich, Kickstart is one of Switzerland’s largest multi-corporate accelerators, focusing on deep tech, fintech, health, and sustainability. Startups benefit from pilot projects with corporate partners, mentorship, and access to funding. Tenity: Tenity is a global fintech and insurtech accelerator with programs in Zurich and beyond. It offers pre-seed and seed-stage support, industry connections, and demo days for investor exposure. EPFL Innovation Park: Located in Lausanne, this park supports high-tech startups, especially in life sciences, engineering, and digital. It offers office space, access to labs, and a vibrant community of researchers and entrepreneurs. Impact Hub: With locations in Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne, Impact Hub provides co-working, community events, and startup programs focused on social innovation and sustainability. Legal, Tax, and Regulatory Support Startup Desks and Advisory Services: The Swiss Startup Association offers Startup Desks covering legal, IP, finance, and regulatory topics, with free or discounted consultations for members. Many cantons also provide startup advisory services, helping with company formation, tax optimization, and compliance. Startup.ch: This platform provides a directory of Swiss startups, investors, and service providers, making it easy to find legal and financial advisors with startup expertise. Funding Resources Beyond VCs Angel Networks: Groups like Swiss ICT Investor Club (SICTIC) and Business Angels Switzerland (BAS) connect early-stage founders with active angel investors. These networks host regular pitch events and offer hands-on support. Public Grants and Loans: Besides Innosuisse, many cantons and cities offer startup grants, innovation vouchers, and low-interest loans. Check your local economic development office for region-specific programs. Crowdfunding Platforms: Platforms like wemakeit and Swisspeers allow founders to raise funds from the public, often for product launches or early validation. Directories, Toolkits, and Online Platforms Startupticker.ch: News, event calendars, and directories of awards, grants, and investors. Swiss Startup Association: Resource library, event listings, and advocacy for founders. Venturelab: Training, international programs, and pitch events for high-growth startups. How to Combine These Resources for Maximum Impact Early Stage: Start with Innosuisse coaching, join a local incubator or Impact Hub, and attend pitch events to build your network. Growth Stage: Apply to accelerators like Kickstart or Tenity, leverage S-GE and Swissnex for international expansion, and seek angel or VC funding. Scaling: Use legal and tax advisory services to optimize your structure, and tap into public grants or crowdfunding for non-dilutive capital. Connect With Investors in Switzerland Using Visible At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors. With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible. Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of the Switzerland's investors here. Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.

This guide is your essential playbook if you're a founder building consumer products and brands anywhere in the world and looking to raise venture capital in 2025. We'll equip you with the latest investor landscape, global ecosystem resources, and a vetted list of 15 top consumer-focused VC firms (with a link to their profile on our Connect Investor Database). When we talk about "consumer" startups in this guide, we're casting a wide net. This includes digitally native brands (D2C/CPG), dynamic consumer marketplaces, engaging social and creator platforms, innovative consumer fintech solutions, consumer health and wellness brands, subscription services, and cutting-edge consumer-facing AI applications. Consumer investors are increasingly prioritizing businesses with durable unit economics, strong brand moats, community-driven growth strategies, and truly differentiated AI-native consumer experiences. The days of relying solely on paid acquisition for growth are largely behind us. This guide will provide macro context, drawing on recent industry roundups and rankings, alongside a curated consumer VC list to pinpoint active investors. For each firm, you'll find their current focus, typical check size/stage, and notable consumer investments. Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Actively Investing in Consumer Startups Maveron About: Maveron funds seed and Series A companies that empower consumers to live on their terms. Based in SF and Seattle and invest coast-to-coast. Thesis: Maveron funds seed and Series A companies that empower consumers to live on their terms. Based in SF and Seattle and invest coast-to-coast. Left Lane Capital About: Left Lane is a venture capital and early growth equity firm based in New York City. Left Lane’s four partners all previously worked at Insight Partners, where they led investments into consumer subscription, software, marketplace, and platform businesses. Sweetspot check size: $ 12.50M Traction metrics requirements: >1M in run rate revenue, gross margin positive, efficient unit economics, high growth Thesis: We invest in high-growth internet and consumer technology businesses that are fundamental to the human condition and spirit – where customers maintain a long-term relationship with the product, platform or service. Forerunner Ventures About: VC firm investing in transformative B2C & B2B companies defining a new generation of business, with an eye on the consumer. Interlace Ventures About: Early Stage fund investing in the Future of Commerce Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: Theme: Technology for the commerce world JamJar Investments Thesis: JamJar Investments is the innocent drinks founders' venture capital fund. They invest in high growth, digital consumer brands. L Catterton About: Catterton Partners is the leading private equity firm with an exclusive focus on providing equity capital to growing middle market consumer companies in North America. Their combination of investment capital, strategic and operating skills, and industry network has enabled them to become the most sought after private equity firm in the consumer sector. Shrug Capital About: Shrug Capital is a Venture capital firm investing in consumer startups. Shasta Ventures About: At Shasta, we are deeply committed to passionate entrepreneurs that are building businesses that will change the world. We believe strongly in supporting those entrepreneurs and helping them to figure out how to iterate through the challenges of being an early-stage company and to build and grow and scale. Thesis: We now invest in innovative early-stage startups in sectors like SaaS, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data intelligence, and consumer subscription. By focusing on early-stage, we can dive deeper to partner with our portfolio and give them the resources they need to reach new milestones, faster. No Brand About: No Brand is a private investment company focussed on opportunities empowered by technology. Our focus is on backing mission driven leaders, who are building for a long term horizon and benefit from online platforms, community or network effects. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K XFund About: Xfund is the early-stage venture capital firm built to back entrepreneurs who think laterally and experiment across disciplines. Sweetspot check size: $ 2M Thesis: You can be a hacker and a historian. You can be a techno-utopian and an aesthete. We want to back minds that stretch laterally and not just linearly. We want to back the coder who not only knows what she’s doing, but why. Maybe that’s you. TSG Consumer Partners About: TSG is a global leader in consumer-focused investing with approximately $14 billion in assets under management and a 35+ year track record of building iconic brands. Since its founding in 1986, TSG has been an active investor in the food, beverage, restaurant, beauty, personal care, household and apparel & accessories, and e-commerce sectors. General Catalyst About: General Catalyst backs exceptional entrepreneurs who are building innovative technology companies and market leading businesses, including Airbnb, BigCommerce, ClassPass, Datalogix, Datto, Demandware, Gusto (fka ZenPayroll), The Honest Company, HubSpot, KAYAK, Oscar, Snap, Stripe, and Warby Parker. The General Catalyst team leverages its broad experience to help founders build extraordinary companies. General Catalyst has offices in Cambridge, MA, Palo Alto, CA and New York City. Sweetspot check size: $ 30M Thesis: General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that makes early-stage and growth equity investments. Night Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 375K Thesis: Our LPs are 50+ of the top creators in the world across YouTube, TikTok, Twitch and elsewhere. Together, we specialize in influence - understanding what's popular, what's trending and how to acquire more customers/fans of your product. Ascend About: Ascend is the most active pre-seed venture capital fund in the Pacific Northwest. Thesis: Pre-seed investor in marketplace, consumer brands, ecommerce, and B2B software. Cathay Innovation About: Cathay Innovation is an international early growth venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs by bridging USA, Europe and China. Sweetspot check size: $ 10M Actionable Fundraising Insights and Pitch Tactics for Consumer Founders What Consumer VCs Are Prioritizing Investors are looking for evidence of organic demand (community, referrals, creator flywheels, UGC) and a credible path to attractive contribution margins. They want a distinct moat—brand, distribution, product, or supply—and authentic ways AI improves the user experience, personalization, discovery, or support. Firms consistently emphasize fundamentals, brand defensibility, and platform effects over top-line growth alone. Model-Specific Metrics VCs Will Diligence For D2C/CPG, expect deep dives into order frequency, cohort retention, contribution margin after fully-loaded logistics and returns, inventory turns, and cash conversion cycle. For marketplaces, focus on liquidity (time-to-transaction, search-to-fill), take rate, buyer and seller retention, CAC by side, and evidence of network effects. For consumer apps and subscriptions, highlight activation, WAU/MAU, session frequency, conversion to paid, churn, net revenue retention, CAC payback, and LTV drivers. In consumer fintech and health, be prepared on compliance, trust and safety metrics, claims or chargeback rates, and margin structure. A Pitch Narrative That Lands Lead with the consumer problem and your proprietary wedge—brand, data, distribution, or technology—that lets you win in a crowded category. Show proof of pull with waitlists, organic channel growth, community engagement, creator advocacy, and efficient referral loops. Map a credible path to margin and defensibility, starting with gross margin today and the levers to expand contribution margin as you scale. Be concrete about AI’s role where it’s real, such as measurable lift from personalization, customer support automation, merchandising improvements, or fraud reduction. Close with traction that compounds—cohort curves, unit economics, and a near-term roadmap tied directly to capital use. Materials Checklist for Consumer Rounds Investors will expect clean monthly cohort retention, CAC by channel, a transparent LTV methodology, and a contribution margin waterfall. For CPG, include inventory and cash cycle visibility, returns, and discounting effects. Add funnel analytics, pricing experiments, and your attribution model, alongside references from customers, creators, partners, and prior investors where applicable. Screenshots and short demos of merchandising improvements, community metrics (Discord, socials, UGC), and before/after tests help validate claims. CAC, LTV, and Payback: What “Good” Looks Like Contextually Early-stage rounds tolerate noisy CAC, but you should demonstrate repeatable channels, the difference between blended and incremental CAC, and a payback window appropriate for your category and gross margins. LTV must be cohort-grounded, not a top-down guess: anchor assumptions in observed repeat rate, AOV, contribution margin, and a sensible discount rate. Demonstrate your understanding of channel concentration risk and outline a plan to diversify into community, partnerships, and, when appropriate, retail or wholesale, to enhance trust and blended CAC. Pricing, Merchandising, and Growth Loops Demonstrate a systematic approach to pricing, including anchoring, premium SKUs, bundling, subscriptions, and regional strategies, with experiment design and results. Show how merchandising drives conversion and AOV—PDP improvements, cross-sell and upsell logic, and content-to-commerce. Detail your growth loops: UGC that feeds discovery, creator amplification, referral mechanics, and community content that reduces CAC and compounds retention over time. Building Defensibility as a Consumer Brand The strongest moats sit beyond performance marketing. Highlight supply or formulation advantages, exclusive distribution or partnerships, proprietary data and personalization, community/IP, and omnichannel strategies that reinforce trust. Adding retail or wholesale at the right time can decrease blended CAC and increase credibility, but be explicit about the margins and operational tradeoffs. These are consistent themes among consumer brand specialists noted in 2025 investor roundups and leadership lists Forbes Midas 2025. Running a Tight Fundraise Process Start with a tiered target list mapped by stage, geography, and sub-vertical fit using our connect investor database. Prioritize warm introductions through portfolio founders, creators, operator-angels, and ecosystem partners. Time-box the process, define the round size and high-level terms, and tie use of funds to measurable milestones such as margin expansion, channel diversification, or SKU/feature roadmap delivery. Keep engaged firms updated weekly with KPI momentum and experiment results. Common Red Flags and How to Preempt Them Overreliance on paid acquisition without improvement in blended CAC or retention, inflated LTV assumptions that ignore returns and logistics, inventory bloat and long cash cycles without a financing strategy, and shallow differentiation versus entrenched incumbents are all red flags. Preempt them by showing channel mix evolution, cohort-grounded LTV, clear inventory and working capital plans, and crisp positioning backed by proof from customers and creators. When You Don’t Have “Perfect” Metrics Yet If you’re early, lead with the velocity of learning: a tight experiment cadence, rapid iteration, and clear KPI deltas over short cycles. Showcase early love—qualitative user feedback, creator endorsements, community engagement—and small but improving cohorts. Present a 90–120 day plan post-raise that de-risks CAC, retention, and margin, with specific experiments, targets, and decision gates. This signals operating rigor even before scale. Global Networking, Accelerators, and Events Where Consumer Founders Network Globally (and How to Get Warm Intros) High-signal relationships come from places where operators, creators, and investors already collaborate. Start with portfolio founders of the firms in your target list, operator-angel syndicates with consumer track records, curated Slack/Discord communities for D2C/CPG and marketplace builders, and regional founder groups tied to key hubs (SF/NY/LA; London/Berlin/Paris; Bangalore/Singapore; São Paulo/Mexico City). Engineer warm intros by asking your network which investors they follow, cross-referencing with our connect investor database, and arming referrers with a one-paragraph forwardable blurb, three bullets of traction, and a data room that is neat and professional — it should inspire confidence. Top Accelerators and Venture Studios for Consumer Startups Generalist accelerators with strong consumer alumni networks can open doors to downstream VCs and retailers, while specialist programs and venture studios provide category expertise. Look for programs with hands-on merchandising, supply chain, and growth support (for CPG/commerce) or mobile product and creator distribution depth (for consumer apps). Evaluate by mentor quality and operator density, demo day reach in your target regions, check size and equity cost, follow-on rates, and post-program support. Global Consumer/CPG/Retail Events That Convert to Meetings Large tentpole gatherings concentrate consumer investors and partners. General tech and founder events like CES, Web Summit, Slush, and SXSW offer broad exposure. Retail and commerce conferences such as NRF, Shoptalk, Groceryshop, and the eTail series bring merchants, platforms, and commerce VCs. CPG and food/wellness shows like Natural Products Expo West/ East and Fancy Food Show enable retail buyer and distributor meetings; beauty and fashion convene at Cosmoprof and selected fashion-tech forums. Creator economy and media investors cluster around events like VidCon. Global Trends in Consumer Fundraising Resurgence of Consumer VC Interest After years of waning attention, consumer startups are experiencing a notable revival in VC interest—funding in the sector increased by 25% last year. New York City is emerging as a hotbed for consumer tech startups, drawing founders with its vibrant, creative, and collaborative ecosystem. Founding teams of Gen Z–focused startups like Fizz, Posh, and Partiful are gravitating toward the East Coast city’s unique energy. As Derek Chu, a partner at FirstMark Capital, puts it—a “consumer renaissance” is igniting in NYC. Profitability and Sustainable Growth Take Center Stage Gone are the days of “growth at all costs.” In 2025, VCs are laser-focused on unit economics—prioritizing startups that demonstrate customer retention, repeat purchase behavior, and clear paths to profitability. Particularly in sectors like beauty, investors favor brands with strong fundamentals, genuine founder narratives, and defensible positioning. Social Commerce Accelerates, Fueled by Influencer Power As regulatory pressure mounts on platforms like TikTok, investor attention is shifting toward social-shopping platforms. Startups like Whatnot (livestream sales leader with $265M raised) and ShopMy (profitable, secured $77.5M) are thriving by tapping influencer-driven commerce. This highlights the growing effectiveness of creator-led marketing in the consumer VC landscape. Niche Personalization, AI, and New Social Frontiers The consumer tech landscape is being reshaped by emerging platforms that harness AI, Gen Z trends, and niche social experiences. Investors are eyeing AI-powered apps, boutique dating tools, and hyper-personalized social networks built around identity, culture, and shared interests. Though caution remains—especially given competition from Big Tech—the appetite for these disruptive formats is rising. Find VCs Investing in Consumer Companies with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Consumer here. For Consumer startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Consumer sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

On the seventh episode of the Thrive Through Connection Podcast, we welcome Jonah Midanik of Forum Ventures. Jonah is the Managing Partner at Forum Ventures, the leading early-stage fund, program, and community for B2B SaaS startups. Jonah joins Mike, the CEO and Founder of Visible, to discuss how early-stage founders can best run a fundraising process. About Jonah Before joining Forum Ventures, Jonah had a career as a founder and marketing leader. With a portfolio of 400+ companies, Jonah has seen the ins and outs of what works with a fundraising process, specifically at the pre-seed and seed stages. Jonah shares his tips for startup founders looking to raise an early-stage round of capital. What You Can Expect to Learn from Jonah How pre-seed founders can build a fundraising process Why the person at a firm matters more than the organization How to leverage storytelling to raise capital Why leading with your strengths is a key storytelling tactic Want more stories like this? Head to the Thrive Through Connection Hub for every past and upcoming episode.

The global finance industry, a cornerstone of economies everywhere, is undergoing rapid transformation. Today’s Finance startups are innovating not only across traditional sectors like asset management, insurance, lending, accounting, and financial advisory, but also within newer markets such as crypto, digital assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi). This expanding landscape is redefining how capital is raised, managed, and distributed—blending established financial practices with cutting-edge technologies and alternative asset classes. For founders in this diverse sector, the current global climate presents both significant challenges and unprecedented opportunities, demanding a nuanced understanding of investor expectations and market dynamics. In this guide, we will provide an up-to-date list of the top global VC firms investing in Finance, actionable fundraising strategies, and a curated overview of key international networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources. Whether you're seeking capital or connections, this guide will equip you with the insights needed to succeed in the global Finance ecosystem. Top VC Funding Finance Startups Anthemis Group About: Our deep understanding of markets and models, passion for emerging technology and values inspire everything we do. By creating fertile ground for a diverse group of startups, investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, academics, and visionaries to converge, we believe we can solve the financial services world’s most pressing challenges faster, better and for the benefit of all. Thesis: Invests in startups that leverage technology to significantly impact the financial system. VEF Sweetspot check size: $ 10M Thesis: VEF is an investment company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm’s Main Market under the ticker VEFAB. We invest in growth stage private fintech companies across the emerging world. We take minority stakes and are active investors with board representation in each of our portfolio holdings. We respect the macro, but are firm believers that the secular growth trend of EM fintech, outweighs all the macro uncertainty and volatility that we and our portfolio companies will invariably live through. A digital financial world is the end game and the best companies always come out of pockets of macro and market turbulence in a stronger relative position. UNIQA Ventures About: We invest in outstanding founder teams in InsurTech, FinTech und Digital Health Sweetspot check size: $ 2M The Fintech Fund About: An early-stage venture fund supporting the best fintech and defi teams. Sweetspot check size: $ 350K Thesis: The Fintech Fund is a $25M venture fund investing in the top 1% of fintech and decentralized finance startups globally. Our focus is split between more established fintech markets in the US and Europe – for which picks-and-shovels SaaS and infrastructure builders will sell into a growing market of buyers – and emerging markets, where opportunities exist for consumer fintechs to dominate winner-take-all markets. .The Aventures Sweetspot check size: $ 300K Thesis: We're a specialized tech-focused fund with a focus on transformative sectors such as Blockchain, SaaS, AI, Web3, Gaming, Fintech & Insurtech, Quantum Technology, and Marketplaces. Revo Capital About: Established in 2013, Revo Capital is Turkey’s largest and one of its pioneering venture capital firms, dedicated to empowering the startup ecosystem across Turkey and Central Eastern Europe (CEE). Sweetspot check size: $ 2M Thesis: With its third fund, Revo Capital is strategically focused on six sectors: B2B SaaS and enterprise software, financial technology, health technology, cybersecurity and cloud solutions, energy, and gaming. The firm emphasizes investments in companies leveraging AI to drive growth and transformation, aiming to scale these innovations in both regional and global markets. Mitsubishi UFJ CapitalShizuoka Capital About: Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm focusing on life science, ICT and high technology investments. Lotux Sweetspot check size: $ 50K Traction metrics requirements: We would like to see some early validation but can invest in pre-revenue stage if we are bullish on the team and the opportunity. Thesis: Lotux focuses on partnering with mission-driven founders building software-based companies in the pre-seed stage that will improve the lives of the 99% in Latin America. Knight Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 100K Traction metrics requirements: Deal flow through our Knight Ventures Accelerator and Investment Platform Thesis: OurVC is launching a $5MM pre-seed fund in United States to back West African FinTech and Digital Infrastructure startups powered by our market-fit focused accelerator Kadan Capital Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Traction metrics requirements: Post-revenue Thesis: Kadan Capital is an early-stage VC firm investing proprietary capital in industry-defining startups in Fintech and AI in Asia and beyond. INCA Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 100K Traction metrics requirements: No Thesis: Investing in fintech & related sectors in the Andean region (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, & Ecuador) with a focus on underrepresented founders. QED Investors About: QED Investors is a leading venture capital firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. We are focused on investing in disruptive financial services companies in the U.S., the U.K. and Europe, Latin America, India and Southeast Asia and Africa. QED Investors is dedicated to building great businesses and uses a unique, hands-on approach that leverages its partners’ decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience, helping companies achieve breakthrough growth. Nyca Partners About: Nyca Partners is a venture capital and advisory firm exclusively focused on applying innovation in financial services into the global financial system. Our rich experience and deep connections in both finance and technology give us a unique perspective and facility to help entrepreneurs transform payments, credit models, digital advice, and financial infrastructure. We strive to form truly collaborative partnerships, offering our own money and expert advice. Vestigo Ventures About: Vestigo Ventures is a Northeast-based early-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating the AI age in financial services. We partner with visionary entrepreneurs to build transformative companies at the intersection of FinTech, AI, and B2B SaaS. SixThirty About: SixThirty is a global venture capital firm focused on investing in late seed stage FinTech, InsurTech and Cyber Security companies Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Traction metrics requirements: We invest in companies that have a working product, market traction, and in most instances, recurring revenue. Fundraising Insights for Finance Startups: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities The financial services sector is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and integrated fintech solutions. These advancements are reshaping traditional banking by introducing new models such as blockchain-based peer-to-peer lending and embedded finance options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). With increasing venture capital investment in fintech, the pace of change and disruption within the finance industry is faster than ever before. Current Global Trends in Finance Startup Fundraising In 2025, the finance startup fundraising landscape is marked by a strong rebound in capital deployment, especially in fintech and digital finance. According to TechCrunch, global fintech startups raised $10.3 billion in Q1 2025—the highest level since early 2023—with average deal sizes also reaching a four-year high. This surge is driven by renewed investor appetite for both established and emerging financial services, including payments, banking, asset management, and even crypto-related ventures. Unique Challenges Facing Finance Startups Despite the influx of capital, finance startups face significant hurdles. Regulatory complexity remains a top concern, with compliance requirements varying widely across regions and often demanding substantial resources. Startups must be prepared to address licensing, data privacy, anti-money laundering (AML), and other compliance issues early in the fundraising process. Building trust and credibility is another major challenge. As Gravyty notes, trust is now one of the most important barometers of success in fundraising. Investors and customers in the finance sector are especially risk-averse, making it essential for startups to demonstrate strong risk management, security, and transparency. Additionally, competing with established incumbents and overcoming legacy systems requires innovative go-to-market strategies and, often, strategic partnerships. Access to specialized talent—such as regulatory experts and experienced finance professionals—can also be a limiting factor, particularly for startups operating in highly regulated or technical niches. Opportunities for Finance Founders Amid these challenges, there are abundant opportunities. Investors are showing heightened interest in alternative assets, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainable finance, and the digital transformation of traditional financial services. Emerging niches such as SME finance, embedded finance, regtech, wealthtech, and insurtech are attracting increasing attention. Startups that can address underserved markets or offer solutions that streamline compliance, improve transparency, or enhance customer experience are well-positioned for growth. Partnerships with established financial institutions can provide credibility, distribution, and access to resources that accelerate growth. The rise of digital-first and hybrid business models is opening new avenues for innovation in areas like lending, payments, and asset management. Additionally, the growing focus on sustainable and impact finance is creating opportunities for startups that can align financial returns with positive social and environmental outcomes. Practical Tips for Pitching to Finance-Focused VCs When pitching to finance-focused VCs, founders should: Demonstrate clear traction—user growth, revenue, or strategic partnerships are key proof points. Articulate a robust regulatory and compliance strategy—be ready to discuss licensing, AML, and data privacy in detail. Highlight your team’s expertise in both finance and technology, and your approach to risk management. Tailor your pitch to the specific interests of the VC: traditional finance investors may prioritize compliance and scalability, while those interested in emerging markets like DeFi or embedded finance may focus more on innovation and market potential. Leverage data, case studies, and industry benchmarks to back up your claims and show you understand the competitive landscape. Emphasize defensibility—whether through proprietary technology, regulatory moats, or unique partnerships—and be transparent about both your challenges and your plan to overcome them. Networking, Accelerators, and Resources for Finance Founders Global Finance-Focused Accelerators and Incubators Fintech Innovation Lab: A highly competitive 12-week program based in New York, London, and Asia-Pacific, the Fintech Innovation Lab is designed specifically for early- to growth-stage companies in financial services. It offers mentorship from top financial institutions and access to senior executives in banking, insurance, and asset management. MassChallenge: MassChallenge FinTech is a zero-equity accelerator that connects startups with leading financial services partners. The program focuses on solving real-world challenges in banking, insurance, asset management, and payments, and is based in Boston. Startupbootcamp: With locations in London, Singapore, and Mexico City, Startupbootcamp FinTech is a global accelerator dedicated to financial innovation. The program provides mentorship, funding, and direct access to a network of industry partners, investors, and financial institutions. Plug and Play: Plug and Play Fintech, headquartered in Silicon Valley, runs regular accelerator batches focused on financial services, payments, insurtech, and regtech. The program connects startups with over 70 corporate partners, including major banks and insurance companies. SixThirty: Based in St. Louis, SixThirty is a global accelerator that invests in and supports early-stage fintech, insurtech, and cybersecurity startups. The program offers funding, mentorship, and access to a network of financial services partners. Major Industry Events and Conferences Attending global finance and fintech events is one of the most effective ways for founders to network, learn, and pitch their startups. Money20/20: is widely regarded as the premier event for payments and financial services, drawing thousands of investors, executives, and innovators each year. Singapore FinTech Festival: is the world’s largest fintech event, offering unparalleled access to the Asian and global finance ecosystem. Finovate: is known for its rapid-fire startup demos. Insurtech Connect: the leading event for insurance innovation. Cross-Border Funding and International Ecosystem Trends Raising capital internationally presents unique opportunities and challenges. Founders must navigate varying regulatory, legal, and cultural factors when seeking cross-border investment. Cross-border syndicates and global VC networks are increasingly common, enabling startups to access capital and expertise from multiple regions. Successful international fundraising often involves working with legal advisors experienced in cross-border deals and leveraging government programs that support global expansion. Notable trends include the rise of global accelerators, increased interest in emerging markets, and the importance of demonstrating compliance with international standards. Find an Investor for Finance with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Finance here. For Finance startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Finance sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

In the dynamic world of startups, hardware ventures stand apart. Unlike their software counterparts, hardware companies grapple with a distinct set of challenges that significantly impact their fundraising journey. From extended development cycles and substantial upfront capital expenditures for prototyping and manufacturing, to complex supply chain management and inventory risks, the path to market for a physical product is inherently more intricate and capital-intensive. This often means a longer runway is needed, and the traditional metrics VCs use for software (like rapid user growth or low customer acquisition costs) don't always translate directly. Finding the right venture capital partners who truly understand these nuances, and are patient with the unique growth trajectory of a hardware business, is critical for survival and scale. Despite these hurdles, we are witnessing a remarkable global resurgence in hardware innovation. The past few years have seen an explosion of groundbreaking advancements across various sectors. From the pervasive integration of IoT and sophisticated robotics transforming industries, to the urgent demand for cleantech solutions, revolutionary medtech devices, and the evolution of advanced manufacturing techniques, hardware is at the forefront of solving some of the world's most pressing problems. This renewed wave of innovation has not gone unnoticed by the venture capital community. VCs are increasingly recognizing the immense market opportunities and the potential for defensible moats that well-executed hardware solutions can create, leading to a significant uptick in investment in the sector. This trend is truly global, with innovation hubs emerging and connecting across continents, fostering an international ecosystem for hardware investment. In this guide, we will provide an up-to-date list of the top global VC firms investing in Hardware, actionable fundraising strategies, and a curated overview of key international networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources. Whether you're seeking capital or connections, this guide will equip you with the insights needed to succeed in the global Hardware ecosystem. Top VCs Investing in Hardware Startups HCVC About: HCVC is the first global venture capital fund dedicated to full-stack and hardtech startups. Sweetspot check size: $ 525K Thesis: We are looking for outstanding founders, building game-changing products or technologies and targeting large potential markets Elephants & Ventures About: Elephants&Ventures is an early-stage venture boutique for hardware & software companies. ff Venture Capital About: ff Venture Capital is one of the best performing seed- and early-stage venture capital firms investing in some of the strongest growth areas to date, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, drones, enterprise cloud software, and crowdfunding. Mitsubishi UFJ CapitalShizuoka Capital About: Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm focusing on life science, ICT and high technology investments. Monozukuri Ventures About: Monozukuri Ventures provides investment, mentorship, prototyping know-how and manufacturing expertise for hardware startups. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: Monozukuri Ventures is focused on funding hardware startups in the fastest growing industries: robotics, AI, clean energy, wearables, space tech, IoT, healthcare, smart home and more. We invest in 10-15 hardware startups per year, with a typical check ranging from USD 150K to 300K at first, with a chance to follow investment up to USD 1M accumulate. Powerhouse Ventures About: Powerhouse Ventures backs seed-stage startups developing innovative software across energy, mobility, and industry. We are backed by some of the world’s largest corporations in energy, utilities, automotive, finance, and tech—including Constellation, American Electric Power, Microsoft, UBS, Toyota, TotalEnergies, and more. Reinforced Ventures About: Reinforced Ventures brings together experienced technologists & investors to empower entrepreneurs building the next generation of autonomous systems, robotics, and biotechnology. Our focus is on overlooked areas of deep tech. We are based out of Pittsburgh, PA but invest globally. Sumeru Equity Partners About: Sumeru Equity Partners is a technology-focused private equity firm that invests $50-$250 million in leading mid-market software, technology enabled services, and hardware companies with a focus on growth. Sumeru was founded by an experienced team from Silver Lake Sumeru with significant first-hand operating experience. Our strategy and operating experience enables us to take a flexible approach to deal types and investment structures including growth funding, founder transitions, buyouts, take-privates, recapitalizations, and corporate divestitures. Thesis: Sumeru’s engagement model centers on partnering with management teams and investing in go-to-market, product, and operations to drive growth and strategic positioning. Wilbe Capital Sweetspot check size: $ 300K Traction metrics requirements: Scientist founders and science companies only! Thesis: We are a venture firm for entrepreneurial scientists. We educate, build, invest and provide lab space to scientist founders solving some of the biggest problems we face this century. The Company Lab About: CO.LAB is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Chattanooga, TN that accelerates early-stage startups in the sustainable mobility space. Sweetspot check size: $ 20K Traction metrics requirements: Startup must be post-revenue Tenacious Ventures About: Tenacious Ventures is a venture capital firm that supports early-stage agri-food innovators. Sweetspot check size: $ 750K Thesis: We are a high conviction, low-volume, high-support early stage investor in agri-food innovation. Networking, Accelerators, and Global Resources for Hardware Founders The Importance of Global Networking for Hardware Startups For hardware startups, global networking isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic necessity. Unlike software, hardware ventures often depend on international supply chains, manufacturing partners, and distribution networks. Building relationships across borders can unlock access to specialized prototyping facilities, lower-cost manufacturing, and new markets. Cross-border connections can also help founders tap into diverse pools of investors, mentors, and technical talent, accelerating both product development and go-to-market strategies. Leading Hardware Accelerators and Incubators Worldwide Joining a top-tier hardware accelerator can be transformative for early-stage founders. These programs offer not just capital, but also hands-on support with prototyping, manufacturing, and business development. HAX: With locations in Shenzhen and Newark, HAX is the world’s leading hardware accelerator, providing up to $250,000 in funding, deep prototyping resources, and direct access to Asian manufacturing. Brinc: Based in Hong Kong and expanding globally, Brinc specializes in IoT, robotics, and climate tech, offering investment, mentorship, and supply chain support. Hardware Club (HCVC): A global community and venture fund for hardware founders, HCVC connects startups with a curated network of manufacturers, distributors, and investors. AlphaLab Gear: Based in Pittsburgh, AlphaLab Gear supports hardware, IoT, and robotics startups with funding, mentorship, and access to a robust regional ecosystem. MassRobotics: A Boston-based innovation hub for robotics startups, offering workspace, prototyping labs, and industry connections. Key Industry Events and Conferences for Hardware Founders Attending major industry events is one of the fastest ways to build your network, meet investors, and stay ahead of market trends. To maximize ROI, plan meetings in advance, participate in pitch competitions, and leverage event networking platforms to connect with investors and partners. CES (Las Vegas): The world’s largest consumer electronics show, a must-attend for product launches and investor meetings. Hannover Messe (Germany): The leading global trade fair for industrial technology and advanced manufacturing. TechCrunch Disrupt: A premier event for startups and VCs, with a growing focus on hardware and deep tech. Hardware Pioneers Max (UK): Europe’s top event for hardware, IoT, and embedded systems. Maker Faire: A global series of events celebrating innovation in hardware, prototyping, and maker culture. Slush (Finland): A leading European tech event with strong hardware and deep tech representation. Online Communities, Networks, and Founder Resources Element14 and Hackster.io: Online platforms for prototyping, technical support, and community-driven hardware projects. Indie Hackers Hardware: A sub-community focused on indie hardware projects and bootstrapped startups. Open-Source Hardware Resources: Platforms like GitHub and OSHWA (Open Source Hardware Association) provide access to open designs and collaborative projects. Cross-Border Funding and International Ecosystem Trends Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Understand export controls, IP protection, and local regulations in your target markets. Emerging Hardware Hubs: Beyond Silicon Valley and Shenzhen, regions like Israel, Southeast Asia, India, and parts of Africa and Latin America are rapidly growing as hardware innovation centers. Government and International Programs: Leverage programs like the EU’s EIC Accelerator, Singapore’s EDB, and the US SBIR/STTR grants for non-dilutive funding and market entry support. Cross-Border Tariffs and Supply Chain Risks: Stay agile and diversify suppliers to mitigate risks from trade disputes and tariffs. Actionable Fundraising Insights for Hardware Startups Current Global Trends in Hardware Fundraising The hardware startup fundraising landscape in 2025 is marked by both opportunity and volatility. According to Crunchbase, global venture funding reached $113 billion in Q1 2025, the strongest quarter since 2022, but this was heavily skewed by a handful of mega-deals—most notably OpenAI’s $40 billion round. For hardware startups, the most notable trend is the surge in late-stage and M&A activity, while early-stage and seed funding have declined, making it more challenging for new hardware ventures to secure their first rounds. AI and robotics hardware remain hot sectors, with investors pouring billions into companies building next-generation chips, sensors, and automation platforms. For example, EnCharge AI, a hardware startup, raised a $100 million Series B in early 2025, led by Tiger Global and joined by Samsung Ventures and RTX Ventures. However, global economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and rising tariffs are creating headwinds, especially for startups reliant on international supply chains. Unique Challenges Facing Hardware Startups Hardware founders face several persistent and emerging challenges: Capital Intensity and Long Development Cycles: With early-stage funding down 14% year-over-year, hardware startups must work harder to prove traction before raising significant capital. Supply Chain and Tariff Risks: Ongoing global trade disputes and tariffs are increasing material costs and creating uncertainty for hardware companies, making flexible, globally distributed supply chains more important than ever. Regulatory and Certification Barriers: Sectors like medtech and IoT still require extensive compliance work, which can slow down time-to-market. Scaling from Prototype to Production: The transition from prototype to mass production remains a major stumbling block, with many startups underestimating the operational complexity. Opportunities and Differentiators in the Hardware Sector Despite these challenges, several opportunities are driving hardware innovation and investment: AI-Driven Hardware: The intersection of AI and hardware is attracting record investment, with startups building custom chips, edge devices, and robotics platforms seeing strong demand. Defensible IP and Barriers to Entry: Hardware startups with strong patents and proprietary technology continue to attract premium valuations. Sustainability and Cleantech: Investors are prioritizing hardware solutions that address energy efficiency, climate resilience, and circular economy models. Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS): Subscription and leasing models are gaining traction, providing recurring revenue and reducing customer friction. Global Manufacturing Innovation: Startups leveraging digital supply chain management and distributed manufacturing are better positioned to navigate geopolitical risks. Practical Tips for Pitching Hardware Startups to VCs Showcase De-Risking Milestones: Clearly communicate technical and operational risks, and demonstrate how you’ve de-risked each stage (e.g., working prototypes, pilot customers, regulatory progress). Highlight Market Validation: Even in early stages, evidence of customer demand—such as pre-orders, LOIs, or pilot deployments—can make a big difference. Present a Robust Go-to-Market and Supply Chain Plan: Investors want to see a clear path from prototype to scalable production, including manufacturing partners and logistics strategies. Emphasize Team and Advisory Strength: Highlight experience in engineering, manufacturing, and operations, as well as any strategic advisors or partners. Prepare for Rigorous Due Diligence: Be ready to share detailed documentation, including your bill of materials (BOM), supply chain partners, and regulatory plans. Tailor Your Pitch: For hardware-savvy VCs, dive deep into technical details; for generalist VCs, focus on market opportunity, defensibility, and risk management. Find an Investor for Hardware with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Hardware here. For Hardware startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Hardware sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

On the sixth episode of the Thrive Through Connection Podcast, we welcome Kristian Andersen of High Alpha. Kristian is a co-founder and partner at High Alpha, an Indianapolis-based venture capital firm that helps founders and the companies they lead reach their full potential. Kristian joins us to discuss how best-in-class leaders use storytelling to sharpen all facets of their business. About Kristian Before founding High Alpha, Kristian founded Studio Science, a leading design firm, and Gravity Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund. Throughout his career in design and investing, Kristian has had a front row seat to the importance of brand, storytelling, and founder selling. Mike, our CEO, had an opportunity to sit down and chat with Kristian. You can give the full episode a listen below: Spotify Link Apple Link What You Can Expect to Learn from Kristian The responsibilities and roles of a CEO The similarities between selling and storytelling Why the ability to tell stories across an institution is a competitive advantage What he looks for when it comes to a pitch meeting and deck How founders should think about benchmarking their business Stay up to date with the Thrive Through Connection Podcast by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts. You can find links to your favorite podcast hosts below: YouTube Spotify Apple

The story of venture capital in Crypto is one of dramatic cycles, bold bets, and constant reinvention. In the early 2010s, when Bitcoin was still a fringe experiment, only a handful of visionary investors dared to back blockchain startups. The first wave of Crypto VC funding was dominated by small seed rounds and a focus on core infrastructure—wallets, exchanges, and early protocols. As Ethereum launched in 2015 and the ICO boom of 2017 took off, the sector exploded, attracting billions in speculative capital and spawning a global ecosystem of startups. However, the subsequent “Crypto Winter” of 2018-2019 saw funding dry up, valuations plummet, and many projects disappear. The next phase, from 2020 to 2022, was defined by the rise of DeFi, NFTs, and Web3, with venture capital pouring into new verticals and record-breaking rounds. Yet, this period also brought increased regulatory scrutiny and market volatility, culminating in a sharp correction in 2022. Many predicted a prolonged downturn, but the Crypto sector proved resilient. By 2024, institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds began to enter the space, drawn by maturing technology, clearer regulations, and the promise of real-world asset tokenization. 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Crypto startups and their investors. In the first half of the year alone, venture capital inflows into Crypto surged to over $10 billion—levels not seen since the last bull market—driven by landmark deals like the $2 billion investment into Binance by Abu Dhabi’s MGX, the largest single VC deal in Crypto history. Unlike previous cycles, today’s capital is flowing into both early-stage innovation and late-stage, revenue-generating companies, reflecting a maturing market where business fundamentals matter as much as vision. Key factors driving this change: Regulatory Clarity: New, more supportive policies in the US, Europe, and Asia have reduced uncertainty and opened the door for institutional capital. Institutional Participation: Pension funds, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds are now active players, seeking exposure to blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, and tokenized real-world assets. Globalization: While the US remains the leading hub, Asia and Europe are rapidly gaining ground, with new projects and capital emerging from Japan, China, Malta, and beyond. Sector Maturation: The focus has shifted from speculative tokens to sustainable business models, with strong interest in CeFi, DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, and the intersection of AI and Crypto. In this guide, we will provide an up-to-date list of the top global VC firms investing in Crypto, actionable fundraising strategies, and a curated overview of key international networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources. Whether you're seeking capital or connections, this guide will equip you with the insights needed to succeed in the global Crypto ecosystem. Leading Crypto Venture Capital Firms 2025 Eden Block About: We focus on the impact of emerging tech, particularly blockchain and AI, across three verticals: 1) Finance & Assets; 2) Privacy, data & security; and 3) Supply Chains & Distribution Sweetspot check size: $ 1.50M Thesis: Backing the builders of the Open Internet Digital Currency Group About: At Digital Currency Group, we build and support bitcoin and blockchain companies by leveraging our insights, network, and access to capital. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: We invest in companies that are accelerating the creation and adoption of a better financial system using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency Blue Yard Capital About: BlueYard backs founders at the earliest stages building the interconnected elements that can become the fabric of our future. A future where markets are open and decentralized, where we have solved our largest planetary challenges, where knowledge and data is liberated and humanity can live long and prosper. Thesis: BlueYard seeks to invest in founders with transforming ideas that decentralize markets. BACKED About: BACKED is a maverick VC fund backing a new spirit of entrepreneurship. With an emphasis on personal development and community strength, we back the exceptional founders building a future we want to share. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M AppWorks About: Based in Taiwan, AppWorks is the largest startup accelerator in Greater Southeast Asia and one of the region's most active early-stage VCs. Alchemy Ventures About: At Alchemy, our mission is to provide developers with the fundamental building blocks they need to create the future of technology. Through Alchemy Ventures, we'll be accelerating this mission by dedicating financing and resources to the most promising teams growing the Web3 ecosystem. Thesis: Alchemy Ventures invests in teams building revolutionary products for the web3 ecosystem. Acrew Capital About: Acrew Capital is a venture capital firm that provides investable assets for diverse angel investors to fund tomorrow's companies. Sweetspot check size: $ 5M Thesis: We engage in long-term partnerships with world-class teams that are uniquely suited to transform big challenges into bigger opportunities. Pantera Capital About: Pantera Capital is the first institutional investment firm focused exclusively on bitcoin, other digital currencies, and companies in the blockchain tech ecosystem. Sweetspot check size: $ 5M Andreessen Horowitz (a16z Crypto) About: Andreessen Horowitz was established in June 2009 by entrepreneurs and engineers Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, based on their vision for a new, modern VC firm designed to support today's entrepreneurs. Andreessen and Horowitz have a track record of investing in, building and scaling highly successful businesses. Sweetspot check size: $ 25M Thesis: Historically, new models of computing have tended to emerge every 10–15 years: mainframes in the 60s, PCs in the late 70s, the internet in the early 90s, and smartphones in the late 2000s. Each computing model enabled new classes of applications that built on the unique strengths of the platform. For example, smartphones were the first truly personal computers with built-in sensors like GPS and high-resolution cameras. Applications like Instagram, Snapchat, and Uber/Lyft took advantage of these unique capabilities and are now used by billions of people. Paradigm About: Paradigm primarily invests in crypto-assets and businesses from the earliest stages of idea formation through to maturity. Every once in a while, a new technology comes along that changes everything. The internet defined the past few decades of innovation. We believe crypto will define the next few decades. Paradigm is an investment firm focused on supporting the crypto/Web3 companies and protocols of tomorrow. Our approach is flexible, long term, multi-stage, and global. We often get involved at the earliest stages of formation and continue supporting our portfolio companies over time. We take a deeply hands-on approach to help projects reach their full potential, from the technical (mechanism design, smart contract security, engineering) to the operational (recruiting, regulatory strategy). Thesis: Paradigm is an investment firm focused on supporting the great crypto/Web3 companies and protocols of tomorrow. Our approach is flexible, long term, multi-stage, and global. We often get involved at the earliest stages of formation and support our portfolio with additional capital over time. Coinbase Ventures About: Coinbase Ventures is an investment arm of Coinbase that aims to invest in early-stage cryptocurrency and blockchain startups. Thesis: At Coinbase, we’re committed to creating an open financial system for the world. We can’t do it alone, and we’re eagerly rooting for the brightest minds in the crypto ecosystem to build empowering products for everyone. Digital Currency Group (DCG) About: At Digital Currency Group, we build and support bitcoin and blockchain companies by leveraging our insights, network, and access to capital. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: We invest in companies that are accelerating the creation and adoption of a better financial system using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency YZi Labs (Formerly Binance Labs) About: YZi Labs manages over $10 billion assets globally. Our investment philosophy emphasizes impact first -- we believe that meaningful returns will naturally follow. We invest in ventures at every stage, prioritizing those with solid fundamentals in Web3, AI, and biotech. YZi Labs’ portfolio covers over 300 projects from over 25 countries across six continents. More than 65 of YZi Labs’ portfolio companies have gone through our incubation programs. For more information, follow YZi Labs on X. MGX About: Born in the UAE, MGX is a leading AI and advanced technology investor. We are committed to accelerating responsible AI development and building one of the world’s most advanced AI ecosystems. MGX provides access to a global network of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and investors, all focused on shaping a prosperous and interconnected future. Key Networking Opportunities, Accelerators, and Resources for Crypto Founders Major Industry Events and Conferences Attending top-tier events is one of the fastest ways to access VCs, corporate partners, and the latest industry insights. Some of the most influential Crypto and blockchain events in 2025 include: Consensus by CoinDesk (USA): The world’s largest and most influential Crypto conference, drawing VCs, founders, and policymakers from around the globe. Token2049 (Singapore & Dubai): Asia’s premier Crypto event, now with a major presence in the Middle East, attracting global investors and innovators. ETHGlobal (Global): A series of hackathons and summits focused on Ethereum and Web3, with events in North America, Europe, and Asia. Paris Blockchain Week (France): Europe’s flagship event for blockchain, DeFi, and Web3, with a strong VC and institutional presence. Web Summit (Portugal): While broader than just Crypto, Web Summit’s Crypto and Web3 tracks are a magnet for global investors and founders. Tip: Many VCs now host private side events, pitch competitions, and office hours at these conferences. Apply early and leverage your network for introductions. Leading Crypto Accelerators and Incubators Accelerators and incubators remain a powerful launchpad for Crypto startups, offering funding, mentorship, and direct access to top-tier investors. The most respected programs are increasingly global and sector-specific: YZi Labs (Binance’s Incubation Program): Backing early-stage Crypto projects worldwide, with a focus on infrastructure, DeFi, and Web3. a16z Crypto Startup School: Andreessen Horowitz’s intensive program for Web3 founders, offering mentorship from industry leaders and direct VC access. Outlier Ventures Base Camp: A leading Web3 accelerator with a global cohort, focusing on DeFi, NFTs, and the open metaverse. CV Labs Accelerator (Switzerland, Africa, Asia): Supporting blockchain startups with funding, workspace, and access to the Crypto Valley ecosystem. Techstars Web3 Accelerator: A global program for blockchain and Crypto startups, with a strong network of mentors and investors. Tip: Acceptance into a top accelerator can significantly boost your credibility with VCs and open doors to global networks. Regulatory and Legal Resources Global Digital Finance (GDF): Industry-led best practices and regulatory updates for digital assets. Coin Center: US-focused policy research and advocacy for Crypto founders. Blockchain Association: Advocacy and resources for navigating US and global Crypto regulation. Cross-Border Funding Considerations Local Legal Counsel: Engage with law firms experienced in Crypto and cross-border fundraising. Jurisdictional Hubs: Consider the advantages of incorporating in Crypto-friendly jurisdictions like Switzerland, Singapore, Malta, or the UAE for regulatory clarity and investor access. International Ecosystem Trends and Cross-Border Insights Asia’s Rise: Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong are seeing a surge in new projects and VC activity, driven by regulatory clarity and government support. Europe’s Maturation: Switzerland and Malta remain top destinations for Crypto startups, with strong legal frameworks and access to EU capital. US Leadership, Global Competition: The US is still the largest market for Crypto VC, but founders are increasingly looking to raise from a global syndicate of investors. Africa and Latin America: These regions are emerging as innovation hotspots, especially in payments, DeFi, and real-world asset tokenization, with growing local VC and accelerator support. Find an Investor for Crypto with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Crypto here. For Crypto startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Crypto sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

Raising venture capital as a Real Estate startup founder is a unique journey—one that demands a deep understanding of both the property sector and the fast-evolving world of technology investment. The Real Estate industry, long known for its complexity and capital intensity, is now at the forefront of innovation, with PropTech, smart buildings, and digital marketplaces transforming how we buy, sell, manage, and experience property worldwide. Yet, securing the right investment partners in this space is far from straightforward. Real Estate startups face distinct challenges, including navigating regulatory hurdles, managing lengthy sales cycles, and proving value in a sector where disruption is both necessary and challenging. At the same time, global trends—such as the rise of sustainable development, the integration of AI and IoT, and the growing appetite for cross-border deals—are creating unprecedented opportunities for founders who know where to look and how to pitch. In this guide, we will provide an up-to-date list of the top global VC firms investing in Real Estate, actionable fundraising strategies, and a curated overview of key international networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources. Whether you're seeking capital or connections, this guide will equip you with the insights needed to succeed in the global Real Estate ecosystem. Top Real Estate VCs Moderne Ventures About: Moderne Ventures is a venture fund that invests in tech real estate, mortgage, finance, insurance, and home service companies. Sweetspot check size: $ 5M M7 Structura About: Real Estate/PropTech Seed to Series A European-focused VC firm. Sweetspot check size: $ 700K Traction metrics requirements: Revenue or other clear commercial traction Thesis: We invest in companies developing technology solutions to improve and create efficiencies through the real estate lifecycle and built environment. GoEx Venture Capital Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: GoEx is a $5MM pre-seed fund in Nashville, TN, focusing on real estate technology companies across the U.S. Alate Partners About: Alate Partners is the result of a partnership built between Dream, one of Canada’s largest real estate companies, and Relay Ventures, an established early stage venture capital fund. Sweetspot check size: $ 3M Thesis: Alate Partners empowers entrepreneurs who are rethinking real estate. Fifth Wall About: At Fifth Wall we are pioneering an advisory-based approach to venture capital. Full-service, integrated, operationally aligned. We are the first and largest venture capital firm advising corporates on and investing in Built World technology. Our strategic focus, multidisciplinary expertise, and global network provide unique insights and unparalleled access to transformational opportunities. Sweetspot check size: $ 10M MetaProp About: MetaProp is a New York-based venture capital firm focused on the real estate technology (“PropTech”) industry. Founded in 2015, MetaProp’s investment team has invested in 175+ technology companies across the real estate value chain. The firm manages multiple funds for both financial and strategic real estate investors that represent a pilot- and test-ready sandbox of 20+ billion square feet across every real estate asset type and global market. The firm’s investment activities are complemented by pioneering community leadership including the PropTech Place innovation hub, MetaProp Accelerator at Columbia University programs, global events including NYC Real Estate Tech Week, and publications Global PropTech Confidence Index and PropTech 101. Camber Creek About: Camber Creek is a venture capital firm providing strategic value and capital to operating technology companies focused on the real estate market. Thesis: Focused on the real estate market Alate Partners About: Alate Partners is the result of a partnership built between Dream, one of Canada’s largest real estate companies, and Relay Ventures, an established early stage venture capital fund. Sweetspot check size: $ 3M Thesis: Alate Partners empowers entrepreneurs who are rethinking real estate. JLL Spark About: JLL Spark has invested more than $380 million in more than 45 early-stage PropTech startups—from IoT sensors to investment platforms and more. Thesis: Spark believes that no one company can produce all the innovation required to serve today’s clients, so we invest and partner with the brightest startups that share our vision and values and are dedicated to bringing positive change to the real estate industry globally. Second Century Ventures About: Second Century Ventures (SCV) is a venture capital fund focused on promoting innovation in the real estate industry. Traction metrics requirements: We are round-agnostic, favoring investments in organizations with strong market traction and proof of product market fit. Thesis: Second Century Ventures invests in strong teams and technologies with the potential to serve multiple industries. Fundraising Insights, Trends, and Practical Tips for Real Estate Startups Current Global Trends in Real Estate Venture Funding The Real Estate technology (PropTech) sector remains a focal point for innovation and investment in 2025, though overall venture capital funding has moderated compared to the record highs of previous years. According to the Center for Real Estate Technology & Innovation (CRETI), global PropTech venture capital funding totaled $615 million in January 2025, with the U.S. accounting for nearly half of that activity. This reflects a more disciplined and strategic investment environment following a cautious 2023, when global PropTech VC deals reached just $2.2 billion through May. North America and Europe continue to lead in deal volume and capital deployed, but Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are emerging as fast-growing hubs, particularly in areas like smart cities, green building, and digital infrastructure. Investors are prioritizing startups that address climate risk, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance—trends accelerated by tightening regulations and growing demand for sustainable solutions. The integration of AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics is now a baseline expectation for new PropTech entrants. Solutions that enable remote property management, digital transactions, and enhanced tenant experiences are in high demand. Notably, cross-sector convergence is accelerating: innovations from agtech and foodtech—such as vertical farming and urban agriculture—are drawing Real Estate investors interested in mixed-use, sustainable developments. Unique Challenges Facing Real Estate Startups Raising capital in Real Estate comes with sector-specific hurdles. Sales cycles are often lengthy, as enterprise clients and institutional landlords require extensive due diligence and pilot programs before fully adopting the solution. Regulatory complexity is another major challenge, with zoning, building codes, and data privacy laws varying widely across regions. Additionally, Real Estate is a capital-intensive industry. Startups must often demonstrate not just product-market fit, but also the ability to scale operations, manage physical assets, and navigate conservative industry mindsets. Building trust and credibility—through partnerships, pilot projects, and a strong advisory board—is essential for overcoming skepticism and unlocking larger funding rounds. Opportunities for Innovation and Differentiation Despite these challenges, 2025 presents unprecedented opportunities for Real Estate founders. Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) are now top priorities for both investors and property owners. Startups offering solutions for energy management, carbon tracking, and green construction are seeing increased interest and premium valuations. AI-powered analytics, predictive maintenance, and digital twin technologies are enabling smarter asset management and operational efficiency. In emerging markets, there is growing demand for affordable housing, modular construction, and digital marketplaces that connect buyers, sellers, and renters in new ways. Fractional ownership and tokenization of real assets are also gaining traction, opening up Real Estate investment to a broader audience. Real Estate-Specific Due Diligence: What VCs Look For Venture capitalists in Real Estate are particularly focused on: Market Size and Growth Potential: Is your target market large and expanding? Regulatory Compliance: Are you prepared for local and international legal requirements? Technology Differentiation: How defensible and scalable is your tech? Team and Industry Expertise: Do you have the right mix of technical and Real Estate experience? Proof of Concept: Have you demonstrated your solution in real-world settings? Networking, Accelerators, and Global Resources for Real Estate Founders Key Networking Opportunities and Industry Events MIPIM (Cannes, France): The world’s leading Real Estate event, attracting 20,000+ industry leaders, VCs, and innovators. MIPIM 2025 will focus on sustainability, smart cities, and PropTech. CREtech New York & London: Premier PropTech conferences featuring top VCs, founders, and corporates. CREtech’s 2025 agenda includes panels on AI, ESG, and cross-border investment. PropTech Connect (London): Europe’s largest PropTech gathering, with a strong focus on networking and deal-making. EXPO REAL (Munich, Germany): Europe’s largest Real Estate and investment trade fair, with a growing PropTech pavilion. Leading Accelerators and Incubators for Real Estate Startups MetaProp Accelerator (New York): The world’s leading PropTech accelerator, offering investment, mentorship, and access to a global network of Real Estate corporates. REACH by Second Century Ventures (Global): Operates in North America, Australia, UK, and Latin America, focusing on scaling Real Estate innovation. Pi Labs (London): Europe’s first PropTech VC and accelerator, supporting early-stage startups with funding and industry access. Plug and Play Real Estate & Construction (Silicon Valley, Global): Connects startups with major Real Estate and construction corporates worldwide. Online Communities, Networks, and Founder Resources PropTech Collective: A global community for PropTech founders, investors, and professionals, offering events, Slack channels, and curated content. CREtech Community: Online forums, webinars, and networking for Real Estate tech innovators. Newsletters & Podcasts: Propmodo, PlaceTech, and The PropTech Podcast deliver news, trends, and founder stories. Government and NGO Resources: Startup Genome provides global ecosystem reports and benchmarking. The World Bank and local innovation hubs offer grants, regulatory guidance, and support for market entry. Find an Investor for Real Estate with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Real Estate here. For Real Estate startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Real Estate sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

The global manufacturing sector is experiencing a transformation, driven by advancements in automation, AI, sustainable practices, and resilient supply chains. This resurgence has not gone unnoticed by the venture capital community. Following the supply chain disruptions of the early 2020s, investors are increasingly recognizing the critical importance and immense potential of innovative manufacturing startups. From advanced robotics and additive manufacturing to smart factories and circular economy solutions, the landscape is ripe with opportunities for founders who are building the future of production. However, securing venture capital in this specialized domain requires a nuanced understanding of the market, the right connections, and a compelling narrative that resonates with investors focused on industrial innovation. Unlike software or consumer tech ventures, manufacturing startups often face distinct challenges and capital requirements. These include longer research and development cycles, significant upfront capital expenditure for machinery and facilities, complex supply chain management, and the need for deep industry expertise. Traditional venture capital firms, accustomed to rapid scaling and lower capital intensity, may not fully grasp these unique dynamics. This is why specialized venture capital firms, with their deep industry knowledge, patient capital, and strategic networks within the manufacturing ecosystem, are crucial partners for founders in this space. They understand the intricacies of bringing physical products to market and can provide invaluable support beyond just funding. In this guide, we will provide an up-to-date list of the top global VC firms investing in Manufacturing, actionable fundraising strategies, and a curated overview of key international networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources. Whether you're seeking capital or connections, this guide will equip you with the insights needed to succeed in the global Manufacturing ecosystem. Top Manufacturing VCs 22 Fund About: The 22 Fund invests in women/BIPOC-led, tech-based manufacturing companies in the USA to increase their export capacity. Traction metrics requirements: Positive EBIDTA Thesis: Investing in tech based, export oriented manufacturing companies, to create clean jobs of the future in underserved and LMI communities, intentionally including women and POC (people of color) led firms to deliver both high ROI and social/economic impact. Building Ventures About: Building Ventures invests in companies that are reshaping the way we design, build, operate and experience our built environment. We partner with visionary entrepreneurs who will have a profound effect on how and where we live as humans on our planet. Monozukuri Ventures About: Monozukuri Ventures provides investment, mentorship, prototyping know-how and manufacturing expertise for hardware startups. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Thesis: Monozukuri Ventures is focused on funding hardware startups in the fastest growing industries: robotics, AI, clean energy, wearables, space tech, IoT, healthcare, smart home and more. We invest in 10-15 hardware startups per year, with a typical check ranging from USD 150K to 300K at first, with a chance to follow investment up to USD 1M accumulate. Construct Capital About: Construct Capital invests in extraordinary founders building technology to transform the most foundational industries of our economy. Thesis: We invest in extraordinary founders building technology to transform the most foundational industries of our economy. HAX About: HAX is SOSV's pre-seed program for hard tech. Startups apply to HAX with an initial prototype, customer insight, and vision. We then invest and build alongside our founders, fundamentally inflecting their technical progress with our team of engineers and investment partners. Founders should think of HAX as an extension of their engineering, business development, fundraising, design, and marketing teams. As startups reach critical milestones, we support fundraising strategy and investor introductions. We also continue to invest, to the tune of over $25 million USD per year globally, and just raised an additional $100M in capital to support the later stage growth of our startups. ‍The most valuable part of HAX (that is often understated) is engagement with a globally diverse community of HAX founders. Many have been successful, all have learned hard lessons, and everyone is excited to help each other succeed. Our community has grown to include a curated group of mentors, experts and partners that give our hard tech startups the best edge. Sweetspot check size: $ 250K Traction metrics requirements: Prototype, market knowledge. Thesis: Anything with circuits in it => automation, robotics, IIOT, health Eclipse Ventures About: Eclipse Ventures specializes in early- and growth-stage investments in industrial automation, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain technology. We help entrepreneurs build companies that will boldly transform the industries that define and propel economies. Thesis: Eclipse Ventures helps entrepreneurs build companies to boldly transform the industries that define and propel economies. Anzu Partners About: Anzu Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm that invests in breakthrough industrial technologies. We team with entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize technological innovations by providing capital and deep expertise in business development, market positioning, global connectivity, and operations. Anzu Partners has a strong track record of investing since its founding in 2014, and we have developed a robust team of investment professionals, technical specialists and operational support to drive results for our investors and portfolio companies. In 2016, we launched Anzu Industrial Capital Partners, L.P., our fund, to invest in North American-based private industrial technology companies. Anzu’s principals have 60+ years of combined experience as global industrial consultants and investors, and have built an advantaged commercial support network spanning key industrial markets across the globe. Applied Ventures About: Applied Ventures is the venture capital fund of Applied Materials, the global leader in nano-manufacturing technology solutions for the electronics industry with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service, and software products. Applied Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies that promise to deliver high growth and exceptional returns. Brick & Mortar Ventures About: Brick & Mortar Ventures identifies, backs, enables emerging companies developing innovative software hardware solutions for the industries. Aavishkaar Venture Capital About: Aavishkaar Venture Capital provides private equity and microfinance solutions for early stage startups. Thesis: Aavishkaar Capital’s investment thesis is to leverage the confluence of consumption, financial inclusion and technology across emerging low and middle income populations to build sustainable, impactful and highly scalable businesses, which can create significant value for both the investors and the society. Actionable Fundraising Insights for Manufacturing Startups Manufacturing founders in 2025 must be strategic, data-driven, and sector-savvy to stand out in a competitive fundraising environment. By targeting the right investors, crafting compelling, risk-aware pitches, and leveraging global opportunities, startups can secure the capital and partnerships needed to scale. Global Fundraising Trends in Manufacturing In 2025, global venture funding has rebounded, with Q1 alone seeing $113 billion invested—marking the strongest quarter since 2022. However, this growth is uneven: late-stage and large, established startups are capturing the lion’s share of capital, while early-stage and seed funding have declined. For manufacturing startups, this means competition for early capital is fierce, and founders must be prepared to demonstrate traction and scalability early on. Notably, AI and automation remain top investment themes, with manufacturing innovation closely tied to these trends. North America continues to dominate funding, while Asia and Europe have seen investment plateau or decline, and Latin America’s early-stage ecosystem is showing resilience despite overall lower volumes. Unique Fundraising Challenges for Manufacturing Startups Manufacturing startups face several sector-specific hurdles. Capital intensity is high, with significant upfront investment required for prototyping, equipment, and scaling production. Long development cycles and complex supply chains add risk, making it harder to attract traditional VCs who are used to faster returns from software ventures. Additionally, global economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and regulatory hurdles—such as tariffs and compliance standards—can impact both fundraising and growth prospects. Founders must be ready to address these risks transparently in their pitch and show a clear path to de-risking their business model. Opportunities for Manufacturing Startups Despite the challenges, several opportunities are emerging. Industry 4.0, IoT, and smart factory solutions are in high demand as manufacturers seek to modernize and automate. Sustainability and circular economy initiatives are attracting both VC and corporate venture interest, especially as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria become more central to investment decisions. The trend toward onshoring and regionalizing supply chains is also creating new markets for startups that can offer efficiency, resilience, or green solutions. Practical Tips for Pitching Manufacturing Startups to VCs Target the Right Investors: Focus on VCs with a track record in manufacturing, deep tech, or industrial innovation. Use AI-powered tools to identify aligned investors and avoid “blind” networking. Craft a Sector-Specific Pitch Deck: Highlight your team’s industry expertise, technical feasibility, and clear milestones for de-risking. Demonstrate how your solution addresses a real pain point in manufacturing, and back it up with pilot results, customer traction, or proof-of-concept data. Showcase Scalability and Partnerships: VCs want to see a path to scale—whether through strategic partnerships, channel sales, or global supply chain integration. Highlight any collaborations with established manufacturers or industry leaders. Address Risk and Resilience: Be upfront about capital needs, regulatory risks, and supply chain dependencies. Outline your strategies for risk mitigation, such as diversified suppliers, IP protection, or compliance certifications. Leverage Industry Events and Accelerators: Participate in global manufacturing and VC events to build relationships and gain visibility. Consider accelerators which specialize in hardware and manufacturing startups. Key Networking Opportunities, Accelerators, and Resources for Manufacturing Founders Global Manufacturing and Venture Capital Events Hannover Messe (Germany): The world’s leading industrial technology fair, attracting thousands of manufacturing innovators, corporates, and VCs. TechCrunch Disrupt (San Francisco, USA): Features a robust hardware and industrial tech track, with top-tier VCs and corporate partners in attendance. Industry 4.0 Summit (Portugal): Focuses on bringing together industry leaders and manufacturing experts from around the globe to share ideas and connect about the Industry 4.0. Leading Accelerators and Incubators for Manufacturing Startups HAX (SOSV): The world’s premier hardware and manufacturing accelerator, with locations in Shenzhen and Newark. HAX provides hands-on support from prototype to scale, plus access to a global investor network. Plug and Play (USA, Germany, China): Their Supply Chain & Logistics and Industry 4.0 programs connect startups with leading corporates and VCs. MassRobotics (USA): A hub for robotics and advanced manufacturing startups, offering workspace, mentorship, and investor introductions. Cross-Border Funding and International Ecosystem Trends Manufacturing is inherently global, and cross-border funding is increasingly common. Founders should be aware of: Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Understand export controls, IP protection, and local compliance requirements when raising international capital. Cultural Nuances: Tailor your pitch and business model to resonate with investors from different regions. Global Supply Chain Innovation: Startups that can demonstrate resilience and adaptability in their supply chains are especially attractive to international investors. Case studies, such as European startups expanding into North America or Asian founders raising from US and European VCs, highlight the importance of building a diverse investor base and leveraging global networks. Find an Investor for Manufacturing with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Manufacturing here. For Manufacturing startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Manufacturing sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

Deep Tech startups—those leveraging advanced scientific and engineering breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, agtech, and foodtech—are at the forefront of global innovation in 2025. The global Deep Tech market is projected to reach $714.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 48.2%. This momentum is driven by the urgent need for transformative solutions to complex challenges, from food security and climate change to industrial automation and healthcare. Unlike traditional software startups, Deep Tech ventures often require longer development cycles, significant R&D investment, and specialized talent. However, their potential for outsized impact and defensible IP makes them highly attractive to forward-thinking investors. As governments and corporates worldwide double down on innovation, Deep Tech founders are uniquely positioned to shape the future of entire industries. In this guide, we will provide an up-to-date list of the top global VC firms investing in Deep Tech, actionable fundraising strategies, and a curated overview of key international networking opportunities, accelerators, and resources. Whether you're seeking capital or connections, this guide will equip you with the insights needed to succeed in the global Deep Tech ecosystem. The Top Deep Tech Venture Capital Firms (2025) Sandpiper Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 1.50M Traction metrics requirements: Must have women founders or be majority controlled by women. Must be located in Canada. Thesis: Sandpiper invests in high-performing founders who traditional venture investors miss: Women. We invest exclusively in women-founded or women-majority controlled businesses. Main Sequence Ventures About: Backing the world's most ambitious founders who leverage public research to build the next set of global industries. Fly Ventures About: For outstanding teams building Enterprise and Deep Tech startups in Europe. Thesis: We are a first check VC for technical founders solving hard problems Upheaval Investments About: Upheaval investments is a seed through growth stage venture firm that invests in groundbreaking technologies led by bold founder vision. Act Venture Capital About: ACT is Ireland's leading independent venture capital company and they have a very experienced and successful investment team. They provide capital to growth-oriented private companies in the range of €750K to €15M. Larger sums can be provided in syndication with their institutional investors. In December 2002, ACT closed its third fund at €170 million. ACT now manages €350 million through a number of venture capital funds. Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Thesis: We invest in talented founders, and support them to build exceptional companies. Grove Ventures About: Grove Ventures is an early-stage venture fund, focused on investing in cutting edge deep technology startups. Thesis: Grove Ventures is an early-stage venture capital investment firm which places believes that the Deep Future is now and partners with exceptional Israeli entrepreneurs. With a quarter-billion dollars under management, Grove invests in leading startups developing hard-to-replicate solutions at the intersection of technology, science, and applicablemarket needs. The fund places significant emphasis on its core principles of putting people first, close cooperation, and value-creation. Atlantic Bridge Ventures About: Atlantic Bridge Ventures is a Pan European venture capital company with offices in Dublin and London. Atlantic Bridge focuses on making early and mid stage technology investments in semiconductors and software across Europe with a strong focus on a transatlantic business building and investment exit model. Atlantic Bridge brings together a unique team of technology entrepreneurs, corporate finance and investment experts. Thesis: We invest in entrepreneurs with the ambition to create world-class companies of scale Voima Ventures About: Voima Ventures helps founders accelerate the growth of deep technology ventures to global markets. We shed light on the ideas and technology that require time and courage to build. The way we work is simple: we combine science-driven innovation together with the Nordic serial entrepreneurial experience and a global mindset. Riot Ventures About: Riot Ventures invests in deep technology with a focus on intelligence, sensing and control, communications, mobility and security. Good Growth Capital About: Early-stage VC firm known for its exceptional expertise in finding, cultivating and assessing complex science and deep-tech start-ups. Walden Catalyst About: Walden Catalyst provides early-stage investments and operational expertise in data, deep tech, AI, cloud, and digital biology. K9 Ventures About: K9 Ventures is a technology focused Pre-Seed fund based in Palo Alto, California. Sweetspot check size: $ 400K Traction metrics requirements: We don’t look for traction, because at the stage at which we invest, by definition there isn’t any. Thesis: We look for founders who are capable of building their own product and capable of leading the business. Embark Ventures About: Embark Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed stage deep tech investments in sectors. Deep Tech-Specific Fundraising Insights & Global Trends Raising capital for Deep Tech startups is fundamentally different from traditional software or consumer ventures. Founders face a unique set of challenges, but also benefit from opportunities that can lead to outsized impact and returns. Key Challenges Deep Tech startups typically require longer R&D cycles and higher upfront capital, making early revenue generation and market validation difficult. The average time from founding to the first commercial product in Deep Tech is around 5-7 years, nearly double that of SaaS startups. This extended timeline means founders must convince investors to back not just an idea, but a vision that may take years to materialize. Additionally, Deep Tech ventures often need to pass rigorous technical due diligence, requiring founders to clearly articulate both the science and the business case. Recruiting specialized talent—such as quantum engineers or synthetic biologists—remains a global bottleneck, with demand outpacing supply. Regulatory hurdles and the complexity of intellectual property (IP) protection add further layers of risk and complexity. Key Opportunities Despite these hurdles, Deep Tech offers high barriers to entry and strong defensibility through IP, making successful startups highly attractive to investors. There is also a growing appetite among VCs and corporates for “hard tech” solutions that address global challenges—especially in climate, food, and health. Governments worldwide are increasing grant funding and non-dilutive support for Deep Tech, with the EU’s EIC Accelerator and the US Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program both expanding budgets in 2025. Strategic partnerships with corporations and research institutions can provide not just capital, but also access to infrastructure, expertise, and early customers. Key Global Trends in Deep Tech (2025) The Deep Tech landscape in 2025 is defined by rapid technological breakthroughs, increased global investment, and a growing recognition of the sector’s potential to address some of humanity’s most complex challenges. Here are the most important trends shaping Deep Tech innovation and fundraising worldwide: AI and Machine Learning as Deep Tech Catalysts: Artificial intelligence and machine learning remain at the core of Deep Tech innovation. In 2025, foundational AI models are not only powering software but are also accelerating advances in robotics, drug discovery, materials science, and autonomous systems. The convergence of AI with other Deep Tech domains—such as quantum computing and advanced manufacturing—enables startups to solve previously intractable problems and create defensible IP. Quantum Computing and Advanced Materials: Startups are developing quantum hardware, software, and cryptography solutions, while breakthroughs in materials science—such as next-generation semiconductors and nanomaterials—are enabling new applications in energy, electronics, and healthcare. These advances are attracting both private and public capital, as governments recognize the strategic importance of quantum and materials innovation. Climate and Industrial Tech: Deep Tech is playing a pivotal role in the global push for decarbonization and sustainable industry. Startups are developing advanced battery technologies, carbon capture solutions, and next-generation manufacturing processes. The intersection of Deep Tech and industrial innovation is also driving the adoption of robotics, IoT, and AI-powered automation in sectors like energy, logistics, and construction. Globalization and Cross-Border Collaboration: Deep Tech innovation is no longer confined to traditional hubs like Silicon Valley. Cities such as Shenzhen, Tel Aviv, Berlin, and Singapore have emerged as global Deep Tech centers, supported by strong university ecosystems, government incentives, and international VC activity. Cross-border investment and research partnerships are on the rise, enabling startups to access new markets, talent, and capital. This globalization is also driving the standardization of regulatory frameworks and IP protection, making it easier for Deep Tech founders to scale internationally. Government and Corporate Involvement: Governments worldwide are ramping up support for Deep Tech through grants, innovation programs, and public-private partnerships. The European Union’s Horizon Europe program and the US CHIPS Act are channeling billions into Deep Tech R&D and commercialization. At the same time, large corporates are launching or expanding their venture arms to invest in and partner with Deep Tech startups, accelerating technology transfer and market adoption. Deep Tech Commercialization and Exit Trends: The commercialization pathway for Deep Tech startups is becoming clearer, with more corporate acquisitions, IPOs, and late-stage funding rounds. Non-traditional investors, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices, are increasingly participating in Deep Tech deals, providing founders with more diverse funding options. Talent and Ecosystem Development: The global race for Deep Tech talent is intensifying, with startups, corporates, and governments competing for top scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Specialized accelerators, incubators, and university spinouts are playing a critical role in nurturing early-stage Deep Tech ventures. Crafting Your Deep Tech Pitch 1. Storytelling Your ScienceTranslate complex technology into a clear, compelling narrative. Investors want to understand not just how your solution works, but why it matters. Start with the problem, articulate your unique approach, and highlight the potential impact. Use analogies and visuals to make your science accessible without oversimplifying. 2. Demonstrating Technical ValidationShowcase your proof-of-concept, prototypes, and any early data. Highlight your team’s scientific credibility and track record. Be transparent about technical risks and your strategies for mitigation—investors appreciate honesty and a plan for overcoming obstacles. 3. Financial Projections & MilestonesSet realistic timelines for R&D, product development, and commercialization. Clearly outline how you will use the funds and what milestones you aim to achieve (e.g., prototype completion, regulatory approval, first customer pilots). Capital efficiency and a clear de-risking path are critical for Deep Tech VCs. 4. IP StrategyClearly explain your intellectual property position—patents, trade secrets, or exclusive licenses. Articulate how your IP creates a competitive moat and how you plan to defend it as you scale. 5. Team & AdvisorsHighlight the depth and diversity of your team’s expertise, including both technical and business acumen. Leverage advisors with industry connections and fundraising experience to build credibility and open doors. 6. Leverage Non-Dilutive FundingMany Deep Tech startups successfully combine VC funding with government grants, R&D tax credits, and corporate partnerships. This approach can extend your runway and reduce dilution, making your company more attractive to investors. Related resource: Our Teaser Pitch Deck Template Related resource: How To Build a Pitch Deck, Step by Step Networking, Accelerators, and Incubators for Deep Tech Founders Leading Deep Tech Accelerators and Incubators (2025) Specialized accelerators and incubators play a pivotal role in nurturing Deep Tech startups, providing not just funding but also mentorship, lab access, and industry connections. Some of the most influential programs globally include: Y Combinator (US): While sector-agnostic, YC has a growing track record in Deep Tech, supporting startups in AI, robotics, and biotech. SOSV (US/Global): Through programs like IndieBio and HAX, SOSV is a leading backer of science-driven and hardware Deep Tech startups. DeepTech Labs (UK): A Cambridge-based accelerator focused exclusively on Deep Tech, offering a structured program and access to top-tier mentors [DeepTech Labs]. Plug and Play Tech Center (US/Global): Runs verticals in IoT, energy, and health, connecting startups with corporate partners worldwide [Plug and Play]. Hello Tomorrow (France/Global): Runs a global challenge and accelerator for science-based startups, with a strong focus on commercialization. Techstars (Global): Offers mentorship-driven programs in multiple Deep Tech verticals. Major Industry Events and Conferences Attending and pitching at major Deep Tech events is a proven way to gain visibility, connect with investors, and stay ahead of industry trends. The 2025 calendar features several must-attend conferences: Hello Tomorrow Global Summit (Paris): The world’s leading Deep Tech event, bringing together startups, investors, and corporates. Slush (Helsinki): A global gathering for tech founders, with a strong Deep Tech track and investor presence. Web Summit (Lisbon): Features a dedicated Deep Tech track and attracts a global audience. Deep Tech Atelier (Riga): Focused on commercialization and scaling of Deep Tech innovations in Europe. CES (Las Vegas): The world’s largest tech show, increasingly featuring Deep Tech hardware and AI. TechCrunch Disrupt (San Francisco): A launchpad for breakthrough technologies and investor connections. Find an Investor for Deep Tech with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Deep Tech here. For Deep Tech startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Deep Tech sector, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the space. Use Visible to manage every part of your fundraising funnel with investor updates, fundraising pipelines, pitch deck sharing, and data rooms. Raise capital, update investors, and engage your team from a single platform. Try Visible free for 14 days.

Keeping investors up to date is a key touchpoint in the founder <> investor relationship. With our latest improvements, you’ll gain deeper insight into what resonates, enabling you to build stronger connections with your stakeholders. Here is what is new with Updates: 👍🔥🙌🎉😮 We now support multiple emoji reactions for your Updates. Instead of just the standard thumbs up, investors can choose different emojis, and you’ll be able to see these directly from your Update analytics. Export Update Analytics Speaking of analytics, now you can quickly export your update analytics to share or review at scale. This includes: Delivered (status) Total Opens Last Open Links Clicked List of Links Clicked Export your data below: Search Update Analytics The average founder sends their Visible Updates to 68 recipients. With 68+ recipients, It can be difficult to quickly find how an individual responded or interacted with a specific Update. With our newest improvement, you can now search analytics to find specific contacts.