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Strong investor–founder relationships rely on clear, timely, and accurate data. We’ve rolled out a series of updates designed to make reporting smoother, smarter, and faster for everyone involved. From AI-powered file uploads that eliminate manual entry to a refined inbox that handles complex formats with ease, these improvements are built to help you stay connected to your portfolio without the friction. Check out our recent improvements below: Introducing AI File Uploads in Requests We just made it easier for your portfolio companies to complete Requests. Founders can now upload up to 3 files (valuations, P&Ls, governance docs, and more), and Visible AI will extract the data and auto-fill their request, eliminating the need for manual entry. You’ll still receive structured, reviewable data with full visibility into what’s AI-generated. See how your founders can leverage AI File Uploads below: Clearer Visibility Into Request Status We’ve made it easier to track how your portfolio companies are interacting with your data requests. You’ll now see more consistent and detailed delivery insights. This includes a clearer status for requests as well as proactive alerts when a request email bounces. Improve Workflows with Pre-filled Requests As more data flows into your account via AI Inbox and metric imports, you can now pre-fill Requests with existing metrics for each portfolio company. Founders simply log in, review the data, and submit—no duplicate work required. Other Improvements Seamlessly switch between portfolio companies A cleaner view for portfolio company notes You can now preview files directly everywhere in the app Set the currency for each metric at the portfolio company level in a request Check out the improvements yourself by starting a Visible trial. Optimize your fund's portfolio management, data collection, reporting, and analysis. Try it 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.

When Andrew Crinnion joined Emergence Capital as Director of Portfolio Analysis, he stepped into a role that required more than crunching numbers. As a Series A investor in B2B SaaS companies, Emergence prides itself on being data-driven, but that only works when the correct data is accessible, consistent, and actionable. The challenge? Their portfolio was growing fast, but performance tracking lived in scattered spreadsheets and inboxes. "Before Visible, it was Excel Sheets and lots of manual emails," Andrew explained. "We were a pretty data-driven firm, which gave me a good foundation. But we needed a better way to scale." A Central Source of Truth Andrew was tasked with finding a portfolio monitoring solution that could grow with their fund and simplify performance data management. After evaluating platforms like iLevel, Dynamo, and Standard Metrics, he ultimately chose Visible. What stood out? "Flexibility," he said. "The ability to build dashboards and calculate our own metrics was huge. Before, I'd ask for something like burn rate and NDR, and I wasn’t always sure how it was being calculated. So being able to calculate it within the system was a big help." The transition was smooth. After merging their existing data into a more structured format, onboarding to Visible was seamless. “It was real smooth to load that into Visible and move forward.” Driving Better Decisions With Visible in place, Andrew can surface insights faster and share them more effectively with the general partners. "Once a company responds to our Visible Request, it graphs it out. I can see if burn rate increases or if runway is dropping off, and it prompts me to ask the right questions to the GPs. It keeps us aligned." The dashboards are a core part of portfolio reviews and one-off requests alike. "They don’t really see how it’s getting made,” he said, “but it makes it a lot easier for me to answer their questions.” Better Data = Stronger LP Relationships When communicating with LPs, the value of Visible became even more clear. When LPs are digging into performance, portfolio metrics, and fund-level questions, the Emergence team is ready. "Visible helps me quickly respond to all our LP requests. I have a repository of data that makes it easy to pull what they need. It also helps GPs answer LP questions faster, with more confidence." By having a centralized system to rely on, Emergence offers transparency and builds trust with its limited partners, a key ingredient in any relationship. Turning Internal Value Into External Impact As Emergence’s data infrastructure matured, Andrew saw an opportunity to scale the value of what they were learning. Portfolio companies were coming to him with questions like, “What should my CAC payback be?” and “How much should I be spending on R&D?” Thanks to the insights they’d built internally with Visible, Emergence launched the Beyond Benchmark report, an external study based on data from over 560 companies. What began as a tool for internal alignment became a valuable resource for the broader SaaS community. Support That Scales With You Throughout the process, Visible’s Customer Success team remained a key part of the experience. “They’ve been great. I’ve shared product feedback, and it’s been implemented. They’re responsive and invested in helping us succeed.” Emergence Capital didn’t just choose Visible, they built a system around it. For funds building out platform or investor relations teams, he recommends investing early in the right metrics and infrastructure. The payoff? Faster answers, stronger LP conversations, and the confidence to scale with clarity. Check out how you can join Emergence Capital and leverage Visible for your portfolio monitoring and reporting here.

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.

Supporting portfolio companies with hiring and fundraising is table stakes for VC firms in 2025. Relationships and networks have never been more important as human-to-human connection becomes an even more essential differentiator in the age of AI. Evan Walden, CEO of Getro, and Toni Alejandria of Preface Ventures joined us for a webinar to cover the ins and outs of how best-in-class VC funds leverage their networks to help portfolio companies hire top talent and raise capital. You can check out the recording below: We cover topics like: How best-in-class teams scale their platform function How to balance consistency and customization How to help companies source top talent How to leverage network effects to support fundraising Want more great insights? Check out Thrive Through Connection, our podcast about the power of founder and investor relationships.

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.

Getting structured, consistent updates from your portfolio companies is one of the most important — and often most painful — parts of investor operations. Whether you’re managing a growth-stage fund with dozens of companies or just getting organized as an early-stage firm, the ability to centralize performance data is critical to helping your team, your LPs, and your founders succeed. That’s where Visible comes in. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to build a streamlined, scalable reporting workflow using Visible — one that gets you clean, structured data with minimal back-and-forth and maximum insight. Step 1: Finalize Your Metrics and Properties The foundation of any great data collection process in Visible is your data structure — that means defining the metrics and properties you want your portfolio companies to report on. Metrics are time-series KPIs (e.g., Revenue, Burn, Runway). Properties are qualitative fields that give context (e.g. Highlights, Lowlights, Asks) As an investor, you have full control over what data you collect. You can tailor metrics and properties to your investment strategy or reporting needs. Once a company submits a request, their responses will be mapped automatically to these fields in your account. Learn how to create Portfolio Metrics → Learn how to create and edit Properties → Pro Tip: Start with a simple set of 10–15 key metrics and 3–5 properties. This gives you high-signal data without overwhelming your founders. Step 2 (Optional but Recommended): Invite Companies to Visible While founders don’t need a Visible account to complete your request (they can always fill it out via a secure link sent to their inbox), inviting them to create a free account unlocks some advantages: They can view and refer to past data, so they’re not starting from scratch each time. They can pre-fill requests with AI, saving time and improving accuracy. They can save their request progress as a draft and come back at any time or collaborate with teammates as needed. They can turn the same data into investor updates that can be used to nurture relationships with current and prospective investors. They can update their metrics in Visible and then link them directly to investor requests. It’s faster, accurate, and lets them reuse their data across updates and dashboards. In short, you make their life easier — and that makes them more likely to complete requests consistently. How to invite portfolio companies → Why a free Visible account helps founders → Step 3: Create Your Request Now it’s time to build your first request. Visible’s Request Builder lets you create fully customized, recurring (or one-time) forms that ask for exactly the metrics and properties you care about. You control: Which companies receive it Which metrics/properties are requested The frequency (e.g. quarterly, monthly) Deadlines and reminders How to build a recurring request → Best Practices:Most investors ask for data quarterly and request 10–15 metrics per company. This keeps the lift manageable for founders and gets you a strong dataset.We also see that investors achieve the highest response rates when they send ~5 notifications for the request. Typically there are two notifications prior to the request, one on the due date, and two after the due date. Pro Tip for Your Portfolio Companies: If a founder is using Visible, they can leverage AI to auto-fill the request by uploading related files and then they can repurpose that data into an update for all their investors — saving hours of work. Step 4: Supplement with the AI Inbox Even with structured requests, founders will often send insights via email. Instead of letting those updates live in your inbox, use Visible’s AI Inbox. Just forward an email to your unique AI inbox address, and Visible will: Match the email to the correct company Extract the metrics Create an AI generated summary Add the metrics to a company’s profile automatically This turns unstructured emails into usable, structured data. How to set up your AI Inbox → Pro Tip: Add your AI inbox address as a contact, or set up auto-forwarding from a shared team email to streamline this process. Step 5: Pre-Fill Data to Save Time for Founders Already have a data point from the AI Inbox or that you’ve added manually? Save your founder from entering it again by pre-filling the field in their next request. This: Reduces friction Encourages higher response rates Improves data consistency How to pre-fill responses with existing data → Best Practice: Even if there is not currently data associated with your portfolio companies today, we recommend toggling on pre-fill existing data to ensure that metrics will populate if they are added in the future. Bring It All Together By following these five steps, you can build a data collection process that serves as the foundation for your reporting, portfolio analysis, and centralized data management — giving you the structured data you need, without creating manual overhead. With Visible, you can: Define your data structure once Automate recurring collection Capture both structured and unstructured updates Give founders an easy way to report — and benefit from the process A well-run data collection process doesn’t just help you track performance. It builds trust with your portfolio and gives you the data to help them grow. Want help setting this up for your fund? Reach out to our team or explore more best practices at support@visible.vc

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.

The Energy sector is experiencing a global transformation, with startups leading the charge toward a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient future. From renewable energy and grid technologies to agtech and foodtech innovations, founders are tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges—climate change, energy access, and sustainable food production. This surge in innovation is matched by a significant increase in venture capital investment. For founders, this influx of capital brings both opportunity and competition. The right investor can help you scale your technology, navigate regulatory hurdles, and open doors to global markets. But the Energy sector also presents unique challenges—longer development cycles, complex supply chains, and evolving policy landscapes. Knowing which venture capital firms are actively investing in Energy, understanding current fundraising trends, and tapping into the right networks can make all the difference. This guide is designed to help Energy startup founders around the world raise capital with confidence. You’ll find an up-to-date list of the top VC firms investing in Energy, actionable fundraising insights tailored to the sector, and a curated selection of accelerators, events, and resources to help you build connections and scale internationally. Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Energy Startups (2025) Congruent Ventures Sweetspot check size: $ 1M Traction metrics requirements: We don't require metrics pre-investing but we do require quarterly financial submission and an annual Climate Impact metric discussion / submission. Thesis: Congruent Ventures is a leading early stage venture firm focused on partnering with entrepreneurs to build companies addressing climate and sustainability challenges across four themes: Mobility and Urbanization, the Energy Transition, Food and Agriculture, and Sustainable Production and Consumption. Clean Energy Ventures About: At Clean Energy Ventures we’re beating back climate change through energy innovation. We fund disruptive, capital-light technologies and business model innovations that can reshape how we produce and consume energy. Each startup we invest in has the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions between our investment and 2050. SET Ventures About: At SET Ventures we help Entrepreneurs build companies that Impact the global Energy System Transition. We leverage our Experience and Network to actively grow companies to generate Great Returns. Sweetspot check size: $ 3M Thesis: Digitial technologies for a carbon-free energy system RenewableTech Ventures About: RenewableTech Ventures is an early and growth stage venture fund investing in renewable energy, clean technology, energy conservation, green materials and other technologies. Sweetspot check size: $ 2.50M Thesis: We are an IRR-driven environmental impact fund on a mission to solve big problems and produce outsized returns. Using a cleantech investment lens, we look across sectors and industries to find the most groundbreaking innovations that will create both massive environmental impact and exceptional value for our shareholders. Prelude Ventures About: Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm partnering with entrepreneurs to address climate change. Since 2013, we have invested in over 40 companies across advanced energy, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, advanced materials and manufacturing, and advanced computing. We have a long-term commitment to the sector, accept informed risks, and couple a fundamental emphasis on venture-level returns with an understanding of deep-tech and hardware development timelines. Prelude manages capital exclusively for Simons family philanthropic entities and is a founding member of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition. Thesis: We invest in the low-carbon economy. Energy Impact Partners About: Energy Impact Partners LP (EIP) is a global venture capital firm leading the transition to a sustainable future. EIP brings together entrepreneurs and the world’s most forward-looking energy and industrial companies to advance innovation. With over $2.5 billion in assets under management, EIP invests globally across venture, growth, credit, and infrastructure – and has a team of over 70 professionals based in its offices in New York, San Francisco, Palm Beach, London, Washington D.C., Cologne, and Oslo. Thesis: We bring together incumbents and innovators in a differentiated collaborative model to build and scale businesses for substantial impact. Breakthrough Energy Ventures About: Breakthrough Energy is dedicated to helping humanity avoid a climate disaster. Through investment vehicles, philanthropic programs, policy advocacy, and other activities, we’re committed to scaling the technologies we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Thesis: Breakthrough Energy Ventures provides reliable and affordable power without contributing to climate change. 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. Factor[e] Ventures About: We are a team of impact venture builders dedicated to supporting the people and ideas that turn challenges in energy, agriculture, mobility, and waste into de-carbonized solutions for emerging and frontier markets. Sweetspot check size: $ 500K Elemental Excelerator About: Elemental Impact is a nonprofit investing platform with 15 years of experience advancing innovative technology that creates lasting economic and climate benefits across communities. Through our platform, we deploy catalytic capital and provide expert services to a portfolio of 160+ companies across energy, agriculture, transportation, industry, and nature-based solutions. 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 4 current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and four third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups. Chrysalix Venture Capital About: Chrysalix Energy invests in and supports game changing clean technology companies that are helping to build the new energy economy. They invest in early to mid-stage companies with exceptional teams developing products and business models that change how they use natural resources to support sustainable economic activity, while minimizing environmental impacts. Accelerators and Incubators for Energy Startups in 2025: A Global Guide For energy founders, accelerators and incubators remain some of the most powerful launchpads for growth. These programs are more competitive and globally connected than ever, offering not just capital but also mentorship, pilot opportunities, and access to a deep network of industry leaders and investors. Why Accelerators and Incubators Matter for Energy Startups Unlike traditional funding routes, accelerators and incubators provide a structured environment where startups can rapidly validate their technology, refine their business model, and connect with key stakeholders. For energy startups—where technical risk, regulatory hurdles, and long sales cycles are common—these programs can be the difference between stalling out and scaling up. Leading Global Energy Accelerators and Incubators Some of the most impactful programs for energy startups in 2025 include: Elemental Excelerator (US/Asia-Pacific): Renowned for its hands-on approach, Elemental Excelerator offers funding, mentorship, and deep connections with corporates, utilities, and government agencies. Its focus on climate tech and energy transition makes it a top choice for founders ready to pilot and scale. Greentown Labs (US/global): As the world’s largest climate tech incubator, Greentown Labs provides workspace, prototyping facilities, and a vibrant community of founders, investors, and corporate partners. Their accelerator programs are tailored for early-stage energy and climate startups. EIT InnoEnergy (Europe): Backed by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology, InnoEnergy supports startups across the continent with funding, market access, and connections to a vast network of industry players and investors. Third Derivative (global): A joint venture between RMI and New Energy Nexus, Third Derivative connects energy startups with a global ecosystem of investors, corporates, and technical experts, accelerating commercialization and scaling. Plug and Play Energy (global): With locations worldwide, Plug and Play’s energy vertical offers startups access to corporate partners, pilot projects, and investor networks, with a strong focus on digitalization and grid innovation. Free Electrons (global): This utility-backed accelerator brings together leading energy utilities and startups to co-develop, pilot, and scale breakthrough solutions. New Energy Nexus (global): Operating in over 10 countries, New Energy Nexus offers accelerator programs, funding, and community support for clean energy entrepreneurs at every stage. EnergyLab (Australia/Asia-Pacific): EnergyLab supports startups across Australia and Southeast Asia, with programs focused on clean energy, mobility, and grid innovation. Regional and Thematic Programs Many regions and technologies have their own specialized accelerators. For example: Urban Future Lab (NYC, US): A leading hub for smart grid, storage, and urban energy solutions. Shell GameChanger (global): Corporate-backed, supporting early-stage energy tech with funding and technical validation. MassChallenge (global): Offers energy and climate tracks in multiple locations, with a focus on zero-equity support. Hydrogen, storage, and grid-specific accelerators: Programs like the Hydrogen Accelerator (UK/EU) and GridX (Germany) cater to founders in these fast-growing niches. Asia-Pacific and MENA region programs: Look for local initiatives in Singapore, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which are rapidly expanding their support for energy innovation. What to Expect: Program Structure and Benefits Most accelerators and incubators offer a mix of: Seed funding or grants: Ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, often in exchange for equity or future investment rights. Mentorship and expert networks: Access to industry veterans, technical advisors, and successful founders. Corporate and utility partnerships: Opportunities to pilot technology with real customers and partners. Pilot and demonstration opportunities: Support for deploying and validating solutions in real-world settings. Investor demo days and exposure: Direct access to VCs, corporate venture arms, and government funders. How to Choose the Right Program To maximize your accelerator experience: Align with your technology stage and market: Some programs focus on early-stage validation, others on scaling and commercialization. Evaluate alumni success and network strength: Look for programs with a track record of successful graduates and strong industry ties. Understand equity terms and funding structure: Some accelerators take equity, others offer grants or convertible notes—know what you’re signing up for. Consider location, duration, and focus area: Choose a program that fits your timeline, geographic ambitions, and technology vertical. Additional Resources and Tools for Energy Startup Fundraising Grant and Non-Dilutive Funding Platforms Securing non-dilutive capital is a game-changer for energy startups, allowing founders to scale without giving up equity. In 2025, a growing ecosystem of grant programs and government initiatives is supporting innovation across the energy sector. Here are some of the most valuable resources for finding grants and non-dilutive funding: Innovate UK: As the UK’s national innovation agency, Innovate UK offers a wide range of grants and competitions for energy startups, from early-stage R&D to commercialization. Their programs frequently target clean energy, smart grids, and decarbonization, making them a top choice for UK-based and international founders looking to pilot or scale in the region. ARPA-E (US): The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is a US government agency funding high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. ARPA-E’s open funding calls and focused programs support breakthrough innovations in storage, grid, renewables, and more. Learn more European Innovation Council (EIC): The EIC provides substantial grant and blended finance opportunities for startups and SMEs across Europe, with a strong focus on energy transition, climate tech, and deep tech. Their Accelerator program is especially attractive for energy founders seeking both non-dilutive grants and follow-on equity. New Energy Nexus Grant Programs: Operating globally, New Energy Nexus offers a variety of grant and accelerator programs for clean energy entrepreneurs, particularly in Asia, Africa, and North America. Their initiatives often include non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and access to a global network of partners. ClimateLaunchpad: As the world’s largest green business ideas competition, ClimateLaunchpad helps early-stage energy and climate startups access training, mentorship, and non-dilutive prize funding. The program is open to founders worldwide and is a proven springboard for commercial and grant success. Newsletters, Podcasts, and Media Staying informed is essential for energy founders navigating the fast-moving world of fundraising and innovation. The following newsletters, podcasts, and media outlets are trusted by industry leaders for the latest news, funding trends, and actionable insights: Climate Tech VC: A must-read weekly newsletter covering climate tech deals, investor moves, and startup spotlights. Climate Tech VC is widely regarded as the go-to source for funding news and market analysis in the sector. Greentech Media: Though now part of Wood Mackenzie, Greentech Media remains a leading source for in-depth reporting on clean energy markets, policy, and technology trends. Their analysis is essential reading for founders and investors alike. The Interchange Podcast: Hosted by industry veterans, The Interchange dives deep into the business and technology of energy innovation, featuring interviews with founders, investors, and policymakers. Listen here Energy Disruptors Newsletter: This newsletter curates the most important news, events, and opportunities in the global energy transition, with a focus on disruptive startups and technologies. Axios Generate: Axios Generate delivers concise, daily updates on energy policy, deals, and market shifts, making it a favorite among busy founders and executives. Networking Opportunities and Communities for Energy Founders In the fast-evolving energy sector, who you know can be just as important as what you build. For founders, networking isn’t just about swapping business cards—it’s about unlocking capital, forging strategic partnerships, accessing pilot projects, and staying ahead of industry trends. In 2025, the landscape of energy innovation is more global and interconnected than ever, with both in-person and digital communities playing a pivotal role. Top Global Energy Startup Communities Joining the right community can open doors to investors, mentors, and collaborators. Some of the most influential energy startup communities in 2025 include: Greentown Labs (US, global reach): The world’s largest climate tech incubator, Greentown Labs offers coworking, prototyping space, and a robust network of investors and corporate partners. Their events and demo days are must-attend for early-stage founders. New Energy Nexus (global): With programs spanning North America, Asia, and Africa, New Energy Nexus connects founders to accelerators, funding, and a global peer network focused on clean energy innovation. SET100 Network (Europe/global): Powered by the Start Up Energy Transition initiative, SET100 brings together the world’s top energy startups, offering exposure, networking, and access to European markets. Clean Energy Business Network (US): A grassroots community of clean energy professionals, CEBN provides policy advocacy, business development, and regular networking events. Must-Attend Conferences and Events Industry events remain a cornerstone for building relationships and visibility. In 2025, the following conferences are especially valuable for energy founders: CERAWeek (Houston, global): The premier gathering for energy leaders, investors, and innovators, offering unparalleled networking and deal-making opportunities. VERGE (GreenBiz): Focused on climate tech and sustainability, VERGE brings together startups, corporates, and investors from around the world. RE+ (formerly Solar Power International): The largest clean energy event in North America, covering solar, storage, and grid innovation. World Future Energy Summit (Abu Dhabi): A global platform for energy transition, attracting founders, investors, and policymakers from the Middle East and beyond. The Business Booster (EIT InnoEnergy): Europe’s leading event for sustainable energy innovation, featuring startup pitches, investor meetings, and industry panels. Many of these events now offer hybrid or virtual participation, making them accessible to founders worldwide. Find an Investor for Energy with Visible Visible helps founders connect with investors using our connect investor database, find VCs specifically investing in Energy here. For Energy startups, securing the right investors is critical as it goes beyond mere funding. These investors bring specialized expertise and strategic insights specific to the Energy 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 fifth episode of the Thrive Through Connection Podcast, we welcome Kyle Poyar, the founder of Tremont and Growth Unhinged. Tremont is an early growth equity firm based in Boston. Kyle joins us to break down his career supporting companies at OpenView, how SaaS companies should think about benchmarks, and the future of SaaS investing. About Kyle Before founding Tremont, Kyle was an Operating Partner at OpenView Ventures. During his time there, he launched the SaaS Benchmarks Report, a staple in the SaaS industry. Since then, Kyle has started Growth Unhinged, his newsletter breaking down the playbooks and tactics behind best-in-class startups. Mike, the CEO and Founder of Visible, had an opportunity to sit down and chat with Kyle. You can give the full episode a listen below: Spotify Link Apple Link What You Can Expect to Learn from Kyle How investors and founders can think about leveraging benchmarks Which SaaS metrics and benchmarks are growing in importance Why hiring is the lowest-hanging fruit for VCs to support portfolio companies How he built a content flywheel at Growth Unhinged 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