If you're a founder raising capital in Connecticut, you're entering one of the Northeast’s most underrated- but increasingly powerful- startup ecosystems. Connecticut has quietly built a network of active investors, forward-thinking public initiatives, and deep institutional support. From sector-specific funds in climate tech, healthcare, and fintech to generalist firms backing early-stage SaaS and future-of-work startups, the state offers a rich funding landscape for companies at every stage. It also has close access to New York and Boston markets, competitive cost of living, and a growing pool of accelerators, university programs, and pitch competitions.
In this article, we’ll cover the top venture capital firms fueling Connecticut's startup scene and provide insights into the available resources and opportunities for founders to raise capital in the state.
Top Connecticut VCs
Glade Brook
About: Glade Brook is a global investment firm that specializes in global growth equity, with a focus on internet, software and technology enabled businesses. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and management teams to accelerate growth and maximize long-term shareholder value, from growth stage through IPO and beyond.
Hive Hatch
Thesis: We invest financial, human, and social capital in awesome founders to help them validate, build, and launch their SaaS startups.
Canaan Partners
About: Canaan Partners invests more than money in a company—they invest their time, experience, knowledge, connections and team-oriented approach. They place tremendous value on creating working partnerships with entrepreneurs and management teams who have the character and the drive to succeed. Prominent among Canaan's resources is the breadth of operating, managerial and financial experience.
Sweetspot check size: $ 10M
Oak HC/FT
About: Oak HC/FT is a venture and growth equity investment firm that focuses on healthcare information services and financial service technology.
The ClimateTech Fund
About: The ClimateTech Fund will invest $100 million in innovative companies that are tackling climate change through:
- Mitigation (preventing and reducing emissions)
- Adaptation (adjusting to current and future climate impacts) or environmental protection, health and safety
The Fund will invest across climate tech verticals, including but not limited to energy, mobility, circular economy, water, food/agriculture and more. The Fund intends to invest in 25 companies over a 10-year investment period. Seed-stage through later-stage (series B/C) investments will be considered for funding, as well as venture funds based in CT or open to relocating here.
Ironwood Capital
About: Ironwood Capital provides non-control junior capital to middle market companies across the U.S. The firm has invested more than $1 billion in over 100 companies since 2001 and currently invests subordinated debt and minority equity in amounts ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Ironwood’s investments support business owners and financial sponsors in growth financings, recapitalizations, generational transitions and buyouts. For more information, please visit: ironwoodcap.com.
Connecticut Innovations
About: Connecticut Innovations provides strategic capital and operational insight to to companies in high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. Their mission is to be the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut’s innovative, growing companies. By offering flexible financing, strategic guidance and introductions to valuable partners, Connecticut innovations enable promising businesses to thrive.
Acadian Ventures
About: Acadian Ventures is the first early-stage venture capital firm specializing in the future of work.
Activant Capital
About: Activant is a global investment firm that partners with high-growth companies that are transforming commerce.
LaunchCapital
About: LaunchCapital invests in entrepreneurs who build the future. LaunchCapital focuses on the seed and early stages of development and has invested in over 200 companies
Thesis: LaunchCapital was founded in January 2008 with a mission to help entrepreneurs gain quick access to seed capital and mentorship.
Why Connecticut is a Hotspot for Startup Fundraising
Connecticut has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for startup founders seeking capital, resources, and a supportive environment to launch and scale their ventures. The state’s unique blend of geographic advantages, sector diversity, and robust support systems makes it a compelling choice for entrepreneurs.
Strategic Location and Access to Major Markets
Connecticut’s proximity to major metropolitan hubs like New York City and Boston provides startups with unparalleled access to large markets, investors, and talent pools. This geographic advantage allows founders to tap into the resources of two of the nation’s most dynamic business ecosystems while benefiting from Connecticut’s lower operational costs and high quality of life. The state’s well-developed transportation infrastructure further enhances connectivity, making it easier for startups to collaborate, attract talent, and reach customers across the Northeast corridor.
Thriving and Diversifying Startup Ecosystem
Connecticut’s startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, driven by a surge in venture capital activity and a strong culture of innovation. The state is home to a growing number of tech hubs and innovation corridors, particularly in cities like Hartford and New Haven. These regions are fostering vibrant communities of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, creating fertile ground for new ventures to thrive.
The state’s economic outlook for 2025 is especially promising, with projected employment growth of 1.6% and the creation of nearly 30,000 new jobs. Key sectors fueling this expansion include healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology, all attracting significant investment and talent. Connecticut’s unemployment rate is projected to remain low, reflecting a robust labor market that supports business growth and innovation.
Sector Strengths: Healthtech, Fintech, Manufacturing, and More
Connecticut’s legacy industries, such as insurance, financial services, and manufacturing, are undergoing a renaissance, powered by innovation and technology adoption. Hartford, known as the “Insurance Capital of the World,” is now a hotbed for insurtech and fintech startups, while the state’s manufacturing sector is embracing advanced technologies like robotics, AI, and green energy solutions. Healthcare and biosciences are also booming, with world-class research institutions and hospitals driving breakthroughs in telemedicine, medical devices, and personalized medicine.
Emerging industries such as green technology and sustainable energy are also gaining momentum, supported by state policies and investment in clean energy and environmental innovation.
Robust Support Systems and Funding Opportunities
Connecticut’s commitment to nurturing startups is evident in its extensive network of accelerators, incubators, and mentorship programs. Organizations like CTNext, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, and local university innovation centers provide founders with access to funding, expert guidance, and business development resources. The state has also launched significant grant programs and tax incentives, including a $15 million grant pool for business development and targeted support for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.
Venture capital activity is on the rise, with Connecticut-based and regional VCs actively seeking opportunities in high-growth sectors. The state’s innovation-friendly policies and public-private partnerships further enhance the fundraising landscape, making it easier for founders to access the capital they need to scale.
Key Networking Opportunities and Local Resources for Connecticut Founders
Connecticut’s startup ecosystem is rich with opportunities for founders to connect, learn, and grow. From major statewide events and pitch competitions to accelerators, coworking spaces, and university-driven programs, the state offers a robust infrastructure to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most valuable networking opportunities and resources available to Connecticut founders in 2025.
Major Startup Events, Pitch Competitions, and Accelerators
- CT Tech Week: Held annually in June, CT Tech Week is Connecticut’s flagship event for startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts. The week features a dynamic lineup of workshops, networking sessions, and pitch competitions, including the Spark Awards and Realist Lab’s Demo Day. It’s a must-attend for founders looking to connect with the state’s innovation community, showcase their ventures, and meet potential investors and collaborators.
- StartUp Westport Pitch Competition: StartUp Westport, in partnership with the Westport Library, hosts a high-profile pitch competition culminating in a live finale each November. The program supports early-stage Connecticut startups with mentorship, educational resources, and a substantial non-dilutive cash prize. The competition is open to Connecticut-based founders or those with strong state ties, and it’s an excellent platform for exposure and funding.
- UConn Summer Fellowship Accelerator: The University of Connecticut’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) runs the Summer Fellowship Accelerator, an intensive eight-week program for UConn-affiliated startups. Participants receive $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, one-on-one mentorship, and access to pro bono legal, accounting, and branding services. The top teams advance to the Wolff New Venture Competition, where they can win over $115,000 in additional funding.
Coworking Spaces, Incubators, and University Programs
Coworking Spaces
- District New Haven: A vibrant coworking and innovation campus in New Haven, offering flexible workspace, events, and a community of entrepreneurs.
- Upward Hartford: Located in downtown Hartford, Upward provides coworking, private offices, and a hub for tech and innovation events.
- The Werth Institute at UConn: Offers coworking, mentorship, and programming for student and alumni entrepreneurs.
Incubators and Accelerators
- reSET: Hartford-based social enterprise incubator and accelerator, providing mentorship, workspace, and funding opportunities for impact-driven startups.
- Launc[H] Hartford: A public-private partnership supporting early-stage companies with resources, mentorship, and access to capital.
- The Collaboratory @ CCEI: UConn’s incubator for high-tech startups, offering access to campus facilities and networking opportunities.
University Programs
- Yale Office of Cooperative Research: Supports commercialization of Yale innovations and provides resources for university-affiliated startups.
- UConn Innovation Portal: Central hub for UConn’s entrepreneurial resources, including grants, maker spaces, and mentorship.
- CTNext: Statewide initiative supporting entrepreneurs with grants, mentorship, and connections to university resources.
Local Government and Nonprofit Resources
- Connecticut Innovations (CI): The state’s leading venture capital arm, CI provides funding, mentorship, and business support to high-growth startups. CI also runs the VentureClash global venture challenge and partners with local accelerators.
- CTNext: A key resource for early-stage companies, CTNext offers grants, networking events, and access to a statewide mentor network. Their Entrepreneur Innovation Awards and Talent Bridge programs are especially valuable for founders seeking funding and talent.
- Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC): CTSBDC offers free business advising, training, and resources for startups and small businesses, including help with business planning, funding, and market research.
Connect With Investors in Connecticut Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of Connecticut's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
