Denver has solidified its position as a rising hub for startup innovation and venture capital activity. Known for its dynamic entrepreneurial culture, diverse industry strengths, and access to a growing pool of skilled talent, the city has attracted both emerging startups and established investment firms. From technology and SaaS to clean energy and life sciences, Denver's thriving ecosystem offers opportunities for founders seeking capital to scale their businesses.
In this article, we will explore the top venture capital firms actively investing in Denver, highlight the key industries driving innovation in the region, and showcase some of the most successful startups that have secured significant funding. Whether you're an early-stage founder or an investor exploring Denver's ecosystem, this guide will help you navigate the city's vibrant fundraising landscape.
Top Venture Capital Firms in Denver
Denver is home to a diverse range of venture capital firms actively investing in startups across multiple industries. Here's a list of some of the most prominent VCs in the region:
1. Stout Street Capital
- About: Stout Street Capital is a seed-stage fund that seeks to invest in early-stage companies focused on improving efficiency and generating bottom-line value in large established sectors in the market. Stout Street’s Value Fund-II is currently focused on post-revenue, seed-to-series-A investments in companies valued at less than $10 million. Stout Street’s Value Fund-I has invested in 36 companies by the end of 2018 and Stout Street Value Fund-II is projected to invest in 50 companies with an average initial investment of 100k by 2020. We usually reserve 500k-$1M in follow on investment for our portfolio companies.
2. SpringTime Ventures
- About: SpringTime Ventures seeds high-growth startups in healthcare, fintech & insurtech, and logistics & supply chain. We look for founders with domain expertise, forging a path with a truly transformative technology. We only invest in software-based businesses in the USA. We bring a people-focused approach, work quickly, and reach conviction independently.
3. Green Lion Partners
- About: Green Lion Partners is a Denver, CO based business strategy firm focused on early stage development in the regulated cannabis industry.
- Sweetspot check size: $ 3.30M
- Thesis: Empowering business through innovative professional practices
4. Konvoy Ventures
- About: Konvoy Ventures is a venture capital fund dedicated to esports & video gaming
- Sweetspot check size: $ 1.50M
- Thesis: We invest in the infrastructure technology, tools, and platforms of tomorrow’s video gaming industry.
5. LabStart
- About: LabStart is building accessible pathways for underrepresented entrepreneurs to bring climate technologies from lab-to-market. A trove of valuable, scalable climate technologies continues to sit dormant - untapped and hidden behind research institution walls. To unlock these ready-innovations in a way that generates equitable market opportunities for underserved communities, we match market-ready tech with talented entrepreneurs selected from the front lines of climate change. We are a team of entrepreneurs, national lab researchers, commercialization consultants, investors, and programmatic experts. We fund full-time entrepreneur-minded fellows to discover, build, and launch startups based on technologies developed in premier research laboratories.
6. KEY Investment Partners
- About: KEY Investment Partners is a venture capital firm focused on providing capital to early-stage cannabis companies.
- Sweetspot check size: $ 1M
- Traction metrics requirements: Over 1,000,000 annualized revenues
7. Blackhorn Ventures
- About: Blackhorn Ventures is an early stage venture firm that invests in capital-efficient companies redefining resource use, enabling the decarbonization of the toughest to transition sectors in our economy (Transportation, the Built Environment, Supply Chain, and Energy).
- Thesis: Blackhorn Ventures invests in world-class founders building digital infrastructure to redefine industrial resource efficiency.
8. Bigfoot Capital
- About: Debt capital for growing SaaS companies to expand their footprint.
- Traction metrics requirements: ARR of $500K+. At least 12 months of customer history, generally 20+ enterprise customers or 200+ SMB customers. Rational burn profile, up to 50% of revenue at close, scaling down. Capital need of up to $1.5M over next 12 months
- Thesis: We make fast, data-driven credit decisions for these types of businesses and show Founders how the math/ROI works. We’re currently evaluating about 20 companies a month and issuing term sheets to 25% of them; those that fit our investment criteria. We’re also regularly following-on for existing portfolio companies.
9. Colorado Impact Fund
- About: The Colorado Impact Fund (CIF) is a Denver-based venture capital firm investing in Colorado companies with high-growth, scalable business models and a commitment to make their community better. CIF was created to support a growing entrepreneurial and impact ecosystem throughout the state of Colorado. CIF manages approximately $80 million of private capital with the Colorado Impact Fund I and the Colorado Impact Bridge Fund.
10. UpSlope
- About: Formerly Galvanize Ventures, Upslope Ventures is an early stage venture capital fund that invests in startups across the country. We believe exceptional teams can originate from any location. We provide more than capital and introductions. By leveraging our network we aim to empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to have their best chance at success - even if we don’t invest.
- Thesis: We invest in all catagories, some of which are: SaaS, Hardware/IOT, Mobile, AI, Consumer, E-Commerce, Content, FinTech, Aerospace, Marketplace, AdTech, Robotics, Medical Device, Virtual Reality, and Data Science.
Key Industries Thriving in Denver
A diverse range of thriving industries characterizes Denver's economy, each contributing significantly to the region's growth and innovation.
Technology & SaaS
Denver has established itself as a prominent hub for technology and SaaS companies. The city's favorable business environment and skilled workforce have attracted numerous tech startups and established firms. The IT-Software sector in Metro Denver is experiencing a surge, driven by a growing remote workforce and high quality of life.
Clean Energy & Sustainability
Colorado's abundant natural resources make it an ideal location for energy innovation and research. The state serves as a laboratory for advancements in renewable energy, strongly emphasizing sustainability. Metro Denver's energy and natural resources industry is robust, supporting a significant workforce and contributing to the region's economic vitality.
Life Sciences & Biotech
Denver's bioscience industry thrives on collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit, fostering innovation in healthcare and biotechnology. The region's commitment to health and wellness is evident, with Colorado consistently ranking as one of the healthiest states in the U.S. This focus has led to a dynamic healthcare and wellness industry in Metro Denver.
Aerospace & Defense
Colorado boasts the nation's second-largest aerospace economy, with a high concentration of major space contractors and suppliers. The state's strategic location and educated talent pool have made it a leader in aerospace employment. Colorado's aerospace ecosystem is the global leader, ranking #1 per capita in aerospace employment, with over 2,000 aerospace businesses directly employing over 55,000 individuals.
Notable Denver Startups That Secured Funding
Denver's startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable success stories, with several companies securing substantial funding from prominent venture capital firms. Here are some notable examples:
Guild Education
A leading education platform that partners with employers to offer debt-free degrees to workers, Guild Education achieved unicorn status in 2019.
The company has attracted investments from firms such as Bessemer Venture Partners, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and ICONIQ Capital.
Ibotta
A cashback rewards app that provides users with real cash back on everyday purchases, Ibotta has secured significant venture backing, including a $85 million Series D funding round in 2017 led by Koch Disruptive Technologies.
Outrider
An autonomous truck startup specializing in automating yard operations for logistics hubs, Outrider secured $62 million in Series D funding in October 2024. The round was led by Koch Disruptive Technologies and New Enterprise Associates, bringing its total funds raised to over $250 million.
AMP Robotics
A company that develops AI-powered robotics systems for recycling facilities, AMP Robotics raised $91 million in a Series C funding round in 2021, with investments from XN, Valor Equity Partners, and GV.
Soona
A Denver-based photo and video studio startup, Soona raised $10.2 million in a Series A funding round in 2021, led by Union Square Ventures, to enhance its real-time content creation services for e-commerce clients.
Connect With Investors in Denver 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.
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