California Venture Capital Firms
Welcome to VC Firms List where we give you access to an exclusive list of the top venture capital firms in California. California, being home to the thriving entrepreneurial hub of Silicon Valley, is teeming with venture capital firms ready to invest in promising startups. With industry giants like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Kleiner Perkins headquartered here, California truly stands as a beacon for venture funding. Our comprehensive lists have the potential to introduce you to some of these powerful players in the venture capital world.
Read more
Company:
Piva Capital
Description: Piva Capital, located in San Francisco, operates as a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in disruptive energy and industrial companies throughout North America and Europe. The firm boasts a team of seasoned domain experts who are deeply committed to collaborating with innovative entrepreneurs to tackle the intricate technical challenges that industries face in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Piva Capital also leverages its extensive global network to assist startups in accessing new markets, established corporations, and technical experts, thereby enhancing their growth potential. With a focus on taking calculated risks, Piva Capital not only aims to achieve significant rewards for its investors but also strives to contribute positively to the broader ecosystem.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2019
Domain: http://www.piva.vc/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 4 Embarcadero Center, 3950, San Francisco, California 94111, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Pivotal Life Sciences
Description: Pivotal Life Sciences is a distinguished global investment platform that specializes in life sciences, dedicated to fostering growth and innovation within the sector. The company leverages its extensive experience and long-term capital commitment, provided by the Nan Fung Group, to establish fruitful partnerships with scientists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. This collaborative approach focuses on drug discovery, development, and various growth opportunities within the life sciences arena.
With a proven track record in company formation, venture capital, and investment growth, Pivotal Life Sciences is well-positioned to identify and pursue opportunities that contribute lasting value for its investors. The firm's strategic partnership and direct investment relationships further enhance its capabilities, particularly through Pivotal bioVenture Partners in the United States and China. This extensive network enables Pivotal Life Sciences to comprehensively address a broad spectrum of the life sciences industry, which encompasses therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics across all stages of development. Through their commitment to innovation and strategic collaboration, Pivotal Life Sciences continues to play a significant role in advancing the life sciences sector.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Pivotal Life Sciences
Description: Pivotal Life Sciences is a distinguished global investment platform dedicated to fostering growth and innovation within the life sciences sector. The firm specializes in investing in exceptional talent and groundbreaking ideas in this dynamic field. With a robust partnership and long-term capital commitment from the esteemed Nan Fung Group, Pivotal Life Sciences is strategically positioned to collaborate with scientists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders engaged in drug discovery, development, and various growth opportunities.
The firm boasts a rich collective experience that enhances its capacity to identify and nurture valuable opportunities that contribute to long-term success for its investors. Pivotal Life Sciences leverages its extensive background in company formation, venture capital, and investment growth to seek out ventures that promise substantial returns on investment and sustainable value creation.
Furthermore, Pivotal Life Sciences has established a strong investment relationship with its affiliated entities, including Pivotal bioVenture Partners in the United States and Pivotal bioVenture Partners in China. This strategic alignment enables the firm to encompass the entire spectrum of the life sciences industry, spanning therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics across all development stages. In doing so, Pivotal Life Sciences continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the life sciences landscape while supporting the innovators and leaders who drive it forward.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Platform Venture Studio
Description: Platform Venture Studio serves as a crucial foundation for entrepreneurs hailing from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to create innovative companies that address some of the most significant challenges facing the world today. The firm is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that nurtures creativity and ambition, enabling founders to bring their visionary ideas to fruition. By offering comprehensive support and resources, Platform Venture Studio plays a pivotal role in the venture capital and private equity landscape, driving forward solutions that seek to change the world for the better.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2020
Domain: http://www.platformstud.io/
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: San Francisco, CA 94127, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Platinum Equity
Description: Platinum Equity, founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, is a prominent global investment firm recognized for its significant impact in the financial services sector. The firm manages approximately $48 billion in assets and boasts a diverse portfolio consisting of around 50 operating companies that cater to a wide range of customers across the globe. Specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and operational strategies, Platinum Equity employs a distinctive approach known as MAO, which stands for Mergers, Acquisitions, and Operations. This comprehensive strategy enables the firm to acquire and manage companies across various business markets, including but not limited to manufacturing, distribution, transportation, logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, and telecommunications.
Over nearly three decades, Platinum Equity has established a robust track record, successfully completing more than 450 acquisitions. The firm’s extensive experience and strategic focus allow it to effectively identify and capitalize on growth opportunities within diverse industries, reinforcing its commitment to delivering value and fostering innovation. With a concentration on operational excellence, Platinum Equity continues to position itself as a leader in the investment landscape, committed to creating sustainable growth and enhancing the performance of its portfolio companies.
Industry: Financial Services
Founded: 1995
Domain: http://www.platinumequity.com/
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Address: 360 North Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, US
Size: 201-500 employees
Company:
Playground Global
Description: Playground Global is a distinguished early-stage venture capital firm committed to investing in visionary entrepreneurs who are pioneering advancements in frontier technologies. Established in 2015 and based in Palo Alto, California, Playground Global focuses on transformative innovations that have the potential to reshape existing industries and create entirely new market verticals.
The firm is particularly active in the realms of deep technology and science, making investments in key areas such as automation infrastructure, engineered biology, and decarbonization, all firmly supported by cutting-edge computational advancements. Playground Global typically allocates funds ranging from $1 million to $20 million, providing essential financial backing to ambitious startups that are at the forefront of technological innovation.
In addition to its capital investments, Playground Global boasts a robust network of technical and operational experts who play a crucial role in assisting founders. This support helps entrepreneurs convert their deep-tech breakthroughs into successful, transformational businesses. Playground Global has established itself as an early investor—often the first institutional backer—in notable companies such as dMatrix, Ideon, MosaicML, PsiQuantum, Relativity Space, Strand Therapeutics, Ultima Genomics, and Universal Hydrogen, among others.
For those interested in learning more about Playground Global, additional information can be found at their website, playgroundvc. They also offer insights through their Atoms & Bits newsletter, which can be accessed at atomsbits.newslettersubstack.com.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2015
Domain: http://www.playground.vc/
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Address: 380 Portage Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Plexus Capital, LLC
Description: Plexus Capital, LLC is a prominent player in the realm of venture capital and private equity principals, with a focus on diverse transaction types throughout the United States. Established in 2005, Plexus Capital has successfully raised over $2.2 billion across seven committed funds, facilitating investments that exceed $2.2 billion in more than 176 companies.
The firm has cultivated a robust institutional platform, supported by a dedicated team of 45 professionals based in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. Their extensive transaction experience has fostered meaningful relationships with numerous third-party due diligence providers, which ensures a smooth and efficient transaction process for both management teams and the companies they partner with.
Plexus Capital takes pride in being value-added, long-term, and patient investors, committing to excellence in all aspects of their operations. Their investment strategy spans several industries, including business services, healthcare, value-added distribution, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, and other fundamental sectors.
The firm engages in various uses of proceeds, including acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, growth capital, management buyouts, and minority recapitalizations. Plexus typically targets investment sizes ranging from $3 million to $30 million, and they often pursue co-investment opportunities for larger transactions.
Plexus Capital seeks to partner with companies that exhibit revenue of up to $100 million and demonstrate strong market dynamics. They look for firms with EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $20 million, sustainable positive cash flow, experienced and committed management teams, and proven business strategies. Their investment types are diverse, encompassing subordinated debt, unitranche financing, and equity, either in majority or minority stakes. Plexus Capital also incorporates leverage across Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) and private funds to optimize their investment approach.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2005
Domain: http://www.plexuscap.com/
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Address: 4242 Six Forks Road, Suite 950, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Plug and Play Tech Center
Description: Plug and Play Tech Center serves as a premier innovation platform dedicated to fostering global innovation through connection and collaboration. Committed to building the world’s leading innovation ecosystem, Plug and Play strives to make innovation accessible to everyone, regardless of their location. The organization achieves this mission by bridging the gap between entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors around the world.
Over the past 15 years, Plug and Play has successfully united an impressive network of 35,000 startups with 500 world-leading corporations and numerous venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies across 20 diverse industries. Its extensive reach spans 50 locations globally, with significant operations in the United States, China, France, Germany, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond.
Plug and Play fosters a distinctive ecosystem aimed at facilitating meaningful introductions, investing in innovative startups, and uniting key stakeholders across the globe. The company’s focus encompasses a wide array of industries, including Agtech, Animal Health, Brand & Retail, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, Energy, Enterprise, Fintech, Food & Beverage, Health, Insurtech, IoT, Maritime, Media & Advertising, Mobility, New Materials & Packaging, Real Estate & Construction, Smart Cities, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Travel & Hospitality.
Through collaboration with its partners, Plug and Play Tech Center is committed to driving innovation and creating significant value for all members of its expansive community.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Address: 440 N. Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, US
Size: 501-1,000 employees
Company:
Point Olema Capital Partners
Description: Point Olema Capital Partners is a distinguished private investment office that specializes in creating customized, endowment-style portfolios tailored for prominent individuals and families seeking to maintain and grow substantial long-term wealth. Founded by co-founders Eric Upin and John O'Connor, who bring decades of expertise in investments and governance from leading top endowments and family office operations, Point Olema Capital Partners aims to deliver the advantages and best practices of institutional-quality portfolios to families aspiring to build a multigenerational legacy.
The firm recognizes the unique challenges faced by families in managing their investments, particularly as they navigate tax considerations that can complicate wealth preservation strategies. To address these complexities, Point Olema leverages its extensive industry relationships and a proven track record of successful investment partnerships with top-tier managers and funds, spanning multigenerational time horizons.
The team at Point Olema Capital Partners has developed an investment strategy designed to withstand the test of time, reminiscent of a traditional university endowment. This strategy emphasizes exposure to alternative asset classes and innovative fund structures, each crafted to facilitate long-term returns. As a multifamily office, Point Olema's portfolio is meticulously constructed to protect and grow wealth, ensuring that it can be sustained for many generations into the future.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.pointolema.com/
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: San Francisco, CA 94129, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Polymath Collective
Description: Polymath Collective is a dynamic Startup Studio located in the vibrant environment of Venice Beach, California. The organization specializes in seeking and attracting outstanding individuals who possess the talent and vision necessary to drive innovation. Polymath Collective focuses on the ideation, development, and launch of scalable products that have the potential to make a significant impact in the market. With their commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration, they provide a robust platform for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to fruition, thereby contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2016
Location: Venice, California
Address: 1043 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, California 90291, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Polymath Ventures
Description: Polymath Ventures stands as Latin America's premier Seed Fund and Venture Studio, expertly established by a team of serial entrepreneurs. The firm is dedicated to building and investing in transformative companies that cater to the needs of the emerging middle class across the region. Recognizing that a growing and empowered middle class is essential for fostering a more equitable, stable, and prosperous society, Polymath Ventures focuses its efforts on creating significant impact through innovative disruption. By aligning its investment strategy with the vision of an abundant Latin America, the firm positions itself as a key player in shaping the future of the region's economy and social landscape. Through their unwavering commitment to supporting impactful ventures, Polymath Ventures aims to contribute meaningfully to the development and empowerment of the Latin American market.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2011
Domain: http://www.polymathv.com/
Location: Bogotá, Cundinamarca
Address: Calle 71 #13-66, Quinta Camacho, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, CO
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Portage
Description: Portage is a distinguished global investment platform that specializes in the sectors of fintech and financial services. The firm collaborates with dynamic and ambitious companies at various stages of development, offering flexible capital solutions tailored to meet their unique needs. Additionally, Portage provides access to an extensive global network comprising investors, commercial partners, advisors, and experts in value creation.
With a team possessing considerable industry knowledge and entrepreneurial expertise, Portage is dedicated to empowering the leaders who are actively transforming the financial services landscape. Their commitment to fostering innovation and growth in these sectors positions them as a pivotal player in the investment arena, with a clear focus on supporting the evolution of financial services worldwide.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2016
Domain: http://www.portageinvest.com/
Location: Toronto, ON
Address: 161 Bay St, #5000, Toronto, ON M5J 2S1, CA
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Portola Valley Partners
Description: Portola Valley Partners is a distinguished player in the venture capital and private equity sector, specializing in collaborating with early-stage and growth-stage companies. The firm is committed to executing its BUILD-GROW-FUND-EXIT strategy, which is designed to foster innovation and drive sustainable growth in various industries.
Portola Valley Partners actively seeks to invest in companies that offer impactful products, encompassing hardware, software, and services that not only benefit individuals but also contribute positively to the planet. Additionally, the firm places a strong emphasis on diversity in entrepreneurship and is particularly interested in companies led by women and underrepresented founders. Recognizing that 98% of venture capital currently flows to a single demographic, Portola Valley Partners is dedicated to driving change in this trend.
The team at Portola Valley Partners is enthusiastic about the potential of transformative ideas and innovations, and they invite entrepreneurs with groundbreaking visions to connect with them. Their commitment to inclusivity and impactful investment positions them as a forward-thinking partner in the venture capital landscape.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2019
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: San Francisco, CA 94104, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Powerhouse Capital
Description: Powerhouse Capital is a venture fund based in Los Angeles, specifically dedicated to exploring global investment opportunities in technology sectors related to media, entertainment, and interactive gaming. The firm is committed to forging connections within this dynamic ecosystem, creating what they refer to as "The Gateway to LA." By fostering relationships between innovative companies, talented teams, and groundbreaking ideas, Powerhouse Capital aims to catalyze growth and development in the industry.
Focusing on investment in direct-to-consumer platforms driven by data, Powerhouse Capital operates under the belief that these platforms will be the primary sources of accelerated value creation throughout the upcoming cycles of global investment. The company's investment strategy is built upon four key pillars of the media ecosystem: i) Sight, encompassing visual content; ii) Sound, which includes audio, music, and podcasting; iii) Play, focusing on gaming, sports, and esports; and iv) Live, pertaining to the experience economy.
Founded in 2019 by industry veterans from Evolution Media—a platform that invests in collaboration with TPG and CAA—Powerhouse Capital brings a wealth of experience to the table. The team possesses extensive operational, investment, and board-level expertise across these important sectors. This rich background enables Powerhouse Capital to adopt a focused and distinctive approach when it comes to identifying opportunities for value creation, further establishing the firm as a significant player in the venture capital and private equity landscape.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2019
Domain: http://www.powerhouse.vc/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90401, US
Size: 2-10 employees