Early Stage Venture Capital Firms
Welcome to VC Firms List, the ultimate source for your venture capital (VC) needs. Contained within this site are detailed, updated lists of early stage venture capital firms. These are the companies providing essential funding and support to innovative businesses before they hit the mainstream. As the venture capital industry continues to grow, it's worth knowing that over $130 billion was invested in startups by VC firms in the US alone in 2020. Stay one step ahead by browsing through VC Firms List today.
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Company:
Costella Kirsch
Description: Costella Kirsch, established in 1986, is a prominent venture capital and private equity principal located in Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in offering customized debt financing solutions tailored specifically for emerging technology companies. Their capital is characterized by being covenant-free and less dilutive compared to traditional venture equity, providing a flexible financial alternative for businesses at various stages of growth.
A hallmark of Costella Kirsch is its experienced and agile team, which is open to considering debt investments across a broad spectrum of companies, ranging from those achieving early market traction to more developed, late-stage firms, whether they are backed by venture capital or angel investors. The firm has cultivated a unique lending approach that aligns closely with the dynamic nature of the technology sector, ensuring that their financing methods are as lean and responsive as the innovative companies they support. Through their customized financial solutions, Costella Kirsch continues to empower emerging technology firms to thrive and expand in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 1986
Domain: http://www.costellakirsch.com/
Location: Menlo Park, California
Address: 3500 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 150, Menlo Park, California 94025, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Counterpart Ventures
Description: Counterpart Ventures is a venture capital fund with a presence in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. The firm specializes in investing in Seed and Series A B2B SaaS startups, committing to the development and success of these emerging companies. Counterpart Ventures distinguishes itself by facilitating meaningful connections between startups and real customers, as well as fostering strategic partnerships through its corporate venture capital community known as the Counter Club. This unique network, Counter Club, stands out as one of the most active and engaged collections of corporate venture capitalists in comparison to traditional venture capital firms. By leveraging these connections, Counterpart Ventures is dedicated to nurturing innovative companies and supporting them in their growth journeys.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2018
Domain: http://www.counterpart.vc/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 500 3rd St, San Francisco, California, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Cove Fund
Description: Cove Fund is a distinguished family of seed-stage venture capital funds dedicated to providing essential startup funding for promising new ventures in Southern California. Headquartered in The Cove at UC Irvine Applied Innovation, Cove Fund is situated within a dynamic and centrally located hub that fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors within the Southern California startup ecosystem.
The firm's initial fund, Cove Fund I, was established in 2015 with a capitalization of $6 million and is now fully invested. Following this, Cove Fund II was launched in early 2018, boasting a larger capitalization of $14 million, and is currently in the process of active investment.
Cove Fund specializes in investing in early-stage technology and life sciences companies that possess the ability to address substantial markets with uniquely differentiated products and services. The firm is particularly focused on supporting companies that have the potential to realize significant value-generating inflection points through the initial capital it provides. By doing so, Cove Fund plays a pivotal role in nurturing the growth of innovative startups in the region, ultimately contributing to the vibrancy of the local economy and the broader technology and life sciences sectors.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2014
Domain: http://www.covefund.com/
Location: Irvine, CA
Address: 5141 CALIFORNIA AVENUE, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92617, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Creandum
Description: Creandum stands as a prominent European venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. The firm has established a reputation for supporting some of Europe’s most successful technology companies. Among its notable portfolio are industry leaders such as Spotify, iZettle, Depop, Klarna, Bolt, KRY, Epidemic Sound, and Small Giant Games. With operational hubs strategically located in major innovation centers, including Stockholm, Berlin, London, and San Francisco, Creandum is well-positioned to identify and nurture the next wave of groundbreaking tech ventures. The firm's dedication to fostering entrepreneurial talent and innovation has made a significant impact on the European tech landscape.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2003
Domain: http://www.creandum.com/
Location: Stockholm, Stockholm
Address: Jakobsbergsgatan 18, Stockholm, Stockholm 103 86, SE
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Creative Ventures
Description: Creative Ventures is a prominent deep tech venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage companies dedicated to addressing some of humanity's most pressing challenges. The firm is led by a team of world-class experts whose profound understanding of deep technology is shaped by meticulous research and an unparalleled comprehension of market dynamics. Creative Ventures emphasizes a commitment to guiding its portfolio companies toward success, recognizing that the complex problems of today cannot be effectively tackled with outdated solutions. Through a strategic approach and an innovative mindset, Creative Ventures aims to foster advancements that can make a significant positive impact on society.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2016
Domain: http://www.creativeventures.vc/
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: 44 Tehama St., San Francisco, CA 94105, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Curious Capital
Description: Curious Capital serves as the corporate venture arm of HeinenVerlag, a prominent publishing house based in Cologne that has been operational since its founding in 1946. Established in 2017, Curious Capital focuses on identifying and pursuing opportunities for seed and early-stage investments. The firm is particularly interested in business models, products, and markets that align with the evolving landscape of modern media companies. By leveraging HeinenVerlag's extensive history and expertise in regional print media, Curious Capital aims to support innovative ventures that resonate with their strategic vision and broaden their impact within the media industry.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Domain: http://www.curiouscapital.vc/
Location: Köln, NRW
Address: Stolkgasse 25-45, Köln, NRW 50667, DE
Size: 0-1 employees
Company:
Cyber Mentor Fund
Description: Cyber Mentor Fund is a specialized mentorship fund dedicated to supporting early-stage companies in the cybersecurity sector. The organization focuses on investing not only financial resources but also time and expertise into its portfolio companies. With a strong commitment to fostering growth, Cyber Mentor Fund aims to assist these companies in addressing meaningful challenges and achieving success in their respective markets.
The mission of Cyber Mentor Fund centers around making impactful investments while mentoring companies where they, along with their extensive network of mentors and advisors, can provide the most significant benefit. Portfolio companies have the unique opportunity to engage with leading enterprise customers at senior levels, allowing them to gain valuable insights, receive constructive feedback, and generate business leads essential for their development.
Additionally, technical co-founders of the portfolio companies are connected with Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) from established cybersecurity startups and other prominent technical leaders within the industry. This interaction fosters a collaborative environment where ideas and strategies can be exchanged, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of each company.
Cyber Mentor Fund also facilitates opportunities for its portfolio companies to operate within live customer ecosystems at their earliest stages, ensuring they receive real-world experience and guidance. Crucially, the fund’s mentors are committed to supporting the founders through all the pivotal events in the life cycle of a company, leveraging their own experience and expertise to guide these emerging businesses toward sustainable growth and success.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2018
Domain: http://www.cybermentorfund.com/
Location: San Mateo, CA
Address: 1710 S Amphlett Blvd, #340, San Mateo, CA 94402, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
DCVC
Description: DCVC is a distinguished venture capital firm with a rich history spanning over twenty years, during which it has supported innovative individuals who are transforming global-scale industries. The company's efforts have contributed to the creation of tens of billions of dollars in wealth for founders, employees, and investors, while simultaneously fostering advancements that enhance the world around us.
At the heart of DCVC’s success is a distinctive model that synergizes the expertise of seasoned venture capitalists with the insights of over 35 distinguished technology executives and experts. This team includes Chief Technology Officers, Chief Information Officers, Principal Engineers, and Professors from esteemed institutions such as Stanford and Berkeley, all of whom bring extensive experience from leading technology companies and research organizations around the globe.
DCVC strategically targets companies in the seed, Series A, and growth stages, focusing on those that leverage deep compute, big data, and IT infrastructure technologies to revolutionize major industries. For those interested in learning more about DCVC, additional insights can be found on their website at www.dcvc.com, through their publications on Medium at https://medium.com/dcvc, and by following their updates on Twitter at @dcvc.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2011
Domain: http://www.dcvc.com/
Location: Palo Alto, California
Address: 270 University Ave, Palo Alto, California 94301, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
DEFTA Partners
Description: DEFTA Partners, founded in 1985 in California, is a distinguished player in the venture capital and private equity sector. The firm has made a significant impact in identifying, investing in, and nurturing startups and individuals who are at the forefront of developing innovative technologies. Primarily focused on markets in Japan, the United States, and Europe, DEFTA Partners leverages its extensive experience and established expertise to foster growth in these regions.
With a strong international presence, DEFTA Partners has successfully expanded its operations beyond its California headquarters by establishing additional offices in Japan and Hong Kong. This strategic positioning allows the firm to maintain a broad network and gain valuable insights into emerging markets.
The firm is particularly keen on discovering promising early-stage companies within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. By providing the necessary support and resources, DEFTA Partners aims to fuel their growth trajectories and empower them to scale their businesses on a global level.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 1985
Domain: http://www.deftapartners.com/
Location: San Francisco
Address: San Francisco, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
DFJ
Description: DFJ is a prominent venture capital firm that has been dedicated to partnering with extraordinary entrepreneurs who are making significant changes in the world since its establishment in 1985. The firm’s core funds have successfully raised a remarkable $4 billion, which has been strategically deployed across a diverse portfolio of more than 300 companies. Notable investments include industry leaders such as AdMob, Baidu, Box, Hotmail, Skype, SolarCity, SpaceX, Tesla Motors, Tumblr, Twitter, and Yammer.
DFJ is committed to collaborating with businesses at various stages, including seed, early, and growth stages, with the ultimate objective of fostering iconic and enduring companies. Among its investment strategies, DFJ Growth stands out as the later-stage investment practice that emphasizes investments in private technology companies. This practice focuses on entities that are not only addressing substantial market opportunities but are also experiencing rapid scaling and are well-positioned for category leadership.
Through its collaborative approach and extensive industry experience, DFJ aims to support and enhance the potential of visionary entrepreneurs, helping them to bring their innovative ideas to fruition and to drive transformative change in their respective fields. For further information, interested parties are encouraged to visit DFJ’s website at dfj.com.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 1985
Domain: http://www.dfj.com/
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Address: 2882 Sand Hill Road, Suite 150, Menlo Park, CA 94025, US
Size: 51-200 employees
Company:
DFS Lab
Description: DFS Lab is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage founders who are shaping the future of digital commerce across Africa. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovative entrepreneurs by providing them with not only financial backing but also essential mentorship and operational expertise. DFS Lab understands the unique challenges faced by startups in the digital commerce sector and is committed to empowering its portfolio companies to succeed in a rapidly evolving market. By fostering a collaborative environment, DFS Lab enables these founders to leverage valuable insights and resources, helping them to navigate their growth journeys effectively and realize their full potential.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2016
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dfslab
Domain: http://www.dfslab.net/
Location: Seattle, WA
Address: 1100 NE Campus Parkway, #200, Seattle, WA 98105, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
DILA Capital
Description: DILA Capital, established in 2011, operates as a multistage venture capital firm headquartered in Mexico City. The firm is dedicated to investing in early-stage companies and is recognized for its successful and distinctive methodology that focuses on identifying top-tier investment opportunities. This approach not only creates significant value but also enhances entrepreneurial management and operations by leveraging access to an extensive and experienced business network.
With more than 15 years of experience within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the partners at DILA Capital have played diverse roles as consultants, mentors, and investors in the Mexican startup landscape. Their background features involvement in various capacities, including founding and operating startups, which enriches their insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging businesses.
DILA Capital has cultivated a solid reputation in the industry, with its most valuable asset being the access it provides to a diversified pipeline of opportunities. These opportunities are generated through the firm’s own robust network, allowing DILA Capital to maintain a strong position in the market. According to INADEM, the firm is recognized for possessing one of the largest and highest-quality venture capital deal flows in the Mexican market, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of burgeoning companies.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2005
Domain: http://www.dilacapital.com/
Location: Bosques de las Lomas, Federal District
Address: Bosque de Radiatas 54, Bosques de las Lomas, Federal District 05120, MX
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
DNAnx
Description: DNAnx is a distinguished global boutique advisory and capital-raising firm committed to supporting Series A companies in their journey toward success. With a wealth of specialized expertise, DNAnx provides comprehensive guidance throughout the growth process of its client companies. The firm distinguishes itself from typical players in the startup ecosystem through its revolutionary approach, which emphasizes tailored and hands-on support for founders as they navigate challenges beyond the seed stage.
By bridging the gap in the entrepreneurial journey, DNAnx offers customer-centric solutions that are both inclusive and affordable, empowering businesses to achieve remarkable growth leveraging the firm’s unmatched dedication and expertise. The name DNAnx, which stands for Dynamic Investment Network Architecture, reflects the firm's innovative framework that utilizes AI-driven technologies. This advanced system facilitates real-time discovery and assessment of investment opportunities while providing customized funding and resources tailored to the specific needs of companies.
As a result, DNAnx is fostering a robust ecosystem that not only promotes successful investments but also drives sustainable business growth. The firm's commitment to achieving 10X growth—represented by the "nx" in its name—underscores its mission to generate substantial returns for its partners.
DNAnx boasts an extensive network of over 8,000 investors, including angels, family offices, venture capitalists, private equity firms, venture debt providers, and experts in IPO management. This expansive reach ensures that companies partnering with DNAnx have access to vital connections that can propel their business endeavors.
The firm's approach is uniquely tailored, moving away from conventional, one-size-fits-all strategies. DNAnx offers a range of boutique services, from advising and preparing businesses for investment readiness to negotiating term sheets and successfully closing fundraising rounds. Additionally, the firm conducts weekly specialist workshops and insightful programs, equipping its clients with the latest knowledge and tools essential for achieving enduring success in their respective markets.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2023
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dna-nx
Domain: http://www.dnanx.com/
Location: Dover, Delaware
Address: Dover, Delaware 19901, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
DNX Ventures
Description: DNX Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm with a presence in both Silicon Valley and Tokyo. The firm specializes in investing in B2B startups, facilitating innovative solutions and new business opportunities for Japanese corporations through strategic startup partnerships. DNX Ventures aims to empower these corporations to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and business by leveraging the dynamic potential of startups. For additional insights and resources, DNX Ventures offers a blog titled DNX for Corporates, which serves as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in fostering corporate-startup collaborations.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2011
Domain: http://www.dnx.vc/
Location: San Mateo, California
Address: 55 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, California 94401, US
Size: 11-50 employees