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.
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Company:
U.S. Venture Partners
Description: U.S. Venture Partners (USVP) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, situated in the heart of Silicon Valley. Since its establishment in 1981, USVP has been dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in building world-class companies. The firm focuses on a diverse array of investment segments, including enterprise software, cybersecurity, consumer e-commerce, healthcare, and IT-enabled healthcare services.
Over the years, U.S. Venture Partners has made significant contributions to the venture capital landscape, investing approximately $4.3 billion in more than 523 companies spanning a wide range of industries. Notably, 93 of these companies have successfully completed initial public offerings, showcasing USVP's commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Currently, the firm is actively investing from its thirteenth fund, USVP XIII.
The foundation of the USVP team is built upon four generations of high-technology venture investing. The team's members include accomplished venture investors, former CEOs, senior executives, and technology company founders, all committed to guiding the firm into the 21st century. This combination of expertise and experience enables USVP to play an integral role in the company-building process.
In many cases, USVP's board partners are the first resource entrepreneurs turn to when navigating strategic decisions, daily challenges, or seeking personal support. The commitment of USVP personnel to provide counsel is grounded in decades of experience, allowing them to act as trusted coaches and confidantes to the entrepreneurs they support.
The investment team at U.S. Venture Partners comprises Jacques Benkoski, Steve Krausz, Rick Lewis, Jonathan Root, Casey Tansey, and Dafina Toncheva. Throughout its history, USVP has backed numerous groundbreaking companies, including Arkose Labs, Box, Carrot Fertility, Cato Networks, Check Point Software, Guidewire, Happy Returns, HeartFlow, HotelTonight, Human Interest, Imperva, Inari Medical, Inspire Medical Systems, Medigate, Omada Health, Pluto TV, ThreatMetrix, Trusteer, and Zerto.
For more information about U.S. Venture Partners, including a complete list of investments and portfolio company news, visit their website at www.usvp.com. Additionally, interested parties can follow USVP on Facebook and Twitter for updates and insights.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 1981
Domain: http://www.usvp.com/
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Address: 1460 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
UCLA
Description: UCLA, a distinguished institution within the realm of higher education, presents a unique combination of attributes that sets it apart, particularly among public research universities. The university is renowned for its extensive array of academic programs, which span the visual and performing arts, humanities, social sciences, STEM disciplines, and health sciences. This remarkable breadth and depth of offerings create an environment rich with endless opportunities for students to engage, explore, and excel.
Located in a vibrant and diverse global city, UCLA features a campus that is both picturesque and compact. This exceptional setting enhances the educational experience, providing students with not only a stimulating learning atmosphere but also access to the cultural and professional resources of a major urban center. The university's commitment to inspired excellence in academics fosters a dynamic community where students and faculty alike can thrive, making UCLA a notable leader in higher education.
Industry: Higher Education
Founded: 1919
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucla
Domain: http://www.ucla.edu/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Address: 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1405, US
Size: 10,001+ employees
Company:
UP.Partners
Description: UP.Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm dedicated to fostering innovation in the movement of people and goods. Recognizing the vital role that advanced mobility solutions will play in shaping the future, UP.Partners has identified its mission as guiding humanity toward greater freedom of movement. The firm envisions a world over the next 20 years where both individuals and goods can navigate their environments with enhanced mobility options. To achieve this vision, UP.Partners actively invests in critical enabling technologies and services that promote multidimensional mobility. By supporting these innovations, UP.Partners aims to contribute significantly to enhancing accessibility and efficiency in transportation, thereby helping humanity ascend to new heights.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.uplabs.us/
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Address: Santa Monica, CA, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
UP.Partners
Description: UP.Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm dedicated to fostering innovation in the movement of people and goods. Recognizing the increasing demand for enhanced mobility solutions, UP.Partners has established a guiding principle centered around the vision of enabling progress in transportation and logistics. Over the next two decades, the firm anticipates a significant transformation in the way individuals and products traverse the globe, resulting in greater freedom and efficiency. To facilitate this evolution, UP.Partners actively invests in pivotal enabling technologies and services that support multidimensional mobility. Through these strategic investments, UP.Partners is committed to driving forward the advancement of humanity, making it possible for future generations to experience unprecedented levels of mobility.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.up.partners/
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Address: Santa Monica, CA, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
US Angels
Description: US Angels is a distinguished investment group comprising accredited private equity angel investors, with chapters located in Palo Alto, California, and Reno, Nevada. This collaborative network is primarily formed by a diverse array of former and current executives and entrepreneurs who bring a wealth of experience to the table. US Angels is committed to providing both counsel and capital to startup companies across a broad spectrum of industries, showcasing their dedication to fostering innovation and growth.
Members of US Angels actively seek out high-quality investment opportunities primarily in sectors such as technology, the internet, new media, healthcare and medical devices, as well as packaged consumer goods. Furthermore, the group remains open to considering other sectors that exhibit significant growth potential, evaluating such opportunities on an opportunistic basis.
The group convenes once a month, typically on the third Thursday in Palo Alto and the fourth Thursday in Reno. This regular meeting schedule not only facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among members but also strengthens their network within the investment community. Moreover, US Angels engages closely with the Bay Area Startup Network (BASN), which serves as a sister organization focused on enhancing networking opportunities for early-stage startups. It is important to note that members of US Angels invest individually, as the group does not operate a fund controlled by its members. This structure allows for a tailored investment approach, enabling members to pursue opportunities that align with their specific interests and expertise.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.usangels.co/
Location: Palo Alto, California
Address: Palo Alto, California 94020, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Ulu Ventures
Description: Ulu Ventures is a distinguished seed-stage venture fund located in the heart of Silicon Valley, dedicated to fostering innovation across several key sectors, including enterprise technology, fintech, consumer health, and sustainability. The firm employs a meticulous and repeatable decision-making process that rigorously evaluates risk-reward tradeoffs, allowing it to achieve exceptional financial outcomes while minimizing cognitive bias in investment choices.
A notable aspect of Ulu Ventures' strategy is its commitment to diversity. The majority of the companies within Ulu's investment portfolio are established by diverse founding teams, which often include women, individuals from minority backgrounds, underrepresented minorities (URM), and immigrant entrepreneurs. Ulu Ventures is guided by the belief that diversity not only enriches the startup ecosystem but is also a critical driver of profitability.
With over $200 million in assets under management, Ulu Ventures proudly supports a portfolio that features ten unicorns, highlighting the firm’s ability to identify and nurture companies with significant growth potential. Moreover, Ulu Ventures is dedicated to promoting diversity not only within the entrepreneurial landscape but also within the broader context of asset management. The firm continues to play a vital role in enhancing inclusivity and representation in the investment community.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2008
Domain: http://www.uluventures.com/
Location: Palo Alto, California
Address: 115 Everett Ave, Palo Alto, California 94301, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Umana Venture Studio
Description: Umana Venture Studio (UVS) is a distinctive startup co-builder specializing in the co-creation and scaling of purpose-driven startups in collaboration with celebrities, often referred to as "loud voices." The studio is driven by a foundational belief that celebrities possess the potential to be significant forces for change and activism. They have the unique ability to educate broad audiences and inspire them to take positive actions that contribute to societal improvement.
Umana Venture Studio operates with the mission of providing these influential figures with the necessary resources to express themselves loudly, responsibly, and authentically. This commitment to empowerment enables celebrities to leverage their visibility and impact in meaningful ways. To achieve this, Umana Venture Studio collaborates closely with these loud voices to co-create and co-build startups that are not only innovative but also aligned with social purposes.
The studio focuses on incubating, operating, and growing consumer-facing brands that resonate with informed audiences, thereby bridging the gap between celebrity influence and entrepreneurial innovation. Powered by the larger Umana Family, UVS stands out in the realm of venture capital and private equity principals for its unique approach to integrating celebrity influence with entrepreneurship.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.umana.studio/
Location: Los Angeles, California
Address: Los Angeles, California, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Uncork Capital
Description: Uncork Capital is a distinguished seed-stage venture capital firm that specializes in identifying and supporting promising startups within the realms of software-as-a-service (SaaS), consumer marketplaces, hardware, and innovative technologies. Their comprehensive investment approach is rooted in a commitment to nurturing early-stage ventures that demonstrate potential for significant growth and disruption in their respective industries. By focusing on areas such as cutting-edge technology and consumer-driven solutions, Uncork Capital positions itself as a dynamic player in the venture capital landscape, aiming to facilitate the development of groundbreaking companies that may shape the future of various sectors. Through their strategic investments, Uncork Capital not only provides financial backing but also offers invaluable resources and guidance to burgeoning enterprises, helping them navigate the challenges of early growth and establish a solid foundation for success.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2004
Domain: http://www.uncorkcapital.com/
Location: Palo Alto, California
Address: 4 Palo Alto Square, 2nd Floor, Palo Alto, California 94306, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Underdog Labs
Description: Underdog Labs is a pre-seed venture capital firm that specializes in investing in passionate and dedicated early-stage founders. The firm is committed to supporting these entrepreneurs as they navigate the critical early milestones necessary for their success. With a team of experienced, serial entrepreneurs, Underdog Labs engages closely with founders, providing valuable guidance and mentorship while complementing their expertise with necessary capital resources. Often serving as the first source of investment for the founders they partner with, Underdog Labs plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of innovative ideas and ventures. Their unique approach combines hands-on support with financial investment, positioning them as a key ally for emerging entrepreneurs in the competitive landscape of start-ups.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Domain: http://www.underdoglabs.io/
Location: San Francisco, CA
Address: San Francisco, CA 94104, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Union Labs Ventures
Description: Union Labs Ventures is a distinguished seed fund focused on DeepTech investments. The firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting exceptional founders who come from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Union Labs Ventures is particularly interested in those entrepreneurs who are leveraging advanced deep technologies to tackle complex and challenging issues. By concentrating on these innovative solutions, the firm aims to contribute to the growth of transformative ideas that can make a significant impact across various industries. Their commitment to fostering diversity among founders not only strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also enhances the potential for groundbreaking advancements in technology. Through their investments, Union Labs Ventures actively seeks to drive progress and support visionary leaders in their quest to address some of the toughest problems faced today.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2018
Domain: http://www.unionlabs.com/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 665 3rd St, #150, San Francisco, California 94107, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
University of California, Berkeley
Description: The University of California, Berkeley, situated on a sprawling 1,232-acre campus near downtown Berkeley, stands as a beacon of innovation and academic excellence. Established in 1868, UC Berkeley serves as the flagship institution of the University of California system, which encompasses ten distinct campuses today. Known colloquially as Cal, this esteemed university is renowned for its commitment to research, education, and public service, shaping the minds of students and contributing significantly to advancements across numerous disciplines. With a rich history and a vibrant campus atmosphere, UC Berkeley continues to thrive as a leading institution in higher education, attracting scholars and researchers from around the globe.
Industry: Higher Education
Founded: 1868
Domain: http://www.berkeley.edu/
Location: Berkeley, CA
Address: 101 Sproul Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, US
Size: 10,001+ employees
Company:
Unshackled Ventures
Description: Unshackled Ventures stands out as the first and only early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to retaining foreign talent in the United States. The firm specializes in investing in immigrant entrepreneurs, providing them with essential support to secure visas and navigate the complexities of the immigration process. By focusing on this unique niche, Unshackled Ventures has successfully identified and harnessed a wealth of untapped talent, empowering foreign-born founders to transform their innovative ideas into influential American companies. Through its mission, the firm not only fosters entrepreneurship but also contributes to the broader economic landscape by nurturing diverse perspectives and pioneering ventures that significantly impact the market.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2015
Domain: http://www.unshackledvc.com/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 95 3rd St, San Francisco, California 94103, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Untapped Ventures
Description: Untapped Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital fund dedicated to advancing humanity through strategic investments in early-stage artificial intelligence startups. With a distinct approach that leverages their extensive network, Untapped Ventures focuses on identifying and supporting innovative companies that align with their mission. Over the next three decades, the firm aims to make a significant positive impact on the lives of one billion individuals, helping people thrive in both personal and professional realms. Their commitment to driving innovation has positioned them to aspire to be one of the leading venture capital firms in Los Angeles. Through their efforts, Untapped Ventures endeavors to play a pivotal role in shaping the future and fostering transformative ideas that can lead to substantial societal advancements.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2020
Domain: http://www.untapped.ventures/
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90017, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
UpWest
Description: UpWest is a prominent seed-stage venture capital fund based in Silicon Valley that specifically targets the most promising entrepreneurs in Israel. The firm stands out for its hands-on approach, which is designed to accelerate the growth of its portfolio startups. By offering vital resources such as seed funding, UpWest ensures that these emerging companies have the necessary financial backing to thrive. Additionally, UpWest provides unparalleled proximity to key markets and access to capital, which are critical components for successful scaling. The firm fosters a supportive community of talented peers, creating an environment where entrepreneurs can collaborate and share their insights. Through this comprehensive suite of support, UpWest is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders and driving growth within the tech ecosystem.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2012
Domain: http://www.upwest.vc/
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Address: palo alto, Palo Alto, CA, US
Size: 2-10 employees