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:
WR Hambrecht + Co
Description: WR Hambrecht + Co is an investment banking firm dedicated to assisting companies of all sizes in efficiently accessing capital at the lowest possible cost, ultimately aimed at accelerating disruptive growth. Established in January 1998, the firm was founded with the mission of leveling the playing field for both investors and its corporate clients.
The founder and chairman, Bill Hambrecht, is recognized as a pioneer in Silicon Valley and has a rich history of financing growth companies, having previously worked with notable organizations like Apple and Google during his tenure at Hambrecht & Quist and WR Hambrecht + Co. The company’s innovative approach includes the implementation of impartial auctions, which have fundamentally transformed the traditional investment banking landscape by enabling the market to dictate pricing and allocations rather than relying solely on the discretion of financial institutions.
Throughout its history, WR Hambrecht + Co has established itself as a leader in innovation, driven by a core philosophy rooted in three essential tenets: the identification of exceptional companies, facilitating their capital-raising efforts and early public offerings, and delivering efficient market pricing. The firm's current initiatives focus on innovation, particularly through the application of data science and disruption theory analytics, aimed at gaining deeper insights into companies and industries at various stages of development.
Headquartered in San Francisco, WR Hambrecht + Co also maintains a presence in New York. The firm is committed to maintaining its profile and content on LinkedIn while adhering to federal and self-regulatory rules. However, it’s important to note that while WR Hambrecht + Co actively manages its own content, it cannot control or take responsibility for content created by others on the LinkedIn platform.
Industry: Investment Banking
Founded: 1998
Domain: http://www.hambrechtcapital.com/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 909 Montgomery Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, California 94133, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Walden Catalyst Ventures
Description: Walden Catalyst Ventures is a distinguished venture capital firm that is dedicated to assisting early-stage companies located in the United States, Europe, and Israel in developing the next generation of category-defining businesses within the deep tech sector. The firm is characterized by its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting bold entrepreneurs who are striving to make a significant impact in the world, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone.
Led by industry pioneers Young Sohn and LipBu Tan, Walden Catalyst Ventures boasts an impressive portfolio of investments, having played a pivotal role in the growth of more than 560 startups globally, with 115 of those companies successfully reaching the initial public offering (IPO) stage. With a substantial capital base of $550 million under management, the firm is composed of a dedicated team of innovators and entrepreneurs who share a passion for disruption and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
For startups seeking to navigate the challenges of growth and expansion, Walden Catalyst Ventures provides unparalleled access to operational expertise, extensive global reach, and a robust network of industry leaders. This unique combination of resources and support empowers emerging companies to build and scale with the guidance of experienced mentors, thus positioning them for success in the dynamic landscape of the future.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2021
Domain: http://www.waldencatalyst.com/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 1 California St, San Francisco, California 94111, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Watertower Ventures
Description: Watertower Ventures is a distinguished venture capital fund tailored for today's innovative creators, including builders, doers, and makers who are shaping the future of consumer technology and enterprise software. With a keen focus on seed and early-stage investments, Watertower Ventures actively seeks to invest in and support entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses, employing a hands-on and partnership-driven approach.
The firm values its role as a leader or significant contributor within investment syndicates, ensuring that they reserve an equal amount of capital to further assist founders as their companies evolve. Watertower Ventures is particularly interested in collaborating with mission-driven founders who are dedicated to developing industry-defining businesses that enhance the quality of life and improve work processes.
The fund concentrates on applications and platforms designed for daily use, specifically those that facilitate commerce, collaboration, new forms of ownership, and foster authentic, trusted communities across both enterprise and consumer sectors. Operating from its base in Los Angeles, Watertower Ventures invests in businesses throughout Southern California, New York, the Bay Area, and Utah, as well as other emerging technology hubs across the United States.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Location: Los Angeles, California
Address: 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1450, Los Angeles, California 90067, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Wave Capital
Description: Wave Capital is a distinguished early-stage venture capital firm that focuses on the dynamic sector of marketplaces. With a keen eye for identifying and nurturing innovative business models, Wave Capital dedicates its expertise to supporting entrepreneurs who are developing cutting-edge marketplace solutions. This specialization allows the firm to cultivate meaningful relationships within the marketplace ecosystem, enabling them to provide tailored guidance and resources to their portfolio companies. By leveraging their in-depth understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, Wave Capital is committed to fostering growth and unlocking potential in early-stage ventures, making them a prominent player in the venture capital and private equity landscape.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Domain: http://www.wave.capital/
Location: San Francisco, California
Address: 1808 Wedemeyer St, San Francisco, California 94129, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Wavemaker Partners
Description: Wavemaker Partners is a dynamic and multifaceted cross-border venture capital firm that was established in 2003. With dual headquarters located in Los Angeles, California, and Singapore, the firm has successfully raised over $580 million through multiple investment funds. Wavemaker Partners boasts a dedicated team of 70 professionals, who operate across both regions as part of their extensive practice.
Recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors in Southern California and Southeast Asia, Wavemaker Partners has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape by investing in more than 360 companies over the past 17 years. Their diverse portfolio includes notable U.S.-based investments such as MindBody (NASDAQ: MB), DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI), and StyleHaul, which was acquired by RTL. Additionally, in the Singapore market, Wavemaker has made impactful investments in companies like Luxola, acquired by LVMH, Art of Click, acquired by Xurpas, and Pie, which was acquired by Google.
In Southeast Asia, Wavemaker Partners specifically focuses on enterprise and deep technology companies, further solidifying its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the region. Through strategic investments and a thorough understanding of the markets it operates in, Wavemaker Partners continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of various industries across different geographies.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2003
Domain: http://www.wavemaker.vc/
Location: Santa Monica , California
Address: 1438 9th Street, Santa Monica , California 90401, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health
Description: Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health is recognized as a premier seed-stage venture capital fund in the United States that is entirely dedicated to healthcare. The fund is predominantly supported by a diverse array of healthcare limited partners, which include both influential organizations and esteemed individual executives from various sectors within the healthcare ecosystem. This encompasses entities involved in payers, provider networks spanning the continuum of care, as well as pharmaceutical companies. The robust backing from this extensive network offers Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health a distinctive advantage in the identification, evaluation, and most crucially, the support of early-stage healthcare technology companies. The fund's strong connections within the healthcare landscape position it uniquely to foster innovation and propel advancements in this vital industry sector.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2018
Domain: http://www.wavemaker360.com/
Location: Pasadena, California
Address: 301 N Lake Ave, Suite 930, Pasadena, California, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Weekend Fund
Description: Weekend Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm established by Ryan Hoover and Vedika Jain. The firm focuses on identifying and supporting innovative ideas and concepts that have the potential to become the next favorite products or services for consumers. Weekend Fund is dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and empowering talented founders at the beginning of their journey. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, the fund aims to help turn promising ventures into successful realities, contributing to a vibrant startup ecosystem. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a commitment to fostering creativity, Weekend Fund positions itself as a valuable partner for those looking to make an impactful mark in their respective industries.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Domain: http://www.weekend.fund/
Location: The Internet
Address: The Internet, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Westbound Equity Partners
Description: Westbound Equity Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders and investing in companies that cater to underrepresented consumer markets. By focusing on these underserved segments, Westbound Equity Partners not only supports the growth of emerging businesses but also champions the development of diverse teams within those companies.
Founders backed by Westbound Equity Partners benefit from access to a robust network known as the Westbound Network, which includes a distinguished group of investors, industry operators, and public figures who are all aligned with the firm’s mission. This network facilitates valuable social capital that further enhances the prospects for success among the entrepreneurs they support.
In addition to pursuing impactful investments, Westbound Equity Partners demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility by allocating 50% of its carried interest to the Westbound Community Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to identifying and funding nonprofit organizations that work to close opportunity gaps for underrepresented talent across the United States.
Originally known as Concrete Rose, Westbound Equity Partners continues to build on its legacy while aspiring to generate significant social and economic impact through its strategic investments and philanthropic initiatives.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2019
Domain: http://www.westboundequity.com/
Location: Bay Area
Address: Bay Area, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Western Technology Investment
Description: Western Technology Investment (WTI), established in 1980, has distinguished itself as a significant player in the venture capital and private equity sectors, focusing primarily on technology and life science enterprises. With a commitment to fostering growth, WTI has provided over $6 billion in debt and equity capital to a diverse array of companies, ranging from early-stage private firms to publicly traded entities.
The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a flexible approach, with capital allocations from $250,000 to over $25 million. These investments are structured as fully usable, unrestricted growth capital, enabling recipient companies to deploy the funds as needed to fuel their expansion and innovation efforts. As a private firm with a robust track record of success through various economic cycles, WTI benefits from a remarkably stable capital base. This stability empowers the firm to be highly responsive, risk-tolerant, and innovative in addressing the distinct capital requirements of each company in which it invests.
WTI's experienced team brings a wealth of business acumen and a successful investment history, ensuring a deep understanding of the complexities and unpredictabilities that often accompany growth-oriented businesses. This expertise fosters a strong alignment between WTI, the management teams of portfolio companies, and equity investors, contributing to the sustainable success of their collaborative endeavors. Through its strategic investments and commitment to the development of technology and life sciences, Western Technology Investment continues to play an instrumental role in supporting the advancement of innovative businesses.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 1980
Domain: http://www.westerntech.com/
Location: Portola Valley, CA
Address: 104 La Mesa Drive, Suite 102, Portola Valley, CA 94028, US
Size: 11-50 employees
Company:
Wildcat Venture Partners
Description: Established in 2015, Wildcat Venture Partners is a venture capital firm located in Silicon Valley that specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies. With a strong focus on identifying and nurturing innovative startups, Wildcat Venture Partners leverages its expertise and extensive network to provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs. The firm is dedicated to fostering growth and success in the technology sector by partnering with dynamic teams and disruptive ideas that have the potential to shape the future of their industries. With a reputation for insightful investment practices and a commitment to collaboration, Wildcat Venture Partners plays a vital role in the development of next-generation technology enterprises.
Company:
Will Ventures
Description: Will Ventures is dedicated to partnering with early-stage consumer health and media startups, providing invaluable support and expertise to nurture their growth and development. As a venture capital and private equity firm, Will Ventures focuses on identifying innovative companies in these dynamic sectors, leveraging their deep industry knowledge and experience to guide founders through the challenges of scaling their businesses. Their commitment to fostering the next generation of transformative ideas positions them as essential allies for entrepreneurs seeking to make a significant impact in the consumer health and media landscapes. By collaborating closely with their portfolio companies, Will Ventures aims to drive sustainable success while contributing to the evolution of these important industries.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2018
Domain: http://www.willventures.com/
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Address: 131 Dartmouth St, 3rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Wing Venture Capital
Description: Wing Venture Capital, established in 2013, is a prominent venture capital firm focused on fostering early-stage companies within the AI-first technology sector. The firm is dedicated to long-term company building, leveraging its extensive expertise and experience in the field. The award-winning team at Wing Venture Capital boasts a remarkable background, with a collective experience of over two decades in successfully nurturing and supporting early-stage companies. This impressive track record includes 21 companies that have achieved outcomes exceeding a billion dollars, whether through initial public offerings (IPOs) or acquisition events. Among its distinguished portfolio, Wing Venture Capital has invested in notable companies such as Cohesity, Gong, Instart Logic, Juvo, Moogsoft, Palerra, Shape Security, and Snowflake. Through its strategic investments and commitment to innovation, Wing Venture Capital continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of technology.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2013
Domain: http://www.wing.vc/
Location: Palo Alto, California
Address: 480 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, California 94301, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Working Capital Fund
Description: Working Capital Fund is an early-stage venture fund dedicated to investing in innovative solutions that address inequity and economic injustice faced by marginalized workers through the transformation of supply chains. Established in 2017, the fund operates under a distinct mission and a well-defined thesis focused on facilitating systemic improvements in labor rights.
At the core of Working Capital Fund's strategy is the identification of opportunities that accelerate the development and deployment of market-based solutions. These solutions are designed to meet the increasing corporate demand for responsible sourcing and the protection of vulnerable workers. The fund actively invests in early-stage innovations that catalyze market changes, leading to significant improvements in worker outcomes by enhancing supply chain accountability and visibility.
By enabling businesses to implement operational changes effectively and on a large scale, Working Capital Fund aspires to create an environment where supply chains are equitable and beneficial for all stakeholders involved. Initially incubated by Humanity United, Working Capital Fund was founded by The Omidyar Group, which comprises a diverse array of independent organizations and initiatives dedicated to driving positive change. For further details about their mission and operations, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website at www.workingcapitalfund.com.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2017
Location: Downtown Redwood City, California
Address: 1991 Broadway St, Downtown Redwood City, California 94063, US
Size: 2-10 employees
Company:
Woven Capital, Toyota's Growth Fund
Description: Woven Capital, Toyota's Growth Fund, is a dedicated venture capital fund with a substantial portfolio of $800 million, aimed at fostering a global network of innovative partners and advanced technologies that align with the vision and mission of Toyota Motor Corporation. The fund strategically invests in growth-stage companies that demonstrate the potential to collaborate with Toyota, whether it be through contributions to the development of the world's most programmable vehicle or through initiatives that facilitate the creation of sustainable cities of the future.
Woven Capital's investment strategy encompasses a wide array of sectors, including the future of mobility, connected cities, Industry 4.0, next-generation vehicles, automation, artificial intelligence, and electrification. In addition to direct investments, Woven Capital also engages in fund-of-funds investments, supporting early-stage venture funds that enhance their strategic deal flow and broaden their international reach.
As a dedicated investor, Woven Capital is committed to generating long-term value not only for its customers and partners but also for society at large. This mission is reflected in their collaborative approach, as they work closely with portfolio companies and the portfolio companies of their fund-of-funds investments to foster mutual growth and innovation.
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity
Founded: 2021
Domain: http://www.woven.vc/
Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Address: 3-2-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower 16-20F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022, JP
Size: 11-50 employees