15 Best Series A Venture Capital Firms

Understanding the key players in Series A venture capital is a crucial step for any founder preparing to raise. This round of funding, a significant part of the early-stage venture capital process, often determines a company's trajectory and sets the stage for future growth.

To assist with your preparation, our team at Rho has curated this overview of top Series A VC firms. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the firms most relevant to your business before you begin your outreach.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Series A funding is a critical milestone that provides the capital needed to scale your operations and accelerate growth after you've established product-market fit.

• Top Series A investors include firms like Altimeter Capital, Valor Capital Group, Valor Equity Partners, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which are known for backing various promising startups.

• If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding like venture debt and credit lines. Once your funds are in, Rho’s platform helps you manage them with FDIC-insured accounts, corporate cards offering up to 2% cashback, and automated bill pay.

What is Series A Venture Capital?

Series A venture capital is typically the first major institutional funding round for a startup that has demonstrated product-market fit.

Investors at this stage provide the capital needed to scale operations, expand the team, and solidify your market position, making it a larger and more formal process than a seed round.

Types of Series A VC Firms At A Glance

When you're raising a Series A round, it helps to know which venture capital firms specialize by geography or sector; here’s a quick breakdown of those trends across top Series A investors.

Series A VC Firms in California

California remains a major center for early-stage venture capital, with many leading Series A VC firms located in the Bay Area. Among them are GGV Capital, Tribe Capital, and Forerunner Ventures.

Series A VCs in New York & Boston

For founders on the East Coast, there are numerous early-stage VC firms in New York City and Boston. Notable examples from our list include NYC-based HOF Capital and Primary Venture Partners, alongside Boston-based Altimeter Capital.

FinTech Series A VCs

The financial technology sector attracts significant venture capital. Firms with a strong focus on FinTech startups include Pantera Capital, which invests exclusively in blockchain-related projects, and Tribe Capital.

Series A Firms for SaaS Startups

Software as a Service (SaaS) is another dominant investment category for early-stage venture capital funds. You'll find that firms like Brighton Park Capital and Valor Equity Partners frequently back SaaS companies.

Of course, many top-performing Series A VC firms are generalists, investing across a wide range of industries, locations, and even venture capital stages.

Below is a closer look at top Series A VC firms. We've included key details about their locations, industries of focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders like you.

1. Altimeter Capital

Altimeter Capital is a technology-focused investment firm that manages both public equity and private growth-stage funds. They concentrate on supporting technology companies as they scale their operations.

The firm invests across a wide spectrum of the technology industry, including SaaS, FinTech, AI, and enterprise software. Their portfolio, which features companies like Sigma Computing and Solo.io, indicates an interest in businesses with deep technical foundations.

Altimeter could be a strong partner for technology founders who have an established business model and are preparing for a Series A round. Their experience across private and public markets is valuable for founders building companies with long-term growth ambitions.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Broad technology, including SaaS, FinTech, AI/ML, and Big Data
• Geographical presence: Boston and Menlo Park
• Founded: 2008
• Notable investments: Sigma Computing, Clumio, Solo.io
• Total investments: 87

You can refer to their website here.

2. Valor Capital Group

Valor Capital Group is an investment firm that focuses on cross-border opportunities, primarily connecting the U.S. and Brazilian markets. They support companies with global ambitions from their base in New York.

The firm’s distinct approach is centered on bridging innovation between these two major ecosystems, with a broad industry focus that includes FinTech, E-Commerce, and Healthcare. Their backing of companies like Gympass demonstrates a track record of supporting businesses that scale internationally.

Valor Capital Group is a strong potential partner for founders with a clear cross-border strategy, especially those looking to expand into Latin America. If your startup has international potential, this firm could be a great fit.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Beauty, Cryptocurrency / Blockchain, E-Commerce, Healthcare, Marketing (MarTech), Telecommunications (TMT)
• Geographical presence: New York
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: Gympass, MOLTEN, RAIN, Revelo
• Total investments: 154

You can refer to their website here.

3. Valor Equity Partners

Valor Equity Partners is an operational growth investment firm that supports high-growth companies across various stages of development. Based in Chicago, they focus on providing hands-on support to help businesses scale effectively.

The firm’s emphasis on operational growth signals a partnership that extends beyond capital. Their diverse portfolio, which includes companies like The Boring Company, HackerOne, and Tovala, shows an interest in businesses with strong fundamentals across many industries, from SaaS to manufacturing.

Valor Equity Partners is a compelling choice for founders seeking an investor that actively participates in building the business. If your company has a clear path to high growth and you value hands-on operational expertise, this firm could be a strong fit.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: FinTech, RestaurantTech, Manufacturing, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Chicago
• Founded: 1995
• Notable investments: The Boring Company, HackerOne, Tovala, Fooda
• Total investments: 154

You can refer to their website here.

4. Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a mission-driven investment firm dedicated to backing companies that address climate change. They focus on innovations that can provide the world with affordable and reliable power without producing greenhouse gas emissions.

The firm’s singular focus is on ClimateTech and impact investing, aiming to support companies that can help achieve a net-zero emissions future. Their portfolio, which includes companies like Electric Hydrogen and Our Next Energy, shows a commitment to foundational technologies across the clean energy transition.

Founders whose core mission is to combat climate change with scalable technology will find a strong alignment with Breakthrough Energy Ventures. If your company is developing solutions in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, or industrial decarbonization, this firm is a key player to consider.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: ClimateTech & CleanTech, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Seattle
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: BIOMILQ, Electric Hydrogen, Our Next Energy, Fervo Energy
• Total investments: 102

You can refer to their website here.

5. MSD Partners

MSD Partners is a New York-based investment firm that takes a long-term view on its partnerships. Their approach is centered on making investments that generate consistent, attractive risk-adjusted returns.

The firm concentrates on the Information Technology and Creator Economy sectors at the Series A stage. Their investment in companies like Rhombus Systems reflects a focus on businesses with clear potential for sustainable growth.

This firm is a strong potential match for founders in IT or the creator economy who have a well-defined business model. If you value a partner with a disciplined, financially-grounded strategy for long-term success, MSD Partners is worth considering.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Information Technology, Creator Economy
• Geographical presence: New York
• Founded: 2009
• Notable investments: Rhombus Systems
• Total investments: 14

You can refer to their website here.

6. Advantage Capital

Advantage Capital is an investment firm that provides growth equity and various forms of debt capital to businesses. Based in New Orleans, they have a long history of supporting companies across different stages of their development.

The firm's investment approach is notably broad, covering sectors from ClimateTech and Healthcare to Manufacturing and SaaS. Their portfolio, including companies like Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Brew Dr. Kombucha, reflects this diverse interest and a focus on impact.

Advantage Capital could be a good match for founders whose businesses have a strong social or environmental mission. Their flexible capital structures, including debt and equity, also make them suitable for companies seeking financing beyond a standard venture round.

• Investment stage: Growth equity and debt financing across various stages
• Industries of focus: Impact Investing, ClimateTech, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and SaaS
• Geographical presence: New Orleans
• Founded: 1992
• Notable investments: Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Brew Dr. Kombucha, PayIt, Medrhythms
• Total investments: Over 1,100

You can refer to their website here.

7. GGV Capital

GGV Capital is a global venture firm that invests across multiple stages, with a focus on backing founders from seed to growth. They operate with a multi-sector strategy, looking for promising companies in the U.S., Latin America, Israel, and Asia.

The firm’s portfolio is exceptionally broad, spanning SaaS, FinTech, E-Commerce, and deep tech, with notable investments in companies like Slice, Handshake, and Drata. This diversity signals an approach that prioritizes strong founding teams and large market opportunities over a narrow industry focus.

GGV Capital is a strong potential partner for founders with global ambitions, regardless of their industry. If your company operates in a major technology category and has a clear path to scale, their extensive network and multi-stage experience could be a significant asset.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: SaaS, FinTech, E-Commerce, Developer Tools, Healthcare, Enterprise
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park
• Founded: 2000
• Notable investments: Slice, Handshake, Drata, Vercel, Ibotta
• Total investments: 838

You can refer to their website here.

8. Forerunner Ventures

Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies built for the modern consumer. Based in San Francisco, they concentrate on businesses that deeply understand evolving consumer behavior.

The firm's approach is centered on the consumer, backing companies across a wide range of sectors from E-Commerce and RetailTech to Healthcare and FinTech. Their portfolio, which includes brands like Ritual and The Yes, shows a commitment to businesses that are redefining the consumer experience.

Forerunner Ventures is an ideal partner for founders building consumer-focused companies. If your business is driven by a unique insight into modern consumer needs and behaviors, this firm is a key one to consider.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Broad consumer focus, including E-Commerce, RetailTech, FinTech, and Health & Wellness
• Geographical presence: San Francisco
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Ritual, The Yes, CUUP, Ampla Technologies
• Total investments: 220

You can refer to their website here.

9. Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners is a global private market investment firm with a long history in venture capital. From their base in Chicago, they manage funds that support companies at the Series A stage.

The firm invests across a wide array of technology and healthcare sectors, including SaaS, enterprise software, BioTech, and medical devices. Their portfolio, with companies like Nomad Health and VillageMD, reflects a focus on these high-growth areas.

Founders in the technology or healthcare industries may find a strong partner in Adams Street Partners. If you are building a company with a solid business model in one of their key sectors, their experience could be a significant asset.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Healthcare, SaaS, Information Technology, BioTech, Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Chicago
• Founded: 1972
• Notable investments: Nomad Health, Redox, VillageMD, BoomTown
• Total investments: 226

You can refer to their website here.

10. Brighton Park Capital

Brighton Park Capital is an investment firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut, that specializes in software, information services, and technology-enabled services. They partner with companies in these specific sectors to support their growth.

The firm maintains a clear concentration on its core industries, backing businesses with strong technical foundations. Their investment in companies like Reltio, a data management platform, shows their interest in areas like SaaS and Big Data.

This firm is a good potential partner for founders of software or tech-enabled service companies who are raising a Series A round. If your business has a proven model and operates in their core sectors, their specialized focus could be a valuable asset.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Software, SaaS, PaaS, Big Data & Analytics, and technology-enabled services
• Geographical presence: Greenwich, Connecticut
• Founded: 2019
• Notable investments: Reltio
• Total investments: 16

You can refer to their website here.

11. Pantera Capital

Pantera Capital is an investment firm that concentrates exclusively on blockchain technology and digital currency. They support ventures, tokens, and projects within this specific ecosystem from their base in Menlo Park.

The firm's defining feature is its singular commitment to the blockchain space, investing in everything from digital currencies to the underlying infrastructure. Their portfolio, which includes companies like Ripio and Coinme, shows a deep specialization in this area.

Pantera Capital is a clear choice for founders building companies centered on blockchain technology or digital assets. If your business operates within this sector, their specialized knowledge and network are highly relevant.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Cryptocurrency / Blockchain, FinTech, SaaS, and related infrastructure
• Geographical presence: Menlo Park
• Founded: 2003
• Notable investments: Ripio, Coinme, The Block, MakersPlace
• Total investments: 195

You can refer to their website here.

12. HOF Capital

HOF Capital is a global, multistage venture firm that partners with entrepreneurs from the idea stage through to IPO. With over $1 billion in assets, the New York-based firm provides long-term support to ambitious founders.

The firm’s investment strategy is exceptionally broad, covering sectors from FinTech and AI to Healthcare and E-Commerce. Their portfolio, which includes companies like DuckDuckGo, MoonPay, and Flutterwave, highlights their capacity to back category-defining businesses across many different industries.

HOF Capital is a strong potential partner for founders seeking a long-term investor that can provide support across multiple funding rounds. Their multistage approach is well-suited for companies with a clear vision for growth, regardless of their specific sector.

• Investment stage: Multistage, from idea to IPO

• Industries of focus: FinTech, AI/ML, Healthcare, SaaS, E-Commerce, and more

• Geographical presence: New York

• Founded: 2015

• Notable investments: DuckDuckGo, MoonPay, Flutterwave, Unqork, Republic

• Total investments: 107

You can refer to their website here.

13. Primary Venture Partners

Primary Venture Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm that specializes in backing seed-stage companies. They are deeply integrated into the NYC tech community, focusing on founders in their earliest stages.

The firm concentrates on enterprise SaaS and e-commerce, with a portfolio that includes companies like Stellar Health and Accela. Their model is built around providing intensive, hands-on support to help New York-based startups find their footing.

This firm is a strong choice for founders in New York who are raising a seed round, especially in SaaS or a related industry. If you are building an early-stage company and value close operational partnership, Primary should be on your list.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Apps, Healthcare, Software, Health & Wellness, GovTech, SaaS
• Geographical presence: New York
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: Stellar Health, Balanced, Accela
• Total investments: 158

You can refer to their website here.

14. Susa Ventures

Susa Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm in San Francisco that invests primarily at the seed stage, with participation in Series A rounds. They focus on companies that use data and technology to build strong, defensible business models.

The firm invests broadly across enterprise and consumer technology, with a clear affinity for data-intensive businesses in sectors like FinTech, SaaS, and AI. Their portfolio includes foundational companies like Pulley and Treasury Prime, indicating a focus on businesses that become systems of record.

Susa Ventures is a compelling choice for founders at the seed or Series A stage whose companies have data at their core. If you are building a business with a strong technological moat, their team's expertise could be a valuable asset.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, FinTech, SaaS, AI/ML, and Developer Tools
• Geographical presence: San Francisco
• Founded: 2013
• Notable investments: Pulley, Treasury Prime, Parachute Home, Flock Homes
• Total investments: 191

You can refer to their website here.

15. Tribe Capital

Tribe Capital is an early-stage venture firm that concentrates on identifying and supporting companies that have demonstrated product-market fit. Based in San Francisco, they use a data-driven methodology to evaluate investment opportunities.

The firm’s approach is product-centric, with a broad focus across technology sectors including FinTech, SaaS, and cryptocurrency. Their portfolio, which features companies like Carta, Docker, and Republic, reflects their interest in businesses with strong quantitative signals of traction.

Tribe Capital is a compelling partner for founders who can clearly show product-market fit through data. If your early-stage company operates in a major tech category and you value a quantitative approach to growth, this firm is one to consider.

• Investment stage: Series A
• Industries of focus: FinTech, SaaS, Cryptocurrency / Blockchain, E-Commerce, Healthcare
• Geographical presence: San Francisco
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: Carta, Docker, Republic, Bolt, Apollo.io
• Total investments: 145

You can refer to their website here.

What Startup Founders Should Look for in a Series A VC Firm

Choosing the right Series A venture capital firm goes beyond securing capital; it's about finding a partner that aligns with your company’s vision and operational needs. As the examples above illustrate, investors vary widely. Some offer hands-on operational support, while others provide deep, specialized knowledge in a single sector. Your goal is to identify which approach best suits your growth stage.

Consider a firm's focus. Many leading Series A VC firms concentrate on specific industries, such as healthcare or SaaS, or geographies like the Bay Area or Chicago. This specialization often translates into a more valuable network and relevant guidance. A firm with a strong portfolio in your space understands your challenges and can make critical introductions.

Ultimately, look for evidence of a true partnership. Evaluate the firm’s track record, the partners' expertise, and the resources they provide post-investment. The right early-stage venture capital partner will contribute far more than just money to your success, helping you build a durable business for the long term.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires your full attention, which is why a focused list of relevant investors is so important. Our guide is built to help you concentrate your efforts on the firms that are the best fit for your company.

If you’ve just raised or are planning to, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes. We provide the financial infrastructure your startup needs to manage capital and scale effectively.

For founders actively raising, Rho Capital helps you access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt, credit lines, and working capital. Once capital is secured, our integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Series A Venture Capital

How does Series A differ from later venture capital series?

Series A venture capital focuses on scaling a proven product. Later rounds, like Series B and C, are for expansion into new markets or acquisitions, representing a more mature growth stage venture capital investment.

What is a typical Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) early stage venture capital focus?

Firms like a16z often have a broad early stage venture capital focus, investing in bold ideas across technology sectors. They look for strong founding teams aiming to build large, enduring companies, often providing extensive operational support.

Are there top performing Series A VC firms outside of California and NYC?

Absolutely. Many leading Series A VC firms operate in other major hubs. Thriving ecosystems exist in cities like Austin and Miami, and the market for early stage venture capital in Europe is also expanding.

What is the focus for early stage life science venture capital?

Early stage life science venture capital typically targets innovations in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. These early stage healthcare venture capital firms look for strong intellectual property and a clear path through regulatory approval.

How do multistage growth venture capital firms approach Series A?

Multistage firms like General Catalyst or Greylock participate in Series A rounds as part of a long-term strategy. They seek companies with high-growth potential, like those in AI, intending to provide capital across multiple venture capital stages.

How can Rho help after I close my Series A venture capital round?

Once your Series A venture capital is secured, our platform helps you manage it. We offer integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated payables to help B2B businesses scale efficiently. Get started with Rho today.