Top 11 Venture Capital Firms in Santa Clara

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital scene in Santa Clara is a critical first step. As the heart of Silicon Valley, the region is dense with investors, and knowing who to approach can make a significant difference in your fundraising process.

To help you find the right partners, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms in the area. We designed this guide to help you quickly identify relevant investors for your startup, whether you're actively fundraising or just getting started.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Seeking venture capital funding means partnering with investors who provide capital in exchange for an equity stake in your company.
• Santa Clara is a hub for prominent VC firms, with top players including Better Capital, Intel Capital, Acorn Pacific Ventures, and Heuristic Capital.
• For startup leaders raising capital or managing a recent round, Rho provides fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help manage your funds.

Which Santa Clara VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to talk to. This is a quick overview of Santa Clara VC firms and the stages at which they typically invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Santa Clara

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders seeking seed funding, Santa Clara has micro-VCs like Better Capital and incubators such as Inception, which is one of the area's notable AI venture capital firms.

Early Stage VC Firms in Santa Clara

Early-stage venture capital, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for companies with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and grow their market share. Firms like Heuristic Capital Partners, which concentrates on hardware, and Presidio Ventures, which supports tech startups with business development, are two examples of investors in the area.

Late Stage VC Firms in Santa Clara

Late-stage funding is for mature companies looking to expand significantly or prepare for an exit, such as an IPO or acquisition. Corporate venture arms are often active at this stage; for instance, Intel Capital invests in disruptive technologies like AI and cybersecurity, while LG Technology Ventures backs companies all the way through post-IPO.

Keep in mind that many venture capital firms, including several mentioned here, are multi-stage and invest across the entire startup lifecycle.

Here is our overview of the top VC firms in Santa Clara, California, with key details on their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner for your startup.

1. Better Capital

Better Capital is a micro-VC firm that invests in and helps build new companies. They focus on providing early capital to support innovative business ideas from the ground up.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage investments, with a clear interest in the financial services sector. Their model as a micro-VC suggests a hands-on approach, often getting involved at the earliest phases of a company's life.

This firm could be a strong partner for founders in the fintech space who are looking for their first institutional check. Their focus on the seed stage makes them a good fit for teams that are just getting started.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage
• Industries of focus: Financial services and venture capital
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 168 investments
• Notable exits: 8
• Firm type: Micro-VC

You can refer to their website here.

2. Intel Capital

Intel Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Intel, backing innovative startups across the technology sector. They invest in companies developing new solutions in areas like cloud and AI infrastructure and cybersecurity.

As a corporate venture firm, Intel Capital provides access to Intel's extensive technical expertise and global network, offering more than just capital. Their multi-stage investment strategy means they support companies from their earliest days all the way through to post-IPO.

If your company is building technology that aligns with Intel's strategic priorities, this firm could be a strong partner. Founders seeking a strategic relationship with a major tech corporation will find their resources especially helpful.

• Investment stages: Multi-stage, from seed to post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Cloud and AI infrastructure, cybersecurity
• Founded: 1991
• Portfolio size: Over 1,600 investments
• Notable exits: 510
• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

3. Acorn Pacific Ventures

Acorn Pacific Ventures provides capital and helps execute technology strategies for entrepreneurs. The firm partners with founders to build and scale their businesses from the ground up.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from seed and convertible notes to late-stage venture rounds. This flexibility signals they can be a long-term partner, supporting a company through its entire growth journey.

This firm is a good match for founders seeking a partner for the long haul, rather than just a single round of funding. Their focus on technology strategy also makes them a strong fit for tech-centric startups.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Founded: 2015
• Portfolio size: 30 investments
• Notable exits: 3
• Firm type: Venture Capital, Family Investment Office

You can refer to their website here.

4. Heuristic Capital

Heuristic Capital is a venture fund that concentrates on early-stage hardware companies. They provide capital to founders who are building tangible technology products.

The firm's clear focus on hardware is a key differentiator in a software-heavy venture world. While they invest across seed, early, and late stages, their primary interest is in supporting companies at the beginning of their journey.

This firm is an excellent match for founders developing physical products who need a partner with specific hardware expertise. If your startup is in robotics, IoT, or another hardware-centric field, Heuristic Capital could be a valuable investor.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Hardware
• Founded: 2016
• Portfolio size: 24 investments
• Notable exits: 4
• Firm type: Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

5. LG Technology Ventures

LG Technology Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of LG, investing in companies focused on information technology and advanced materials. They provide capital to startups developing new technologies that align with LG's broader strategic interests.

A key aspect of their approach is their multi-stage investment capability, supporting companies from seed rounds all the way to post-IPO. As a corporate venture firm, they offer startups access to LG's global network and deep technical knowledge.

This firm is a great fit for founders in IT or advanced materials who are seeking a long-term strategic partner, not just a financial one. If your startup could benefit from LG's corporate resources and global reach, they are worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Information technology, advanced materials
• Founded: 2018
• Portfolio size: 65 investments
• Notable exits: 9
• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

6. Presidio Ventures

Presidio Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm that provides tech startups with financial backing and business development support. They partner with companies to help them scale through strategic guidance and access to a larger network.

The firm’s multi-stage investment approach, from seed to post-IPO, signals their ability to be a long-term partner. Their emphasis on business development suggests they offer tangible operational support beyond just capital, helping portfolio companies grow.

This firm is a good match for founders in fields like fintech or cybersecurity who are seeking a strategic investor with corporate connections. If your startup could benefit from hands-on business development assistance, Presidio Ventures is a strong potential partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: FinTech, cyber security, digital media, Internet of Things
• Founded: 1998
• Portfolio size: 74 investments
• Notable exits: 9
• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

7. NVentures

NVentures is the corporate venture capital arm of NVIDIA, investing in technology companies that are building the future of AI. They provide capital to early-stage startups that are creating foundational new tools and applications.

As a corporate venture firm, NVentures offers more than just funding by providing access to NVIDIA's deep technical expertise and ecosystem. Their focus is on companies that can accelerate the AI industry, from infrastructure to novel applications.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders with a strong AI focus, especially those whose technology could benefit from a strategic relationship with NVIDIA. If you are building a company that advances the AI space, NVentures could provide critical support.

• Investment stages: Early and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial intelligence
• Founded: 2021
• Portfolio size: 38 investments
• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

8. ZenStone Venture Capital

ZenStone Venture Capital invests in companies that are powered by technology and data. The firm concentrates on post-seed and early-stage startups, providing capital to help them grow.

The firm invests across a wide range of industries, from consumer and finance to logistics and real estate. What unifies their portfolio is a focus on businesses fundamentally driven by technology and data.

ZenStone is a good fit for founders of tech-enabled companies who have moved beyond the initial idea phase. If you have early traction and are seeking a post-seed or Series A partner, they could be a relevant investor.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer, finance, Internet of Things, logistics, real estate
• Founded: 2014
• Portfolio size: 40 investments
• Notable exits: 17
• Firm type: Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

9. Nvidia Inception

Nvidia Inception is a program designed to support startups that are making significant advances in AI and data science. It acts as an incubator, helping to nurture promising companies that are working to transform their respective industries.

The program's defining feature is its deep focus on AI, providing members with access to NVIDIA's technology, expertise, and ecosystem. This signals a commitment to technical depth and operational support, rather than just providing capital.

This program is an excellent match for founders whose companies are built on AI and data science. If you are looking for technical resources and a strategic partnership with a leader in the AI space, Inception offers valuable support.

• Program type: Incubator
• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial intelligence (AI), data science, machine learning, software
• Program benefits: Access to NVIDIA's technology, technical expertise, and ecosystem

You can refer to their website here.

10. Aurum Partners

Aurum Partners is a venture capital firm with a flexible investment approach, backing companies across both private and public markets. They invest across the full capital structure, from equity to other asset classes.

The firm's strategy is notable for its breadth, covering all stages from seed to late-stage venture. Their focus is concentrated within the finance and financial services sectors.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders in the financial technology space, regardless of their company's stage. Their ability to invest across different asset classes makes them a good fit for teams seeking a flexible, long-term financial partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, financial services
• Founded: 2014
• Portfolio size: 38 investments
• Notable exits: 10

You can refer to their website here.

11. Ericsson Ventures

Ericsson Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Ericsson, investing in innovative companies as both a venture capital and private equity firm. They provide financial backing to startups that are developing new technologies.

The firm invests across early and late-stage venture rounds, showing they can support a company through multiple phases of growth. As a corporate investor, they offer startups strategic value by providing access to Ericsson's global network and industry knowledge.

This firm is a good fit for founders in the financial services sector who are past the seed stage and looking for a strategic investor. If your company could benefit from the resources of a major corporation, Ericsson Ventures is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Early-stage and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Finance, financial services, venture capital
• Firm type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Portfolio size: 37 investments
• Notable exits: 10

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Santa Clara's VC Scene

The venture capital market in Santa Clara offers a balanced mix of investors for companies at nearly every stage. Our list includes everything from micro-VCs focused on seed rounds to large corporate funds that can support a company through to post-IPO. This means that whether you are just starting out or are preparing for significant growth, you can find potential partners in the area.

A prominent feature is the strong presence of corporate venture capital arms from major technology companies. This suggests many investors are looking for strategic alignment, not just a financial return. For you as a founder, this can provide access to deep technical knowledge and valuable corporate networks. The sector focus is clearly on technology—especially AI, hardware, and financial services—reflecting the core strengths of Silicon Valley.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is a significant advantage when you're fundraising. It helps you direct your limited time and energy toward the conversations that matter most.

Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your new funds with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay designed for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Santa Clara

What do I need to approach venture capital firms?

You'll typically need a compelling pitch deck, a clear financial model, and a concise executive summary. Be prepared to articulate your company's vision, market opportunity, and the strength of your founding team.

Are there SaaS venture capital firms in Santa Clara?

Yes, many Santa Clara VCs invest in SaaS. Firms often look for strong recurring revenue models and clear product-market fit. Your pitch should highlight your key metrics and growth potential in the software space.

Which Santa Clara VCs focus on fintech?

Firms like Presidio Ventures and Aurum Partners are active in the fintech space. When approaching them, be prepared to discuss your business model, regulatory considerations, and how your technology provides a clear financial solution.

What is the difference between corporate and traditional VCs?

Traditional VCs are independent firms focused purely on financial returns. Corporate VCs are investment arms of large companies, often seeking strategic alignment and access to new technology in addition to financial gains.

How can Rho help after I secure venture capital financing?

After closing your round, you need a strong financial foundation. Rho provides integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to help you manage your new capital and scale your operations with confidence.