Top 6 Venture Capital Firms in Sunnyvale
Looking for funding in Sunnyvale? We've compiled a list of the top six active venture capital firms to help you find the right investment partner.
Rho Editorial Team
If you're a founder preparing to raise capital, a solid grasp of the venture capital community in Sunnyvale is essential. Knowing which firms are active in the heart of Silicon Valley helps you focus your efforts and connect with the right people from the start.
To assist with your search, our team at Rho has created this guide to the top VC firms in the area. We've gathered key information to give you a straightforward overview of potential investment partners for your startup.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
Securing venture capital is about more than just money; it’s about finding a partner who understands your vision and can support your company’s growth.
Sunnyvale has a strong venture community, with firms like Plug and Play, Fellows Fund, PreAngel, and the CrowdStrike Falcon Fund being some of the top players.
Whether you're currently raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay all in one place.
Which Sunnyvale VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?
It's helpful to know which investors to approach, whether you're an early-stage company or closer to an exit. Here is a brief overview of Sunnyvale VC firms and the stages they typically invest in.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Sunnyvale
Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll use to develop your idea and find product-market fit. For founders in AI or fintech, firms like Fellows Fund and Plug and Play are active at this stage, as is PreAngel.
Early Stage VC Firms in Sunnyvale
Early-stage venture capital, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for companies with proven traction to scale operations and accelerate growth. Sunnyvale has several strong early-stage players, including the CrowdStrike Falcon Fund for cybersecurity startups and Fellows Fund, which provides AI venture capital.
Late Stage VC Firms in Sunnyvale
Late-stage funding supports mature companies looking to expand significantly, often in preparation for an IPO or acquisition. In Sunnyvale, Samsung NEXT is a key investor for later rounds, and Plug and Play also participates through its private equity investments.
It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across multiple startup funding stages.
Below, we examine the top VC firms in Sunnyvale, California, covering their investment stages, preferred sectors, notable portfolio companies, and the unique qualities each offers to founders like you.
1. Plug and Play
Plug and Play operates as a global innovation platform, connecting startups with corporations and investors. Their model extends beyond just capital, focusing on creating valuable partnerships across various industries.
A key aspect of their approach is the emphasis on corporate collaboration, giving startups direct access to potential customers and partners. They invest across multiple stages, from seed to private equity, with a focus on sectors like fintech and smart cities.
This firm is a strong match for founders who can benefit from a large ecosystem and direct introductions to established corporations. If your startup is looking for strategic partnerships as much as funding, their platform could be a significant asset.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity, and Non-Equity Assistance
Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, and Smart Cities
Founded: 2006
Investor type: A hybrid model including Venture Capital, Accelerator, and Co-Working Space
Portfolio size: Over 2,100 investments
Track record: More than 190 exits
You can refer to their website here.
2. Fellows Fund
Fellows Fund is a venture capital firm that brings together AI pioneers to support early-stage founders in the field. They provide capital, strategic advice, and important industry connections to help new AI companies get off the ground.
The firm’s defining characteristic is its exclusive focus on artificial intelligence, which gives them deep technical expertise. Their model centers on creating a community of experts who can offer practical guidance and mentorship to founders.
This firm is a strong match for early-stage founders building an AI-native company. If you are looking for a partner with a specialized network and a deep understanding of the AI space, Fellows Fund is worth considering.
Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence
Founded: 2021
Investor type: Venture Capital
Portfolio size: 28 investments
Track record: 2 exits
You can refer to their website here.
3. PreAngel
PreAngel operates as a hybrid investment firm, combining the roles of an angel group, incubator, and venture capital fund. They concentrate on providing capital and support to technology companies in their earliest phases of development.
A defining feature of PreAngel is its broad technology focus, with investments in areas like AI, big data, drones, and open-source software. Their structure as an angel group and incubator, in addition to a VC fund, suggests a hands-on approach to helping founders.
This firm is a good fit for founders at the seed or early venture stage who are building companies in specialized tech fields. If you are looking for an investor that provides close support and industry expertise beyond just funding, PreAngel could be a valuable partner.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture and Seed
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cloud Infrastructure, Drones, Financial Services, Machine Learning, Mobile Apps, Open Source, and SaaS
Founded: 2011
Investor type: Angel Group, Incubator, and Venture Capital
Portfolio size: 137 investments
Track record: 11 exits
You can refer to their website here.
4. CrowdStrike Falcon Fund
The CrowdStrike Falcon Fund is an early-stage investment fund, created as a partnership between cybersecurity leader CrowdStrike and venture capital firm Accel. They provide capital to companies that are in their initial growth phases.
The fund's defining feature is its direct connection to CrowdStrike, which suggests a focus on companies that can integrate with or complement its security ecosystem. This structure offers founders unique go-to-market support and deep industry access.
This fund is an ideal match for early-stage founders building companies in cybersecurity or adjacent sectors. If your startup could benefit from a strategic alliance with an industry leader, this fund is a compelling option to consider.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Business Development, Finance, and Financial Services
Founded: 2011
Investor type: Venture Capital
Portfolio size: 24 investments
Track record: 4 exits
You can refer to their website here.
5. Samsung NEXT
Samsung NEXT is the corporate venture arm of Samsung, investing in early-stage software and services startups. They aim to back founders building companies that can significantly impact future technology.
As a corporate venture capital fund, their primary distinction is the potential for strategic alignment with Samsung's global ecosystem. They invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage, with a focus on software and services.
This firm is a great option for founders whose software or service could benefit from Samsung's scale, distribution, and technical resources. If you're building a company that aligns with their strategic interests, they can be a powerful partner.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Software and Services, with a background in Finance and Financial Services
Founded: 2012
Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
Portfolio size: Over 365 investments
Track record: 45 exits
You can refer to their website here.
6. Google.org
Google.org is the philanthropic arm of Google, functioning as a corporate venture capital fund. They support organizations with ambitious ideas aimed at creating significant, long-term global impact.
A key characteristic of Google.org is its focus on impact investing and non-profits, setting it apart from traditional VCs. Their support comes in various forms, including grants and seed funding, for ventures addressing major global challenges.
This fund is a strong match for founders leading non-profits or social enterprises whose primary mission is to create lasting positive change. If your organization is tackling a large-scale social or environmental issue, Google.org could be the right partner.
Investment stages: Grant, Seed, and Venture
Industries of focus: Impact Investing and Non-Profit
Founded: 2005
Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
Portfolio size: 86 investments
Track record: 1 exit
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About Sunnyvale's VC Scene
This review of Sunnyvale's venture firms shows a clear focus on early-stage companies. While some investors participate in later rounds, the majority of activity is concentrated at the seed and early venture stages. There is also a strong emphasis on technology, with specific interest in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software.
For you as a founder, this means Sunnyvale is a particularly active market if you are in the early phases of building a tech company. The variety of investor models—from accelerators and corporate funds to traditional VCs—provides different paths for securing capital and strategic support. We hope this overview helps you identify the right partners for your next steps.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Having a focused list of relevant investors is critical when your time and energy are limited. This guide is designed to help you direct your efforts toward the firms that are the best fit for your company.
Once you've secured your funding, the next step is managing it effectively. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.
Our platform gives you the tools to manage your new capital with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to keep your startup's finances organized.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Sunnyvale
Are there many SaaS venture capital firms in Sunnyvale?
Yes, many Sunnyvale investors, including PreAngel and Plug and Play, actively fund SaaS companies. The area's focus on software and early-stage tech makes it a strong environment for SaaS founders seeking capital and strategic support.
What do Sunnyvale VCs look for in a startup?
Sunnyvale VCs typically look for a strong founding team, a large addressable market, and clear product-market fit or a path to achieving it. For early-stage firms, the team and vision are often the most important factors.
Are there biotech or life sciences venture capital firms in Sunnyvale?
While Sunnyvale's VC scene is heavily focused on software and AI, opportunities exist. Founders in biotech or life sciences may also find more specialized investors in the broader Silicon Valley and Bay Area ecosystem.
How do corporate venture capital firms in Sunnyvale differ from traditional VCs?
Corporate VCs like Samsung NEXT often seek strategic alignment with their parent company, offering industry access in addition to capital. Traditional VCs are primarily focused on financial returns and may have a broader investment thesis.
How can Rho help after I secure venture capital financing?
Once you've raised capital, our platform helps you manage it. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and expense management tools, all designed for founders. You can get started with Rho in minutes.