Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Washington

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the local investor scene is a critical first step. In Washington, D.C., and the broader DMV area, knowing which firms are active can make all the difference in your fundraising process.

To help, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms operating in Washington. Use this guide to quickly identify investors who might be a good fit for your startup, whether you're actively fundraising or just beginning your research.

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

• Seeking venture capital funding means partnering with an investment firm that provides capital in exchange for an equity stake in your company.

• Washington, D.C. is home to a variety of venture capital firms, with top players including International Finance Corporation, Quona Capital, Construct Capital, and Zeal Capital Partners.

• If you're a startup leader raising or managing a new round, Rho helps you access and manage your capital with alternative funding options, fast business banking, corporate cards, and more.

Which Washington VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to approach.

Here is a quick overview of which Washington, D.C. venture capital firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Washington

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders seeking this early capital, Washington is home to several specialized firms, including Construct Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Accion Venture Lab.

Early Stage VC Firms in Washington

Early-stage venture capital, typically covering Series A and B, is for companies with product-market fit that are ready to scale operations. Some notable early-stage VC firms in the area are Revolution Ventures and AAF Management Ltd., while others like Quona Capital operate as dedicated fintech venture capital firms.

Late Stage VC Firms in Washington

Late-stage funding supports established companies as they prepare for major growth, acquisitions, or an IPO. In Washington, firms such as International Finance Corporation, Paladin, and Bezos Expeditions provide this type of growth capital.

Keep in mind that many investors are multi-stage firms that provide capital across the entire startup lifecycle.

Below is a more detailed look at the top VC firms in Washington, D.C., covering their investment stages, sector focus, portfolio highlights, and what makes each a potential fit for your company.

1. International Finance Corporation

As the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) operates as a venture capital and private equity firm. It is focused on advancing economic development by investing in for-profit and commercial projects in developing countries.

IFC’s approach is defined by its broad, multi-stage investment capability, providing capital from seed rounds all the way to late-stage and private equity. The firm concentrates its efforts on the financial services sector, supporting companies that build economic infrastructure in emerging markets.

This makes IFC a strong potential partner for founders building businesses in developing nations, particularly within the fintech space. Their capacity to fund across the entire company lifecycle offers the possibility of long-term strategic support.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Funding Platforms, Hedge Funds

• Geographical focus: Developing countries

• Founded: 1956

• Portfolio size: Over 600 investments

• Number of exits: 163

You can refer to their website here.

2. Quona Capital

Quona Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in fintech companies across emerging markets. The firm is dedicated to expanding financial inclusion by backing startups that bring financial services to underserved customers and businesses.

A defining feature of Quona is its dual focus on financial returns and social impact, making it a key player in the impact investing space. The firm invests across a company's lifecycle, from seed rounds to late-stage venture, indicating a capacity for long-term support.

Quona is an ideal partner for founders whose fintech companies are built to serve communities in developing countries. If your startup has a clear mission to improve financial access, Quona’s specialized focus and global network could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Financial Services, Impact Investing

• Geographical focus: Emerging markets

• Founded: 2015

• Portfolio size: 164 investments

• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

3. Construct Capital

Construct Capital invests in founders building technology to modernize foundational sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing and supply chains.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage companies, signaling a focus on getting in on the ground floor with businesses that are improving core industrial and enterprise systems.

This makes Construct Capital a strong potential partner for founders whose companies are creating software or automation for these essential, often overlooked, industries.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Industrial Automation, Supply Chain Management

• Founded: 2020

• Portfolio size: 42 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Zeal Capital Partners

Zeal Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage businesses. The firm is committed to partnering with diverse management teams to build companies that address major economic challenges.

A core part of Zeal's strategy is its "Inclusive Investing™" thesis, which holds that diverse teams are best positioned to build market-leading companies. They are a thesis-driven firm with a specific focus on financial technology and the future of work.

Zeal is a strong potential partner if you are a founder from a diverse background building an early-stage company in the fintech or future of work sectors. Their focused approach suggests they provide deep support for companies aligned with their mission.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Financial Technology, Future of Work

• Thematic focus: Inclusive Investing™, backing diverse management teams

• Founded: 2020

• Portfolio size: 32 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Village Capital

Village Capital supports entrepreneurs building companies that promote a more inclusive and sustainable world. The firm operates with a unique model that combines venture capital investment with accelerator and entrepreneurship programs.

A key characteristic is this hybrid approach, offering founders both capital and structured support. They invest across a company's full lifecycle—from seed to private equity—and focus on foundational sectors like finance, education, and agriculture.

Village Capital is an excellent match for founders whose businesses have a clear social or environmental mission. If you are seeking hands-on guidance and a strong community alongside funding, their program-oriented approach is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Debt, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, EdTech, Education, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech

• Investor type: Accelerator, Entrepreneurship Program, Venture Capital

• Founded: 2009

• Portfolio size: 364 investments

• Number of exits: 28

You can refer to their website here.

6. Bezos Expeditions

Bezos Expeditions is the personal investment vehicle and family office for Jeff Bezos. The firm operates as a multi-stage venture capital investor, backing companies across various growth phases.

The firm invests across the entire startup lifecycle, from seed funding to late-stage rounds. Its broad focus includes sectors like financial services and mobile technology, reflecting a flexible and opportunistic investment strategy.

This firm could be a good fit for founders seeking a long-term capital partner with the capacity to support them through multiple funding stages. The connection to Jeff Bezos may also appeal to entrepreneurs building ambitious, category-defining companies.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile

• Investor type: Family Investment Office, Venture Capital

• Founded: 2005

• Portfolio size: 108 investments

• Number of exits: 25

You can refer to their website here.

7. Paladin Capital Group

Paladin Capital Group is a global investor that supports technology companies with both venture investment and growth capital. The firm has a long track record of backing innovative businesses around the world.

A key feature of Paladin is its multi-stage investment strategy, covering early and late-stage venture rounds as well as private equity. This approach suggests they are equipped to support companies through their entire growth journey, from scaling to maturity.

Paladin is a good potential match for founders of established technology companies, particularly in finance, who are seeking a long-term financial partner. Their focus on growth stages is ideal if you are ready to scale your operations significantly.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity

• Industries of focus: Technology, Finance, Financial Services

• Geographical focus: Global

• Founded: 2001

• Portfolio size: 176 investments

• Number of exits: 50

You can refer to their website here.

8. Anzu Partners

Anzu Partners is an investment firm that provides capital to technology companies in the industrial and life science sectors. They focus on businesses that are creating breakthrough innovations within these foundational industries.

A key characteristic of the firm is its ability to invest across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed funding to private equity and post-IPO stages. This signals a capacity for long-term partnership, supporting companies from their earliest days through to maturity.

Anzu Partners is a great potential match for founders in industrial or life science tech who are seeking a capital partner for the long haul. Their flexible, multi-stage approach is well-suited for companies with ambitious growth plans.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Private Equity, Debt

• Industries of focus: Industrial, Life Science, Biotechnology

• Investor type: Private Equity, Venture Capital

• Founded: 2014

• Portfolio size: 73 investments

• Number of exits: 5

You can refer to their website here.

9. Accion Venture Lab

Accion Venture Lab is an investment initiative that provides seed capital and strategic support to innovative fintech startups. The firm is dedicated to backing companies that are building scalable, inclusive solutions for underserved communities around the world.

A defining characteristic of the firm is its dual focus on financial returns and social impact, making it a key player in the impact investing space. They concentrate on seed and early-stage ventures, showing a commitment to helping foundational companies get off the ground.

Accion Venture Lab is a strong match for founders building inclusive fintech companies at the earliest stages. If your startup is designed to improve financial health and resilience for the underserved, their specialized model could be an excellent fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Impact Investing

• Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital

• Founded: 2011

• Portfolio size: 111 investments

• Number of exits: 9

You can refer to their website here.

10. Revolution Ventures

Revolution Ventures is the early-stage investment arm of the broader firm, Revolution. They focus on backing founders who are building companies in cities across the United States, often outside of traditional tech centers.

A key aspect of their approach is investing across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage venture. This signals their ability to act as a long-term partner, supporting companies as they grow and scale their operations.

The firm is a great potential match for founders building businesses in emerging technology hubs throughout the country. If you're looking for a capital partner that can support you through several funding rounds, Revolution Ventures is worth considering.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services

• Geographical focus: United States

• Founded: 2013

• Portfolio size: 48 investments

• Number of exits: 10

You can refer to their website here.

11. AAF Management Ltd.

AAF Management Ltd. is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology companies at the seed and Series A stages. They provide initial funding to help founders build and scale their businesses from the ground up.

The firm maintains a broad investment focus across technology, with interests in fintech, healthcare, and software. Their specific concentration on seed and Series A rounds shows a commitment to partnering with companies at their earliest, most formative phases.

AAF Management could be a good fit if you are a founder of a technology company seeking your first institutional capital. Their wide-ranging industry interest suggests they are open to innovative ideas across several high-growth sectors.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Technology, including FinTech, Health Care, and Software

• Founded: 2016

• Portfolio size: 133 investments

• Number of exits: 24

You can refer to their website here.

12. Bezos Earth Fund

The Bezos Earth Fund represents Jeff Bezos's $10 billion commitment to support scientists, activists, and NGOs. It operates as a large-scale grant-making organization dedicated to fighting climate change and protecting the natural world.

A defining feature of the fund is its exclusive focus on grants, meaning it does not take an equity stake like a traditional VC firm. Its priorities are centered on driving systemic change by funding research, conservation, and environmental justice initiatives.

This fund is a potential match for leaders of non-profits, research institutions, and activist groups, not for-profit startup founders. If your work is focused on creating scalable solutions for climate and nature, the Earth Fund may be a source of support.

• Funding type: Grant

• Recipient types: Scientists, activists, NGOs

• Total commitment: $10 billion

• Founded: 2020

• Number of grants: 35

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Washington's VC Scene

This overview suggests Washington, D.C. offers a well-rounded fundraising environment. You can find investors that support companies across the entire growth cycle, from dedicated early-stage firms like Zeal Capital Partners to multi-stage partners like Revolution Ventures that can provide capital from seed to later rounds.

A notable trend is the concentration of firms focused on fintech and impact investing, often with a global scope, such as Quona Capital and the International Finance Corporation. For founders in these fields, D.C. provides a specialized group of potential partners. This mix of stage diversity and sector depth makes the region a solid market for your fundraising efforts.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is essential when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. This guide is designed to help you target your efforts and approach the right partners for your company.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. Our team is here to support you in securing the capital you need to grow.

We help founders access working capital when they are actively raising. Once your capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Washington

Are there many pre-seed VC firms in Washington, D.C.?

Yes, the area has several firms focused on pre-seed and seed rounds. Investors like Construct Capital and Zeal Capital Partners specialize in providing the initial capital that helps founders validate their ideas and build their first products.

What are the top cybersecurity venture capital firms in Washington?

The D.C. area is a hub for cybersecurity. Firms like Paladin Capital Group have a strong focus on technology and security, making them a key investor to watch in this sector for both early and growth-stage companies.

How important is a warm introduction to a D.C. venture capital firm?

A warm introduction from a trusted contact in your network is almost always preferred. It can significantly increase your chances of getting a meeting, as it provides initial validation and helps your pitch get noticed by partners.

Are there social impact venture capital firms in Washington?

Absolutely. Washington is a center for impact investing. Firms like Quona Capital and Accion Venture Lab are dedicated to funding companies that generate positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns, especially in emerging markets.

What should I do if my startup doesn't fit these VCs' focus?

Don't be discouraged. This list is not exhaustive. Continue researching other local investors and angel groups, and consider non-dilutive funding options. The right financial partner for your specific industry and stage is out there.

How can Rho help with venture capital financing for startups?

We help founders access non-dilutive funding like venture debt to extend their runway during a fundraise. Once funded, our platform provides banking, cards, and spend management to help you manage your capital efficiently. Learn more at Rho.