Top 12 Venture Capital Firms in Washington
Key takeaways
Seeking venture capital funding means exchanging a portion of your company’s equity for the financial resources needed to scale your operations.
Washington, D.C. is home to several prominent venture capital firms, with key players including International Finance Corporation, Quona Capital, Construct Capital, and Zeal Capital Partners.
If you're a startup leader who is raising or has just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.
For founders preparing to raise capital in the Washington, D.C. area, understanding the local investor scene is a critical first step. To help you prepare, our team at Rho curated this overview of the top venture capital firms operating in the District and the greater DMV region. This guide is designed to help you quickly identify the investors most relevant to your startup, whether you're looking for seed funding or a Series A partner.Just raised? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. We provide business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—all built for startup teams moving fast.
Which Washington VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?
Knowing who to talk to is essential, whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit. We've organized this overview to show you which Washington VC firms focus on each investment stage.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms
This initial funding stage is for getting your idea off the ground, often before you have significant revenue. For founders seeking seed funding, D.C.-area firms like Construct Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Accion Venture Lab specialize in backing companies from their earliest days.
Early Stage VC Firms
Early-stage funding, typically Series A or B, is for startups with a proven product and initial market traction looking to scale operations. Several early-stage VC firms in the region, including fintech-focused Quona Capital, AAF Management Ltd., and Revolution Ventures, provide capital to help accelerate growth.
Late Stage VC Firms
Late-stage rounds are for established companies preparing for major expansion, a potential acquisition, or an IPO. Investors at this stage, such as Paladin, Bezos Expeditions, and the International Finance Corporation, provide significant growth capital to mature businesses.
It's also worth noting that some VC firms invest across all startup funding stages.
To help you find the right partner, we've compiled a detailed look at the top VC firms in Washington, D.C., covering their investment focus, notable portfolio companies, and what makes each a compelling choice for founders.
1. International Finance Corporation
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a private equity and venture capital firm with a specific mandate to invest in the private sector within developing countries. As a subsidiary of a larger development institution, its goal is to drive economic growth through its investments.
The firm’s approach is notable for its incredibly broad investment scope, providing capital for companies at every stage from seed to private equity. This flexibility, combined with a clear focus on financial services in emerging markets, signals a long-term, mission-driven partnership model.
IFC is an ideal match for founders whose companies are based in or serve developing economies, particularly within the fintech sector. Its ability to provide different types of capital makes it a versatile partner for a company's entire growth journey.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt
Industries of Focus: Finance, Financial Services, Funding Platform, Hedge Funds
Founded: 1956
Portfolio Size: Over 600 investments
Track Record: More than 160 exits
You can refer to their website here.
2. Quona Capital
Quona Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative fintech companies across emerging markets. Their core mission is to support businesses that are expanding access to financial services for underserved populations.
The firm’s clear focus on both fintech and impact investing is a key characteristic, signaling a commitment to backing companies that deliver strong financial returns and positive social outcomes. They invest across multiple funding stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, allowing them to support companies throughout their growth.
Quona is an ideal partner for founders building scalable fintech solutions in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. If your startup is mission-driven and focused on financial inclusion, their specialized expertise and network could be invaluable.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
Industries of Focus: FinTech, Financial Services, Impact Investing
Founded: 2015
Portfolio Size: 164 investments
Track Record: 8 exits
You can refer to their website here.
3. Construct Capital
Construct Capital invests in founders building technology to transform foundational sectors of the economy. They back companies that are modernizing core industries that have been historically underserved by innovation.
The firm’s clear focus is on early-stage companies in sectors like supply chain management and industrial automation. This signals a commitment to backing founders who are solving complex, real-world problems in essential, non-digital-native industries.
Construct Capital is an ideal partner for founders developing enterprise software or automation solutions for these critical fields. If your startup is aimed at improving the core infrastructure of our economy, their specialized expertise is a strong match.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
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 firm that partners with early-stage businesses led by diverse management teams. Their investment approach is built on the belief that inclusivity is a key driver for market-leading companies.
A core characteristic of the firm is its "Inclusive Investing" strategy, which actively seeks out founders from various backgrounds to close wealth and skills gaps. They focus on the seed and early venture stages, providing foundational capital to help new companies grow.
Zeal is an excellent match for founders building companies in financial technology or the future of work, particularly those with diverse leadership teams. If your startup is built on a foundation of inclusivity, their mission and network will be a strong strategic fit.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of Focus: Financial Technology, Future of Work
Investment Thesis: Inclusive Investing™, with a focus on backing diverse management teams.
Founded: 2020
Portfolio Size: 32 investments
You can refer to their website here.
5. Village Capital
Village Capital supports entrepreneurs who are building businesses for a more inclusive and sustainable world. They focus on connecting founders with the resources and capital needed to solve major global challenges.
A defining characteristic of the firm is its hybrid model, which combines a venture fund with accelerator and entrepreneurship programs. This approach allows them to invest across a company's full lifecycle—from seed to private equity—while providing hands-on support in impact-focused sectors like fintech, edtech, and agriculture.
Village Capital is an excellent match for founders whose companies have a clear social or environmental mission. If you are an early-stage entrepreneur who would benefit from structured programs and a supportive community, their unique model is worth exploring.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity, Convertible Note, Debt
Industries of Focus: Agriculture, EdTech, Education, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech
Model: Accelerator, Entrepreneurship Program, Venture Capital
Founded: 2009
Portfolio Size: Over 360 investments
Track Record: 28 exits
You can refer to their website here.
6. Bezos Expeditions
Bezos Expeditions is the personal investment vehicle and family office of Jeff Bezos. The firm directs capital into a wide range of venture opportunities on his behalf.
A key aspect of the firm is its flexibility to invest across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds. As a family office, it operates with a long-term perspective, unconstrained by traditional fund cycles.
The firm is a potential match for founders with ambitious, transformative ideas that require a long-term capital partner. Given its broad investment mandate, it can support companies throughout their entire growth trajectory.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of Focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Venture Capital
Investor Type: Family Investment Office
Founded: 2005
Portfolio Size: 108 investments
Track Record: 25 exits
You can refer to their website here.
7. Paladin Capital Group
Paladin Capital Group is a global investment firm that provides both venture and growth capital to innovative technology companies. The firm supports businesses from early-stage rounds all the way through to private equity.
A key characteristic is the firm's multi-stage investment capability, allowing it to act as a long-term financial partner. This focus on both venture and growth equity signals a commitment to scaling established technology businesses.
Paladin is a strong match for founders of established tech companies who are looking for significant growth capital. If your business has proven traction, their ability to fund later stages makes them a compelling choice.
Investment Stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
Industries of Focus: Finance, Financial Services, Technology
Investor Type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
Founded: 2001
Portfolio Size: 176 investments
Track Record: 50 exits
You can refer to their website here.
8. Anzu Partners
Anzu Partners is an investment firm that backs breakthrough industrial and life science technology companies. They focus on businesses that are commercializing transformative innovations in these highly specialized fields.
A defining feature of the firm is its deep technical focus, supporting companies built on tangible scientific and engineering advancements. Their ability to invest across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity, shows they are equipped to be a long-term capital partner.
Anzu is an excellent match for founders with strong technical expertise who are tackling complex challenges in areas like biotechnology or advanced manufacturing. If your company needs patient capital to bring a scientific discovery to market, their model is a strong fit.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity, Debt, Post-IPO
Industries of Focus: Industrial, Life Science, Biotechnology
Investor Type: Venture Capital, Private Equity Firm
Founded: 2014
Portfolio Size: 73 investments
Track Record: 5 exits
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. As the venture arm of a global nonprofit, it backs companies that are building inclusive financial solutions for underserved populations.
The firm’s defining characteristic is its dual focus on fintech and impact investing, signaling a clear commitment to backing mission-driven companies at their earliest stages. This approach combines capital with hands-on support to help founders navigate the unique challenges of serving emerging markets.
Accion Venture Lab is an ideal partner for founders building scalable fintech solutions with a clear social purpose. If your early-stage company is focused on financial inclusion, their specialized expertise and global network are a powerful combination.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of Focus: FinTech, Financial Services, Impact Investing
Investor Type: Micro VC, Venture Capital
Founded: 2011
Portfolio Size: 111 investments
Track Record: 9 exits
You can refer to their website here.
10. Revolution Ventures
Revolution Ventures, part of the wider Revolution investment platform, provides capital to early-stage companies located throughout the United States. The firm actively seeks out and invests in startups that are building transformative businesses outside of traditional tech hubs.
A core element of their approach is a focus on regions that are often overlooked by other venture capitalists, reflecting a belief that innovation is happening everywhere. Their investment mandate spans from seed to late-stage rounds, indicating they are prepared to be a long-term partner as a company grows.
Revolution Ventures is an ideal match for founders building companies outside of Silicon Valley, New York, or Boston. If you are seeking a capital partner that can provide support through multiple funding stages, their model is a strong fit.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of Focus: Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital
Geographical Focus: United States, with an emphasis on rising tech ecosystems
Founded: 2013
Portfolio Size: 48 investments
Track Record: 10 exits
You can refer to their website here.
11. AAF Management Ltd.
AAF Management Ltd. is an early-stage venture capital firm that provides foundational capital to technology companies. They concentrate on backing businesses at the seed and Series A stages.
The firm’s approach is characterized by its dedicated focus on early-stage investments across a wide range of technology sectors. This signals a generalist strategy, allowing them to back innovative ideas in fields from fintech to healthcare.
AAF Management is an ideal partner for founders of technology startups who are raising their first institutional funding. Their broad industry mandate makes them a relevant choice for many different types of tech-enabled businesses.
Investment Stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of Focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care, Information Technology, Mobile, Software
Founded: 2016
Portfolio Size: 133 investments
Track Record: 24 exits
You can refer to their website here.
12. Bezos Earth Fund
The Bezos Earth Fund represents Jeff Bezos's $10 billion commitment to funding scientists, activists, and NGOs dedicated to combating climate change. It operates as a philanthropic grant-making organization rather than a traditional venture capital firm.
A defining characteristic of the fund is its exclusive focus on grants, signaling a mission to drive environmental and social impact without seeking equity or financial returns. This model is designed to support large-scale initiatives in research, conservation, and environmental justice.
The Earth Fund is an ideal match for leaders of non-profits, research institutions, and activist organizations whose work directly addresses the climate crisis. It is not intended for for-profit startups seeking venture capital but for mission-driven organizations in need of significant grant funding.
Funding Stage: Grant
Focus Areas: Climate change, nature conservation, environmental justice
Investor Type: Philanthropic Fund
Founded: 2020
Total Commitment: $10 billion
Number of Grants: 35
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About Washington, District of Columbia, United States's VC Scene
The Washington, D.C. investment community offers a healthy balance of capital across different funding stages. Our list shows a solid group of firms dedicated to seed and early-stage rounds, which is great news if you're just starting out. At the same time, many of the region's most active investors are multi-stage, meaning they can provide support from your first check through later growth phases.
In terms of industry focus, two clear themes emerge: fintech and impact investing. Several firms specialize in financial inclusion and mission-driven technology. However, the market is also quite diverse, with strong representation from investors focused on enterprise software, deep tech, and other foundational industries. This variety suggests that founders from many different sectors can find a knowledgeable partner in the D.C. area.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Having a focused list of investors saves you critical time and energy during a fundraise. We hope this guide helps you connect with the right partners for your company's stage and sector.
Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.
Our platform integrates business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay in one place. This allows you to manage your new funding with the speed and control your startup requires.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Washington
What industries do Washington D.C. VCs invest in?
While fintech and impact investing are prominent, the D.C. area has strong investor interest in enterprise software, cybersecurity, life sciences, and deep tech. Firms here value a wide range of technology-driven solutions for foundational industries.
What do D.C. venture capital firms look for in a pitch?
D.C. investors look for a clear problem, a scalable solution, and a strong founding team. For many local firms, it is also important to articulate your company's mission and potential for positive social or economic impact.
How can I get an introduction to a D.C. venture capital firm?
A warm introduction from a trusted contact, such as another founder or a portfolio company leader, is most effective. Attending local industry events and building relationships within the D.C. tech community can also open doors.
Which are the top seed VC firms in Washington D.C.?
Several top firms focus on seed-stage companies, including Construct Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Accion Venture Lab. These investors provide critical early funding to help founders get their ideas off the ground and find product-market fit.
Are there government-affiliated investment funds in D.C.?
Yes, the region's proximity to the federal government creates unique opportunities. For example, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is a major global investor headquartered in Washington, D.C.
What should I do after closing my funding round?
Once your round is closed, you need a financial platform to manage the capital effectively. Our team at Rho can help you set up integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments in minutes.