Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Investing in AI
We list 15 active VC firms for AI startups. After you secure funding, our integrated tools help you manage and deploy the capital effectively.
Rho Editorial Team
For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital community is a critical first step. Knowing which investors focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning helps you build a more targeted fundraising strategy, whether you're seeking seed funding or connecting with Series A venture capital firms.
To help you find the right partners, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top AI venture capital firms. This guide gives you a quick summary of active investors so you can spend less time researching and more time building your business.
Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.
Key Takeaways
Securing venture funding provides AI startups with the capital to scale operations, advance product development, and build their teams.
Top venture capital firms active in the AI sector include Amazon Alexa Fund, Obvious Ventures, Playground Global, and Glasswing Ventures, which have backed numerous startups.
For founders who have recently raised capital, Rho offers integrated tools like business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help manage and deploy funds efficiently.
Which VC Firms in AI Are Right for Your Stage?
Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is a critical part of the process. This overview outlines which AI venture capital firms invest at each stage so you can target your outreach effectively.
Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in AI
Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, intended to help you refine an idea, build a minimum viable product, and find initial market traction. For founders seeking seed funding for their AI startups, venture capital firms like Bee Partners, which focuses on pre-seed deep tech, and Glasswing Ventures are excellent starting points, along with Amino Capital.
Early Stage VC Firms in AI
Early-stage venture capital is for companies that have demonstrated product-market fit and are ready to scale their team and operations. Some early stage VC firms specializing in AI include Playground Global, which backs technical founders, and SignalRank, which uses algorithms to identify high-potential companies, as well as the developer-focused firm Heavybit.
Late Stage VC Firms in AI
Late-stage funding supports established companies aiming for significant growth, market expansion, or preparing for an acquisition or initial public offering (IPO). Venture capital firms investing in AI at this stage include GSR Ventures, which has backed major IPOs, and Obvious Ventures, known for investing in companies that reshape large industries.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Keep in mind that many technology venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages, offering support throughout a company's lifecycle.
Below is our detailed look at top VC firms in the AI sector. We've included key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.
1. Amazon Alexa Fund
The Amazon Alexa Fund is a corporate venture arm with up to $200 million in capital dedicated to fueling innovation in voice technology. It backs companies building new applications and devices that expand the ambient computing ecosystem.
A key characteristic of the fund is its broad investment range, supporting companies from seed rounds to late-stage ventures. Its portfolio includes major consumer brands like Ring and Ecobee, showing a focus on products that integrate with voice assistants and reach mainstream audiences.
This fund is a strong match for founders developing hardware or software that can enhance the voice-enabled world, especially in consumer electronics and IoT. Their flexibility on investment stage makes them an accessible partner for companies at various points of growth.
Once you secure funding from a firm like the Alexa Fund, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note, Debt
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Consumer Electronics, Software, FinTech, Hardware, IoT
Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2015
Notable portfolio companies: Ring, Ecobee, Greenlight
Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
2. Obvious Ventures
Obvious Ventures invests in entrepreneurs aiming to transform massive, trillion-dollar industries. The firm’s thesis is centered on backing companies that create positive outcomes for planetary, human, and economic health.
The firm supports companies from seed to late stage, with a portfolio that includes high-profile IPOs like plant-based food company Beyond Meat and the AI-driven drug discovery platform Recursion. This track record shows their ability to support businesses with world-changing ideas through to public market success.
This firm is a strong match for mission-driven founders whose work targets large-scale markets. If your startup has a clear purpose and the potential for significant impact, Obvious Ventures could be a valuable partner.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Financial Services, Insurance
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2014
Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Planet, Gusto, Proterra, Recursion
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
3. Playground Global
Playground Global is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in deep tech companies. They specifically back founders with strong technical and scientific backgrounds who are building foundational technologies.
The firm concentrates on early-stage companies in sectors like AI, robotics, and advanced software. Their portfolio includes notable exits such as MosaicML, acquired by Databricks, and Nervana, acquired by Intel, signaling their ability to support companies to significant outcomes.
This firm is an excellent match for founders with deep technical or scientific expertise building companies in complex fields. If your startup is focused on areas like robotics or next-generation computing hardware, Playground Global could be a fitting partner.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Information Technology, Software
Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2015
Notable portfolio companies: Agility Robotics, MosaicML, Nervana, Ayar Labs
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
4. Glasswing Ventures
Glasswing Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups applying AI and frontier technology to enterprise and cybersecurity markets.
The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage companies, with a portfolio that shows a clear focus on B2B software. A notable exit includes Zylotech, a customer data platform acquired by Terminus, which highlights their success in the space.
This firm is a strong choice for founders building AI-driven solutions for large businesses or security applications. Their early-stage focus makes them a good partner for companies just starting to scale.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Software, Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Management
Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
Founded: 2016
Notable portfolio companies: Zylotech, Black Kite, ChaosSearch, Allure Security
You can refer to their website here.
5. Silent Ventures
Silent Ventures describes its mission as providing "stealth capital for elite operators," with a clear focus on deep tech companies in the national security and industrial sectors. The Dallas-based firm invests in founders building foundational technologies in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
The firm takes a contrarian approach, backing early-stage companies in the defense technology space, a sector often overlooked by traditional VCs. Its portfolio includes defense-tech unicorn Anduril Industries and Hadrian, which is building AI-powered factories to strengthen the U.S. supply chain.
This firm is a strong match for founders with deep operational experience, particularly those building technology for military, defense, or critical industrial applications. If your startup is aimed at re-industrializing America’s defense capabilities, Silent Ventures is a relevant investor to know.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, National Security, Cyber Security, Drones, Industrial Automation
Geographical presence: Dallas, Texas
Founded: 2022
Notable portfolio companies: Anduril Industries, Hadrian, Saronic Technologies, UNION Technologies
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
6. LDV Capital
LDV Capital invests in deep technical teams building businesses that analyze visual data. The firm backs companies using computer vision and AI to create value from images and videos.
A defining characteristic is their tight focus on visual technologies, with a portfolio that includes generative AI video platform Synthesia. High-profile exits like Mapillary (acquired by Meta) and Unsplash (acquired by Getty Images) show their ability to support companies to significant outcomes.
This firm is an ideal partner for founders with strong technical backgrounds in AI and computer vision. If your startup is centered on analyzing or generating visual data, LDV Capital’s specialized expertise could be a great fit.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Software
Geographical presence: New York, New York
Founded: 2012
Notable portfolio companies: Synthesia, Clarifai, Ezra, Mapillary, Unsplash
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
7. Amino Capital
Amino Capital is a Palo Alto-based venture firm that invests in data-driven startups, with a focus on AI and enterprise software. The firm has been recognized on Forbes' Midas Seed List and as a top AI trendsetter.
The firm invests from seed to early-stage rounds and has a strong record of backing unicorns like Chime, Webflow, and Rippling. This demonstrates their ability to support companies through high-growth phases and major exits, such as the acquisition of cancer-screening startup GRAIL.
This firm is a good match for founders building data-centric companies, particularly in AI and enterprise SaaS. Their focus on seed and early-stage investments makes them a relevant partner for teams seeking their first institutional capital.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise Software, Generative AI, SaaS
Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2012
Notable portfolio companies: Chime, Webflow, Rippling, GRAIL, Replit
Investor type: Accelerator, Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
8. Flying Fish Partners
Flying Fish Partners is an early-stage venture firm based in Seattle that invests in applied artificial intelligence and machine learning startups. They also back companies building the tools and infrastructure that support the AI ecosystem.
The firm has a strong record of guiding companies to strategic acquisitions by major public companies, including Streem (acquired by Frontdoor) and Reclaim.ai (acquired by Dropbox). This focus on successful exits signals their ability to help founders build valuable businesses.
This firm is a great match for early-stage founders building applied AI solutions, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest. Their track record makes them a compelling partner for teams aiming for an acquisition by a larger technology company.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
Industries of focus: Applied AI and Machine Learning
Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2016
Notable portfolio companies: Streem, Reclaim.ai, Gradient, Picnic
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
9. FUSE
FUSE is a Seattle-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage software companies. They focus on businesses in artificial intelligence and machine learning, backing founders who are building the next generation of software.
A key aspect of FUSE is its emphasis on community, connecting founders with a network of proven leaders from successful companies like Auth0 and Smartsheet. This operator-centric approach suggests they provide more than just capital, offering access to experienced builders.
The firm is a strong match for early-stage software founders, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest who value hands-on support and a strong local network. If you are building an enterprise or B2B software company, their community of experienced operators could be a significant asset.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software
Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
Founded: 2020
Notable portfolio companies: Carbon Robotics, Icertis, Auth0, Apptio, Smartsheet
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
10. SE Ventures
SE Ventures is the venture capital arm of Schneider Electric, managing over $1 billion in capital to back companies in climate and industrial technology. The firm invests globally, supporting startups that are building a more sustainable and electrified world.
A defining characteristic is its strategic connection to Schneider Electric, offering portfolio companies deep industry expertise and go-to-market support. The firm has a strong track record, with notable exits like AutoGrid (acquired by Schneider Electric) and Volta Charging (acquired by Shell).
This firm is an excellent match for founders developing solutions in electrification, sustainability, and industrial automation. Companies that can benefit from a strategic relationship with a global energy and automation leader will find SE Ventures to be a valuable partner.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, CleanTech, Sustainability, Industrial Automation, Energy
Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2017
Notable portfolio companies: AutoGrid, Scandit, Proterra, Claroty
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
11. SignalRank
SignalRank takes a data-driven approach to venture capital, using algorithms to index early-stage companies and identify those with the highest potential to raise a Series B round.
A key feature is their algorithmic model, which pinpoints high-growth businesses. Their portfolio includes major successes like UiPath, which had one of the largest software IPOs of the decade, and the vertical-farming unicorn InFarm.
This firm is a good fit for founders of early-stage companies with strong traction and clear growth metrics. If your business is data-centric and on a trajectory for a strong Series B, SignalRank's model is designed to find you.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, Machine Learning, Software
Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2021
Notable portfolio companies: UiPath, InFarm, Around, Miles
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
12. Illuminate Ventures
Illuminate Ventures is a venture firm that backs B2B and enterprise software startups. They focus on seed-stage companies that can show a quick and clear return on investment.
The firm targets seed-stage companies that are slightly more mature, emphasizing solutions with a clear path to profitability. Their portfolio shows a history of significant exits, including the multi-billion dollar IPO of Coupang and the public listing and later acquisition of Xactly.
This firm is a good match for founders building enterprise software, particularly in SaaS or AI, who can demonstrate strong business metrics. If your company has a product that delivers clear value to business customers, Illuminate could be a strong partner.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, SaaS, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing
Geographical presence: Oakland, California
Founded: 2010
Notable portfolio companies: Coupang, Xactly, Opsmatic, Red Aril
Investor type: Micro VC, Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
13. Heavybit
Heavybit is a venture firm that specializes in backing "dev-first" companies, meaning businesses that create tools and platforms for software developers. They have a strong history of helping technical founders build successful companies from the ground up.
The firm's focus on developer-centric products is a key part of its strategy, with a portfolio that includes market leaders like PagerDuty, Snyk, and LaunchDarkly. This shows their deep expertise in the developer tooling space and their ability to support companies to unicorn status and beyond.
Heavybit is an excellent partner for technical founders building infrastructure, API-first products, or enterprise software for a developer audience. If your startup is creating tools that other engineers will use, this firm's community and experience are highly relevant.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Developer APIs, Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise Software, AI/ML
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2013
Notable portfolio companies: PagerDuty, Snyk, LaunchDarkly, Netlify, CircleCI
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
14. Bee Partners
Bee Partners is a venture firm that specializes in pre-seed deep tech, often writing the first check for founders building in AI, robotics, and industrial automation.
The firm is known for leading pre-seed rounds and has a history of backing companies to major exits, including the construction management platform BuildingConnected (acquired by Autodesk) and ad-tech pioneer TubeMogul (acquired by Adobe).
This firm is a strong match for founders with deep technical expertise at the pre-seed stage who are looking for a lead investor to help them get started.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Pre-seed, Seed, Early Stage Venture
Industries of focus: Deep Tech, AI/ML, Robotics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing
Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2009
Notable portfolio companies: BuildingConnected, TubeMogul, Indiegogo, Rapid Robotics
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
15. GSR Ventures
GSR Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on businesses developing AI-enabled software and financial technology.
The firm is defined by its track record of backing companies to massive outcomes, including the ride-hailing platform Didi Chuxing and the social-commerce app Xiaohongshu (RED).
This firm is a strong match for founders building highly scalable companies in large markets, particularly those with a clear path to an IPO or major acquisition.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, Financial Services
Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2004
Notable portfolio companies: Didi Chuxing, Ele.me, Skydio, Xiaohongshu (RED)
Investor type: Venture Capital
You can refer to their website here.
What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for AI Companies
This overview of venture firms highlights a well-balanced funding environment for companies in the AI sector. You’ll find investors focused on every stage, from pre-seed specialists like Bee Partners to late-stage backers like GSR Ventures. This means you have strong potential partners whether you're seeking your first check or scaling toward a major exit.
While California is a clear center of gravity for AI investment, the presence of firms in Seattle, Boston, New York, and Dallas indicates that opportunities are not confined to Silicon Valley. The key takeaway for you as a founder is that capital is available from a variety of sources, allowing you to build a targeted list of firms that align with your stage, industry, and location.
Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools — including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay — help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.
Raise Confidently with Rho
Building a focused list of investors is one of the most effective ways to manage your time during a fundraise. We hope this guide helps you connect with the right partners for your company.
When your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes so you can put your new funding to work immediately.
Our platform gives you the tools to manage your new funds with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.
FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on AI
Which venture capital firms in Europe invest in AI?
Many European firms focus on AI, including London's IQ Capital and Berlin's Point Nine. These investors often seek deep tech and B2B software startups, providing capital and access to a strong network across the continent.
Are there AI-focused venture capital firms in Asia?
Yes, Asia has a growing number of AI investors. Firms in Singapore, India, and China actively fund AI startups, focusing on areas like FinTech, enterprise software, and consumer tech. Research firms specific to your target market.
What is the difference between a corporate VC and a traditional VC?
Traditional VCs primarily seek financial returns. Corporate VCs, like the Amazon Alexa Fund, also pursue strategic goals, such as gaining access to new technology or markets that align with their parent company's business.
What makes a venture capital firm 'founder-friendly'?
Founder-friendly firms typically offer fair terms, respect your vision, and provide genuine support beyond capital. They act as partners, offering guidance from experienced operators without taking excessive control of your company.
How do I approach an AI venture capital firm without a warm introduction?
A warm introduction is best, but a well-crafted cold email can work. Personalize your message, clearly state your value proposition, and show you've researched the partner and their firm's investment thesis. Keep it concise and compelling.
How can Rho help after I secure venture capital?
Once your round closes, Rho helps you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Our integrated platform provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, giving you the tools to scale with confidence.