Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Focused on Banking Startups

When you're building a startup in the financial technology space, finding the right investor is about more than just capital. You need a partner who understands the unique challenges and opportunities in banking, from regulatory hurdles to consumer trust. Knowing which venture capital firms specialize in fintech is a critical first step in your fundraising process.

To help you prepare, our team at Rho has put together this overview of the top VC firms investing in banking and financial services startups. This guide is designed to give you a clear, quick summary of the key players so you can focus your efforts on the investors who are most relevant to your business.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in the banking industry provides not just capital, but a strategic partner who understands the sector's specific regulatory and operational complexities.

• Leading venture capital firms active in banking include notable backers like StepStone Group, Goldman Sachs, Greycroft, and Visa.

• If you are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Banking Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising your first round or preparing for an exit, connecting with the right investors is crucial. We've organized this list of banking-focused VC firms by the stage at which they typically invest to help you focus your search.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Banking

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest stages of investment, typically used to develop an initial product, validate a business model, and build a founding team. For founders at this stage, financial technology venture capital firms like Brooklyn Bridge Ventures and Thursday Ventures are known for backing promising ideas from the ground up.

Early Stage VC Firms in Banking

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for startups with a proven product and market traction who need capital to scale their team and customer base. Financial services venture capital firms like First Analysis and Carrick Capital Partners focus on this growth phase. Once you secure your funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage and deploy that new capital efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Late Stage VC Firms in Banking

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies preparing for major growth, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Prominent late stage VC firms active in the banking and finance sector include global investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Jefferies. If you're exploring alternatives to equity, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines to fuel growth without giving up more of your company.

It's also worth noting that many global venture capital firms, such as StepStone Group, Greycroft, and Greenoaks, invest across all stages, from seed to exit.

Here is a closer look at the top VC firms investing in the banking industry. We've included key details on their typical investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a strong potential partner for founders like you.

1. StepStone Group

StepStone Group is a global private markets firm that provides investors with customized portfolios across venture capital and private equity. They manage investments through primary and secondary funds as well as direct co-investments.

The firm's most distinct characteristic is its broad investment mandate, supporting companies from seed rounds through late-stage private equity. With a stated focus on financial services and fintech, they operate as a large, publicly traded institutional partner rather than a traditional, smaller VC fund.

StepStone is likely a good fit for founders who are looking for a large, stable financial backer with deep connections across the entire private market. After securing a significant round from an institutional investor, Rho’s platform can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, secondary market

• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, FinTech, Real Estate Investment

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York, with a global presence

• Founded: 2007

• Company status: Publicly traded (IPO)

• Portfolio size: Over 100 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a major global financial services firm that also functions as a prolific venture capital investor. Their activities span from traditional investment banking and securities to direct investments in startups.

As an investment bank, Goldman Sachs brings institutional weight to its venture investments, backing companies across all stages from seed to late-stage private equity. Their portfolio includes household names like Uber, Meta, and Spotify, signaling a focus on high-growth companies with the potential for massive scale.

This firm is a strong match for founders seeking a powerful institutional partner with deep financial expertise, especially for later-stage rounds or pre-IPO financing. Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage and deploy the new capital efficiently with business banking and corporate cards.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity, debt

• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York, with a global presence

• Founded: 1869

• Company status: Publicly traded (IPO)

• Portfolio size: Over 1,000 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Uber, Meta (Facebook), Spotify, Pinterest

You can refer to their website here.

3. Greycroft

Greycroft is a venture capital firm that invests in technology startups, with a strong focus on the internet and mobile markets. The firm supports companies across their entire lifecycle, from initial seed funding to late-stage private equity rounds.

The firm is known for its successful exits in financial technology, including landmark acquisitions like Venmo and Braintree by PayPal. This track record highlights their expertise in backing high-growth companies in the payments and broader fintech sectors.

Greycroft is a strong match for founders building technology companies in the fintech and mobile sectors, particularly those focused on payments. Once you secure funding from a firm like Greycroft, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated business banking and corporate cards.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, debt, early and late-stage venture, private equity

• Industries of focus: Banking, FinTech, Financial Services, Internet, Mobile

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York

• Founded: 2006

• Portfolio size: 825 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Venmo, Braintree, The RealReal, Scopely

You can refer to their website here.

4. Visa

As a multinational financial services company, Visa is a central player in facilitating electronic payment systems around the world. The company also operates as a strategic corporate venture investor, backing startups that are building the next generation of financial and payment technologies.

Visa’s investment activity is closely tied to its core business, with a clear focus on startups in the payments infrastructure space. Their portfolio includes category-defining companies like Stripe and Marqeta, signaling an interest in businesses that can achieve significant scale and integrate with the global commerce ecosystem.

This firm is a strong match for founders building technology in the payments sector, especially those who could benefit from a strategic partnership with a global financial network. Once you secure funding from a major corporate partner, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage and deploy the new capital efficiently with business banking and corporate cards.

• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Financial Services, Mobile Payments, Payments

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Foster City, California

• Founded: 1958

• Company status: Publicly traded (IPO)

• Portfolio size: 124 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Stripe, Marqeta, Grab Holdings, Airwallex, DocuSign

You can refer to their website here.

5. Mithril Capital Management

Mithril Capital Management is a global investment firm that backs technology companies with the potential for long-term, durable growth, particularly at the intersection of finance and macroeconomics. The firm’s portfolio signals a clear preference for ambitious, deep-tech ventures, including data-analytics giant Palantir and robotic-surgery company Auris Health, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $3.4 billion.

Mithril is a strong potential partner for founders building companies with fundamental technological innovations designed to create or reshape entire industries. After securing a significant round from a long-term partner like Mithril, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Financial Services, Venture Capital

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco

• Founded: 2012

• Portfolio size: 62 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Palantir, Auris Health, Helion, BlackSky

You can refer to their website here.

6. Carrick Capital Partners

Carrick Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests in software, SaaS, and technology-enabled service companies. They concentrate on established businesses that are ready to scale their operations and market presence.

The firm demonstrates a strong track record of guiding companies to profitable outcomes, with several successful exits in its portfolio. Their investments in companies like DailyPay and Exiger signal a clear expertise in the fintech and compliance software sectors.

Carrick is a strong match for founders of B2B SaaS and tech-enabled service companies who are looking for a partner with deep operational experience to support their growth. Once you secure funding from a growth-focused firm like Carrick, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture, late-stage venture, and private equity

• Industries of focus: SaaS, FinTech, and tech-enabled services

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco

• Founded: 2012

• Portfolio size: 31 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: DailyPay, Exiger, Saama Technologies

You can refer to their website here.

7. Brooklyn Bridge Ventures

Brooklyn Bridge Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York City. While they have a strong history of backing early-stage companies, it is important to note they are no longer making new investments.

The firm was known for being the first check into a company, with a portfolio that includes high-growth businesses like the fintech app Brigit and the AI-powered grocery service Hungryroot. Their approach was centered on backing founders at the earliest point of their journey, often before a product was fully built.

Brooklyn Bridge Ventures was a great fit for founders in the New York area looking for their first institutional capital and a hands-on partner. For founders at a similar pre-seed stage today, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding options to build initial momentum.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Venture Capital

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York

• Founded: 2012

• Portfolio size: 117 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Hungryroot, Brigit, Superhuman, itselectric

You can refer to their website here.

8. First Analysis

First Analysis is a venture capital firm that combines direct investment with services like equity research and investment banking. This unique structure allows them to support portfolio companies with deep market insights beyond just providing capital.

The firm invests in both early and late-stage ventures, with a portfolio that extends beyond finance into sectors like cybersecurity and health tech. Their background in equity research and investment banking informs a highly analytical, data-driven investment approach.

First Analysis is a good fit for founders of B2B technology companies who are looking for a partner with strong analytical capabilities. Once you secure funding, our team at Rho can help you manage the new capital with integrated business banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture, late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Cybersecurity, Health Tech, SaaS

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Chicago

• Founded: 1981

• Portfolio size: 95 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Fortress Information Security, Gradient Cyber, Dina

You can refer to their website here.

9. LionTree

LionTree operates as an independent investment and merchant bank, focusing on companies at the intersection of technology, media, and finance. They provide both capital and strategic advisory, positioning themselves as more than just a traditional venture investor.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on high-growth companies with strong consumer brands and paths to the public market, including the fintech app Public.com and sports-streaming service FuboTV. Their background as a merchant bank gives them a distinct advantage in guiding companies through complex financial milestones like M&A and IPOs.

LionTree is a strong partner for founders building category-defining companies in consumer tech, media, and finance who are planning for a major exit. As you prepare for a late-stage round or IPO, Rho’s integrated platform can help you manage your capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture, private equity

• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Media, Consumer Technology

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York

• Founded: 2012

• Portfolio size: 83 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Fanatics, FuboTV, Astra, Public.com, Oatly

You can refer to their website here.

10. Thursday Ventures

Thursday Ventures is a venture capital firm that funds and supports early-stage technology companies with ambitious, world-changing ideas. They focus on nurturing startups from their initial stages through to significant growth.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear interest in deep-tech and hardware, backing companies like the robotics startup 1X Technologies and the fitness-wearable maker WHOOP. Their strategy appears to center on foundational technologies that have the potential to create or redefine entire markets.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building companies with significant technical or scientific breakthroughs, especially in robotics, data platforms, and specialized hardware. If you're at the pre-seed stage and need to build initial momentum, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Robotics, Software, Electric Vehicle

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco

• Founded: 2017

• Portfolio size: 20 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: WHOOP, Chronosphere, Biobot Analytics, 1X Technologies

You can refer to their website here.

11. Greenoaks

Greenoaks is a global investment firm that backs technology companies, with a focus on the internet sector. They invest across commercial services, health tech, and B2B industries, supporting businesses from their early stages through to late-stage growth.

The firm's portfolio is defined by investments in market-leading internet and software companies that have achieved significant scale. Their backing of businesses like the online car retailer Carvana and the restaurant platform Toast highlights a strategy focused on established leaders with durable, high-growth models.

Greenoaks is a strong potential partner for founders of high-growth internet companies who are preparing for late-stage rounds or an IPO. Once you secure funding from a major investor, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage and deploy the new capital efficiently with business banking and corporate cards.

• Investment stages: Seed, early and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Internet, FinTech, SaaS, Health Tech, Commercial Services

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in San Francisco

• Founded: 2012

• Portfolio size: 150 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Carvana, Coupang, ServiceTitan, Toast, Klaviyo

You can refer to their website here.

12. William Blair

William Blair is a global investment banking and asset management firm that also operates as a venture capital investor. They provide capital to growing companies, drawing on their extensive financial industry experience.

The firm's dual role as an investment bank and venture investor gives them a unique perspective on guiding companies toward major financial events like M&A. Their portfolio shows a history of successful exits, such as Avention's acquisition by Dun & Bradstreet, and backing high-growth companies like the furniture brand Interior Define.

William Blair is a good match for founders of established early or late-stage companies who can benefit from a partner with deep expertise in investment banking. Once you secure funding, our team at Rho can help you manage the new capital with integrated business banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture, late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Banking, Finance, Wealth Management

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Chicago

• Founded: 1935

• Portfolio size: 25 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Avention, Interior Define, Signal (Chicago)

You can refer to their website here.

13. Jefferies

Jefferies is a global investment bank and financial services company that provides both capital and advisory services. The firm offers research and execution services across equity, fixed income, and foreign exchange markets.

As an investment bank, Jefferies' investment portfolio is composed of major public companies like Apple and Alphabet. This indicates a focus on large, established corporations and public market positions rather than early-stage venture deals.

Jefferies is a strong partner for mature companies seeking late-stage financing or guidance toward a major financial event like an IPO. If your startup is at an earlier stage, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to fuel growth.

• Investment stages: Debt, late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Banking, Financial Services, Wealth Management

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York

• Founded: 1962

• Portfolio size: 46 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: Apple, Alphabet, AT&T, Avis Budget Group

You can refer to their website here.

14. Volvo Cars Tech Fund

Volvo Cars Tech Fund is the corporate venture arm of the global automaker, providing strategic capital and market access to startups in the automotive and technology sectors. They focus on companies whose innovations can shape the future of mobility.

The fund's investment strategy is clearly tied to its parent company's priorities, with a portfolio that includes companies like StoreDot, a pioneer in fast-charging batteries, and Spectralics, which develops AR heads-up displays. This signals a focus on deep-tech that can be integrated into next-generation vehicles.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders developing technology with direct applications in the automotive industry, from electrification to in-car software. Once you secure a strategic investment, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage and deploy the new capital efficiently with business banking and corporate cards.

• Industries of focus: Automotive Technology, Electrification, Mobility Services, Enterprise Software

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Mountain View, California

• Parent company founded: 1927

• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital

• Portfolio size: 36 investments

• Notable portfolio companies: StoreDot, Carwow, Varjo, Zūm

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Banking Companies

This list shows a well-balanced investment environment for companies in the banking and financial services sector. You’ll find active investors across all funding stages, from firms that write the first check to major institutions that support pre-IPO rounds. This balance means that whether you are just starting or preparing to scale, there are specialized partners available.

The variety of investors is also notable, with a mix of traditional VCs, global investment banks, and corporate venture funds. This gives you options to find a partner whose expertise aligns with your specific goals, from operational support to strategic market access. Geographically, investors are concentrated in major hubs like New York and San Francisco, which is typical for the industry.

As you plan your next steps, remember that equity isn't the only path forward. If you're exploring alternatives, our team at Rho can help. Rho Capital connects startups to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you secure financing tailored to your business model.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Raising capital requires your full attention, making a focused list of relevant investors a critical advantage. We hope this guide helps you connect with the partners who are the best fit 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. We help founders access financing suited to their business model.

Once your capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools to manage it all in one place. Our platform includes business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy funds efficiently.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Banking

Which are the top fintech VC firms in Europe?

Europe has a strong fintech ecosystem. Firms like Atomico, Index Ventures, and Balderton Capital are prominent investors. They often look for companies with clear product-market fit and the potential for international growth across the continent.

What are the key fintech venture capital hubs in Asia?

Singapore and Hong Kong are major fintech centers in Asia, attracting firms like Golden Gate Ventures and Arbor Ventures. These investors focus on startups addressing regional market needs, from mobile payments to wealth management technology.

Are there VCs that specialize in regulatory technology?

Yes, many firms focus on RegTech. Investors in this space look for solutions that help financial institutions manage compliance efficiently. They value strong technical teams and a deep understanding of the complex regulatory environment.

How do I approach early stage fintech VC firms?

To connect with early-stage firms, focus on demonstrating traction and a clear go-to-market strategy. If you need to build momentum first, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your position before approaching VCs.

What is the difference between a corporate and a traditional VC?

Corporate venture capital (CVC) arms, like those at Visa or Volvo, invest for strategic reasons tied to their parent company. Traditional VCs are purely financially motivated, seeking high returns. A CVC can offer unique industry access.

How can Rho help my startup manage its new funding?

Once your round is closed, our integrated platform helps you manage it all. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy capital efficiently and control your company spend.