Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Revolutionizing Big Data

If you're a founder in the Big Data, AI, or machine learning space, knowing which investors to approach is a critical part of fundraising. Connecting with venture capital firms that genuinely understand your business saves valuable time and improves your chances of finding the right partner.

To help you prepare, our team created this overview of top VC firms that invest in data-focused technology. We've covered a range of investors, from early-stage to multistage firms, to help you identify the ones most relevant to your company.

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

• For startups in the Big Data sector, securing venture funding provides the capital to scale operations, access valuable investor networks, and gain important market validation.
• Several venture capital firms are active backers of companies in the Big Data space, with top players like Script Capital, Illuminate Ventures, GSV Ventures, and DCVC providing critical support to growing businesses.
• If you're a startup leader raising capital or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your funds with fast business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Big Data Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is important at every stage, from your first seed round to a potential exit. To help, we've outlined which VC firms in the data sector invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Big Data

Pre-seed and seed rounds are the earliest stages of funding, designed to help you turn an idea into a product and establish initial market fit. While pursuing equity from seed stage venture capital firms like Script Capital, The Hive, and Differential Ventures, you can also access non-dilutive financing like venture debt through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

Early Stage VC Firms in Big Data

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B, is for companies with a proven product and early traction that need capital to scale their team and customer acquisition. If this describes your startup, early stage venture capital firms such as VITALIZE and Oceans are known for backing data-centric companies during this growth phase.

Late Stage VC Firms in Big Data

Late-stage funding is for established companies looking to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit. Once you secure a significant round from firms like Adit Ventures or Voyager Capital, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking and corporate cards—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

It's also worth noting that many investors, including several on our list like DCVC and GSV Ventures, are multistage VC firms that invest across the entire startup lifecycle.

To help you identify the right investors, we've compiled information on the top VC firms in the Big Data space. The following list covers each firm's investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes them a compelling choice for founders.

1. Script Capital

Script Capital is a San Francisco-based firm that invests in early-stage internet and software companies. They focus on providing seed and venture funding to help founders build their initial product and find market traction.

The firm has a strong track record of exits to major technology companies like Snapchat, Spotify, and Twitter. Their portfolio also includes well-known brands like Patreon, indicating a focus on companies with strong product-led growth potential.

This firm is a good match if you are an early-stage founder in the software or internet space, particularly if your product has clear integration potential with larger platforms. If you're raising a seed round, remember that you can also use non-dilutive options like those offered through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Big Data, SaaS, FinTech, Software
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable investments: Patreon, Zenly (acquired by Snapchat), Sqreen (acquired by Datadog)
• Portfolio size: 56 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Illuminate Ventures

Based in Oakland, Illuminate Ventures is a micro-VC firm that backs B2B and enterprise software companies. They focus on seed-stage startups that are slightly more developed and can demonstrate a clear, measurable return on investment for their customers.

The firm's portfolio shows a strong focus on SaaS, AI, and Big Data, with a track record of significant exits. Notable successes include Coupang's multi-billion dollar IPO and strategic acquisitions by major tech players like Autodesk and New Relic.

Illuminate Ventures is a good match if you lead a B2B software company with proven customer value and a clear path to growth. After securing a round with a firm like this, Rho’s integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, AI, Big Data, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Oakland, California
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Coupang, Xactly, Opsmatic
• Portfolio size: 65 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. GSV Ventures

GSV Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in the global education technology sector. As a multistage investor, they support companies from their earliest seed rounds through later growth stages, backing founders who are working to improve learning outcomes for all.

The firm has a clear focus on the "Pre-K to Gray" learning market, and its portfolio features major EdTech unicorns like Coursera and Andela. This signals a strategy of investing in businesses with the potential for significant global scale and impact on education and workforce development.

GSV Ventures is an ideal partner if you are a founder building an EdTech company with high-growth potential. Once you secure a round from a firm like GSV, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking and corporate cards—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Big Data, EdTech, Education, STEM Education
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable investments: Coursera, Andela, Apna, Nearpod, Physics Wallah
• Portfolio size: 148 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. DCVC

DCVC is a Palo Alto-based firm that invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage venture. They support companies in technically demanding sectors like Big Data, cybersecurity, and enterprise software.

The firm has a clear focus on "deep tech"—companies solving complex scientific and technical problems. Their portfolio includes major successes like the AI platform MosaicML, acquired by Databricks, and the commercial space company Rocket Lab.

DCVC is a strong fit if you're a founder building a business with a significant technical or scientific foundation. Once you secure a round from a firm like DCVC, our integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Deep Tech, Cyber Security, Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: AbCellera, Blue River Technology, MosaicML, Rocket Lab, Planet
• Portfolio size: 519 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. VITALIZE Venture Capital

VITALIZE is a Chicago-based firm that operates as both an early-stage VC fund and an angel community. They invest in B2B software startups focused on the future of work.

The firm’s combination of a traditional fund and an angel network provides founders with a broad base of support. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like the analytics platform Placer.ai and the talent marketplace The Mom Project, signaling a focus on businesses with clear market traction.

VITALIZE is a good fit if you're leading an early-stage B2B software company, particularly one that aligns with the future of work theme. While you pursue equity funding, you can also connect with non-dilutive options like venture debt through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Placer.ai, The Mom Project, ShotTracker
• Portfolio size: 62 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests across all stages, from seed to growth equity. They have a particular interest in the food and beverage, health and wellness, and technology sectors.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear focus on companies transforming consumer-facing industries, particularly food and lifestyle. They have backed major brands like Beyond Meat and NotCo, alongside technology companies like Bear Robotics that support these sectors.

Cleveland Avenue is a great fit if you're a founder in the food, beverage, or wellness space, especially if you're using technology to innovate. Once you secure a significant round from a multistage firm like this, our integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, AI, Big Data, Robotics, Supply Chain Management
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, Soul Machines, SparkCharge
• Portfolio size: 136 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Differential Ventures

Differential Ventures is a New York-based firm that provides seed funding to B2B companies building data-focused technology. They concentrate on startups in sectors like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.

The firm has a clear record of successful exits, including the high-profile acquisition of Seek AI by IBM and DeepSurface by AttackIQ. This suggests a focus on identifying companies with strong acquisition potential and supporting them toward that outcome.

Differential Ventures is a good match if you are a founder of a seed-stage B2B startup with a data-centric product. While you pursue equity funding, you can also connect with non-dilutive options like venture debt through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Cyber Security, FinTech, Machine Learning
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Seek AI (acquired by IBM), DeepSurface (acquired by AttackIQ), Agnostiq
• Portfolio size: 41 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Space Capital

Space Capital is a New York-based firm that provides seed and early-stage funding to companies at the "final frontier" of technology. They focus on businesses building foundational infrastructure for the space economy, including GPS and satellite communications.

The firm's portfolio highlights a clear focus on the space industry, featuring category-defining companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Planet Labs. This indicates a strategy of backing businesses with the potential to lead and shape the commercial space sector.

This firm is a strong partner if you are a founder of a seed or early-stage startup in the space technology sector. While you pursue equity, you can also connect with non-dilutive options like venture debt through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Space Travel, Satellite Communication, GPS, Big Data
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, Astrobotic, Varda Space
• Portfolio size: 78 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Joule Ventures

Joule Ventures is a New York-based firm that acts as a first-check partner for Israeli founders. They focus on helping companies with enterprise-grade solutions commercialize their products in U.S. markets.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear strategy of backing B2B software companies that become attractive to large tech acquirers. Notable exits include the sale of Cellwize to Qualcomm and BehavioSec to LexisNexis, alongside backing unicorns like Coralogix.

Joule Ventures is a strong partner if you are an Israeli founder of an enterprise software company looking to expand into the United States. After securing a round with a firm like this, Rho’s integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Business Intelligence, Cyber Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Software
• Geographical presence: New York, New York (with a focus on Israeli founders)
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Coralogix, Cellwize (acquired by Qualcomm), BehavioSec (acquired by LexisNexis)
• Portfolio size: 41 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Oceans

Oceans is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage companies. They focus on providing founders with the necessary support to build and scale their businesses.

The firm backs a wide range of technology companies, from deep-tech hardware like Etched to fintech for gig workers like Lean. Their portfolio shows a pattern of successful exits to strategic acquirers, including Riot Games and When I Work.

Oceans is a good match if you are an early-stage founder building a software or technology business with clear market potential. While you pursue equity from firms like Oceans, you can also access non-dilutive financing like venture debt through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Software, FinTech, Information Technology
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: Etched, iFundWomen, David Energy, Kanga (acquired by Riot Games), Lean (acquired by When I Work)
• Portfolio size: 59 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Adit Ventures

Adit Ventures is a New York-based firm that invests across a company's lifecycle, from early and late-stage venture rounds to the secondary market. They support companies in a wide range of technology sectors, including FinTech, cybersecurity, and others working with Big Data.

The firm's portfolio is defined by investments in high-profile, late-stage technology leaders like SpaceX and the blockchain gaming company Animoca Brands. This focus on established unicorns, combined with their activity in the secondary market, suggests a strategy centered on backing proven winners.

Adit Ventures is a good fit if you lead an established, high-growth company that is already a leader in its market and is seeking late-stage funding. Once you secure a significant round from a firm like this, our integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Big Data, FinTech, Cyber Security, Space Travel, EdTech
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: SpaceX, Animoca Brands, Flexport, Rubrik, Dataminr
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. The Hive

The Hive is a Palo Alto-based firm that operates as both a micro-VC and an incubator, providing seed and early-stage funding. They focus on companies building data-driven businesses in sectors like FinTech and those working with Big Data.

The firm shows a strong interest in foundational technologies, with portfolio companies like the Bitcoin infrastructure pioneer Blockstream and AI firm CloudWalk. Their model, which includes an incubator, suggests they provide hands-on support to help startups grow.

The Hive is a good match for founders of seed-stage, data-intensive companies, especially those in FinTech or with a focus on AI or blockchain. While you pursue equity, you can also connect with non-dilutive options like venture debt through Rho Capital to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Finance, FinTech, Incubators
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Blockstream, CloudWalk, Lightning Labs, Bridg (acquired by Cardlytics)
• Portfolio size: 29 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Voyager Capital

Voyager Capital is a Seattle-based firm that has been backing technology companies since 1997. They invest across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, providing capital and support to help founders build successful businesses.

The firm has a strong record of guiding companies to the public markets, with notable IPOs like ChargePoint, Amplitude, and FiscalNote. This history signals a focus on backing businesses with the potential for significant scale and market leadership in sectors like software and FinTech.

Voyager Capital is a good partner if you are a founder of a tech company at any stage, particularly if you have ambitions for a public offering. Once you secure a significant round from a firm like Voyager, Rho’s integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Big Data, Cloud Computing, FinTech, Software
• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
• Founded: 1997
• Notable investments: ChargePoint (IPO), Amplitude (IPO), FiscalNote (IPO), DataStax, Carbon Robotics
• Portfolio size: 185 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Capital One Ventures

Capital One Ventures is the strategic investment arm of Capital One, backing startups that are shaping the future of data, technology, and financial services. They invest across multiple stages, from seed rounds to late-stage growth.

As a strategic investor, the firm has a clear focus on high-growth B2B startups in FinTech, data, and cloud infrastructure. Their portfolio features major successes like Snowflake and MoneyLion, highlighting their ability to support companies through to significant public market exits.

Capital One Ventures is a strong partner if you lead a company in the FinTech or data sectors and are looking for a strategic investor with deep industry connections. Once you secure a significant round from a firm like this, our integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: B2B, FinTech, Big Data, Cloud Infrastructure, Enterprise
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: Snowflake, MoneyLion, Melio, Glean, Aqua Security
• Portfolio size: 123 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Big Data Companies

This list of investors shows a healthy and varied funding environment for companies in the Big Data sector. There is strong support across all stages, with many firms focusing on seed and early-stage rounds, while multistage investors like DCVC and Voyager Capital back companies through to later growth phases. Geographically, investors are concentrated in established technology centers like the Bay Area, New York, and Chicago, which is a common pattern for venture capital.

For founders, this means you have solid options at every point in your company's journey. As you approach early-stage investors, remember that Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing to supplement your round. Once you've secured funding, our integrated financial tools are here to help you manage and deploy that capital with efficiency.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is invaluable when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We hope this guide helps you target 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. We help you access financing tailored to your business without chasing lenders or signing legacy terms.

Once capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Our platform includes business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to support your startup’s growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Big Data

Which US cities are hubs for Big Data venture capital firms?

Key hubs for Big Data VCs include the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City, which have the highest concentration of investors. Other important cities with a strong venture presence for data-focused companies include Chicago and Boston.

What do early-stage VCs look for in a Big Data startup?

Early-stage investors typically want to see a strong founding team with relevant experience, a clear product that solves a significant problem, and early signs of market traction. A large, addressable market is also a critical factor for them.

Are there prominent venture capital firms for Big Data outside the US?

Yes, many international firms invest in Big Data. London is a major European hub, while Israel is known for its deep tech and cybersecurity investors. Singapore also has a growing venture scene with a focus on technology startups.

How do AI-focused venture capital firms differ from general tech VCs?

AI-focused VCs bring specialized expertise, understanding the technical challenges and market opportunities unique to artificial intelligence. Their networks are often concentrated with AI talent, researchers, and corporate partners who can help your company grow.

How can I manage my finances after securing a seed round?

After closing a round, it's important to have a system to manage your new capital. Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy your funds efficiently and track spending.

How can Rho help my startup with fundraising?

If you are actively raising, Rho can connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines. We help you access financing tailored to your business without giving up additional equity.