Top 5 Venture Capital Firms for E-Commerce Platform Startups

For founders in the e-commerce platform sector, preparing to raise capital requires knowing which investors understand your specific business model. Finding the right fit among the many venture capital firms is a critical first step toward a successful partnership.

To help you focus your search, our team has created this overview of the top VC firms investing in e-commerce and online retail technology. We've curated this list to help you quickly identify relevant early-stage investors before or during your fundraising process.

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 provides e-commerce platform startups with the capital to accelerate product development and expand their market reach.
• Venture firms like Act One Ventures, Expa, Trajectory Ventures, and Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures are notable backers of startups building e-commerce platforms.
• For founders who are raising capital or have recently closed a round, Rho helps you manage your funds with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in E-Commerce Platforms Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing the right investors to approach is essential.

This overview outlines which VC firms invest in e-commerce platform companies at each stage of growth.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in E-Commerce Platforms

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, intended to help you transform an idea into a minimum viable product and gain initial market traction. For founders building in this space, tech VC firms like Act One Ventures, Mu Ventures, and Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures specialize in providing this initial support for software and consumer product startups.

Early Stage VC Firms in E-Commerce Platforms

Early-stage funding, which typically includes Series A and B rounds, is for companies with a proven product and growing customer base that need capital to scale operations. Among the early-stage venture capital firms focused on e-commerce platforms, Expa is a notable investor that supports startups with both funding and operational expertise to accelerate growth.

Late Stage VC Firms in E-Commerce Platforms

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies preparing for significant expansion, a potential acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Firms like Trajectory Ventures provide capital for these mature companies, often investing in high-profile technology and SaaS businesses on a clear path to exit. Once you've secured this level of funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy capital efficiently.

It's also worth noting that some venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.

Below is our overview of top VC firms that invest in e-commerce platforms, with key details on their investment stages, location focus, and what makes each firm distinct. This information is designed to help you find the right financial partner for your company's growth.

1. Act One Ventures

Act One Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that leads pre-seed and seed rounds for business software startups. They focus on providing foundational capital to help companies build out their initial products and find market fit.

The firm concentrates on business software, with a portfolio that includes SaaS, FinTech, and companies building e-commerce platforms. Their track record of exits, such as the acquisition of Storepath by Thrasio, shows their ability to back companies that achieve significant outcomes.

This firm is a strong match if you are a founder building B2B software, particularly in the e-commerce or FinTech sectors. For founders who are raising capital or have recently closed a round, our integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed and seed
• Industries of focus: Business software, SaaS, FinTech, E-commerce platforms
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: AuditBoard, Storepath, Repeat
• Investment approach: Leads rounds at the earliest stages
• Portfolio size: 71 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Expa

Expa operates as both a venture studio and a fund, providing early-stage startups with capital, expertise, and access to a broad network. Based in San Francisco, they actively help build companies from the ground up, not just finance them.

The firm’s model as a company builder means they offer hands-on operational support alongside funding, a key feature for founders seeking guidance. Their portfolio includes high-profile companies like the digital freight network Convoy and the mobile-first neobank Current.

Expa is an ideal partner for founders who value deep involvement and are building in sectors like e-commerce, FinTech, or enterprise software. Once you secure funding from a firm like Expa, our integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Software, Developer Tools, E-commerce Platforms, Enterprise Software, FinTech
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded year: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: Convoy, Current, Metabase
• Portfolio size: 127 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Trajectory Ventures

Trajectory Ventures is a New York-based firm that invests in technology companies aiming for significant global impact. They support businesses across a wide spectrum, from early ideas to established companies in private markets.

The firm’s most notable feature is its broad investment range, covering everything from seed rounds to late-stage private equity. Their portfolio includes high-profile tech companies like AI chip maker Groq and space-tech innovator Stoke Space, showing a focus on ambitious, technically complex ventures.

This firm is a good fit for founders building deeply technical products in sectors like AI, developer tools, or companies building e-commerce platforms. After securing funding, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking, cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: E-commerce Platforms, Developer Tools, Machine Learning, Aerospace, Electric Vehicle
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded year: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Groq, Stoke Space, AlphaSense, Monarch Tractor
• Portfolio size: 115 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures

Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that invests in early-stage companies at the intersection of consumer products and technology. They primarily back direct-to-consumer brands in conscious beauty and fashion, along with new commerce and retail tech startups.

A key characteristic is their focus on impact, backing companies with a strong sustainability or ethical mission. Their portfolio includes notable names like Kintra Fibers, which develops biodegradable materials, and SuperCircle, a textile-recycling platform.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building purpose-driven consumer brands or enabling technologies for the future of retail. After securing your funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Conscious Beauty & Fashion, Retail Technology, E-commerce Platforms, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
• Founded year: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: Kintra Fibers, SuperCircle, Trendio, Function Health
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Mu Ventures

Mu Ventures is a New York-based firm that invests in commerce enablement companies at the pre-seed and seed stages. They provide foundational capital to startups building the infrastructure that powers online retail.

The firm’s focus is on the software and technology layer of commerce, including payments, SaaS, and supply chain management. Their portfolio features companies like Balance, a B2B payments platform that raised a $56 million Series B, and Alloy Automation, a no-code tool that secured a $20 million Series A.

Mu Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders creating B2B solutions that support the e-commerce ecosystem. If you are building foundational technology for online retail, this firm's specific focus aligns well. Once you've secured funding, our integrated financial tools help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed and seed
• Industries of focus: E-commerce, Payments, Retail Technology, SaaS, Supply Chain Management
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded year: 2022
• Notable portfolio companies: Balance, Alloy Automation, Qonsent (exited via merger)
• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for E-Commerce Platforms Companies

The venture capital firms on this list show a clear interest in companies building for e-commerce. There is a strong concentration of support at the pre-seed and seed stages, indicating that investors are keen to back new ideas and foundational technologies in this sector.

While investors are geographically centered in major US tech hubs like New York and Los Angeles, their focus is quite varied. This diversity, from B2B software specialists to impact-focused funds, gives you multiple avenues to find a partner whose goals align with your company’s mission.

After you secure funding, managing it effectively is the next critical step. Our integrated platform provides the tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to help you deploy your capital with precision and focus on growth.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors saves you time and energy during a fundraise. It allows you to concentrate your efforts on the firms that are most aligned with your company's goals.

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 stage and business model.

Once capital is secured, our integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. This lets you focus on growing your business with confidence.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on E-Commerce Platforms

Why are many e-commerce venture capital firms based in New York?

New York is a global center for retail, fashion, and finance, creating a rich ecosystem of talent and corporate partners. This environment makes it an ideal base for consumer and fintech venture capital firms focused on commerce technology.

How do Bay Area venture capital firms approach e-commerce investments?

Bay Area firms often prioritize the underlying technology, seeking scalable SaaS platforms, AI-driven tools, and innovative logistics solutions. Their focus reflects the region's deep software expertise and preference for companies with strong technical foundations and global potential.

What do early-stage VC firms look for in an e-commerce founder?

Beyond a strong business plan, investors seek founders with deep industry knowledge, a clear product vision, and proven resilience. They are primarily investing in your team’s ability to execute, adapt, and build a significant company.

How does pitching to SaaS VC firms differ from consumer-focused funds?

SaaS VC firms prioritize metrics like monthly recurring revenue, customer retention, and scalability. Consumer-focused funds often weigh brand strength, community engagement, and viral growth potential more heavily. You should tailor your pitch to match their focus.

What are my funding options besides traditional venture capital?

Yes, non-dilutive financing like venture debt and credit lines can fund growth without giving up equity. These options are useful for managing cash flow or extending your runway. Rho Capital helps connect you to these funding sources.

How can I best manage funds after a successful raise?

Efficiently managing new capital is critical. An integrated financial platform helps you track spending, automate payments, and issue corporate cards to your team. You can get started with our all-in-one platform at Rho.