Top 15 Venture Capital Firms Specializing in Impact Investing

For founders in impact investing, finding the right financial partners is about more than just capital. You need investors who understand the unique goals of businesses focused on ESG, sustainability, or social good, and who can support your long-term vision.

To help you identify these aligned partners, our team created this overview of the top venture capital firms in the field. Use this guide to quickly understand the investors actively funding companies like yours before or during your fundraise.

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 the capital needed to scale your mission-driven company and amplify its positive social or environmental effects.

• Top venture firms like BoxGroup, Wing Venture Capital, Sixth Street, and Haun Ventures are actively backing companies focused on impact.

• Once you've closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Impact Investing Are Right for Your Stage?

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

Here’s a quick overview of venture capital firms that focus on impact investing, broken down by the stages they fund.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Impact Investing

This initial funding stage is designed to help you validate your core idea and build a minimum viable product before generating significant revenue. For founders focused on social or environmental goals, firms like BoxGroup and Initialized Capital are well-known for their early backing, while other social impact venture capital firms like Bling Capital also concentrate on this foundational stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Impact Investing

Early-stage funding, covering Series A and B, is for companies with established product-market fit that need capital to scale their teams and accelerate customer acquisition. Impact venture capital firms such as Better Ventures and Fifty Years support this growth phase, and once you secure new funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Late Stage VC Firms in Impact Investing

Late-stage capital is for mature companies preparing for a major milestone, such as an acquisition or an IPO, by solidifying their market leadership. In this phase, global venture capital firms like Sixth Street and Felicis are key players, often providing the substantial investment needed to fuel large-scale expansion.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from the initial idea to a successful exit.

To help you find the right partner, we’ve compiled information on the top VC firms in impact investing. Here are the key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a unique option for founders.

1. BoxGroup

Based in New York, BoxGroup is an early-stage investment fund that has been backing technology companies since its founding in 2009. They focus on providing the initial capital that helps founders build and launch their products. Once you secure that seed funding, our platform at Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, cards, and spend controls.

The firm is known for its early investments in category-defining companies like Plaid, Airtable, and Ramp. This track record points to a product-focused approach, identifying strong founding teams and supporting them from the seed stage through major growth cycles.

BoxGroup is an excellent match for founders at the earliest stages who are building technology-driven businesses. If you have a strong product vision, particularly in fintech or health-tech, their history suggests they are a valuable long-term partner.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Technology, with a strong record in FinTech, Financial Services, and Health-Tech

• Geographical presence: Based in New York, but invests globally

• Founded: 2009

• Notable portfolio companies: Plaid, Airtable, Ramp, Warby Parker, and Flatiron Health

• Portfolio size: Over 700 investments and more than 125 exits

You can refer to their website here.

2. Wing Venture Capital

Based in Palo Alto, Wing Venture Capital has been investing in technology-first businesses since 2013. They concentrate on the early-stage, business-focused technology market, helping founders build companies with long-term potential.

The firm supports companies from seed through late-stage rounds, with a clear emphasis on B2B tech in areas like machine learning and financial services. Their portfolio shows a pattern of successful exits, including an IPO for Opower and acquisitions by major tech companies like Oracle and Miro.

Wing is a strong potential partner for founders building technology-first companies who are looking for support throughout their growth journey. Once you secure that funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Technology, with a focus on Business Development, Financial Services, Machine Learning, and Impact Investing

• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Algorand, Opower, Palerra, and Noteable

• Portfolio size: 197 investments and 27 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. Sixth Street

Based in San Francisco, Sixth Street is a global investment firm founded in 2009 that develops unique themes and provides tailored financial solutions for companies. They operate across the investment landscape, offering support to businesses at various stages of growth.

The firm shows a clear focus on finance and technology, with a portfolio that includes category leaders like Airbnb, AirTrunk, and Wealthbox. Their strategy involves backing high-growth companies with substantial capital, often supporting them through major expansion phases.

Sixth Street is an ideal partner for founders of mature, scaling companies who require a versatile financial partner for their next stage of growth. Once you secure a large round, our integrated platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, and Debt

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, Impact Investing, and Technology

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco

• Founded: 2009

• Notable portfolio companies: Airbnb, Awardco, AirTrunk, and Wealthbox

• Portfolio size: 80 investments and 24 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Haun Ventures

Based in Menlo Park, Haun Ventures is an investment firm that backs companies building in the crypto and web3 space. Founded in 2021, they support founders from the earliest stages to help build the next generation of the internet.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage rounds, with a clear focus on the cryptocurrency and financial services sectors. Their portfolio includes well-known crypto companies like OpenSea, Chainalysis, and Fireblocks, signaling a strong conviction in web3.

Haun Ventures is a good fit for founders building foundational technology in crypto, from blockchain infrastructure to NFT platforms. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Secondary Market, and Venture

• Industries of focus: Cryptocurrency, Financial Services, Impact Investing, and Venture Capital

• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California

• Founded: 2021

• Notable portfolio companies: OpenSea, Chainalysis, Fireblocks, Aptos Labs, and Autograph

• Portfolio size: 30 investments and 1 exit

You can refer to their website here.

5. Human Capital

Based in San Francisco, Human Capital is a venture firm that invests in ambitious founders across different industries. They have been active since 2015, providing capital to help companies scale from their earliest stages.

The firm's name reflects its founder-centric approach, and its portfolio is filled with high-profile technology companies like Snowflake and Brex. This signals a focus on backing strong teams building foundational businesses in sectors like fintech and AI.

Human Capital is a great fit for founders with a clear vision to build a category-defining company. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Venture Capital, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Snowflake, Brex, Anduril, Livongo, and Scale AI

• Portfolio size: Over 126 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. Felicis

Based in Menlo Park, Felicis has been investing in companies since 2006, supporting founders from the earliest seed ideas through Series C growth rounds. They invest across a wide range of sectors, including frontier technology.

The firm’s portfolio is marked by major successes like Shopify and Opendoor, indicating a strong ability to back companies that achieve massive scale and public exits. Their investments in multiple "unicorns" across different industries also signal a focus on high-growth, category-defining businesses.

Felicis is a great match for ambitious founders building for the long term, regardless of industry. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Finance, Financial Services, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California

• Founded: 2006

• Notable portfolio companies: Shopify, Opendoor, Dialpad, SoundHound, and Tines

• Portfolio size: Over 679 investments and 169 exits

You can refer to their website here.

7. Quona Capital

Based in Washington, D.C., Quona Capital is a venture firm that invests in fintech companies across emerging markets. Since its founding in 2015, it has focused on supporting businesses that promote financial inclusion.

The firm has a clear focus on fintech in markets like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, with a track record of successful exits, including the IndiaMART public offering and the acquisition of Azimo, a remittance platform. Their strategy centers on backing companies that provide financial services to underserved populations.

Quona Capital is a strong fit for founders building fintech solutions for emerging markets, especially those with a clear social impact component. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, and Convertible Note

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Financial Services, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in Washington D.C., with a focus on emerging markets

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: IndiaMART, Azimo, Wasoko, Coins.ph, and ZestMoney

• Portfolio size: 164 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. True Ventures

Based in Palo Alto, True Ventures has been investing in early-stage technology startups since 2005. They focus on providing foundational capital to help founders bring their ideas to market and build lasting companies.

The firm has a history of backing iconic consumer brands, including Peloton, Fitbit, and Ring, guiding them to major acquisitions and public offerings. This track record highlights their ability to identify and support companies with the potential for widespread adoption.

True Ventures is a great partner for founders at the earliest stages, especially those building consumer technology or hardware. Once you secure that initial funding, our platform at Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Finance, Financial Services, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2005

• Notable portfolio companies: Peloton, Fitbit, Ring, Sweetgreen, and HashiCorp

• Portfolio size: 740 investments and 120 exits

You can refer to their website here.

9. Bling Capital

Based in San Jose, Bling Capital has been funding early-stage companies since 2018. They invest across a broad range of technology sectors, including consumer tech, SaaS, and fintech.

The firm is known for backing high-profile companies like Lyft, Palantir, and GitLab, often from the seed stage. Their portfolio shows a clear focus on businesses with the potential for massive scale and public market exits.

Bling Capital is a good match for founders at the seed or early stages who are building technology-driven companies with high-growth potential. Once you secure that initial funding, our platform at Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Venture

• Industries of focus: Consumer tech, SaaS, FinTech, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in San Jose, California

• Founded: 2018

• Notable portfolio companies: Lyft, Palantir, PagerDuty, Lime, and GitLab

• Portfolio size: 143 investments and 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

10. Fifty Years

Based in San Francisco, Fifty Years is an early-stage venture fund that has been backing entrepreneurs since 2015. They focus on companies aiming to solve major global problems through technology.

The firm's portfolio highlights a commitment to businesses with deep technological or scientific foundations, such as Opentrons and Invitae. Their support for companies like Substack and Worldcoin also shows an interest in foundational platforms that can reshape industries.

Fifty Years is a strong match for founders at the seed or early stages who are building companies with a clear, long-term mission to address significant world challenges. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Companies with a focus on impact, Life Science, and deep technology

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Substack, Worldcoin, Invitae, and Opentrons

• Portfolio size: 150 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

11. Google.org

Based in Mountain View, Google.org is the philanthropic arm of Google, founded in 2005 to support organizations with ambitious ideas for global change. It provides funding to teams, often non-profits, that are working on solutions to major social and environmental challenges.

Google.org's model is distinct, blending grants with venture investments to support both non-profits and for-profit social enterprises. Its portfolio shows a clear focus on impact, backing tech-driven non-profits like Medic Mobile and pioneers in clean-energy technology like eSolar.

This firm is a great match for founders whose primary goal is creating large-scale social or environmental change, whether through a non-profit or a for-profit model. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Grant, Seed, and Venture

• Industries of focus: Non-profit and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in Mountain View, but invests globally

• Founded: 2005

• Notable portfolio companies: Medic Mobile, Noora Health, eSolar, and Sirum

• Portfolio size: 86 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Initialized Capital

Based in San Francisco, Initialized Capital has been providing early-stage funding since 2012. The firm concentrates on writing the first seed checks for software engineers and designers, helping them launch their companies.

Their portfolio is filled with major tech successes like Coinbase and Instacart, which they backed from the earliest stages. This history shows a clear focus on product-driven companies and supporting technical founders through massive growth cycles.

Initialized Capital is an ideal partner for founders with strong engineering or design backgrounds who need that first round of capital. Once you secure that seed funding, our platform at Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, and Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Software, Finance, Financial Services, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco

• Founded: 2012

• Notable portfolio companies: Coinbase, Instacart, Cruise, Patreon, and Opendoor

• Portfolio size: Over 530 investments and 106 exits

You can refer to their website here.

13. SE Ventures

Based in Menlo Park, SE Ventures is a global venture capital fund backed by Schneider Electric. With over $1 billion in capital, they invest in companies driving sustainability and the electrification of industries.

As the venture arm of a major industrial player, the firm offers deep domain expertise and access to a global customer base. Their portfolio, featuring companies like industrial cybersecurity leader Claroty and EV charging network Volta Charging, highlights a focus on technologies with significant real-world impact.

SE Ventures is an ideal match for founders building solutions in cleantech, energy, and industrial AI who are seeking a strategic partner for growth. If you're raising for a company in this space, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, and Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Sustainability, Industrial Automation, CleanTech, Energy, and AI

• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, with a global investment focus

• Founded: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: AutoGrid, Claroty, Proterra, and Volta Charging

• Portfolio size: 45 investments and 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

14. Elevar Equity

Based in Seattle, Elevar Equity has been providing early growth capital since 2008 to businesses that directly connect social impact with financial returns. The firm focuses on companies that build scalable solutions for underserved communities.

Elevar Equity shows a strong focus on emerging markets, with unicorn successes like e-commerce platform Nuvemshop in Latin America and edtech firm LEAD in India. Their portfolio demonstrates a clear strategy of backing foundational companies in fintech and financial inclusion for customers like smallholder farmers and micro-enterprises.

This firm is an excellent partner for founders building scalable businesses in emerging markets, particularly in fintech or edtech. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage, Private Equity, and Venture

• Industries of focus: FinTech, Financial Services, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, with a focus on emerging markets like Latin America and India

• Founded: 2008

• Notable portfolio companies: Nuvemshop, LEAD, Covalto, Samunnati, and Indifi

• Portfolio size: 82 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

15. Better Ventures

Based in Oakland, Better Ventures has been backing mission-driven entrepreneurs since 2010. They focus on seed and early-stage companies that are building technology to create a better world.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear commitment to companies tackling major issues in sustainability and food technology. Their investments in companies like Meati Foods, a producer of meat alternatives, and Synop, an EV fleet management platform, highlight a focus on tangible, impactful solutions.

Better Ventures is a strong fit for founders developing technology to address challenges in climate, sustainable food systems, and financial access. If you're raising an early round, our team at Rho Capital can also help you explore non-dilutive funding to complement your equity financing.

• Investment stages: Seed and Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Sustainability, FinTech, Transportation, and companies with a focus on impact

• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California

• Founded: 2010

• Notable portfolio companies: Meati Foods, NuCicer, Synop, Avalo, and SMBX

• Portfolio size: 86 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Impact Investing Companies

This review of top investors reveals a healthy and active funding scene for companies focused on impact. There is a strong concentration of firms that invest at the seed and early stages, which is great news for founders who are just getting started. While many of the firms listed are based in the Bay Area, their focus is often global, with some specializing entirely in markets like Latin America or India.

The variety of investor types, from traditional VCs to corporate funds and philanthropic arms, also shows that you have different kinds of capital partners to approach. As you build your fundraising strategy, our team at Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive options like venture debt, giving you more flexibility to fund your company's growth and mission.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors is critical when your time and resources are dedicated to your fundraise. Our guide is built to help you identify the partners who are most aligned with your company's mission and stage.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help you access financing tailored to your business without giving up more equity.

Once your round is closed, our integrated platform helps you manage and deploy your new capital efficiently. With business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay in one place, you can focus on scaling your impact.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Impact Investing

What are the top European venture capital firms for impact investing?

Many European firms focus on impact, including Atomico, Northzone, and Balderton Capital. They often seek companies with strong ESG principles and scalable solutions for global challenges, supporting founders from seed rounds through later stages of growth.

How do climate tech venture capital firms evaluate startups?

Climate tech VCs assess your technology's potential for significant carbon reduction, its scalability, and your team's expertise. They look for a clear path to commercialization and a business model that can attract follow-on investment for long-term growth.

Are there many impact venture capital firms in Asia?

Yes, the impact investing scene in Asia is growing. Firms across the continent are actively funding startups that meet specific ESG criteria, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and financial inclusion for underserved communities.

How can early-stage founders best approach impact VCs?

Clearly articulate your mission and its connection to your business model. Demonstrate early traction and a deep understanding of the problem you are solving. Our team at Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your position.

How can Rho help my startup manage its funding?

Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage it. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay in one place, so you can focus on scaling your company’s mission.