Top 12 Venture Capital Firms for Marketplace Startups

When you're preparing to raise capital for your marketplace business, knowing which investors truly understand the dynamics of a two-sided model is a critical first step. The right partner brings more than just capital; they bring relevant experience.

To help you find that fit, our team has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms focused on the marketplace sector. Use this guide to quickly identify investors who are actively funding companies like yours.

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

• Securing venture funding provides marketplace startups with the capital to scale operations and the strategic guidance from experienced investors.

• Firms like Uncork Capital, Bling Capital, ATX Venture Partners, and Diverse Angels are notable backers in the marketplace sector, actively funding new companies.

• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated tools for business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Marketplace Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to.

This is a quick overview of the VC firms that invest in marketplace businesses at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Marketplace

This initial stage is for getting your idea off the ground, often before you have significant revenue, to build a product and find market fit. For marketplace startups at this stage, firms like Boston Seed Capital, Diverse Angels, and Gutter Capital are active investors.

Early Stage VC Firms in Marketplace

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is designed to help you scale a proven business model and accelerate growth. Some early-stage venture capital firms with a focus on the marketplace sector include ATX Venture Partners and Tech Square Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms in Marketplace

Late-stage rounds provide capital for mature companies to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit. Notable late-stage marketplace investors include 14W, while firms like Community Investment Management offer specialized debt financing.

Keep in mind that some VC firms, such as Uncork Capital, invest across multiple funding stages. As you grow, you can also supplement equity rounds with non-dilutive financing; Rho Capital connects startups to venture debt and credit lines to help you extend your runway efficiently.

Below is our overview of the leading venture capital firms focused on marketplace startups. We've included information on their funding stages, geographic preferences, and the unique qualities each firm offers to founders like you.

1. Uncork Capital

Uncork Capital is one of Silicon Valley's most established seed-stage firms, with a history of backing companies from their earliest days. They position themselves as a trusted partner for founders, focusing on providing guidance beyond just capital.

The firm is best known for its seed-stage focus in sectors like SaaS and marketplaces, but invests across later stages as well. Their portfolio includes major successes like Postmates and Eventbrite, highlighting their experience with two-sided business models.

This firm is a strong match for early-stage founders who value an experienced, hands-on partner with a strong network. Their track record is particularly relevant if your startup is in the SaaS, consumer, or marketplace industry.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: SaaS, Consumer, Marketplace, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2004
• Notable investments: Postmates, Eventbrite, Fitbit, SendGrid
• Track record: Over 430 investments and 110 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

2. Bling Capital

Bling Capital invests across a range of technology sectors, including consumer apps, SaaS, and marketplace platforms. The firm primarily provides seed and early-stage capital to help new companies find their footing and scale.

The firm's portfolio is notable for its inclusion of high-profile companies like Lyft, Palantir, and GitLab. This track record signals an ability to identify and support businesses with the potential for significant, market-defining growth.

Bling Capital is a strong match for founders with ambitious, product-focused ideas in high-growth industries. Once you secure funding from a top firm, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Marketplace, SaaS, Fintech, Data, Automation
• Geographical presence: San Jose, California
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: Lyft, Palantir, PagerDuty, Lime, GitLab
• Track record: Over 140 investments and 7 exits

You can refer to their website here.

3. ATX Venture Partners

ATX Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, with a clear focus on B2B software, marketplaces, and frontier technology companies.

The firm's portfolio highlights a preference for businesses with strong B2B applications, including nationally recognized brands like ZenBusiness and the fast-growing emergency-communications platform AlertMedia.

This firm is a strong choice for founders building B2B software or marketplace platforms, particularly those connected to the growing Austin tech ecosystem. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking and corporate cards—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: B2B Software, APIs, Marketplaces, Frontier Tech
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: ZenBusiness, AlertMedia, GoCo, Slingshot Aerospace
• Track record: Over 100 investments and 10 exits

You can refer to their website here.

4. Diverse Angels

Diverse Angels is an angel group and venture capital firm committed to increasing representation within the investment community. Based in Los Angeles, they primarily support companies at the seed and early stages.

The firm's investment thesis is built on backing a wide range of technology sectors, including marketplaces, fintech, and health care. Their portfolio includes the investment platform Republic and the AI audio company Sounder, which marked a successful exit for the firm.

This firm is a great match for early-stage founders who are building in high-growth tech sectors and value an investor with a clear social mission. Their broad industry focus makes them a potential partner for many different types of tech-enabled businesses.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Marketplace, E-Commerce, Health Care, Fintech, Gaming, Software
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2021
• Notable investments: Republic, Sounder, Pariti, Ash Wellness
• Track record: Over 50 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

5. Gutter Capital

Gutter Capital is a New York-based firm that invests in companies aiming to advance affordability, economic mobility, and sustainability in the U.S. They primarily back founders at the seed and early stages.

The firm has a clear thematic focus, backing companies in sectors like marketplaces, SaaS, and GovTech. Their portfolio includes notable successes like the prop-tech firm Ribbon Home and the ag-tech unicorn Bowery Farming.

This firm is a good fit for founders whose businesses align with Gutter Capital's mission-driven focus. Once you secure your seed round, Rho’s integrated financial tools can help you manage and deploy that new capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Marketplace, SaaS, EdTech, GovTech, Small and Medium Businesses
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Bowery Farming, Ribbon Home, Lane, 2ndKitchen
• Track record: Over 45 investments and 4 exits

You can refer to their website here.

6. H20 Capital

H20 Capital is a Miami-based venture firm that backs entrepreneurs at the seed and early stages. They focus on supporting founders who are building large, enduring companies in high-growth sectors.

The firm has a significant focus on the Latin American market, with portfolio companies like the B2B marketplace Tul and online grocer Jüsto. Their investments in FinTech, SaaS, and marketplace businesses show a clear strategy.

H20 Capital is a strong partner for founders building for the Latin American market, particularly in the fintech and marketplace sectors. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with tools for banking, cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Marketplace, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2018
• Notable investments: OnTop, Tul, Jüsto, Flat.mx
• Portfolio size: Over 55 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. Boston Seed Capital

Boston Seed Capital is a venture firm that provides seed-stage funding for internet-enabled businesses. They are a key player in the Boston tech ecosystem, backing companies across several high-growth sectors.

The firm has a clear focus on internet businesses, particularly in the e-commerce, fintech, SaaS, and marketplace sectors. Their portfolio is marked by high-profile successes like DraftKings and Flywire, demonstrating a history of guiding companies toward successful public market exits.

This firm is a strong match for founders building internet-focused companies, especially those in the e-commerce or fintech space. Once you secure funding from a top firm, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking and corporate cards—help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: E-Commerce, FinTech, Marketplace, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Boston, Massachusetts
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: DraftKings, Flywire, CloudBees, VulcanForms
• Track record: Over 110 investments and 28 exits

You can refer to their website here.

8. Tech Square Ventures

Tech Square Ventures is an Atlanta-based firm providing seed and early-stage capital to new companies. They focus on enterprise software, marketplace platforms, and other tech-enabled services.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear preference for companies with strong enterprise or government applications. Notable investments include Moth + Flame, a VR training platform adopted by the U.S. Air Force, and Coros, whose technology was used to track COVID-19 vaccine shipments.

This firm is a strong choice for founders building enterprise software or tech-enabled services, particularly those connected to the Southeast's tech scene. After securing your funding, Rho provides the integrated banking and spend management tools needed to put that capital to work.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Enterprise Software, Marketplace, Tech-Enabled Services
• Geographical presence: Atlanta, Georgia
• Founded: 2014
• Notable investments: Saleo, Coros, Moth + Flame, Cloverly
• Track record: Over 120 investments and 7 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

9. Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures

Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures is a Los Angeles-based firm that backs early-stage companies in the consumer sector. They focus on conscious beauty and fashion brands, as well as new commerce and retail technology platforms.

The firm has a clear focus on impact, backing companies that prioritize sustainability and conscious consumerism. Their portfolio includes innovators like Kintra Fibers, which creates bio-based textiles, and the shoppable video app Trendio.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building direct-to-consumer brands or retail tech with a strong ethical or sustainable mission. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform at Rho helps you manage your new capital with tools for banking and spend management.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Beauty, Fashion, E-Commerce Platforms, Marketplace, Retail Technology, Impact Investing
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2020
• Notable investments: DAMDAM Tokyo, Function Health, Trendio, Kintra Fibers, SuperCircle
• Track record: Over 25 investments and 2 exits.

You can refer to their website here.

10. Avalanche VC

Avalanche VC is a New York-based firm that invests in technology companies focused on transforming how people learn, earn, and own. They primarily back founders at the seed and early stages who are building for the future of work and the ownership economy.

The firm’s portfolio reflects its mission, with investments in companies like the decentralized social network Bluesky and the VR-based learning platform Prisms of Reality. This thematic approach shows a clear interest in businesses that empower individuals through technology.

This firm is a strong partner for founders building mission-driven companies in sectors like ed-tech, AI, or platforms for the creator economy. After securing your funding, Rho provides the integrated banking and spend management tools needed to put that capital to work.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Future of Work, EdTech, Creator Economy, Marketplaces, AI
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2020
• Notable investments: Bluesky, Humanly, Prisms of Reality, Genus AI
• Track record: Over 40 investments and 1 exit

You can refer to their website here.

11. Community Investment Management

Community Investment Management (CIM) is an impact investment firm that provides debt financing to technology-driven companies. They specialize in the marketplace lending sector, with a mission to support businesses that serve small businesses and underserved communities.

The firm's approach centers on providing structured credit and debt facilities, making them a non-dilutive capital partner. Their portfolio shows a strong commitment to fintechs that promote financial inclusion, particularly in Latin America, with investments in companies like Zolve and Finkargo.

CIM is a good match for founders of established fintech and marketplace companies who need debt capital to scale. If you're looking for non-dilutive financing to expand your lending operations, CIM is a key player to know, similar to how Rho Capital connects startups with venture debt options.

• Investment stages: Debt Financing
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Marketplace Lending, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2012
• Notable investments: Zolve, Finkargo, Xepelin, Stori
• Track record: Over 28 investments and 3 exits

You can refer to their website here.

12. 14W

14W is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests across early and late stages. They back companies building technology to make the future more accessible and connected.

The firm has a clear affinity for marketplace and consumer-facing platforms, with a portfolio full of high-profile examples like Deliveroo and The RealReal. Their investments show a pattern of backing companies that redefine consumer experiences in large, established industries.

This firm is a strong choice for founders of consumer or marketplace businesses with proven traction and the ambition to scale into a market leader. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with tools for banking, cards, and payments.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Marketplaces, Financial Services, Consumer
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2010
• Notable investments: Deliveroo, The RealReal, Maven Clinic, Spotahome
• Track record: Over 85 investments and 17 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Marketplace Companies

This group of venture firms points to a healthy and active funding environment for marketplace companies. The most visible trend is the strong support available at the seed and early stages, with a majority of the firms on our list focused on providing that initial, critical capital. For founders with more mature businesses, firms like 14W and Uncork Capital demonstrate that there are still dedicated partners for later growth rounds.

Geographically, while major hubs like New York and California are well-represented, there are active marketplace investors in cities across the country, including Austin, Atlanta, and Miami. This suggests you can find a strong partner without being limited to a specific location. The variety of firms, from traditional VCs to impact-focused funds, also gives you more choice in the type of partnership you build.

As you plan your funding strategy, remember that equity isn't the only path. Rho Capital can connect you to non-dilutive financing like venture debt to help extend your runway. Once you secure capital, our integrated platform provides the tools for banking, corporate cards, and payments to manage it effectively.

Raise Confidently with Rho

When you're raising capital, your time is your most valuable asset. This list is designed to help you connect directly with the right investors who already understand your market.

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. This gives you more ways to extend your runway without giving up additional equity.

Our team helps you access financing that fits your business model, from venture debt to working capital. Once your round is closed, our integrated platform gives you the tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to manage your new funds effectively.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Marketplace

Which VC firms invest in European marketplace startups?

Yes, many firms focus on the European market. Investors like Speedinvest, Point Nine, and LocalGlobe actively back marketplace companies, often looking for strong unit economics and a clear path to scaling across different countries in the region.

What do early-stage VCs look for in a marketplace company?

Early-stage investors want to see signs of product-market fit and a strong founding team. For marketplaces, this means demonstrating initial liquidity and positive unit economics. Once funded, our integrated tools help you manage that capital efficiently.

How does pitching a B2B marketplace differ from a B2C one?

When pitching a B2B marketplace, emphasize the platform's ROI, integration capabilities, and ability to solve a specific business workflow. B2C pitches often focus more on brand, viral growth loops, and building strong consumer network effects.

Are there specific marketplace VCs in the Bay Area?

Absolutely. The Bay Area is a hub for marketplace investors. Firms like Uncork Capital and Bling Capital are based there, and many other Silicon Valley VCs have deep experience and dedicated partners for the marketplace sector.

How can I find the right marketplace investor for my company?

Research a firm’s portfolio to confirm they invest in your stage and sector. Look for investors with experience in two-sided models. Our team at Rho can also connect you to non-dilutive funding options tailored to your business.

How can Rho help me extend my runway without more dilution?

Rho Capital connects you with non-dilutive financing like venture debt and credit lines. We help you access capital tailored to your business model, letting you extend your runway and grow without giving up additional equity.