Top 14 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Mobile Startups

For founders in the mobile technology space, preparing to raise capital requires a clear picture of the key investors. Finding a partner who truly understands the nuances of the mobile app and wireless industry can make all the difference for your startup.

To help with your search, our team has curated this overview of top venture capital firms that focus on mobile startups. Use this guide to quickly identify the investors most relevant to your business, whether you're seeking seed funding or a Series A.

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 mobile startups with the capital and strategic support needed to accelerate product development and user acquisition.

• Venture capital firms like Pioneer Square Labs, Bezos Expeditions, Lightbank, and The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) are notable backers of startups in the mobile technology sector.

• If you have recently closed a funding round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay tools.

Which VC Firms in Mobile Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. This is a quick overview of venture capital firms in the mobile sector, organized by the stage at which they invest.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Mobile

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, used to validate your idea and find initial market fit. While you pursue equity funding from mobile-focused venture capital firms like Pioneer Square Labs or AAF Management Ltd., Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive options to extend your runway without chasing lenders.

Early Stage VC Firms in Mobile

Early-stage funding, including Series A and B rounds, is for companies with a proven product and initial traction, helping you scale your team and accelerate growth. Once you secure new capital from technology VC firms like The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) or Jaws Ventures, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Late Stage VC Firms in Mobile

Late-stage capital is for established companies preparing for significant expansion, a potential acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Investors in this category, such as Light Street Capital, often provide the substantial funding needed to reach these major milestones.

Keep in mind that many firms, including Bezos Expeditions and Lightbank, are global venture capital firms that invest across all startup funding stages.

Here is a closer look at the top venture capital firms that focus on the mobile sector. We've included key details about their investment stages and geographic focus to help you identify which firms are a compelling choice for your company.

1. Pioneer Square Labs

Pioneer Square Labs is a Seattle-based startup studio and venture firm that builds and launches technology companies. They focus on the mobile, internet, and enterprise software sectors, providing hands-on support from the earliest stages.

The firm's model is a key feature; they don't just invest but actively participate in creating businesses from scratch. Their portfolio includes notable companies like BigBox VR, which was acquired by Meta, and the teen-focused digital banking platform, Copper.

PSL is an ideal partner if you're an early-stage founder seeking deep operational involvement alongside capital. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Mobile, Enterprise Software, Internet
• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: BigBox VR, Arrived, Copper
• Model: A startup studio that builds companies internally.
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Bezos Expeditions

Bezos Expeditions is the personal investment firm of Jeff Bezos, backing companies across various technology sectors. It operates as a family office, deploying capital into ventures with high-growth potential.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, and is known for backing transformative companies like Airbnb and Uber. Their portfolio shows a clear focus on businesses that can achieve massive scale and define new markets.

This firm is a good fit for founders with ambitious, category-defining ideas who are seeking a long-term capital partner. Once you secure a significant funding round, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: Airbnb, Uber, Anduril, Workday, Grail
• Portfolio size: 108 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Lightbank

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm led by Eric Lefkofsky, investing across sectors like AI, SaaS, and fintech. With $700M in assets under management, they provide capital to companies at various points in their growth journey.

The firm has a history of backing companies that achieve major exits, including the IPOs of Sprout Social and Fiverr. Their portfolio demonstrates a focus on businesses with the potential for massive scale and market leadership.

Lightbank is a compelling choice for founders who are building technology companies and aiming for a significant acquisition or public offering. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Mobile, SaaS, Marketplaces, FinTech, EdTech, Enterprise Software
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Sprout Social, Tastytrade, Tempus, Fiverr, SpotHero
• Portfolio size: 206 investments
• Fund size: $700M AUM

You can refer to their website here.

4. The Venture Reality Fund/VRF

The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) is a California-based firm that invests in early-stage companies building the future of digital interaction through AI and spatial computing. They provide capital to founders at the seed and early venture stages, focusing on technologies that shape immersive experiences.

The firm's specialization in AR and VR is a key differentiator, backing companies with deep technical applications in gaming, enterprise training, and social media. Their portfolio includes several high-profile exits, such as the acquisitions of Owlchemy Labs and Phiar Technologies by Google.

VRF is a compelling partner for founders with a strong vision for AR, VR, or AI-driven platforms who need a specialist investor. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AI, Spatial Computing, AR, VR, Gaming, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Burlingame, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Owlchemy Labs (acquired by Google), Strivr, Baobab Studios, Phiar Technologies
• Portfolio size: 64 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Recursive Ventures

Recursive Ventures is a micro-VC firm that backs seed-stage technology startups in the US and Israel. They focus on companies using data and AI to create significant shifts in established industries.

The firm's investment thesis is centered on data and AI-driven businesses, with a portfolio that includes major successes like Ring, which was acquired by Amazon, and the global payroll platform Deel. This track record shows their ability to identify companies with high-growth potential.

This firm is a strong match for founders in the US or Israel who are building a seed-stage company with AI or data at its core. After you secure seed funding, our platform can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), FinTech, Mobile, Real Estate, IT Infrastructure
• Geographical presence: Albany, California (invests in US and Israel)
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Ring (acquired by Amazon), Life360 (IPO), Deel, Placer.ai
• Portfolio size: 48 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Aspect Ventures

Aspect Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto that invests in the emerging mobile marketplace. They support companies across all funding stages, from seed and convertible notes to late-stage venture rounds.

The firm has a track record of backing high-profile consumer companies that have achieved significant exits, including the acquisitions of HotelTonight and Trulia. Their portfolio also features major fintech and e-commerce players like Chime, Gusto, and The RealReal, signaling a focus on businesses with the potential for large-scale market adoption.

This firm is a strong match for founders building mobile-first businesses with clear consumer appeal and ambitions for a major exit. Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Mobile, Business Development, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Chime, Gusto, The RealReal, HotelTonight, Trulia
• Portfolio size: 119 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. AAF Management Ltd.

AAF Management Ltd. is a venture capital firm that invests in technology companies at the seed and Series A stages. Based in Washington, D.C., they provide early funding to help startups build and grow.

The firm has a track record of backing high-growth companies that have achieved major success, including unicorns like Flutterwave and Drata. Their portfolio also includes well-known names like Robinhood and StockX, showing a focus on businesses with breakout potential.

This firm is a strong choice for founders building early-stage technology companies, especially in fintech and software, with ambitions for significant scale. While you pursue equity funding, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive options to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Health Care, Mobile, Software
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Flutterwave, Drata, Current, Robinhood, StockX
• Portfolio size: 133 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Light Street Capital

Light Street Capital is a global investment firm based in Palo Alto that backs both private and public companies. They concentrate on the technology and media sectors, providing capital across the entire company lifecycle.

A key feature of their strategy is investing across the full spectrum, from early-stage rounds to post-IPO equities. Their portfolio includes major technology companies like Uber, Slack, and Unity, reflecting a focus on businesses that can achieve significant scale.

This firm is a good match for founders of late-stage companies preparing for significant expansion or a public offering. Once you secure a major funding round, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Secondary Market
• Industries of focus: Technology, Media, Cloud Computing, E-Commerce, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California (invests globally)
• Founded: 2010
• Notable portfolio companies: Uber, Slack, Unity, GitLab, AMD
• Portfolio size: 26 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Lateral Frontiers

Lateral Frontiers is a venture fund that invests in early and growth-stage technology companies across Africa. The firm provides capital to businesses in sectors like fintech, logistics, and healthcare, aiming to support foundational platforms for the continent.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on backing regional leaders, including mobile games publisher Carry1st and open-banking API company Mono. Their investments have attracted follow-on funding from major global firms, signaling their ability to identify high-potential African startups.

This firm is a strong match for founders building technology companies with a clear focus on the African market. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, Health Care, Logistics, Mobile, CleanTech
• Geographical presence: New York, New York (invests in Africa)
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Carry1st, Mono, SeamlessHR, Octavia Carbon
• Portfolio size: 48 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Core Capital Partners

Core Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based venture firm managing $350 million across its funds. They provide capital to companies across the funding lifecycle, from seed rounds to late-stage venture investments.

The firm has a clear history of backing companies that achieve major exits, including the IPO of Olo and the $2.7 billion acquisition of Sourcefire by Cisco. Their portfolio highlights a focus on foundational technology in sectors like network security and enterprise SaaS.

Core Capital is a strong choice for founders building businesses in mobile, wireless, or financial services with a clear path toward an IPO or major acquisition. Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Financial Services, Mobile, Wireless, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.
• Founded: 1999
• Notable portfolio companies: Sourcefire, ZeroFox, Olo, Univa
• Portfolio size: 91 investments
• Fund size: $350M AUM

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sputnik ATX

Sputnik ATX is an Austin-based venture fund and startup accelerator that invests in early-stage companies. They focus on backing "maker-founders," providing capital and hands-on support to help build businesses from the ground up.

The firm’s accelerator model is a defining characteristic, combining seed funding with structured guidance for founders. Their portfolio is notably diverse, spanning from an AI website-builder and a reg-tech platform to a vegan cosmetics brand, showing their broad interest in different markets.

This firm is a strong choice for founders who value mentorship and community in the early stages of building a company. While you explore accelerator programs, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options to extend your runway.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Mobile, Gaming, Retail, Enterprise, Beauty, Social
• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Vybe, Cognitive View, Kargoplex, LAMIK
• Portfolio size: 116 investments
• Model: A startup accelerator and VC fund for maker-founders

You can refer to their website here.

12. Jaws Ventures

Jaws Ventures is a Miami-based firm that provides growth capital to companies in the consumer and technology sectors. They invest in businesses from the seed stage through early venture rounds, focusing on founders with ambitious ideas.

The firm’s portfolio shows a broad interest in market-defining companies, from direct-to-consumer brands like Parachute Home to the “trash tech” company Rubicon. They have a track record of backing businesses that achieve significant scale, including the e-commerce platform Route.

Jaws Ventures is a strong partner for founders building ambitious consumer technology, e-commerce, or mobile businesses. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer, E-Commerce, Hospitality, Internet, Mobile
• Geographical presence: Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Rubicon, Parachute Home, Route, Zeno Power
• Portfolio size: 105 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Telegraph Hill Capital

Telegraph Hill Capital is a San Francisco-based venture firm that invests in early-stage technology companies, primarily across North America. They provide capital from seed rounds through late-stage venture, supporting businesses throughout their growth cycle.

The firm has a clear history of backing companies that achieve major exits, especially within the life sciences and diagnostics sectors. A look at their portfolio reveals successful IPOs for companies like Akoya Biosciences and Teknova, highlighting a focus on businesses with deep technical value and a clear path to the public markets.

This firm is a strong match for founders building enterprise software, mobile, or life sciences companies with defensible technology. Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Apps, Enterprise Software, Mobile, Life Sciences
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Akoya Biosciences (IPO), Teknova (IPO), Precision NanoSystems (acquired by Danaher)
• Portfolio size: 67 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Lauder Partners

Lauder Partners is a California-based venture capital firm that has been investing since 1986. They provide capital to technology companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed funding to late-stage rounds.

The firm is known for backing highly ambitious, category-defining companies like SpaceX, AngelList, and Oura. Their portfolio shows a focus on businesses with the potential to become foundational platforms in their respective industries.

This firm is an excellent match for founders with transformative ideas who are seeking a long-term capital partner. Once you secure a significant funding round, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Mobile, Venture Capital
• Geographical presence: Atherton, California
• Founded: 1986
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, AngelList, Oura, Groq, Orca Security
• Portfolio size: 95 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Mobile Companies

This review of venture firms shows a well-balanced funding environment for companies in the mobile sector. There is a healthy number of investors focused on seed and early-stage rounds, which is encouraging for founders just starting out. At the same time, many firms invest across the entire company lifecycle, offering a clear path for startups seeking long-term partners as they scale.

Geographically, while California remains a key hub, capital is available from firms across the United States. This diversity in location and investment stage gives you more flexibility when building your list of potential partners. As you prepare for your fundraise, our team at Rho can help you manage your existing capital with integrated banking and spend management tools, ensuring you're in a strong position for your next steps.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Building a focused list of investors is one of the most important steps in your fundraise, saving you valuable time and energy. We hope this guide helps you identify the right partners for your mobile startup.

While you pursue equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. Once you're funded, our integrated platform provides the tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—to manage and deploy your capital with confidence.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Mobile

Which mobile VC firms are in the Bay Area?

The Bay Area is a major hub for mobile investment. Firms like Aspect Ventures, Light Street Capital, and Lauder Partners are based there, offering access to a dense network of investors, talent, and industry expertise for mobile startups.

Are there mobile venture capital firms in NYC?

Yes, New York City has a strong and growing ecosystem for mobile startups, particularly in fintech and consumer apps. The city offers a powerful alternative to Silicon Valley for founders seeking capital and connections on the East Coast.

How do I find seed stage mobile VC firms?

Focus on firms that specialize in early-stage investments, such as Pioneer Square Labs and AAF Management Ltd. While you pursue equity, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options to help extend your runway.

Which VC firms focus on AI and mobile?

Firms like The Venture Reality Fund (VRF) and Recursive Ventures specialize in AI-driven mobile technologies. They seek companies using data and artificial intelligence to build new products, from immersive gaming to enterprise software solutions.

What do mobile tech VCs look for?

Investors want a strong team, a large market, and evidence of product-market fit. For mobile startups, demonstrating solid user engagement, retention metrics, and a clear monetization strategy is critical to securing venture capital funding.

How can I manage my funding more effectively?

Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. Rho provides the financial tools to deploy your funds with confidence and control.