Top 14 Venture Capital Firms for Real Estate Startups

For founders in Real Estate and PropTech, preparing to raise capital requires a clear understanding of the investors active in your space. Finding the right financial partner goes beyond the check; it’s about finding expertise that can help your company grow.

To help with your search, our team has curated this overview of the top real estate technology venture capital firms. Think of it as a starting point to quickly identify the most relevant investors for your business.

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 focused on growth.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides your real estate startup with the capital to scale and the strategic guidance from investors who understand the market.
• Venture capital firms like Third Sphere, WestCap, Moderne Ventures, and ICONIQ Capital are notable backers of startups focused on the real estate sector.
• Once you've closed a round, our platform helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Real Estate Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is critical, whether you're an early-stage company or preparing for an exit.

To help you focus your search, here is a look at some of the most active VC firms in real estate, broken down by their typical investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Real Estate

Pre-seed and seed funding is the first capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and make your first key hires. For proptech founders at this stage, proptech VC firms like the California-based Recursive Ventures and MAGIC Fund focus on early-stage tech, while GS Futures makes strategic investments in construction and sustainability startups.

Early Stage VC Firms in Real Estate

Early-stage funding, such as Series A and B rounds, is for startups with proven product-market fit and initial revenue, providing the capital needed to scale operations and grow your team. Some of the most active early-stage real estate technology venture capital firms include New York's Third Sphere, which targets climate action, and the Boston-based Suffolk Technologies, which funds companies solving challenges in the built environment.

Late Stage VC Firms in Real Estate

Late-stage rounds provide growth capital to established companies preparing for an exit, such as an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO). Notable late-stage investors include the NYC-based WestCap, a strategic operating and investing firm, alongside Chicago's Moderne Ventures and ICONIQ Capital, both of which have backed several companies through to an IPO or acquisition.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage growth, including New York-based firms like Prudence and MetaProp.

To help you identify the right partners for your company, here is a more detailed look at some of the top VC firms in the real estate sector. We've included information on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm distinct.

1. Third Sphere

Third Sphere is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in companies driving scalable climate action. Founded in 2013, they focus on startups that can deliver both significant environmental impact and strong financial returns.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear focus on climate tech, with investments in startups like vertical-farming unicorn Bowery Farming and energy-optimization platform Blueprint Power. Their approach targets early-stage ventures but extends across a company's lifecycle, from seed funding to private equity.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders building technology with a direct application to climate challenges, especially in real estate and clean energy. As you prepare your pitch, Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: CleanTech, GovTech, Real Estate, Smart Building
• Geographical presence: New York-based
• Founded: 2013
• Notable investments: Bowery Farming, Blueprint Power, Avvir
• Portfolio size: 138 investments

After securing a round, our integrated platform helps you manage that new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay. You can refer to their website here.

2. WestCap

WestCap is a New York-based firm that acts as both a strategic operator and an investor, focusing on tech-enabled, asset-light marketplaces. They invest across a company's lifecycle, from early venture rounds to private equity, and have a history of backing major successes like Airbnb and Klarna.

Their model as a "strategic operating" firm suggests a hands-on approach to helping their portfolio companies scale. This firm is a strong match for founders building asset-light marketplaces in sectors like FinTech and Real Estate, especially those looking for a long-term partner.

As you prepare your pitch, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to strengthen your financial position. Once you secure a round, our platform helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking and spending controls.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Finance, FinTech, Real Estate, Professional Services
• Geographical presence: New York-based
• Founded: 2019
• Notable investments: Airbnb, Klarna, GoodLeap, Hopper
• Portfolio size: 62 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Moderne Ventures

Moderne Ventures is a Chicago-based strategic venture capital and growth equity firm that invests across real estate, finance, and insurance. Their model includes an accelerator for early-stage support and a clear focus on guiding companies toward successful exits, with a portfolio that includes DocuSign and August Home.

The firm is a strong match for founders in their target industries who are looking for a hands-on partner with a proven track record of taking companies to IPO or acquisition. As you prepare for those conversations, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Real Estate, FinTech, Insurance, Sustainability
• Geographical presence: Chicago-based
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: DocuSign, August Home, Airside, Avvir
• Portfolio size: 105 investments

Once you secure a round, our platform helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking and spending controls.

You can refer to their website here.

4. ICONIQ Capital

ICONIQ Capital is a San Francisco-based investment firm known for managing capital for influential families and organizations, giving them a long-term perspective. The firm invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from early venture rounds to post-IPO, and has backed some of the decade's most significant tech companies like Airbnb, Adyen, and Procore Technologies.

ICONIQ is a good fit for founders building high-growth technology companies with the potential for significant market impact. As you prepare for discussions with a firm of this caliber, Rho Capital can help you secure non-dilutive funding to extend your runway and strengthen your negotiating position.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture to post-IPO and private equity
• Industries of focus: Finance, Internet, Real Estate
• Geographical presence: San Francisco-based
• Founded: 2011
• Notable investments: Airbnb, Adyen, Alibaba, Datadog, Procore Technologies
• Portfolio size: 81 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Suffolk Technologies

Suffolk Technologies is a Boston-based venture capital firm that funds companies solving challenges within the built environment. They focus on the next generation of startups in construction, real estate, and sustainability.

The firm operates as both a venture capital investor and an accelerator, signaling hands-on support for its portfolio companies. Their investments in robotics companies like Canvas and construction rental platform EquipmentShare show a clear interest in technology that directly impacts physical job sites.

This firm is a strong match for founders creating solutions in ConTech and PropTech, particularly those with a hardware or sustainability component. While you prepare your pitch, our team at Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options like venture debt, giving you more leverage in your conversations.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Building Material, Construction, Real Estate, Green Building
• Geographical presence: Boston-based
• Founded: 2019
• Notable investments: EquipmentShare, Canvas, Measurabl, Diamond Age
• Portfolio size: 41 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Recursive Ventures

Recursive Ventures is a California-based firm that invests in seed-stage tech startups across the US and Israel. They concentrate on companies using data and AI to build new products and services in industries like FinTech and Real Estate.

The firm has a strong record of backing major successes, including the smart-home company Ring and the global payroll platform Deel. Their portfolio shows a clear preference for tech-first companies with the potential for massive scale.

This firm is a great fit for founders of seed-stage companies whose business models are built on data and AI. As you prepare to raise your first round, our team at Rho can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), FinTech, Real Estate, Mobile
• Geographical presence: California-based, with a focus on US and Israeli startups
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: Ring, Deel, Life360, Placer.ai
• Portfolio size: 48 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. MAGIC Fund

MAGIC Fund is a Los Angeles-based firm built by founders, for founders, focusing on seed and early-stage startups. They operate as a micro-VC and accelerator, signaling a hands-on approach to their investments.

The firm's model is built on a community of founders backing other founders, with a broad industry focus that includes FinTech, SaaS, and Real Estate. Their portfolio includes major successes like the internal-tools builder Retool and small business digital bank Novo.

This firm is a good match for early-stage founders who value a strong community and guidance from experienced operators. As you prepare to raise your seed round, our team at Rho can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: FinTech, SaaS, Real Estate, E-Commerce, Health Care
• Geographical presence: Los Angeles-based
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Retool, Bank Novo, Payfazz, Frubana
• Portfolio size: 171 investments
• Approach: Founder-led community and accelerator model

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

You can refer to their website here.

8. Great Wave Ventures

Great Wave Ventures is a New York-based, early-stage fund that invests in companies shaping the future of the "built world." They concentrate on startups in construction, real estate, and sustainability.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on ambitious, technology-driven ideas, backing companies like Culdesac, which is building a car-free neighborhood, and Venus Aerospace, a developer of hypersonic aircraft. This signals an appetite for founders with big, transformative visions.

This firm is a good match for early-stage founders whose technology can fundamentally change how we build and live. As you prepare your pitch, our team at Rho can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Construction, Real Estate, Sustainability
• Geographical presence: New York-based
• Founded: 2020
• Notable investments: Venus Aerospace, Array Labs, Culdesac
• Portfolio size: 32 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Prudence

Prudence is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in technology companies transforming the built world. They back founders from the earliest stages, focusing on the real estate and finance sectors.

The firm invests across a company's full lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity, and has a history of notable exits like the Compass IPO. Their portfolio includes major players in real estate tech, such as CREXi, and extends to financial infrastructure with companies like Blockchain.com.

Prudence is a strong fit for founders building technology for the real estate or financial services industries, regardless of their stage. As you prepare for those conversations, our team at Rho can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Real Estate, Finance, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: New York-based
• Founded: 2009
• Notable investments: Compass, Properly, Blockchain.com, CREXi
• Portfolio size: 33 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. MetaProp

MetaProp is a New York-based venture capital firm with a dedicated focus on the PropTech industry. They operate as both a VC investor and an accelerator, supporting companies from their earliest stages of growth.

The firm's singular focus on PropTech is evident in its portfolio, which includes workplace experience platform HqO and co-warehousing network Saltbox. Their model as an accelerator suggests a hands-on approach to helping founders build and scale their businesses.

This firm is a strong match for founders building technology for any part of the real estate sector, especially early-stage teams seeking direct support. Once you secure a round, our platform helps you manage that new capital with integrated banking and spending controls.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: PropTech, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate
• Geographical presence: New York-based
• Founded: 2015
• Notable investments: HqO, Saltbox, Ergeon, VergeSense, Blueprint Power
• Portfolio size: 177 investments
• Investor type: Venture Capital and Accelerator

You can refer to their website here.

11. Kairos HQ

Kairos HQ is a New York-based firm that operates as both an incubator and a venture capital investor, building and backing brands that aim to make life simpler and more affordable.

The firm's model as an incubator signals a hands-on approach, with a clear focus on consumer-facing challenges in real estate, finance, and healthcare. Their portfolio includes prop-tech unicorn Bilt Rewards and security deposit alternative Rhino, showing a commitment to solving affordability issues.

Kairos is a strong fit for founders creating solutions for major consumer pain points, especially those who value a partner with deep involvement in brand building. As you prepare your pitch, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to strengthen your financial position.

• Investor type: Incubator, Venture Capital
• Industries of focus: Real Estate, Financial Services, FinTech, Health Care
• Geographical presence: New York-based
• Founded: 2017
• Notable investments: Bilt Rewards, Rhino, Little Spoon
• Portfolio size: 23 investments

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

You can refer to their website here.

12. Derive Ventures

Derive Ventures is a San Francisco-based firm that invests in companies advancing the travel and hospitality sectors. They support founders building technology to improve how people experience travel, leisure, and daily life.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear focus on tech-enabled services, with investments in fintech loyalty platform Bilt Rewards and hotel guest-management tool Canary Technologies. Their investment range from seed to late-stage venture shows they are prepared to back companies throughout their growth.

This firm is a strong match for founders creating technology for the travel, hospitality, and consumer finance industries. As you prepare for those conversations, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Leisure, Real Estate, Software, Travel
• Geographical presence: San Francisco-based
• Founded: 2021
• Notable investments: Bilt Rewards, Canary Technologies, Cardless, Rain
• Portfolio size: 26 investments

Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

You can refer to their website here.

13. GS Futures

GS Futures is a corporate venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, that makes strategic, early-stage investments. They focus on companies across the construction, sustainability, and energy sectors, including real estate technology.

The firm's portfolio includes high-growth companies like blockchain protocol LayerZero Labs and Latin American freight-forwarder Nowports, showing a focus on businesses with unicorn potential. As you prepare for these conversations, our team at Rho can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

This firm is a strong match for seed and early-stage founders in their target industries, especially those seeking a strategic partner. Given their corporate venture model, they are likely looking for startups that can align with broader corporate objectives.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Construction, Consumer, Energy, Real Estate, Sustainability
• Geographical presence: San Mateo, California-based
• Founded: 2020
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Notable investments: Skydio, LayerZero Labs, Nowports, Heirloom
• Portfolio size: 40 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Alexandria

Alexandria is the San Francisco-based corporate venture capital arm of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, a major real estate investment trust (REIT). Founded in 1994, the firm makes strategic investments across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity.

While rooted in real estate, their portfolio shows a distinct focus on life sciences, backing biotech unicorns like Kallyope and Immunai. Their position as a CVC suggests they offer more than capital, likely providing portfolio companies with access to specialized lab and office infrastructure.

This firm is an excellent match for founders in biotech and therapeutics who need a long-term partner with deep industry connections. As you prepare for these discussions, our team at Rho can help you access non-dilutive funding to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, private equity, and convertible note
• Industries of focus: Real Estate, Life Sciences, Biotechnology
• Geographical presence: San Francisco-based
• Founded: 1994
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital
• Notable investments: Kallyope, Disc Medicine, Immunai, Ventus Therapeutics
• Portfolio size: 44 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Real Estate Companies

The venture capital support for real estate technology is broad and well-balanced. Our list shows a healthy mix of firms that concentrate on pre-seed and early-stage companies, alongside larger, multi-stage investors prepared to fund a company from its initial rounds through to an exit. This variety gives you options, whether you're just starting out or preparing to scale.

Geographically, investors are concentrated in major hubs like New York and California, which is typical for venture capital. You'll also find different investor models, from traditional funds and corporate venture arms to accelerators that provide hands-on support. This means you can find a partner whose approach aligns with your company's specific needs.

As you prepare your fundraising strategy, remember that equity isn't your only path. Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt, helping you strengthen your financial position before you approach investors.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is invaluable when you're raising capital. It allows you to direct your limited time and energy toward the firms most likely to be a good fit 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 model without giving up more equity.

Once capital is secured, our integrated tools help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Rho provides the business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay that startups need to grow.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Real Estate

Are there real estate VC firms in Austin, TX?

Yes, Austin is a growing hub for tech, including proptech. While many national firms invest there, you'll also find local and regional investors focused on the Texas market. A strong network is key to connecting with them.

What is the difference between corporate and traditional real estate VC firms?

Traditional VCs primarily seek financial returns. Corporate VCs, often the investment arm of a larger company, also look for strategic value, such as technology that aligns with their core business. This can mean access to unique resources.

What do VCs look for in early-stage proptech startups?

Investors want to see a clear problem you're solving in the real estate market. They look for a strong founding team, a scalable business model, and evidence of product-market fit, even if it's at a small scale.

How can I strengthen my startup’s financial position before meeting VCs?

Securing non-dilutive funding can extend your runway and improve your negotiating position. Rho Capital helps you access options like venture debt, allowing you to approach equity conversations from a place of strength and confidence.

How do I find the right proptech VC firm for my company?

Focus on firms that match your stage and specific niche within real estate. Research their portfolios to see if they've backed similar companies. Warm introductions through your network are almost always more effective than cold outreach.

How can Rho help my startup get funded?

Our team at Rho connects you with non-dilutive funding options tailored to your business. Once funded, our integrated platform provides the banking, cards, and spend management tools you need to manage capital and grow.