Top 6 Venture Capital Firms for Real Estate Investment Startups

For founders in the real estate technology space, preparing to raise capital means more than just perfecting your pitch. It’s about identifying investors who truly understand the nuances of the PropTech industry. Approaching the right venture capital firms from the start can make all the difference.

To help you focus your efforts, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top VC firms investing in real estate and PropTech startups. Think of it as a starting point for building your list of potential partners, whether you're seeking seed funding or later-stage investment.

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—all built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding gives your real estate startup the capital and strategic guidance necessary to develop your technology and expand your reach.

• Firms specializing in real estate investment, such as StepStone Group, Fifth Wall, Manhattan West, and Fortified Ventures, are notable backers of startups in this space.

• Whether you are actively raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

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

From early-stage funding to preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to approach. We've put together a quick overview of VC firms that invest in real estate startups at different stages.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Real Estate Investment

This initial funding stage is for developing your core idea and building a minimum viable product before you have significant revenue. For founders at this stage, proptech VC firms like Militello Capital and Fortified Ventures are often a good fit.

Early Stage VC Firms in Real Estate Investment

Early-stage funding, typically Series A or B, helps you scale your operations and achieve product-market fit. You might look into early stage venture capital firms such as Fortified Ventures and Noventi, which have experience with real estate investment.

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.

Late Stage VC Firms in Real Estate Investment

Late-stage rounds provide capital for significant expansion, achieving market leadership, or preparing for an exit like an IPO or acquisition. If you're preparing for this phase, late stage venture capital firms to consider include Manhattan West and Noventi.

It's also worth noting that some of the most active real estate venture capital firms, including StepStone Group and Fifth Wall, invest across all startup funding stages. For non-dilutive options, Rho Capital can also connect you to venture debt and credit lines tailored to your business model, helping you access financing without chasing lenders.

To help you find the right partner, we've compiled key details on top VC firms specializing in real estate technology. Below, you'll find information on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling option for founders.

1. StepStone Group

StepStone Group is a global private markets firm that builds custom investment portfolios for its clients. For founders, this means they have deep expertise across various asset classes, including venture capital and private equity.

The firm invests across all stages, from seed to late-stage, with a focus on financial services, FinTech, and real estate investment. Their approach combines primary, secondary, and co-investment strategies, giving them a comprehensive view of the market.

StepStone is likely a good fit for founders in their key industries who are seeking a long-term financial partner. Their ability to invest across the entire company lifecycle makes them a compelling option for startups with ambitious growth plans.

As you evaluate equity partners, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model.

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

• Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Financial Services, FinTech, Banking

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York

• Founded: 2007

• Number of investments: 101

You can refer to their website here.

2. Fifth Wall

Fifth Wall is a venture capital firm that concentrates on technology for the global real estate industry. As one of the largest investors dedicated to PropTech, they back companies that are transforming how the built world is designed, constructed, and managed.

The firm’s portfolio is a key indicator of its strategy, featuring prominent companies like Opendoor, Procore, and Lime. This track record, which includes several high-profile public offerings and acquisitions, signals their ability to support startups through significant growth stages.

Fifth Wall is an excellent match for founders developing technology with clear applications in the real estate sector. Their global focus and experience with late-stage exits make them a strong partner for companies aiming for market leadership. 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.

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

• Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Finance, Financial Services

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Los Angeles

• Founded: 2016

• Number of investments: 182

• Notable portfolio companies: Opendoor, Procore, Lime, Aurora Solar

You can refer to their website here.

3. Manhattan West

Manhattan West is a global strategic investment firm based in Los Angeles. The firm operates across multiple asset classes, including venture capital, private equity, and wealth management, giving it a broad perspective on market opportunities.

The firm’s portfolio signals a clear focus on late-stage, high-growth companies, with investments in household names like Uber, Palantir, and Microsoft. This indicates a strategy centered on backing established businesses as they approach major liquidity events or solidify their market leadership.

Manhattan West is likely a good fit for founders of mature companies seeking capital for significant scaling or preparing for an exit. Once you secure a late-stage round, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Secondary Market, Venture

• Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Asset Management, Finance, Wealth Management

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Los Angeles

• Founded: 2016

• Number of investments: 23

• Notable portfolio companies: Uber, Deliveroo, Palantir, Microsoft, Amazon

You can refer to their website here.

4. Fortified Ventures

Fortified Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests at the intersection of real estate and advanced technology. They focus on startups building the next generation of infrastructure for major asset classes, with a clear emphasis on AI and machine learning.

The firm shows a distinct interest in deep tech, backing companies with complex technical foundations. Their portfolio includes Lambda, a GPU cloud provider, and Brightvine, which uses blockchain to tokenize real estate, signaling a focus on technically demanding business models.

Fortified Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders at the seed or early stages whose companies are built on deep technical expertise. If your startup is applying AI or blockchain to modernize real estate, this firm's focus could be a great match.

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

• Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Infrastructure, Finance

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in New York

• Founded: 2021

• Number of investments: 29

• Notable portfolio companies: Lambda, Brightvine, DwellFi

You can refer to their website here.

5. Noventi

Noventi is a global investment firm that has been active since 2002. Operating as both a venture capital firm and a family investment office, they support companies across various technology sectors.

The firm has a clear track record of guiding portfolio companies to successful exits, with notable acquisitions by major players like Hewlett-Packard and Symantec. Their investments span from robotics to enterprise software, showing a focus on businesses with strong underlying technology.

Noventi is a compelling choice for founders of early- to late-stage tech companies who are building toward a strategic acquisition. Their history suggests they are an experienced partner in navigating the path to a successful exit.

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

• Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Information Technology, Robotics, Finance

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Newark, California

• Founded: 2002

• Number of investments: 23

• Number of exits: 10

• Notable portfolio companies: Neato Robotics (acquired by Vorwerk), Bitfone (acquired by Hewlett-Packard), Sygate (acquired by Symantec)

You can refer to their website here.

6. Militello Capital

Militello Capital is an investment firm that primarily seeks to invest in commercial real estate. They support companies from the seed and early stages, providing capital as founders build their initial product and find market traction.

While their main interest is in real estate, their portfolio shows a broader appetite for technology companies with strong exit potential. They have a history of backing businesses like Hinge and Social Tables that were later acquired by major public companies.

This firm could be a good match for early-stage founders building technology with clear market appeal, even outside of strict PropTech. Their experience guiding companies to strategic acquisitions makes them a compelling partner for founders with an exit in mind.

Once you secure seed or early-stage funding, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Real Estate Investment, Venture Capital, Technology

• Geographical presence: Headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia

• Founded: 2011

• Number of investments: 22

• Number of exits: 10

• Notable portfolio companies: Hinge (acquired by Match Group), Social Tables (acquired by Cvent), Fleksy (acquired by Pinterest)

You can refer to their website here.

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

This overview shows a healthy and varied funding environment for startups in the real estate technology sector. The venture capital firms listed support companies across all funding stages, from pre-seed and seed to late-stage growth. This balance suggests that whether you are developing an initial product or preparing to scale significantly, there are potential partners available to you.

The investors themselves are also diverse, ranging from large, global firms to those with a specific focus on PropTech or deep technology. While many are located in major US financial hubs, their investment interests are often national or global. This variety gives you more options to find a firm that aligns with your company's specific goals. Once you secure capital, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy it efficiently.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is crucial when time and energy are limited. It helps you direct your efforts toward the partners most likely to understand your vision.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines. Our guided process helps you access financing tailored to your business model.

Once capital is secured, our integrated tools help you put it to work. Manage and deploy funds efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay all in one place.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Real Estate Investment

Are there real estate venture capital firms in Austin, TX?

Yes, Austin has a growing tech scene with investors interested in real estate technology. However, many top firms invest nationally, so don't limit your search to one city. Focus on finding a partner who understands your specific business model.

What is the difference between a real estate VC firm and a generalist firm?

A specialized real estate VC firm has deep industry knowledge and a relevant network. A generalist firm may have broader market experience but might require more education on the specifics of the PropTech industry and its challenges.

How early is too early to approach pre-seed venture capital firms?

It's rarely too early to build relationships. Most pre-seed firms want to see a clear vision, a strong founding team, and some initial validation of your idea, even if you don't have a full product or revenue yet.

What are my funding options besides equity investment?

If you're not ready for equity funding, non-dilutive options are available. Rho Capital connects startups to venture debt and credit lines, helping you access financing tailored to your business model without giving up ownership.

How do I find real estate venture capital firms beyond this list?

Look at the investors who have backed companies similar to yours. Industry publications, startup databases, and networking at real estate tech events are also effective ways to identify potential partners who understand your market and goals.

How can Rho help my startup manage its funding?

Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you put it to work. Manage funds efficiently with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay all in one place. You can get started with Rho today.