Investors

Top 50 AI & Machine learning VC Firms in California (2025)

Top 50 AI & Machine learning VC Firms in California (2025)

May 23, 2025

AI & Machine learning VC Firms in California

California is the epicenter of artificial intelligence and machine learning innovation, powered by an elite group of venture capital firms that actively fund the next generation of transformative startups. Below is the ultimate curated list of the top 50 AI/ML-focused VC firms in California, including essential info on their investment stages, focus sectors, partner contacts, and portfolios.

  1. 1. Accel

  2. 2. Kleiner Perkins

  3. 3. Bessemer Venture Partners

  4. 4. Lightspeed Venture Partners

  5. 5. Index Ventures

  6. 6. Khosla Ventures

  7. 7. GV (formerly Google Ventures)

  8. 8. Norwest Venture Partners

  9. 9. GGV Capital

  10. 10. Greylock Partners

  11. 11. Venrock

  12. 12. Founders Fund

  13. 13. Canaan Partners

  14. 14. Menlo Ventures

  15. 15. Redpoint Ventures

  16. 16. Foundation Capital

  17. 17. Benchmark

  18. 18. Mayfield Fund

  19. 19. True Ventures

  20. 20. CRV (Charles River Ventures)

  21. 21. DCM Ventures

  22. 22. Bain Capital Ventures

  23. 23. Felicis Ventures

  24. 24. Highland Capital Partners

  25. 25. Initialized Capital

  26. 26. Trinity Ventures

  27. 27. DCVC (Data Collective)

  28. 28. Social Starts

  29. 29. InterWest Partners

  30. 30. Headline

  31. 31. Social Capital

  32. 32. Shasta Ventures

  33. 33. Uncork Capital

  34. 34. Sierra Ventures

  35. 35. Western Technology Investment

  36. 36. Upfront Ventures

  37. 37. IVP (Institutional Venture Partners)

  38. 38. GSR Ventures

  39. 39. Floodgate

  40. 40. Morgenthaler Ventures

  41. 41. Sutter Hill Ventures

  42. 42. Meritech Capital Partners

  43. 43. Ignition Partners

  44. 44. Liquid 2 Ventures

  45. 45. Keiretsu Forum

  46. 46. Mohr Davidow Ventures

  47. 47. Domain Associates

  48. 48. BlueRun Ventures

  49. 49. Maveron

  50. 50. Scale Venture Partners

1. Accel

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1983
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Enterprise, FinTech, Consumer
Portfolio: Middesk, Ethos, CleverTap, Sysdig, Podium
Investments: 1830
Exits: 354
Description:
Accel is an early and growth-stage venture capital firm that helps a global community of entrepreneurs achieve success through operational and strategic support.
Partner Contact: Andrei Brasoveanu
Email: abrasoveanu@accel.com
Website: www.accel.com
LinkedIn: Accel on LinkedIn

2. Kleiner Perkins

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1972
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, FinTech, Healthcare, CloudTech, E-Commerce
Portfolio: Glean, Teleport, Ring, PlanetScale
Investments: 1347
Exits: 317
Description:
Kleiner Perkins specializes in early-stage, incubation, and growth investments across technology and life sciences.
Partner Contact: Bucky Moore
Email: bucky@kpcb.com
Website: www.kleinerperkins.com
LinkedIn: Kleiner Perkins on LinkedIn

3. Bessemer Venture Partners

Location: Redwood City, California
Founded: 2011
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, Enterprise, Healthcare, FinTech, CloudTech
Portfolio: Twitch, Guild Education, Alloy, LaunchDarkly
Investments: 1257
Exits: 281
Description:
Bessemer Venture Partners invests in early to late-stage companies across enterprise, consumer, and healthcare industries.
Partner Contact: Byron Deeter
Email: byron@bvp.com
Website: www.bvp.com
LinkedIn: Bessemer on LinkedIn

4. Lightspeed Venture Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2000
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, CloudTech, E-Commerce
Portfolio: Firework, WorkOS, Glean, Alloy
Investments: 1148
Exits: 205
Description:
Lightspeed Venture Partners focuses on early and growth-stage investments in the consumer, enterprise, and cleantech sectors.
Partner Contact: Will Kohler
Email: will@lsvp.com
Website: www.lsvp.com
LinkedIn: Lightspeed on LinkedIn

5. Index Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1996
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, FinTech
Portfolio: CreativeX, Gtmhub, Temporal, Covariant
Investments: 1053
Exits: 227
Description:
Index Ventures partners with entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into global businesses, with a focus on technology and life sciences.
Partner Contact: Neil Rimer
Email: neil@indexventures.com
Website: www.indexventures.com
LinkedIn: Index Ventures on LinkedIn

6. Khosla Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2004
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, ClimateTech, Healthcare, Robotics, FinTech
Portfolio: Imply, Mojo Vision, At-Bay, Vida Health
Investments: 1027
Exits: 141
Description:
Khosla Ventures backs entrepreneurs solving real-world problems with tech-driven innovation, particularly in clean tech, AI, and healthcare.
Partner Contact: Justine Sink
Email: jsink@khoslaventures.com
Website: www.khoslaventures.com
LinkedIn: Khosla Ventures on LinkedIn

7. GV (formerly Google Ventures)

Location: Mountain View, California
Founded: 2009
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, BioTech, FinTech, SaaS, Cybersecurity
Portfolio: AngelList, Helium, Podium, Flatiron Health
Investments: 971
Exits: 225
Description:
GV supports bold startups with funding and access to Google’s deep resources in engineering, product, and data science.
Partner Contact: Dave Munichiello
Email: dave@gv.com
Website: www.gv.com
LinkedIn: GV on LinkedIn

8. Norwest Venture Partners

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1961
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Healthcare, Consumer
Portfolio: Plaid, MindTickle, Zenoti, Celona
Investments: 848
Exits: 177
Description:
Norwest is a global VC and growth equity firm investing in tech, healthcare, and consumer sectors with long-term partnership in mind.
Partner Contact: Katie Belding
Email: kbelding@nvp.com
Website: www.nvp.com
LinkedIn: Norwest on LinkedIn

9. GGV Capital

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2000
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, RetailTech, Healthcare, Consumer
Portfolio: Chief, Slice, Handshake, BitSight
Investments: 838
Exits: 125
Description:
GGV Capital is a global VC firm that supports visionary founders scaling from seed stage to IPO and beyond.
Partner Contact: Jeff Richards
Email: jrichards@ggvc.com
Website: www.ggvc.com
LinkedIn: GGV Capital on LinkedIn

10. Greylock Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1965
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Consumer, Cybersecurity, HR Tech
Portfolio: Instabase, Baseten, Nauto, Workable
Investments: 809
Exits: 245
Description:
Greylock invests in early-stage companies shaping the future of work, commerce, data, and trust.
Partner Contact: Reid Hoffman
Email: rhoffman@greylock.com
Website: www.greylock.com
LinkedIn: Greylock on LinkedIn

11. Venrock

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1969
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, BioTech, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, FinTech
Portfolio: Epic Sciences, Shape Security, Suki, Auditoria.AI
Investments: 781
Exits: 267
Description:
Venrock backs early-stage startups at the intersection of technology and healthcare, emphasizing science-led innovation.
Partner Contact: Bong Koh
Email: bkoh@venrock.com
Website: www.venrock.com
LinkedIn: Venrock on LinkedIn

12. Founders Fund

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2005
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SpaceTech, Consumer, DeepTech, FinTech
Portfolio: The Boring Company, Material Security, IRL, Gecko Robotics
Investments: 781
Exits: 136
Description:
Founders Fund backs companies that aim to build revolutionary technologies and challenge the status quo.
Partner Contact: Lauren Gross
Email: lauren@foundersfund.com
Website: www.foundersfund.com
LinkedIn: Founders Fund on LinkedIn

13. Canaan Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1987
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, Consumer, Marketplaces
Portfolio: Cuyana, Apex.AI, UrbanSitter, Quantum Circuits
Investments: 731
Exits: 147
Description:
Canaan Partners invests in early-stage visionary startups across healthcare and tech with a people-first approach.
Partner Contact: Rich Boyle
Email: rboyle@canaan.com
Website: www.canaan.com
LinkedIn: Canaan Partners on LinkedIn

14. Menlo Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1976
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, Cybersecurity, SaaS, Healthcare, Marketplaces
Portfolio: Heap, Netlify, BitSight, Wristcam
Investments: 717
Exits: 167
Description:
Menlo Ventures partners with innovative companies across the technology spectrum from inception to IPO.
Partner Contact: Tyler Sosin
Email: tyler@menlovc.com
Website: www.menlovc.com
LinkedIn: Menlo Ventures on LinkedIn

15. Redpoint Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1999
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Developer Tools, FinTech, Healthcare
Portfolio: Guild Education, LaunchDarkly, Heap, PsiQuantum
Investments: 710
Exits: 160
Description:
Redpoint supports visionary founders building transformative companies in AI, cloud, and consumer sectors.
Partner Contact: Scott Raney
Email: sraney@redpoint.com
Website: www.redpoint.com
LinkedIn: Redpoint on LinkedIn

16. Foundation Capital

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1995
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity, HealthTech
Portfolio: Skyflow, Mode Analytics, CoverWallet, Arize AI
Investments: 670
Exits: 157
Description:
Foundation Capital is a people-first VC firm helping founders build world-changing companies in enterprise and emerging tech.
Partner Contact: Jonathan Ehrlich
Email: jehrlich@foundationcap.com
Website: www.foundationcapital.com
LinkedIn: Foundation Capital on LinkedIn

17. Benchmark

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1995
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Marketplace, Social, Gaming
Portfolio: Hipcamp, Timescale, AcuityMD, Sailthru
Investments: 653
Exits: 177
Description:
Benchmark is known for backing iconic early-stage startups and offering deep founder support without operating partners.
Partner Contact: Chetan Puttagunta
Email: chetan@benchmark.com
Website: www.benchmark.com
LinkedIn: Benchmark on LinkedIn

18. Mayfield Fund

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1969
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, BioTech, Enterprise, SaaS, Healthcare
Portfolio: Mirvie, Endpoint Health, Portworx, TRIPP
Investments: 622
Exits: 182
Description:
Mayfield invests early in values-driven entrepreneurs building bold, impactful companies across enterprise and consumer sectors.
Partner Contact: Ursheet Parikh
Email: uparikh@mayfield.com
Website: www.mayfield.com
LinkedIn: Mayfield Fund on LinkedIn

19. True Ventures

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2005
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Consumer, IoT, HealthTech
Portfolio: Ring, Gradle, LoanSnap, Copper
Investments: 621
Exits: 105
Description:
True Ventures champions creative founders building products at the intersection of tech, humanity, and design.
Partner Contact: Jon Callaghan
Email: jon@trueventures.com
Website: www.trueventures.com
LinkedIn: True Ventures on LinkedIn

20. CRV (Charles River Ventures)

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1970
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Consumer, Healthcare
Portfolio: Squire, Cybereason, Gtmhub, Zip
Investments: 620
Exits: 152
Description:
CRV backs early-stage companies with big ambitions in software, AI, and consumer applications.
Partner Contact: Devdutt Yullerkar
Email: devdutt@crv.com
Website: www.crv.com
LinkedIn: CRV on LinkedIn

21. DCM Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1996
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, E-Commerce, Robotics
Portfolio: Pony.ai, Medable, Roomi, Eaze
Investments: 604
Exits: 128
Description:
DCM Ventures is an early-stage global VC firm investing in bold founders in the U.S., China, and Japan, particularly those shaping the future of mobile, AI, and health.
Partner Contact: David Chao
Email: dchao@dcm.com
Website: www.dcm.com
LinkedIn: DCM Ventures on LinkedIn

22. Bain Capital Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1984
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity, CloudTech
Portfolio: Sysdig, Recharge, Hightouch, FOSSA
Investments: 564
Exits: 114
Description:
Backed by Bain Capital, this fund supports founders from seed to growth across commerce infrastructure, SaaS, and deep tech.
Partner Contact: Stefan Cohen
Email: stefancohen@baincapitalventures.com
Website: www.baincapitalventures.com
LinkedIn: BCV on LinkedIn

23. Felicis Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2006
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, Robotics
Portfolio: Verkada, TestBox, Happiest Baby, Survios
Investments: 556
Exits: 152
Description:
Felicis backs founders building iconic companies in frontier tech, AI/ML, SaaS, and healthcare, with a unique founder-first philosophy.
Partner Contact: Victoria Treyger
Email: victoria@felicis.com
Website: www.felicis.com
LinkedIn: Felicis on LinkedIn

24. Highland Capital Partners

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1988
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Logistics
Portfolio: Malwarebytes, Reachdesk, YipitData, Stellar Cyber
Investments: 488
Exits: 145
Description:
Highland Capital Partners focuses on early and growth-stage tech investments with a strong presence in security, health, and enterprise innovation.
Partner Contact: Will O'Brien
Email: will@hcp.com
Website: www.hcp.com
LinkedIn: Highland Capital on LinkedIn

25. Initialized Capital

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2012
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Developer Tools, E-Commerce, Robotics
Portfolio: Formic, Berbix, AdQuick, IUNU
Investments: 471
Exits: 80
Description:
Co-founded by Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian, Initialized is known for writing the first check to game-changing startups across software, infra, and hardware.
Partner Contact: Kim Cutler
Email: kim@initialized.com
Website: www.initialized.com
LinkedIn: Initialized Capital on LinkedIn

26. Trinity Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1986
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Consumer, Healthcare
Portfolio: Arize AI, Serverless, Fieldwire, Gatsby, Thrive Causemetics
Investments: 464
Exits: 140
Description:
Trinity Ventures is an early-stage VC firm investing in passionate founders across software, consumer tech, and AI-driven platforms.
Partner Contact: Noel Fenton
Email: noel@trinityventures.com
Website: www.trinityventures.com
LinkedIn: Trinity Ventures on LinkedIn

27. DCVC (Data Collective)

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2011
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, DeepTech, BioTech, Robotics, CloudTech
Portfolio: Gro Intelligence, Agility Robotics, Qumulo, DroneDeploy
Investments: 452
Exits: 95
Description:
DCVC invests in deep tech founders using AI and data to solve trillion-dollar real-world problems, from healthcare to space.
Partner Contact: Kelly Chen
Email: kelly@dcvc.com
Website: www.dcvc.com
LinkedIn: DCVC on LinkedIn

28. Social Starts

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2012
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, HealthTech, MarTech, EdTech
Portfolio: IRIS.TV, GYANT, Digbi Health, Classkick
Investments: 433
Exits: 60
Description:
Social Starts focuses on early-stage investments in startups using data and machine learning to transform healthcare, work, and media.
Partner Contact: Mike Edelhart
Email: mike@socialstarts.com
Website: www.socialstarts.com
LinkedIn: Social Starts on LinkedIn

29. InterWest Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1979
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: SaaS, AdTech, E-Commerce, Big Data
Portfolio: Cuyana, Knotch, Cheetah Digital
Investments: 425
Exits: 121
Description:
InterWest invests across sectors but has a strong legacy in tech-enabled consumer and software companies, with a collaborative founder-first approach.
Partner Contact: Keval Desai
Email: kdesai@interwest.com
Website: www.interwest.com
LinkedIn: InterWest Partners on LinkedIn

30. Headline

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1998
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, E-Commerce, Developer Tools
Portfolio: StackShare, Grin, Avoma, UXCam, NGINX
Investments: 418
Exits: 70
Description:
Headline is a global venture firm investing across geographies and sectors, including cutting-edge AI applications, with operational expertise and local presence.
Partner Contact: Christian Miele
Email: christian.miele@eventures.vc
Website: www.headline.com
LinkedIn: Headline on LinkedIn

31. Social Capital

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2011
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, ClimateTech, Healthcare, SaaS, FinTech
Portfolio: Aclima, Syapse, HealthJoy, UrbanFootprint, RideOS
Investments: 417
Exits: 76
Description:
Social Capital partners with mission-driven founders solving global problems using technology. Their thesis-led investing approach backs transformative AI and health startups.
Partner Contact: Alex Blum
Email: alex@bp.socialcapital.com
Website: www.socialcapital.com
LinkedIn: Social Capital on LinkedIn

32. Shasta Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 2004
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Robotics, HealthTech, Consumer
Portfolio: Starship Technologies, LeanData, Banyan Security, Beautiful.AI
Investments: 402
Exits: 82
Description:
Shasta Ventures is an early-stage venture firm investing in breakthrough ideas across AI, software, and health, with a strong product-focused philosophy.
Partner Contact: Balaji Yelamanchili
Email: balaji@shastaventures.com
Website: www.shasta.vc
LinkedIn: Shasta Ventures on LinkedIn

33. Uncork Capital

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2004
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, B, C, D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Marketplaces, Robotics, DeepTech
Portfolio: Groove, DroneDeploy, Coder, UserGems, CodeSee
Investments: 386
Exits: 98
Description:
Uncork Capital is a seed-stage firm that supports bold founders in building category-defining businesses across enterprise AI and consumer platforms.
Partner Contact: Susan Liu
Email: susan@uncorkcapital.com
Website: www.uncorkcapital.com
LinkedIn: Uncork Capital on LinkedIn

34. Sierra Ventures

Location: San Mateo, California
Founded: 1982
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, MedTech, E-Commerce, CloudTech
Portfolio: Reify Health, Lemonaid Health, SupportLogic, Yalo
Investments: 386
Exits: 85
Description:
Sierra Ventures invests globally in early-stage enterprise and AI-driven companies, offering deep operational support and access to its CXO network.
Partner Contact: Ben Yu
Email: byu@sierraventures.com
Website: www.sierraventures.com
LinkedIn: Sierra Ventures on LinkedIn

35. Western Technology Investment

Location: Portola Valley, California
Founded: 1980
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, B, C, D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, HealthTech, Robotics, FinTech
Portfolio: Affinity, Safe Security, Workspot, PlushCare
Investments: 380
Exits: 126
Description:
Western Technology Investment provides flexible venture debt and equity to early-stage, revenue-generating tech companies, supporting capital-efficient scaling.
Partner Contact: Rudy Ruano
Email: rudy@westerntech.com
Website: www.westerntech.com
LinkedIn: Western Technology Investment on LinkedIn

36. Upfront Ventures

Location: Santa Monica, California
Founded: 1996
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Consumer, RetailTech, Cybersecurity
Portfolio: ChowNow, Parachute Home, Open Raven, Cordial, Invoca
Investments: 380
Exits: 74
Description:
Upfront Ventures focuses on early-stage investments with a strong presence in Southern California, supporting AI and infrastructure innovations across consumer and enterprise markets.
Partner Contact: Dana Kibler
Email: dana@upfront.com
Website: www.upfront.com
LinkedIn: Upfront Ventures on LinkedIn

37. IVP (Institutional Venture Partners)

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1980
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Series B, C, D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, Marketplace
Portfolio: GitHub, Motive, Aledade, Podium, Checkr
Investments: 369
Exits: 128
Description:
IVP is a later-stage VC firm backing rapidly growing tech companies in enterprise SaaS, AI-driven analytics, and consumer platforms.
Partner Contact: Alex Lim
Email: alim@ivp.com
Website: www.ivp.com
LinkedIn: IVP on LinkedIn

38. GSR Ventures

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2004
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, HealthTech, Logistics, Developer Tools
Portfolio: Medable, PolySign, Plus, DeepMap, AppliedVR
Investments: 354
Exits: 22
Description:
GSR Ventures backs AI-first startups across healthcare, logistics, and deep tech sectors, with a focus on U.S. and China-based founders.
Partner Contact: Sunny Kumar
Email: sunnykumar@gsrventures.com
Website: www.gsrventures.com
LinkedIn: GSR Ventures on LinkedIn

39. Floodgate

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 2006
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, ClimateTech, Enterprise, Productivity
Portfolio: Vendia, Mixmax, Pantheon, Workboard, Praxis
Investments: 351
Exits: 90
Description:
Floodgate is a micro-VC fund investing at the inception stage in category-defining companies at the intersection of AI, SaaS, and impact.
Partner Contact: Arjun Chopra
Email: arjun@floodgate.com
Website: www.floodgate.com
LinkedIn: Floodgate on LinkedIn

40. Morgenthaler Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1968
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D
Sector Focus: TravelTech, Transportation, AdTech
Portfolio: ADARA, Automatic
Investments: 347
Exits: 102
Description:
Morgenthaler Ventures is a legacy venture fund that has supported transformative technology companies across travel, analytics, and digital platforms.
Partner Contact: Gary Little
Email: glittle@morgenthaler.com
Website: www.morgenthaler.com
LinkedIn: Morgenthaler Ventures on LinkedIn

41. Sutter Hill Ventures

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1964
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Developer Tools, Big Data
Portfolio: Sigma Computing, Clumio, Ghost, Astera Labs
Investments: 312
Exits: 94
Description:
Sutter Hill Ventures has a deep legacy in enterprise software and has backed category-defining AI/ML and cloud infrastructure startups through hands-on incubation.
Partner Contact: Keith Loebner
Email: keith@shv.com
Website: www.shv.com
LinkedIn: Sutter Hill Ventures on LinkedIn

42. Meritech Capital Partners

Location: Palo Alto, California
Founded: 1999
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Series B, C, D
Sector Focus: SaaS, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, Developer Tools
Portfolio: Filevine, Glint, ExtraHop Networks
Investments: 312
Exits: 125
Description:
Meritech Capital focuses on later-stage investments in breakout enterprise SaaS and AI infrastructure companies.
Partner Contact: Rob Ward
Email: rward@meritechcapital.com
Website: www.meritechcapital.com
LinkedIn: Meritech on LinkedIn

43. Ignition Partners

Location: Los Altos, California
Founded: 2000
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, CloudTech, B2B Software
Portfolio: Moz, Skytap, The/Studio, KenSci
Investments: 312
Exits: 90
Description:
Ignition Partners invests in intelligent enterprise and AI infrastructure startups helping redefine productivity and cloud-native systems.
Partner Contact: Nick Sturiale
Email: nick@ignitionpartners.com
Website: www.ignition.vc
LinkedIn: Ignition Partners on LinkedIn

44. Liquid 2 Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2015
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, Healthcare, SaaS, Logistics
Portfolio: Overjet, WorkRamp, Logixboard, Dexterity, Berbix
Investments: 311
Exits: 28
Description:
Founded by NFL legend Joe Montana, Liquid 2 Ventures is a seed-stage fund focused on AI-powered vertical SaaS and deep tech across industries.
Partner Contact: Michael Ma
Email: mm@liquid2.vc
Website: www.liquid2.vc
LinkedIn: Liquid 2 Ventures on LinkedIn

45. Keiretsu Forum

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2000
Fund Type: Angel Network
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D
Sector Focus: HealthTech, Hospitality, FinTech, SpaceTech
Portfolio: Vita Inclinata, MOGL, Kineta
Investments: 307
Exits: 33
Description:
Keiretsu Forum is one of the largest global angel networks, investing in early-stage startups with strong health, aerospace, and consumer applications.
Partner Contact: Matthew Le Merle
Email: matthew@keiretsuforum.com
Website: www.keiretsuforum.com
LinkedIn: Keiretsu Forum on LinkedIn

46. Mohr Davidow Ventures

Location: San Mateo, California
Founded: 1983
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D
Sector Focus: AI/ML, CloudTech, SaaS, Developer Tools
Portfolio: Webscale, Liquibase, doxo
Investments: 304
Exits: 80
Description:
Mohr Davidow Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in enterprise infrastructure and software, with a strong focus on scalable AI and automation technologies.
Partner Contact: Jon Feiber
Email: jdf@mdv.com
Website: www.mdv.com
LinkedIn: Mohr Davidow Ventures on LinkedIn

47. Domain Associates

Location: San Diego, California
Founded: 1985
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D
Sector Focus: BioTech, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices
Portfolio: Axial Biotherapeutics
Investments: 303
Exits: 90
Description:
Domain Associates is a life sciences-focused venture fund, specializing in companies at the intersection of biotechnology and digital health.
Partner Contact: Brian Halak
Email: halak@domainvc.com
Website: www.domainvc.com
LinkedIn: Domain Associates on LinkedIn

48. BlueRun Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California
Founded: 1998
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, FinTech, HealthTech, SaaS
Portfolio: Hello Heart, FreeAgent CRM, Gennev
Investments: 297
Exits: 38
Description:
BlueRun Ventures backs early-stage consumer and enterprise startups focused on personal health, intelligent sales tools, and predictive AI platforms.
Partner Contact: Jonathan Ebinger
Email: jebinger@brv.com
Website: www.brv.com
LinkedIn: BlueRun Ventures on LinkedIn

49. Maveron

Location: San Francisco, California
Founded: 1998
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, E-Commerce, Consumer, Health & Wellness
Portfolio: Lovevery, Everlane, Thirty Madison, HopSkipDrive
Investments: 283
Exits: 65
Description:
Maveron is a consumer-only VC firm investing in products and platforms that empower individuals, with increasing investment in AI-driven personalization.
Partner Contact: Elise Hebb
Email: ehebb@maveron.com
Website: www.maveron.com
LinkedIn: Maveron on LinkedIn

50. Scale Venture Partners

Location: Foster City, California
Founded: 2000
Fund Type: Venture Fund
Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Cybersecurity, CloudTech
Portfolio: AppOmni, Pantheon, Abstract, Expel
Investments: 282
Exits: 74
Description:
Scale Venture Partners focuses on intelligent business software and cybersecurity, with a portfolio rooted in automation and AI-driven infrastructure.
Partner Contact: Stephan Eberle
Email: stephan@scalevp.com
Website: www.scalevp.com
LinkedIn: Scale Venture Partners on LinkedIn

Final Thoughts

California continues to be the global hub for innovation in AI and machine learning—and these 50 VC firms are at the heart of it all. Whether you're building foundational AI infrastructure, applied ML tools, or AI-driven SaaS, these firms have the capital and expertise to help you scale.

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Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. 

Private. Secure. Yours.

Designed, built, and backed by Respawn Technologies Private Ltd


Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.