Top Cybersecurity Venture Capital Firms 2024

In a market saturated with investment opportunities, identifying the best of the best can be a tough task. There are a number of VC firms, however, that have carved out a name for themselves in the world of cybersecurity. 

These firms not only possess a strong track record of investing in successful startups but also demonstrate a keen understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in this industry. Partnering with these firms can offer cybersecurity startups not just the capital needed to grow but also an invaluable source of strategic advice and industry-specific expertise. 

Let’s walk through these VC firms one by one and look at how they can help cybersecurity startups hit the ground running.

• Location: Silicon Valley (Menlo Park, California)
• Stage: Early Stage, Seed Stage,  Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Cybersyn, Wiz, Stairwell, Verkada

Sequoia Capital, established by Don Valentine in 1972, is recognized for pioneering the growth of the personal computing and networking industries. This venture capital firm has been on the frontlines of innovation investing at the seed stage and later in companies that tackle significant problems in large markets with creative solutions. 

For startups in the cybersecurity domain, Sequoia not only offers financial backing but also gives them a “Signaling Advantage”; this helps massively increase their potential for success due to Sequoia’s reputation and extensive network.

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Stage: Early Stage, Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: MicroSec, CloudSEK, Prove, RiskLens

MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a dynamic venture capital firm investing globally in various sectors such as enterprise SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech, and climate technology. Since 2014, MMV has made an impact on over 40 portfolio companies, focusing on Series A/B investments in companies with early commercial traction. 

For cybersecurity startups, MMV not only offers financial investment but also conducts a comprehensive diligence process which includes product demos, financial reviews and customer calls allowing startups to refine and improve their offerings.

• Location: New York, New York
• Stage: Early Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Copper, Snyk, Opus Security

With a focus on public and private companies in the internet, software, consumer, and fintech industries, Tiger Global Management has built a strong reputation for generating world-class, long-term investment returns. It invests in high-quality companies led by excellent management teams that are benefiting from powerful secular growth trends. 

Providing financial backing is just part of the package, though – for cybersecurity startups looking for investment from Tiger Global Management, they also get a committed partner eager to support their growth and market leadership.

• Location: Menlo Park, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Nozomi Networks, Descope, Wing Security

GGV Capital is a venture capital firm that goes beyond providing financial support to startups. With its unique NextGen Fellowship program and range of workshops aimed at refining go-to-market strategies and preparing companies for future funding rounds, GGV Capital is well-positioned to support cybersecurity startups at all stages. 

The one-on-one coaching from expert facilitators and collaboration with the GGV Capital investment team that they offer give cybersecurity startups unique opportunities to grow and refine their operations.

• Location: New York, New York
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Balbix, DataGrail, Elastica, Sysdig

Third Point Ventures is a leading venture capital firm known for investing in and guiding startups across multiple sectors. Their mission is to guide and coach companies from early to later growth stages, focusing on making an impact and shaping the next wave of technological transformation. 

For cybersecurity startups, this means not only financial investment but also valuable guidance from experienced industry leaders and access to the resources needed to transition from an early-stage startup to a market leader.

• Location: New York, New York
• Stage: Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Abnormal, Checkmarx, Armis, Adaptive Shield

As a prominent player in the tech investment space, Insight Partners focuses its resources on late-stage software companies, giving robust support to ensure startups reach their ultimate growth potential. Insight Partners has built up an impressive reputation for partnering with entrepreneurs and executive teams by leveraging growth drivers such as product development, mergers and acquisitions, and geographic expansion. 

For cybersecurity startups looking for a firm that not just invests but also provides expert support, Insight Partners offers a unique blend of financial backing and strategic guidance.

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Stage: Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: ID.me, Expel, Salt Security,  Armis Security

CapitalG, an independent growth fund owned by Alphabet, prioritizes a concentrated portfolio to allow significant investment and hands-on operational support for each company they invest in. 

Unsurprisingly, this approach is particularly advantageous for cybersecurity startups that benefit from substantial capital and strategic input. With typical check sizes reaching up to $100+ million and extensive support in areas like go-to-market strategies and security reviews, CapitalG ensures its partnering companies are set up for success.

• Location: Foster City, California
• Stage: Early Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: BigID, CyberGRX, PubNub

On the mission to help early-stage technology companies scale effectively, Scale Venture Partners focuses on businesses looking to transition from founder-led growth to go-to-market operations. This firm shows an interest in startups using AI to change industries, including cybersecurity. 

Through expert networks and benchmarking data, Scale Venture Partners provides advisory support in go-to-market strategies, positioning them as an instrumental partner for cybersecurity startups looking to capture market share.

• Location: New York, New York
• Stage: Early Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Island, Orca Security, Fireblocks, Hunters

Stripes is an investment and consulting firm that actively supports the growth of software and consumer companies on a global scale. The firm's services range from go-to-market and network activation support to providing best practices in talent acquisition and HR – a comprehensive offering beneficial to cybersecurity startups who want to enter new markets or fortify their stance in existing ones. 

With potential access to financing and capital market introductions, Stripes ticks all the right boxes for startups looking to scale effectively.

• Location: Palo Alto, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Snyk, Akto, Veza, Privacera

Venture capital firm Accel shines as a great example of investing and nurturing startups, with a glowing portfolio including names like Slack, Dropbox, and Spotify. Their experience backing fledgling companies from seed funding to IPO stages provides almost an assured path to success for cybersecurity startups. 

Accel's reputation, built on a foundation of encouraging passion, resilience, and customer focus in its portfolio companies, offers an excellent environment for startups set on making a significant impact in the cybersecurity space.

• Location: Santa Clara, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Securing SAM, Trinity Cyber, ZeroFox

As a key player in the venture capital space, Intel Capital has a solid portfolio illustrated by broad investment in a number of diverse sectors, including cloud infrastructure, data platforms, and cybersecurity. They actively work to build an environment for startups to flourish with curated introductions and expert support. 

For any startups seeking investment, Intel Capital offers a guiding hand in the form of industry expertise and an expansive network that can really accelerate a startup's journey to success.

• Location: Redwood City, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Basis Theory, BillGuard, CyberGRX, Illusive Networks

As an unwavering ally to ambitious entrepreneurs throughout the years, Bessemer Venture Partners is no stranger to cybersecurity. Their unique approach extends beyond investing and empowering startups through mentorship, innovation, and collaboration. Their commitment to creating an inclusive working environment is one of the firm's many attributes that set it apart. 

Startups working with Bessemer benefit not only from their financial backing but also from their relentless pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and understanding.

• Location: Menlo Park, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Cloudflare, Beyond Identity, DeltaStream

Dedicated to bettering life, work, and play with innovative startups,  New Enterprise Associates has a firm footprint in the cybersecurity domain. They have a rich background in technology investing and an edge in healthcare investing as well. 

A distinct advantage of partnering with NEA is in their global scope and decades of experience, which gives entrepreneurs access to an extensive network of business leaders and potential partners.

• Location: Paterna, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: ReSec Technologies, ZecOps, Trillium, Kiana Analytics

Making waves in corporate innovation and venture capital investing, Plug and Play Tech Center plays a key role in catapulting cybersecurity startups to new heights. Through accelerators and various programs tailored to specific industries, they help startups gain traction and become part of a global platform. 

The added benefit of partnering with Plug and Play is in their sizable network and numerous programs designed to foster industry-specific growth.

• Location: Menlo Park, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Second Front Systems, Apiiro, Open Raven, Secureframe

With half a century of history supporting founders with big ideas, Kleiner Perkins is more than capable in the cybersecurity sphere. From its strategic partnerships with entrepreneurs to helping founders realize their dreams, Kleiner is a great example of a venture capital firm's role beyond just the financial. The firm’s ethos of empathy, humility, and winning through passion equips startups with the right mindset for success in the competitive cybersecurity space.

• Location: Boulder, Colorado
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: CrowdSense, Dfns, HiddenLogin, Phalanx

Techstars is a global startup incubator network with an impressive $98.4 billion total portfolio market cap and over 3700 startups benefiting from their investments. The company prides itself on being “the largest pre-seed investor in the world” and has a vast community of founders and mentors who can provide startups with guidance and support. 

Any cybersecurity startup looking to integrate with Techstars will gain access to a broad network of mentors, industry-specific advice, and support in customer acquisition and talent recruitment, ultimately boosting their market presence.

• Location: Washington D.C.
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: RangeForce, Hack The Box, Decentriq

Paladin Capital Group is a committed investment partner that helps spur the growth of innovative cybersecurity companies. With an investment portfolio totaling over $1.5 billion across various deals, Paladin applies a multi-stage investment approach to capitalize on emerging markets and technology-driven opportunities. 

Cybersecurity startups partnering with Paladin can expect unique insights and access to both commercial and government markets, strategic partnerships, and assistance in recruiting top talent.

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Stage: Growth Stage, Late Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: HUMAN Security, Immuta, Onapsis, SafeGuard Cyber

San Francisco-based NightDragon is well known for its hands-on approach to helping portfolio companies dealing in cybersecurity, safety, security, and privacy. With an extensive network of advisors and industry professionals, they have the means to connect startups with influential figures in the field. 

Companies that choose to partner with NightDragon will receive capital, go-to-market support, access to their robust industry network, and, most importantly, the opportunity to shape technologies contributing towards a safer digital era.

• Location: Burlingame, California
• Stage: Venture, Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Cado Security, Interpres Security, Immuta

Ten Eleven Ventures is a venture capital firm that has been focusing its investments on cybersecurity companies and striving to create a secure digital world. With a mission to empower founders and startups developing cybersecurity technologies, they have invested in companies across the globe. 

For cybersecurity startups looking for a venture capital firm, Ten Eleven Ventures will not only provide capital but also industry connections and expertise, all geared towards the startup's growth and success.

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Stage: Early Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Enso, Hunters, Karamba Security, Grip

Specializing in growth support, YL Ventures is famous for its hands-on operational assistance and a broad network that can serve as an extension of the startup's team. Their in-house multidisciplinary experts and connections give startups assistance in customer acquisition, fundraising, marketing, product development, HR, and operations. 

Due to all of these combined benefits, cybersecurity startups partnering with YL Ventures will have access to a strong network of CISOs as well as institutional knowledge about the cybersecurity market and startups' specific needs. 

• Location: Menlo Park, California
• Stage: Early Stage, Venture
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Shield, Stelo Labs, Entropy

Known for its high technology acumen, a16z crypto is Andreessen Horowitz’s venture capital firm that primarily invests in cryptocurrency and Web3 startups. By operating in the crypto sphere and taking an expanding interest in cybersecurity, a16z is creating opportunities for startups in the industry. 

The greatest advantage of considering a16z is its Crypto Startup School, which can help nurture cybersecurity startups and help founders build their Web3 companies efficiently.

• Location: San Mateo, California
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage, Growth Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Bishop, CyberCube, Converge, Huntress

Specializing in cybersecurity and software infrastructure, Forgepoint Capital offers more than just financial support. They act as trusted advisors to their investments and have an understanding of their businesses that goes beyond typical investor-company relationships. 

One of their most notable benefits is the potential provision of $5 to $50 million to invest in each company, allowing room for growth and expansion for cybersecurity startups.

• Location: St. Louis, Missouri
• Stage: Early Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Phylum, Neosec, Bandura

SixThirty Ventures is a global venture fund that concentrates its investments on early-stage companies that intersect with health, wealth, and privacy. Leveraging a vast network of connections, SixThirty acts as a bridge between startups and institutions, providing strategic support and networking opportunities. 

Their prime benefit for startups includes the amount of resources they offer that promote the rapid scaling of businesses while maintaining a high level of trust.

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Stage: Early Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Callsign, Conceal, Deepfence, Prevailion

With over two decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry, AllegisCyber Capital continues to push ahead with a profound understanding of cybersecurity. Their commitment offers strategic early-stage funding for cybersecurity startups extending from seed to growth stages. 

On top of that, a significant advantage for startups backed by AllegisCyber is access to an established, credibility-boosting platform and networking channels.

• Location: Mikhmoret, Israel
• Stage: Seed Stage, Early Stage
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Wiz, Cyera, Island, Fireblocks

Founded by Gili Raanan and Lior Simon, Cyberstarts is underpinned by the ventures of some of the world's most successful cyber entrepreneurs. With its primary focus on bridging cybersecurity gaps, Cyberstarts gives substantial guidance to its portfolio companies, and its strength lies in its founders’ hands-on involvement, which provides startups with the mentors they need to successfully navigate the cybersecurity landscape.