Most Active AI Investors in 2024 (Complete List)
We all know artificial intelligence is the craze nowadays.
In fact, it's the most common type of startup we see looking to use our investor database when raising capital.
With that said, we figured it would be helpful to list the most active artificial intelligence venture capital investors in the world.
So let's not wait any longer; here is a detailed list of the most active AI investors.
Let’s dive in!
1. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
Website: a16z.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: OpenAI, Databricks, and Shield AI
Andreessen Horowitz, known as a16z, is a leading venture capital firm founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. Based in Silicon Valley, a16z manages about $42 billion in assets, focusing on visionary entrepreneurs and innovative technologies, especially AI.
The firm is notable for its hands-on approach, supporting portfolio companies to drive growth and innovation, and its long-term, optimistic investment strategy..
2. Sequoia Capital
Website: sequoiacap.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: DeepMind, Iconic.AI, and Fireworks AI
Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 by Don Valentine, is a leading venture capital firm known for its early investments in Apple and Atari. Its diverse portfolio includes Google, Airbnb, Stripe, and WhatsApp. Sequoia provides more than financial support, offering strategic guidance to startups from inception to IPO.
The firm has also expanded into the AI sector and launched the Sequoia Capital Fund in 2021 for more flexible, long-term investments, solidifying its influential role in the venture capital industry.
3. Greylock Partners
Website: greylock.com
Investment Stage: Early Stage
Notable AI Investments: Adept AI, Atomic AI, and Seven AI
Greylock Partners, established in 1965, has built a stellar reputation for investing in groundbreaking tech companies from their early stages.
They've backed giants like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Airbnb, demonstrating a knack for identifying transformative opportunities. With a keen focus on AI and machine learning, Greylock is positioned as a pivotal player in the tech investment landscape.
Their deep industry knowledge and unwavering support for innovation make them a go-to partner for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their ventures successfully.
4. GV (formerly Google Ventures)
Website: gv.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: WitnessAI, Context.ai, and Resistant AI
GV, the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., was indeed founded in 2009. Originally named Google Ventures, the firm leverages Google's vast resources and expertise to support its portfolio companies. GV invests across various stages and sectors, with a strong emphasis on AI and advanced technologies, thanks to its access to Google's cutting-edge R&D capabilities.
GV's diverse portfolio includes investments in healthcare, life sciences, and technology, reflecting its broad approach to venture capital.
The integration with Google's ecosystem provides unique advantages to its portfolio companies, allowing them to tap into Google's extensive expertise and infrastructure. This synergy helps startups navigate technical challenges and scale efficiently, benefiting from the deep technological and operational support GV offers.
5. Accel
Website: accel.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Scale AI, Nory AI, and AssemblyAI
Founded in 1983, Accel is a global venture capital firm renowned for its early-stage and growth-stage investments. The firm's ability to identify high-potential startups and provide essential support has led to successful investments in companies like Facebook, Slack, and Dropbox. Accel's focus on AI and other cutting-edge technologies underscores its commitment to driving innovation across various industries.
Accel's global presence and extensive network make it a valuable partner for startups looking to scale. The firm's hands-on approach and strategic guidance help portfolio companies navigate the challenges of growth and achieve long-term success.
6. Insight Partners
Website: insightpartners.com
Investment Stage: Growth
Notable AI Investments: Sensi.Ai, Unlearn.AI, and Builder.ai
Insight Partners, founded in 1995, is a leading venture capital and private equity firm specializing in growth-stage technology companies. They focus on transformative sectors like AI and machine learning, with a notable portfolio including Shopify, Twitter, and HelloFresh.
Beyond capital, Insight Partners provides strategic guidance to help companies scale efficiently. Their commitment to innovation and growth, along with hands-on support and a vast network, empowers companies to achieve rapid, sustainable growth.
7. Lightspeed Venture Partners
Website: lsvp.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Mistral AI, Patronus AI, and Big Sur AI
Founded in 2000, Lightspeed Venture Partners is a prominent venture capital firm known for its investments in both enterprise and consumer sectors, with a strong emphasis on AI technologies. They support startups from seed to growth stages and maintain a global presence.
Their portfolio includes successful companies like Snapchat, Nest, and GrubHub, demonstrating their ability to nurture innovative tech ventures. In addition to financial backing, Lightspeed provides strategic insights to foster high-growth companies.
Their commitment to transformative technologies is highlighted by investments in companies such as Stability AI, creator of the open-source generative AI model Stable Diffusion, and Volley, a leader in AI-powered voice games.
8. Kleiner Perkins
Website: kpcb.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Together AI, Viz, and Harvey
Kleiner Perkins, a legendary Silicon Valley venture capital firm founded in 1972, has a legacy of investing in groundbreaking technologies.
Renowned for spotting the next big thing, they've been active in the AI scene and have backed major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Twitter. Their stellar track record and extensive network make them a cornerstone in the venture capital world and a top choice for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses.
9. Data Collective (DCVC)
Website: dcvc.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Unlearn.AI, NinjaTech AI, and Smartex.ai
Data Collective (DCVC),is a venture capital firm specializing in deep tech investments, particularly in AI and machine learning.
Founded in 2011, DCVC supports companies using advanced technology to address complex challenges. Their diverse portfolio includes AI-driven businesses in healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
DCVC stands out for its commitment to deep tech innovation, offering both financial support and strategic guidance to help companies develop and scale their technologies.
10. NEA (New Enterprise Associates)
Website: nea.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Orby AI, Perplexity AI, and Lily AI
I recently learned about New Enterprise Associates (NEA), a global venture capital firm that's been around since 1977. NEA has built a pretty diverse portfolio over the years, with significant investments in AI, among other advanced technologies.
They back companies at every stage, from seed to growth, providing not just funds but also extensive resources and a wealth of experience. This support is crucial for startups trying to make their mark.
NEA's commitment to innovation and growth has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs all over the world.
11. Tiger Global
Investment Stage: Seed to Series B
Notable AI Investments: OpenAI, Greenscreens AI, and Treble.ai
Tiger Global gained fame for investing in over 130 companies in a single quarter during the Zero Interest Rate Policy (ZIRP) era. Initially focused on late-stage companies, they later shifted to early-stage investments at very high valuations.
With the end of the ZIRP, many now question these tactics. Despite this, Tiger Global remains renowned for its aggressive investments and founder-friendly terms.
12. General Catalyst
Website: generalcatalyst.com
Investment Stage: Seed
Notable AI Investments: Skild AI, Wordsmith AI, and Hona AI
General Catalyst is a prominent venture capital firm renowned for its strategic investments in a wide array of companies across various industries. The firm is particularly noted for its focus on early-stage seed investments, nurturing startups during their critical growth phases.
General Catalyst's investment strategy doesn't stop at the initial funding round; they are well-known for continuing to support their portfolio companies with follow-on investments in subsequent financing rounds.
This approach ensures sustained growth and development, helping these companies scale effectively and achieve long-term success.
13. M12 (formerly Microsoft Ventures)
Website: m12.vc
Investment Stage: Seed to Series A
Notable AI Investments: Bolster AI, DatologyAI, and Guardrails AI
M12, which kicked off in 2016, is Microsoft's venture fund dedicated to early-stage investments, especially in the AI sector.
They leverage Microsoft's vast resources and expertise to support startups, making their journey a bit smoother. Some of their notable investments include companies like Volley and Synack, focusing on groundbreaking tech that aligns with Microsoft's vision.
M12 isn't just about the money. They provide significant strategic support to help startups thrive.
14. Baidu Ventures
Website: baidu-venture.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Series B
Notable AI Investments: UDEER.AI, Ex-human, and RealAI
Baidu Ventures is Baidu Inc.'s venture capital arm, focusing on deep tech, AI, VR, and AR projects. Since its inception in 2017, it has invested in early-stage companies, from seed to Series B stages.
What sets Baidu Ventures apart is its access to Baidu's extensive resources in AI research and data, which gives the startups it backs a significant edge in innovation and development.
15. Index Ventures
Website: indexventures.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Series A
Notable AI Investments: Wordsmith AI, DeepL, and APEX
I found out that Comet Labs, started in 2015, is really cool because they don't just invest in AI and robotics startups; they also help these startups grow by providing support beyond just money.
They're both a fund and an incubator, working with experts from different industries to help startups in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation.
They have this comprehensive approach to making sure new companies have all the resources and knowledge they need to succeed. It's like a one-stop-shop for launching high-tech innovations!
16. CRV
Website: crv.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Series C
Notable AI Investments: 3T Biosciences, Airobotics, and Astrix
CRV is one of the oldest venture capital firms in the US, investing in technology for over 40 years. The firm focuses on innovative solutions in various sectors, including AI, with investments in companies developing AI for healthcare and aerospace.
17. Qualcomm Ventures
Website: qualcommventures.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Late Stage
Notable AI Investments: Cruise, Humane, and Hugging Face
Qualcomm Ventures, established in 2000, invests in startups that promote technological advancements aligned with Qualcomm Inc.'s growth. The firm provides funding at various stages and has significant investments in AI technologies.
18. Khosla Ventures
Website: khoslaventures.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Artrendex, Speak, and Vicarious
Founded by Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla in 2004, Khosla Ventures focuses on funding eco-friendly technology and innovative business models. The firm has invested in AI projects across diverse sectors, including healthcare and art markets.
19. Golden Gate Ventures
Website: goldengate.vc
Investment Stage: Seed to Series A
Notable AI Investments: Skelter Labs, Perx, and Arkadiah
Golden Gate Ventures, founded in 2011, focuses on early-stage investments in Southeast Asia, particularly in internet and mobile technology sectors.
They’ve backed a range of innovative startups, including those working on virtual assistant technology and customer insight applications.
The firm brings a mix of Silicon Valley expertise and local market knowledge, helping ambitious founders in the region.
20. Corner Ventures
Website: cornerventures.com
Investment Stage: Early to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Eventbrite, Halcyon, and Nextdoor
Corner Ventures, spun off from DAG Ventures in 2018, focuses on early and growth-stage startups. They’ve got a great network and provide tons of resources to help startups hit their growth milestones and succeed in the competitive tech landscape.
21. Founders Fund
Website: foundersfund.com
Investment Stage: Pre-Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Cognition, Sentient Labs, and inspeq ai
Founders Fund, started by Peter Thiel and a few others, aims to back both early and late-stage companies while protecting the interests of the founders.
Thiel, a well-known venture capitalist who co-founded PayPal and invested early in Facebook, plays a significant role in guiding the firm's investments in groundbreaking tech companies like SpaceX and Airbnb.
22. Silverton Partners
Website: silvertonpartners.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Series D
Notable AI Investments: Modicus Prime, Dappier, Handraise
Silverton Partners, the largest venture capital firm in Texas, is headquartered in Austin. Established in 2006, Silverton Partners has become a leading force in the venture capital industry, focusing primarily on early-stage investments in the technology sector.
The firm has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing high-potential startups, providing both financial support and strategic guidance. Among its portfolio of successful investments is WP Engine, a renowned managed WordPress hosting provider.
23. Tau Ventures
Website: tauventures.com
Investment Stage: Seed
Notable AI Investments: RubiconMD, Elemental Machines, and Siftwell
Tau Ventures focuses on funding seed-stage ventures in healthtech, automation, and enterprise technology. The firm leverages the experience of its team from leading tech companies to support AI-based solutions.
24. Alumni Ventures
Website: av.vc
Investment Stage: Seed to Series B
Notable AI Investments: Vectara, CaseMark, and HerculesAI
Alumni Ventures is dedicated to funding innovative startups across a variety of industries. The firm primarily targets early-stage companies in healthtech, automation, and enterprise technology.
Leveraging the extensive experience of its team, which includes successful entrepreneurs and executives from top technology companies, Alumni Ventures provides strategic support and resources to foster the growth of AI-driven solutions.
25. Silver Lake Partners
Website: silverlake.com
Investment Stage: Growth to Pre-IPO
Notable AI Investments: Ancestry, Credit Karma, and Dell
Silver Lake Partners, with over $43 billion in assets under management, specializes in investing in technology-driven companies at various stages of their growth.
The firm employs strategies such as pre-IPO growth investments and fostering innovation through resource optimization.
26. Hercules Capital
Website: htgc.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: 23andMe, Cloudpay, and DoorDash
Hercules Capital provides venture debt financing to technology, life sciences, SaaS, and sustainable and renewable technology companies.
The firm offers customized funding solutions to help companies achieve growth and development.
27. Notable Capital
Website: notablecap.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Growth
Notable AI Investments: Slack, Square, and Wish
Notable Capital is an international venture capital firm focusing on early-to-growth-stage investments in cloud infrastructure, consumer startups, and enterprise technology.
The firm leverages global market trends to support local startups, with significant operations in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and New York.
28. AME Cloud Ventures
Website: amecloudventures.com
Investment Stage: Seed to Series B
Notable AI Investments: Deep Genomics, Element AI, and LeapMind
AME Cloud Ventures, founded by Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang, invests in data-driven companies. The firm focuses on leveraging data and AI to drive innovation across various sectors.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, those are the most active AI investors in the world.
Just keep in mind that many of the investors listed above are in fact generalist investors, they're just currently focusing on AI because many of them believe that it will yield the highest returns for their own investors (LPs).
But if you're raising capital and you need some additional help booking meetings with investors, feel free to reach out to our team, we'd love to share what works for us and help you out where we can.