Vermont has a growing tech landscape, with a history of successful startups rooted in innovation and resilience. We've explored the state's evolving startup scene to highlight thetop investors and VC firms fueling Vermont's expanding market. Using recent data and insights, we've compiled a list of the top 10 VC funds driving growth and opportunity in the Green Mountain State.
Here's a table that summarizes the overall VC data for a quick overview:
| VC Firm | Ticket Size | Stages | Founding Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreshTracks Capital | $100,000 - $2 Million | Seed, Early, Growth | 2000 |
| The Fund at Hula | $100,000 - $5 million | Seed, Series A, Early Stage | 2019 |
| VCET (Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies) | $50k - $500k | Seed, Early Stage | 2005 |
| Seizan Capital | $250,000 - $3 million | Growth, Strategic Acquisitions | 2021 |
| VENTURE.co | $100,000 - $1M | Early, Growth | 2015 |
| Techstars Ventures | $100K–$2M | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A | 2006 |
| Vermont Community Foundation (VCF at Hula Fund) | $250,000 - $5 million | Seed, Early Stage | 1986 (VCF), 2022 (VCF at Hula) |
| Peoples Trust Company | Varies | Early, Growth | 1886 |
| Champton | Varies | Growth, Strategic Acquisitions | 2010 |
| Gravity Ventures | $75K - $150K | Seed, Early Stage | 2008 |
1. FreshTracks Capital
FreshTracks Capital is a Vermont-based VC firm that invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They focus on sectors such as technology, consumer products, and renewable energy. By supporting innovative entrepreneurs, FreshTracks aims to drive local economic development while delivering strong returns for investors. They work closely with founders, providing both capital and mentorship, to help businesses scale and make a positive impact in their markets.
- Website:freshtrackscap.com
- Founding Year:2000 Investment
- Range:$100,000 - $2 Million
- Stage:Seed, Early, Growth
- Geography:Technology, Consumer, SaaS, Energy
- Geography:Primarily Vermont Notable
- Investments:SunCommon, Mamava, DealerPolicy, Faraday, Benchmark Space Systems
- Submit Pitch/ Contact: Link
2. The Fund at Hula
The Fund at Hula is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups across Northern New England, with a special focus on Vermont. They back innovative entrepreneurs in sectors like AI, medtech, green technology, and SaaS. Along with capital, the firm provides mentorship and a network of resources to help startups grow and succeed in competitive industries. The fund is committed to driving technological advancement and economic growth.
- Website:hulalakeside.com
- Founding Year:2019
- Investment Range:$100,000 - $5 million
- Stage:Seed, Series A, Early Stage
- Geography:Technology, Greentech, Medtech, AI, SaaS
- Geography:Northern New England, including Vermont
- Notable Investments:Beta Technologies, Benchmark Space Systems, CoreMap, Biocognitive
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
3. VCET (Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies)
VCET is a venture capital and innovation hub dedicated to fostering the growth of Vermont-based tech startups. They focus on early-stage companies that are tech-enabled and scalable. By providing capital, strategic guidance, and mentorship, VCET helps entrepreneurs develop their business ideas into viable, growth-focused companies. Their goal is to support ventures that can have a long-term impact on Vermont’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
- Website:vcet.co
- Founding Year:2005
- Investment Range:$50k - $500k
- Stage:Seed, Early Stage
- Geography:Tech-enabled businesses, SaaS, Healthcare, Energy
- Geography:Vermont
- Notable Investments:Zymochem, Rigorous, Benchmark Space Systems, Northern Reliability
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
4. Seizan Capital
Seizan Capital is a venture capital and investment firm that focuses on strategic acquisitions and growth-stage investments. Based in Vermont, they support local entrepreneurs and businesses that have the potential to positively impact the community. Seizan Capital seeks out ventures with strong leadership and a commitment to innovation. They offer both financial backing and strategic partnerships to help businesses scale and succeed.
- Website:seizancapital.com
- Founding Year:2021
- Investment Range:$250,000 - $3 million
- Stage:Growth, Strategic Acquisitions
- Geography:Technology, Consumer Goods, Local Community Growth
- Geography:Vermont
- Notable Investments:Green Mountain Ice, other local businesses
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
5. VENTURE.co
VENTURE.co is a venture capital firm that focuses on tech startups. They offer private placement solutions and financing opportunities. They invest in early and growth-stage companies and seek out ventures with strong leadership and the potential for disruptive innovation. VENTURE.co empowers companies that are developing solutions to drive industry change and generate significant returns for investors. Their expertise spans a range of sectors, including fintech and SaaS.
- Website:venture.co
- Founding Year:2015
- Investment Range:$100,000 - $1M
- Stage:Early, Growth
- Geography:Technology, Financial Services
- Geography:Primarily Vermont, with a focus on private placements
- Notable Investments:Facilitated private placements for various startups in Vermont
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
6. Techstars Ventures
Techstars is a global venture capital firm and accelerator, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs worldwide to turn their innovative ideas into impactful businesses. Known for its extensive network, Techstars provides startups with mentorship, funding, and access to industry experts. With investments across thousands of companies, they support founders through all stages of growth. Their goal is to foster connections with investors and partners to drive positive change and economic growth in communities around the world.
- Website:techstars.com
- Founding Year:2006
- Investment Range:$100K–$2M
- Stage:Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
- Geography:Technology, SaaS, AI, Healthcare
- Geography:U.S. and Global
- Notable Investments:SendGrid, DigitalOcean, Sphero
- Submit Pitch/Contact:Link
7. Vermont Community Foundation (VCF at Hula Fund)
The VCF at Hula Fund is a venture capital initiative that focuses on early-stage tech startups in Vermont. Through its partnership with Hula, the fund is dedicated to drive both community and economic development by investing in companies that have the potential for significant innovation and growth. VCF at Hula provides startups with access to capital, mentorship, and a network of resources to help them succeed.
- Website:vermontcf.org
- Founding Year:1986 (VCF), 2022 (VCF at Hula)
- Investment Range:$250,000 - $5 million
- Stage:Seed, Early Stage
- Geography:Technology, Green tech, Medtech, AI, SaaS
- Geography:Vermont
- Notable Investments:BETA Technologies, Benchmark Space Systems, CoreMap, Biocogniv
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
8. Peoples Trust Company
Peoples Trust Company is a financial institution and VC firm that provides capital to support the growth of businesses in Vermont. They focus on early-stage investments in local companies. They help entrepreneurs scale their operations and contribute to Vermont’s economic development. By offering a range of financial services, Peoples Trust Company plays a key role in fostering the success of small businesses in the region.
- Website:ptcvt.com
- Founding Year:1886
- Investment Range:Varies
- Stage:Early, Growth
- Geography:Financial services, Lending, Technology
- Geography:Vermont
- Notable Investments:Local businesses and startups in Vermont
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
9. Champton
Champton is a private investment and advisory firm that focuses on strategy and growth opportunities. Based in Vermont, they invest in businesses that have the potential for market leadership and long-term success. Champton supports ventures with strong management teams and innovative ideas, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help them grow and achieve their goals.
- Website:champton.com
- Founding Year:2010
- Investment Range:Varies
- Stage:Growth, Strategic Acquisitions
- Geography:Financial services, Technology, Consumer goods
- Geography:Vermont
- Notable Investments:Local and regional companies Contact: 76 Mott Street, South Alburgh, Vermont 05440
10. Gravity Ventures
Gravity Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in companies with disruptive ideas and high growth potential. They focus on backing visionary entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions in a variety of industries. Gravity Ventures provides both capital and expertise to help startups scale and make a meaningful impact on the market. Their goal is to foster the next generation of industry leaders.
- Website:gravityventures.com
- Founding Year:2008
- Investment Range:$75K - $150K
- Stage:Seed, Early Stage
- Geography:Technology, Tech-enabled businesses, SaaS, EdTech, Enterprise software
- Geography:Primarily U.S., with a focus on Indiana and Arkansas
- Notable Investments:Acumen Brands, Rival IQ, Jada Beauty, Lessonly, Pear
- Submit Pitch/ Contact:Link
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is VC high risk?
Venture capital is a type of investment that can be risky but has the potential for high returns. However, there is no guarantee of success. Investing in startups is always uncertain, and you might lose your money. Even though VC firms try to minimize risks, investing in startups is always uncertain, and you might lose your money. - What is the best country to set up a VC fund?
If you’re looking to set up a VC fund, many people think the United States has the best venture capital (VC) funds worldwide. This is because the US has a big economy, lots of money available, and many successful startups. - What cities have the most VC investments?
The top five cities for venture capital investment are San Francisco, New York City, Boston, San Jose, and Los Angeles. These cities together receive more than two-thirds (67.5%) of all venture capital investments. - What is the minimum amount for a VC fund?
Venture capital funds usually ask for a minimum investment of $250,000 to $500,000, and sometimes even more. Investing a small amount of money can still cost a lot. These funds are usually only open to wealthy people and big organizations that have a lot of money. - How do I choose a VC fund?
To choose a VC fund, check how much experience and success the venture capital firm has had before. Look at the companies they’ve invested in before to see if they match what your business does. This can help you figure out if they’re a good match for you. - Best of luck with your amazing ventures.
Please note that this list is filtered by various metrics, and all the data are collected through various third-party websites, mostly the VC website. Since data such as ticket size or industry may change, you are requested to visit the official website given in the blog for the latest and updated information.