Seed funds & accelerators
A starting list of well-known investors who back companies at pre-seed and seed. Investment terms and focus areas change often, so always check each investor's own site before you reach out.
Y Combinator
Generalist; runs batches several times a year with a standard deal for every company.
Visit website →500 Global
Early-stage programs and funds with a strong international footprint.
Visit website →Antler
Backs founders very early, sometimes before they have a co-founder or idea.
Visit website →Entrepreneur First
Talent investor: helps individuals find co-founders and start companies.
Visit website →South Park Commons
Community and fund for builders in the exploration phase ("-1 to 0").
Visit website →First Round Capital
Generalist seed fund known for its founder community and content.
Visit website →SV Angel
Seed-stage investor with a long track record in consumer and enterprise.
Visit website →Lerer Hippeau
Early-stage fund, strong in consumer and New York companies.
Visit website →Pear VC
Pre-seed and seed; runs a startup program for very early teams.
Visit website →Precursor Ventures
First institutional check, often before product or revenue.
Visit website →Hustle Fund
Pre-seed fund that writes small first checks quickly.
Visit website →Are you an investor, accelerator or founder service?
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Get featuredHow to use this list
- Filter by stage. Pre-seed funds and accelerators write the first check. Seed funds usually want some evidence of traction.
- Check fit. Look at each fund's portfolio for companies like yours (but not direct competitors).
- Get introduced. A warm intro from a founder they backed beats a cold email, but a short, specific cold email still works.
- Track everything. Keep a simple pipeline: contacted, meeting, partner meeting, committed.
Our step-by-step guide: How to find seed investors.