Investors play a crucial role in shaping industries and driving innovation. In 2024, certain venture capitalists (VCs) and investment firms stood out as the most active players in the global investment ecosystem. These firms not only provide the financial backing that startups need to thrive but also bring expertise, networks, and strategic insights that propel businesses to the next level. This article highlights the top 10 most active investors in 2024, information about the companies, and some of their notable investments in 2024.
The Top 10 Most Active Investors
1. Y Combinator
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Investor Type: Accelerator
Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture
2024 Investments: 796
Y Combinator is a leading global startup accelerator renowned for its ability to foster unicorn companies, including Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox. With a structured and competitive funding model—$125,000 for 7% equity and an additional $375,000 SAFE—YC empowers startups with significant financial backing, robust mentorship programs, and unmatched access to a powerful alumni network. The bi-annual accelerator batches are particularly valued for the exposure they provide to follow-on investors.
Notable Investments in 2024
In 2024, Y Combinator maintained its influence by participating in impactful funding rounds, such as a $500,000 investment in the fintech startup Yenmo. Beyond direct investments, YC made strides in digital health and actively contributed to policy discussions, rallying startups against California’s AI safety bill while shaping AI policy. These actions reaffirm its role as both a financial and thought leader in the tech ecosystem.
For more details on the timeline and all the investments they made, check their Crunchbase page.
2. Techstars
Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States
Type: Accelerator, Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Non-Equity Assistance, Seed, Venture
2024 Investments: 236
Techstars was one of the most prolific accelerators in the world in 2024, boasting an impressive track record of working with over 10,400 founders and facilitating $122.5 billion in cumulative market cap for its portfolio companies. The organization supported startups through structured accelerator programs and extensive mentorship networks, with over 3,700 mentors offering strategic guidance.
With 21 portfolio companies achieving unicorn status (valued at $1 billion or more) and 49 successful exits, Techstars demonstrates a clear ability to identify and nurture high-growth potential startups. In 2024 alone, Techstars helped its portfolio companies secure over $1.98 billion in funding, reinforcing its position as a powerhouse in early-stage venture investments.
Notable Investments in 2024
Techstars continued to make significant strides in 2024, with investments in over 200 startups across various industries, including AI, healthcare, and fintech. The accelerator facilitated the growth of its portfolio companies through a combination of funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Over 1,150 startups secured additional funding, while Techstars’ community events—more than 330 in total—served as hubs for collaboration and innovation.
To get more information regarding the investments they made, check out their Crunchbase profile.
3. Alumni Ventures
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States
Investor Type: Venture Capital, Angel Group, Hedge Fund, Micro VC
Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Seed, Late Stage Venture
2024 Investments: 197
Alumni Ventures (AV) is recognized for its founder-friendly approach and robust investment strategies. Named one of the Most Founder-Friendly Investors of 2024 by Inc. Magazine and a Top 20 Venture Firm by CB Insights, AV has built a reputation for supporting startups with professional management and access to its expansive network. Its diversified funding strategies cater to companies across various stages, from seed to late-stage ventures, providing tailored solutions for growth.
Notable Investments in 2024
In 2024, Alumni Ventures participated in several significant funding rounds, underscoring its active role in the venture capital landscape. Highlights include Frore Systems’ $80M raise, SurrealDB’s €18.6M funding, and Formic’s $27.4M Series A. AV also demonstrated its commitment to innovation and health tech with investments in companies like Nanopath, a molecular diagnostics startup focusing on women’s health. These strategic investments, combined with accolades and recognition within the industry, have solidified AV’s position as a key player in 2024.
For more details on the timeline and all the investments they made, check their Crunchbase page.
4. SOSV
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Investor Type: Accelerator, Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Seed
2024 Investments: 120
SOSV stands out as a deep tech venture firm with a specialization in transformative technologies such as biotech, hardware, and climate tech. Its unique accelerator programs, like HAX, provide startups with the technical resources, mentorship, and business frameworks needed to address complex challenges and scale successfully. SOSV is renowned for its hands-on approach, offering both technical and strategic guidance for hard-tech and life sciences startups.
Notable Investments in 2024
In 2024, SOSV made significant strides in deep tech with strategic investments and initiatives. Its HAX accelerator expanded with a new 35,000-SF global headquarters in Newark, N.J., aimed at fostering hard-tech startups. A $65 million investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) reinforced SOSV’s commitment to biomanufacturing and sustainability. Additionally, the firm led a $2.5 million funding round for Flashaid, a health-tech company innovating in diagnostics. These efforts highlight SOSV’s focus on supporting startups that are not only innovative but also aligned with global priorities like sustainability and health care.
For more details on other investments they’ve made and the specific timeline, check their Crunchbase page.
5. General Catalyst
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-Ipo, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
2024 Investments: 139
General Catalyst is a global investment firm that transcends traditional venture capital by focusing on systemic transformation and company creation. The firm’s largest global fund to date, over €7.5 billion, is strategically allocated across early-stage ventures, growth equity, and ecosystem transformation initiatives. General Catalyst’s approach to co-creation with founders, business leaders, and policymakers positions it as a transformative force in global innovation.
Notable Investments in 2024
In 2024, General Catalyst demonstrated its global influence with high-impact investments and ecosystem-building initiatives. The firm closed a €7.5 billion global fund, including €4.19 billion for core venture capital investments and €1.40 billion for creating new businesses. Key funding rounds included leading a $40 million seed round for Zarminali Health, a Chicago-based hybrid care startup, and a $19 million Series B for Bounce, a luggage storage startup in San Francisco. Other notable contributions included $80 million for the HR platform Factorial, $126 million for Transcarent, and $78 million for Alsym Energy, further cementing General Catalyst’s reputation as a visionary investor.
Check out their Crunchbase profile if you wish to see some more of their investments.
6. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
2024 Investments: 146
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) stands as a titan in the venture capital landscape, cementing its position as a dominant force in 2024. Amid a tech pullback that concentrated influence among the industry’s heavyweights, just 30 firms raised 75% of all VC capital in the US. Remarkably, only nine firms accounted for $35 billion—half of the total raised—according to PitchBook data. Andreessen Horowitz alone contributed over 11% of this capital, an extraordinary feat that underscores its unparalleled clout.
Notable Investments in 2024
Andreessen Horowitz had an outstanding 2024, raising $7.2 billion across five funds, reflecting their ability to attract substantial capital. The firm led or co-led a series of high-profile funding rounds, including:
- $200 million for space-tech startup Astranis at a $4 billion valuation.
- $175 million Series B for Saronic, an autonomous surface vessels maker, achieving a $1 billion valuation.
- $130 million Series B for Hebbia, an AI startup specializing in complex data analysis.
Additionally, the firm’s participation in a $1 billion funding round for cybersecurity giant Wiz, which reached a $12 billion valuation, highlights its commitment to scaling innovative enterprises.
Check out their Crunchbase profile for more information regarding their investments.
7. Sequoia Capital
Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Growth
2024 Investments: 122
Sequoia has earned its prestige through a commitment to fostering transformative startups. Their portfolio includes some of the most successful companies, and they are known for their hands-on approach in helping founders tackle complex growth challenges.
In addition to providing capital, Sequoia offers access to an extensive internal knowledge bank, equipping founders with insights and strategies needed to scale effectively. The firm also boasts one of the industry’s most robust networks, connecting portfolio companies with top-tier experts, executives, and market opportunities.
Noteworthy investments in 2024 include participation in the $400 million funding round for Physical Intelligence, a robotics company valued at $2 billion, and involvement in Cyera’s $300 million Series D, a cybersecurity startup valued at $3 billion.
Check their Crunchbase profile for more information regarding their investments.
8. Accel
Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Growth
2024 Investments: 98
Accel has built a reputation for recognizing and supporting transformative businesses in their early stages. Their track record includes investments in renowned companies like Facebook, Slack, and Spotify, which underscores their expertise in identifying startups with significant growth potential.
In addition to their focus on early-stage investments, Accel provides extensive industry knowledge and resources to help startups navigate challenges and scale internationally. Their portfolio spans a diverse range of sectors and includes companies like Atlassian, Dropbox, Etsy, Flipkart, and Qualtrics.
Notable investments in 2024
- Helsing: A German AI-based defense technology startup specializing in real-time battlefield intelligence. In mid-2024, Helsing was in discussions to raise nearly $500 million from investors, including Accel, potentially tripling its valuation to $4.5 billion.
- AI and Cloud Companies: Accel has been a significant contributor to the surge in funding for AI and cloud sectors. In 2024, investments in these areas across the U.S., Europe, and Israel were expected to reach $79.2 billion, a 27% increase from 2023, with generative AI companies accounting for approximately 40% of this figure.
- Fund VIII for India: Accel announced a $650 million Fund VIII to back India’s next-generation startups in AI, consumer tech, fintech, and manufacturing, reflecting its commitment to fueling innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem.
These investments underscore Accel’s strategic focus on emerging technologies and its commitment to supporting innovative startups across various regions. You can check their Crunchbase profile for more information regarding their investments.
9. Lightspeed Venture Partners
Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
Investor Type: Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Growth
2024 Investments: 106
Lightspeed Venture Partners is a globally recognized venture capital firm with a track record of backing transformative tech companies across various stages of growth. Lightspeed is known for its deep expertise in enterprise software and infrastructure, offering operational guidance, strategic mentorship, and follow-on funding support that help startups scale effectively. Their global presence ensures startups benefit from international networks and market access.
Lightspeed Venture Partners showcased its versatility and vision through key investments in 2024, including leading a $10 million funding round for Travel Wallet, an innovative travel technology startup, and participating in a $1 billion funding round for cloud security company Wiz, which achieved a valuation of $12 billion. The firm also reported insights on India’s dynamic venture ecosystem, signaling its interest in emerging markets.
The firm demonstrates a diversified investment approach, focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, financial services, and software. With investments spanning across the U.S., India, Singapore, Germany, Australia, France, and Israel, Lightspeed has a global outlook, with particular interest in key tech hubs like New York, San Francisco, and Palo Alto. Companies showcasing scalability, market impact, and applications of cutting-edge technology are likely to attract Lightspeed’s interest.
For deeper insight into Lightspeed Venture Partners and their investments, check out their Crunchbase profile.
10. 500 Global
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Type: Accelerator, Angel Group, Micro VC, Venture Capital
Investment Stage: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
2024 Investments: 64
500 Global has been a major player in supporting startups across a wide range of sectors, including fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, and agricultural technology. With over 3,000 companies in its portfolio, the firm leverages its global reach to provide deep connections and resources to founders. It has had over 390 exits including some notable exits like GitLab, Prenetics, and Animoca Brands.
Notable investments in 2024 include:
- Seedflex, a fintech firm based in Singapore, is receiving backing to expand its innovative solutions.
- Applecrumby, a Malaysian startup, with a focus on creating unique consumer goods, gaining funding to further enhance its offerings.
- Their most recent diversity investment was on Nov 25, 2024, when PlayAI raised $21M.
500 Global’s network and commitment to global expansion make it an ideal partner for early-stage startups looking to scale internationally. Their focus on cross-border opportunities provides a unique advantage for founders aiming to tap into emerging markets.
For more information on their investments in 2024, and over the years, check out their Crunchbase profile.
How We Chose the Most Active Investors
To identify the most active investors, several factors were considered:
- Number of Deals Closed: The sheer volume of investments made by these firms was a primary consideration.
- Industries and Sectors Covered: Investors active across trending industries such as AI, fintech, and biotech stood out.
- Geographic Reach: The ability to invest globally was another criterion.
- Portfolio Performance: The success and growth of their portfolio companies also played a significant role.
- Expert Insights: Data from credible sources, including Seedtable, Crunchbase, and PitchBook, were used to verify and validate our findings.
Conclusion
The most active investors of 2024 have been pivotal in driving innovation and fueling growth across key sectors. As venture capitalists continue to adapt to market trends and emerging technologies, their role in shaping the future of industries remains indispensable. By keeping an eye on these firms, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders can better understand the investment world and identify potential opportunities for collaboration.
FAQs
Who Is the Biggest VC in the World?
The biggest VC in the world is often debated, but firms like Sequoia Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz consistently top the list due to their large portfolios, significant funding, and global influence.
Who Are Active Investors?
An active investor is someone who regularly buys and sells investments such as stocks, startups, or other assets. These investors continually seek opportunities that align with their financial goals and adjust their portfolios to optimize performance.
Where Are VCs Investing in 2024?
In 2024, VCs are focusing on industries such as:
- Defense Technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
- Fintech
- Space Technology
- Sustainable Solutions
- Biotechnology
These sectors are attracting significant funding due to their potential for growth and innovation.
