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Most of the money behind AI and machine learning startups still runs through California venture firms. If you're raising for an AI or ML company, the people who write the checks are clustered within a few miles of each other. Below is a curated list of the top 50 AI/ML-focused VC firms in California, with their investment stages, focus sectors, partner contacts, and portfolios.

1. Accel

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1983 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Enterprise, FinTech, Consumer Portfolio: Middesk, Ethos, CleverTap, Sysdig, Podium Investments: 1830 Exits: 354 Description: Accel is an early and growth-stage venture capital firm that helps a global community of entrepreneurs achieve success through operational and strategic support. Partner Contact: Andrei Brasoveanu Email: abrasoveanu@accel.com Website: www.accel.com LinkedIn: Accel on LinkedIn

2. Kleiner Perkins

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1972 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, FinTech, Healthcare, CloudTech, E-Commerce Portfolio: Glean, Teleport, Ring, PlanetScale Investments: 1347 Exits: 317 Description: Kleiner Perkins specializes in early-stage, incubation, and growth investments across technology and life sciences. Partner Contact: Bucky Moore Email: bucky@kpcb.com Website: www.kleinerperkins.com LinkedIn: Kleiner Perkins on LinkedIn

3. Bessemer Venture Partners

Location: Redwood City, California Founded: 2011 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, Enterprise, Healthcare, FinTech, CloudTech Portfolio: Twitch, Guild Education, Alloy, LaunchDarkly Investments: 1257 Exits: 281 Description: Bessemer Venture Partners invests in early to late-stage companies across enterprise, consumer, and healthcare industries. Partner Contact: Byron Deeter Email: byron@bvp.com Website: www.bvp.com LinkedIn: Bessemer on LinkedIn

4. Lightspeed Venture Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 2000 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, CloudTech, E-Commerce Portfolio: Firework, WorkOS, Glean, Alloy Investments: 1148 Exits: 205 Description: Lightspeed Venture Partners focuses on early and growth-stage investments in the consumer, enterprise, and cleantech sectors. Partner Contact: Will Kohler Email: will@lsvp.com Website: www.lsvp.com LinkedIn: Lightspeed on LinkedIn

5. Index Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 1996 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, FinTech Portfolio: CreativeX, Gtmhub, Temporal, Covariant Investments: 1053 Exits: 227 Description: Index Ventures partners with entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into global businesses, with a focus on technology and life sciences. Partner Contact: Neil Rimer Email: neil@indexventures.com Website: www.indexventures.com LinkedIn: Index Ventures on LinkedIn

6. Khosla Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 2004 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, ClimateTech, Healthcare, Robotics, FinTech Portfolio: Imply, Mojo Vision, At-Bay, Vida Health Investments: 1027 Exits: 141 Description: Khosla Ventures backs entrepreneurs solving real-world problems with tech-driven innovation, particularly in clean tech, AI, and healthcare. Partner Contact: Justine Sink Email: jsink@khoslaventures.com Website: www.khoslaventures.com LinkedIn: Khosla Ventures on LinkedIn

7. GV (formerly Google Ventures)

Location: Mountain View, California Founded: 2009 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, BioTech, FinTech, SaaS, Cybersecurity Portfolio: AngelList, Helium, Podium, Flatiron Health Investments: 971 Exits: 225 Description: GV supports bold startups with funding and access to Google’s deep resources in engineering, product, and data science. Partner Contact: Dave Munichiello Email: dave@gv.com Website: www.gv.com LinkedIn: GV on LinkedIn

8. Norwest Venture Partners

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1961 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Healthcare, Consumer Portfolio: Plaid, MindTickle, Zenoti, Celona Investments: 848 Exits: 177 Description: Norwest is a global VC and growth equity firm investing in tech, healthcare, and consumer sectors with long-term partnership in mind. Partner Contact: Katie Belding Email: kbelding@nvp.com Website: www.nvp.com LinkedIn: Norwest on LinkedIn

9. GGV Capital

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 2000 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, RetailTech, Healthcare, Consumer Portfolio: Chief, Slice, Handshake, BitSight Investments: 838 Exits: 125 Description: GGV Capital is a global VC firm that supports visionary founders scaling from seed stage to IPO and beyond. Partner Contact: Jeff Richards Email: jrichards@ggvc.com Website: www.ggvc.com LinkedIn: GGV Capital on LinkedIn

10. Greylock Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1965 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Consumer, Cybersecurity, HR Tech Portfolio: Instabase, Baseten, Nauto, Workable Investments: 809 Exits: 245 Description: Greylock invests in early-stage companies shaping the future of work, commerce, data, and trust. Partner Contact: Reid Hoffman Email: rhoffman@greylock.com Website: www.greylock.com LinkedIn: Greylock on LinkedIn

11. Venrock

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1969 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, BioTech, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, FinTech Portfolio: Epic Sciences, Shape Security, Suki, Auditoria.AI Investments: 781 Exits: 267 Description: Venrock backs early-stage startups at the intersection of technology and healthcare, emphasizing science-led innovation. Partner Contact: Bong Koh Email: bkoh@venrock.com Website: www.venrock.com LinkedIn: Venrock on LinkedIn

12. Founders Fund

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2005 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SpaceTech, Consumer, DeepTech, FinTech Portfolio: The Boring Company, Material Security, IRL, Gecko Robotics Investments: 781 Exits: 136 Description: Founders Fund backs companies that aim to build revolutionary technologies and challenge the status quo. Partner Contact: Lauren Gross Email: lauren@foundersfund.com Website: www.foundersfund.com LinkedIn: Founders Fund on LinkedIn

13. Canaan Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1987 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, Consumer, Marketplaces Portfolio: Cuyana, Apex.AI, UrbanSitter, Quantum Circuits Investments: 731 Exits: 147 Description: Canaan Partners invests in early-stage visionary startups across healthcare and tech with a people-first approach. Partner Contact: Rich Boyle Email: rboyle@canaan.com Website: www.canaan.com LinkedIn: Canaan Partners on LinkedIn

14. Menlo Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 1976 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, Cybersecurity, SaaS, Healthcare, Marketplaces Portfolio: Heap, Netlify, BitSight, Wristcam Investments: 717 Exits: 167 Description: Menlo Ventures partners with innovative companies across the technology spectrum from inception to IPO. Partner Contact: Tyler Sosin Email: tyler@menlovc.com Website: www.menlovc.com LinkedIn: Menlo Ventures on LinkedIn

15. Redpoint Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1999 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Developer Tools, FinTech, Healthcare Portfolio: Guild Education, LaunchDarkly, Heap, PsiQuantum Investments: 710 Exits: 160 Description: Redpoint supports visionary founders building transformative companies in AI, cloud, and consumer sectors. Partner Contact: Scott Raney Email: sraney@redpoint.com Website: www.redpoint.com LinkedIn: Redpoint on LinkedIn

16. Foundation Capital

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1995 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity, HealthTech Portfolio: Skyflow, Mode Analytics, CoverWallet, Arize AI Investments: 670 Exits: 157 Description: Foundation Capital is a people-first VC firm helping founders build world-changing companies in enterprise and emerging tech. Partner Contact: Jonathan Ehrlich Email: jehrlich@foundationcap.com Website: www.foundationcapital.com LinkedIn: Foundation Capital on LinkedIn

17. Benchmark

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 1995 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Marketplace, Social, Gaming Portfolio: Hipcamp, Timescale, AcuityMD, Sailthru Investments: 653 Exits: 177 Description: Benchmark is known for backing iconic early-stage startups and offering deep founder support without operating partners. Partner Contact: Chetan Puttagunta Email: chetan@benchmark.com Website: www.benchmark.com LinkedIn: Benchmark on LinkedIn

18. Mayfield Fund

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1969 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, BioTech, Enterprise, SaaS, Healthcare Portfolio: Mirvie, Endpoint Health, Portworx, TRIPP Investments: 622 Exits: 182 Description: Mayfield invests early in values-driven entrepreneurs building bold, impactful companies across enterprise and consumer sectors. Partner Contact: Ursheet Parikh Email: uparikh@mayfield.com Website: www.mayfield.com LinkedIn: Mayfield Fund on LinkedIn

19. True Ventures

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 2005 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Consumer, IoT, HealthTech Portfolio: Ring, Gradle, LoanSnap, Copper Investments: 621 Exits: 105 Description: True Ventures champions creative founders building products at the intersection of tech, humanity, and design. Partner Contact: Jon Callaghan Email: jon@trueventures.com Website: www.trueventures.com LinkedIn: True Ventures on LinkedIn

20. CRV (Charles River Ventures)

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1970 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Consumer, Healthcare Portfolio: Squire, Cybereason, Gtmhub, Zip Investments: 620 Exits: 152 Description: CRV backs early-stage companies with big ambitions in software, AI, and consumer applications. Partner Contact: Devdutt Yullerkar Email: devdutt@crv.com Website: www.crv.com LinkedIn: CRV on LinkedIn

21. DCM Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1996 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, E-Commerce, Robotics Portfolio: Pony.ai, Medable, Roomi, Eaze Investments: 604 Exits: 128 Description: DCM Ventures is an early-stage global VC firm investing in bold founders in the U.S., China, and Japan, particularly those shaping the future of mobile, AI, and health. Partner Contact: David Chao Email: dchao@dcm.com Website: www.dcm.com LinkedIn: DCM Ventures on LinkedIn

22. Bain Capital Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 1984 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity, CloudTech Portfolio: Sysdig, Recharge, Hightouch, FOSSA Investments: 564 Exits: 114 Description: Backed by Bain Capital, this fund supports founders from seed to growth across commerce infrastructure, SaaS, and deep tech. Partner Contact: Stefan Cohen Email: stefancohen@baincapitalventures.com Website: www.baincapitalventures.com LinkedIn: BCV on LinkedIn

23. Felicis Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 2006 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, Robotics Portfolio: Verkada, TestBox, Happiest Baby, Survios Investments: 556 Exits: 152 Description: Felicis backs founders building iconic companies in frontier tech, AI/ML, SaaS, and healthcare, with a unique founder-first philosophy. Partner Contact: Victoria Treyger Email: victoria@felicis.com Website: www.felicis.com LinkedIn: Felicis on LinkedIn

24. Highland Capital Partners

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1988 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Logistics Portfolio: Malwarebytes, Reachdesk, YipitData, Stellar Cyber Investments: 488 Exits: 145 Description: Highland Capital Partners focuses on early and growth-stage tech investments with a strong presence in security, health, and enterprise innovation. Partner Contact: Will O'Brien Email: will@hcp.com Website: www.hcp.com LinkedIn: Highland Capital on LinkedIn

25. Initialized Capital

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2012 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Developer Tools, E-Commerce, Robotics Portfolio: Formic, Berbix, AdQuick, IUNU Investments: 471 Exits: 80 Description: Co-founded by Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian, Initialized is known for writing the first check to game-changing startups across software, infra, and hardware. Partner Contact: Kim Cutler Email: kim@initialized.com Website: www.initialized.com LinkedIn: Initialized Capital on LinkedIn

26. Trinity Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1986 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, Consumer, Healthcare Portfolio: Arize AI, Serverless, Fieldwire, Gatsby, Thrive Causemetics Investments: 464 Exits: 140 Description: Trinity Ventures is an early-stage VC firm investing in passionate founders across software, consumer tech, and AI-driven platforms. Partner Contact: Noel Fenton Email: noel@trinityventures.com Website: www.trinityventures.com LinkedIn: Trinity Ventures on LinkedIn

27. DCVC (Data Collective)

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2011 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, DeepTech, BioTech, Robotics, CloudTech Portfolio: Gro Intelligence, Agility Robotics, Qumulo, DroneDeploy Investments: 452 Exits: 95 Description: DCVC invests in deep tech founders using AI and data to solve trillion-dollar real-world problems, from healthcare to space. Partner Contact: Kelly Chen Email: kelly@dcvc.com Website: www.dcvc.com LinkedIn: DCVC on LinkedIn

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2012 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, HealthTech, MarTech, EdTech Portfolio: IRIS.TV, GYANT, Digbi Health, Classkick Investments: 433 Exits: 60 Description: Social Starts focuses on early-stage investments in startups using data and machine learning to transform healthcare, work, and media. Partner Contact: Mike Edelhart Email: mike@socialstarts.com Website: www.socialstarts.com LinkedIn: Social Starts on LinkedIn

29. InterWest Partners

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1979 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: SaaS, AdTech, E-Commerce, Big Data Portfolio: Cuyana, Knotch, Cheetah Digital Investments: 425 Exits: 121 Description: InterWest invests across sectors but has a strong legacy in tech-enabled consumer and software companies, with a collaborative founder-first approach. Partner Contact: Keval Desai Email: kdesai@interwest.com Website: www.interwest.com LinkedIn: InterWest Partners on LinkedIn

30. Headline

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 1998 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, E-Commerce, Developer Tools Portfolio: StackShare, Grin, Avoma, UXCam, NGINX Investments: 418 Exits: 70 Description: Headline is a global venture firm investing across geographies and sectors, including cutting-edge AI applications, with operational expertise and local presence. Partner Contact: Christian Miele Email: christian.miele@eventures.vc Website: www.headline.com LinkedIn: Headline on LinkedIn

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 2011 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, ClimateTech, Healthcare, SaaS, FinTech Portfolio: Aclima, Syapse, HealthJoy, UrbanFootprint, RideOS Investments: 417 Exits: 76 Description: Social Capital partners with mission-driven founders solving global problems using technology. Their thesis-led investing approach backs transformative AI and health startups. Partner Contact: Alex Blum Email: alex@bp.socialcapital.com Website: www.socialcapital.com LinkedIn: Social Capital on LinkedIn

32. Shasta Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 2004 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Robotics, HealthTech, Consumer Portfolio: Starship Technologies, LeanData, Banyan Security, Beautiful.AI Investments: 402 Exits: 82 Description: Shasta Ventures is an early-stage venture firm investing in breakthrough ideas across AI, software, and health, with a strong product-focused philosophy. Partner Contact: Balaji Yelamanchili Email: balaji@shastaventures.com Website: www.shasta.vc LinkedIn: Shasta Ventures on LinkedIn

33. Uncork Capital

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2004 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, B, C, D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Marketplaces, Robotics, DeepTech Portfolio: Groove, DroneDeploy, Coder, UserGems, CodeSee Investments: 386 Exits: 98 Description: Uncork Capital is a seed-stage firm that supports bold founders in building category-defining businesses across enterprise AI and consumer platforms. Partner Contact: Susan Liu Email: susan@uncorkcapital.com Website: www.uncorkcapital.com LinkedIn: Uncork Capital on LinkedIn

34. Sierra Ventures

Location: San Mateo, California Founded: 1982 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, MedTech, E-Commerce, CloudTech Portfolio: Reify Health, Lemonaid Health, SupportLogic, Yalo Investments: 386 Exits: 85 Description: Sierra Ventures invests globally in early-stage enterprise and AI-driven companies, offering deep operational support and access to its CXO network. Partner Contact: Ben Yu Email: byu@sierraventures.com Website: www.sierraventures.com LinkedIn: Sierra Ventures on LinkedIn

35. Western Technology Investment

Location: Portola Valley, California Founded: 1980 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, B, C, D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, HealthTech, Robotics, FinTech Portfolio: Affinity, Safe Security, Workspot, PlushCare Investments: 380 Exits: 126 Description: Western Technology Investment provides flexible venture debt and equity to early-stage, revenue-generating tech companies, supporting capital-efficient scaling. Partner Contact: Rudy Ruano Email: rudy@westerntech.com Website: www.westerntech.com LinkedIn: Western Technology Investment on LinkedIn

36. Upfront Ventures

Location: Santa Monica, California Founded: 1996 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Consumer, RetailTech, Cybersecurity Portfolio: ChowNow, Parachute Home, Open Raven, Cordial, Invoca Investments: 380 Exits: 74 Description: Upfront Ventures focuses on early-stage investments with a strong presence in Southern California, supporting AI and infrastructure innovations across consumer and enterprise markets. Partner Contact: Dana Kibler Email: dana@upfront.com Website: www.upfront.com LinkedIn: Upfront Ventures on LinkedIn

37. IVP (Institutional Venture Partners)

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1980 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Series B, C, D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, Marketplace Portfolio: GitHub, Motive, Aledade, Podium, Checkr Investments: 369 Exits: 128 Description: IVP is a later-stage VC firm backing rapidly growing tech companies in enterprise SaaS, AI-driven analytics, and consumer platforms. Partner Contact: Alex Lim Email: alim@ivp.com Website: www.ivp.com LinkedIn: IVP on LinkedIn

38. GSR Ventures

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 2004 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, HealthTech, Logistics, Developer Tools Portfolio: Medable, PolySign, Plus, DeepMap, AppliedVR Investments: 354 Exits: 22 Description: GSR Ventures backs AI-first startups across healthcare, logistics, and deep tech sectors, with a focus on U.S. and China-based founders. Partner Contact: Sunny Kumar Email: sunnykumar@gsrventures.com Website: www.gsrventures.com LinkedIn: GSR Ventures on LinkedIn

39. Floodgate

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 2006 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, ClimateTech, Enterprise, Productivity Portfolio: Vendia, Mixmax, Pantheon, Workboard, Praxis Investments: 351 Exits: 90 Description: Floodgate is a micro-VC fund investing at the inception stage in category-defining companies at the intersection of AI, SaaS, and impact. Partner Contact: Arjun Chopra Email: arjun@floodgate.com Website: www.floodgate.com LinkedIn: Floodgate on LinkedIn

40. Morgenthaler Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1968 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D Sector Focus: TravelTech, Transportation, AdTech Portfolio: ADARA, Automatic Investments: 347 Exits: 102 Description: Morgenthaler Ventures is a legacy venture fund that has supported transformative technology companies across travel, analytics, and digital platforms. Partner Contact: Gary Little Email: glittle@morgenthaler.com Website: www.morgenthaler.com LinkedIn: Morgenthaler Ventures on LinkedIn

41. Sutter Hill Ventures

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1964 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Developer Tools, Big Data Portfolio: Sigma Computing, Clumio, Ghost, Astera Labs Investments: 312 Exits: 94 Description: Sutter Hill Ventures has a deep legacy in enterprise software and has backed category-defining AI/ML and cloud infrastructure startups through hands-on incubation. Partner Contact: Keith Loebner Email: keith@shv.com Website: www.shv.com LinkedIn: Sutter Hill Ventures on LinkedIn

42. Meritech Capital Partners

Location: Palo Alto, California Founded: 1999 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Series B, C, D Sector Focus: SaaS, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, Developer Tools Portfolio: Filevine, Glint, ExtraHop Networks Investments: 312 Exits: 125 Description: Meritech Capital focuses on later-stage investments in breakout enterprise SaaS and AI infrastructure companies. Partner Contact: Rob Ward Email: rward@meritechcapital.com Website: www.meritechcapital.com LinkedIn: Meritech on LinkedIn

43. Ignition Partners

Location: Los Altos, California Founded: 2000 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, CloudTech, B2B Software Portfolio: Moz, Skytap, The/Studio, KenSci Investments: 312 Exits: 90 Description: Ignition Partners invests in intelligent enterprise and AI infrastructure startups helping redefine productivity and cloud-native systems. Partner Contact: Nick Sturiale Email: nick@ignitionpartners.com Website: www.ignition.vc LinkedIn: Ignition Partners on LinkedIn

44. Liquid 2 Ventures

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2015 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, Healthcare, SaaS, Logistics Portfolio: Overjet, WorkRamp, Logixboard, Dexterity, Berbix Investments: 311 Exits: 28 Description: Founded by NFL legend Joe Montana, Liquid 2 Ventures is a seed-stage fund focused on AI-powered vertical SaaS and deep tech across industries. Partner Contact: Michael Ma Email: mm@liquid2.vc Website: www.liquid2.vc LinkedIn: Liquid 2 Ventures on LinkedIn

45. Keiretsu Forum

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2000 Fund Type: Angel Network Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D Sector Focus: HealthTech, Hospitality, FinTech, SpaceTech Portfolio: Vita Inclinata, MOGL, Kineta Investments: 307 Exits: 33 Description: Keiretsu Forum is one of the largest global angel networks, investing in early-stage startups with strong health, aerospace, and consumer applications. Partner Contact: Matthew Le Merle Email: matthew@keiretsuforum.com Website: www.keiretsuforum.com LinkedIn: Keiretsu Forum on LinkedIn

46. Mohr Davidow Ventures

Location: San Mateo, California Founded: 1983 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D Sector Focus: AI/ML, CloudTech, SaaS, Developer Tools Portfolio: Webscale, Liquibase, doxo Investments: 304 Exits: 80 Description: Mohr Davidow Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in enterprise infrastructure and software, with a strong focus on scalable AI and automation technologies. Partner Contact: Jon Feiber Email: jdf@mdv.com Website: www.mdv.com LinkedIn: Mohr Davidow Ventures on LinkedIn

47. Domain Associates

Location: San Diego, California Founded: 1985 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A–D Sector Focus: BioTech, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices Portfolio: Axial Biotherapeutics Investments: 303 Exits: 90 Description: Domain Associates is a life sciences-focused venture fund, specializing in companies at the intersection of biotechnology and digital health. Partner Contact: Brian Halak Email: halak@domainvc.com Website: www.domainvc.com LinkedIn: Domain Associates on LinkedIn

48. BlueRun Ventures

Location: Menlo Park, California Founded: 1998 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, FinTech, HealthTech, SaaS Portfolio: Hello Heart, FreeAgent CRM, Gennev Investments: 297 Exits: 38 Description: BlueRun Ventures backs early-stage consumer and enterprise startups focused on personal health, intelligent sales tools, and predictive AI platforms. Partner Contact: Jonathan Ebinger Email: jebinger@brv.com Website: www.brv.com LinkedIn: BlueRun Ventures on LinkedIn

49. Maveron

Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 1998 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, E-Commerce, Consumer, Health & Wellness Portfolio: Lovevery, Everlane, Thirty Madison, HopSkipDrive Investments: 283 Exits: 65 Description: Maveron is a consumer-only VC firm investing in products and platforms that empower individuals, with increasing investment in AI-driven personalization. Partner Contact: Elise Hebb Email: ehebb@maveron.com Website: www.maveron.com LinkedIn: Maveron on LinkedIn

50. Scale Venture Partners

Location: Foster City, California Founded: 2000 Fund Type: Venture Fund Fund Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A Sector Focus: AI/ML, SaaS, Cybersecurity, CloudTech Portfolio: AppOmni, Pantheon, Abstract, Expel Investments: 282 Exits: 74 Description: Scale Venture Partners focuses on intelligent business software and cybersecurity, with a portfolio rooted in automation and AI-driven infrastructure. Partner Contact: Stephan Eberle Email: stephan@scalevp.com Website: www.scalevp.com LinkedIn: Scale Venture Partners on LinkedIn

How to use this list

California is still where most AI and machine learning money lives, and these 50 firms write a large share of it. Whether you're building foundational AI infrastructure, applied ML tools, or AI-driven SaaS, the firms above have the capital and the experience to back you as you grow.

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Top 50 AI & Machine learning VC Firms in California (2025)