Top Pre-Seed VCs in New York City

New York City has become one of the country’s most active centers for early-stage investment. As the second-largest venture capital market in the U.S., its pre-seed scene is shaped by experienced founders, operators, and investors who know how to build from the ground up.

The firms below are among the city’s most active at this stage. Each plays a role in helping early teams find traction, raise capital, and grow within one of the most dynamic startup communities in the world.

Notation Capital

Location: Brooklyn, New York
Investment Focus: Enterprise software, infrastructure, fintech, and developer tools.
Investment Stages: Pre-Seed.
Description: Notation Capital invests in technical, product-driven founders at the idea stage. They are known for being among the first institutional investors in NYC and for working closely with teams before significant traction.

BoxGroup

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: Consumer, enterprise, healthcare, fintech, and climate technology.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed & Series A

Description: BoxGroup is one of New York’s most active early-stage investors. The firm typically writes first checks between $500K and $1M and has backed companies including Ramp, Warby Parker, and Plaid.

Lerer Hippeau

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: Consumer, fintech, commerce, media, and enterprise.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed.

Description: Lerer Hippeau is a long-established early-stage firm that helps founders build from the ground up. Their portfolio includes Allbirds, Casper, and Blockdaemon.

Primary VC

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: B2B SaaS, fintech, healthtech, and infrastructure.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed.

Description: Primary is New York’s largest dedicated early-stage venture firm. Its 50-person platform team supports founders with hiring, fundraising, and operational guidance. Portfolio companies include Alloy, Chief, and K Health.

2048 Ventures

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: AI, data, SaaS, fintech, and digital health.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed.

Description: 2048 Ventures invests exclusively at the pre-seed stage, focusing on technical and data-driven founders. They are often the first institutional investor for startups building in emerging technology fields.

Charge Ventures

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: B2B, fintech, consumer, and developer tools.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed.

Description: Charge Ventures supports New York founders from day one through the early stages of company building. The firm is known for its practical approach and strong local network.

AlleyCorp

Location: New York, New York
 Investment Focus: Healthcare, fintech, SaaS, and climate.
 Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed & Series A
 Description: Founded by Kevin Ryan, AlleyCorp combines startup incubation with venture investment. The firm helps create and fund companies from concept to launch, often taking an active operational role.

Flybridge Capital (NYC Team)

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: SaaS, consumer, and fintech.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed.

Description: Flybridge operates in New York through The Community Fund, which invests in diverse early-stage founders and supports the city’s growing startup base.

Bowery Capital

Location: New York, New York

Investment Focus: B2B and enterprise SaaS.

Investment Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed.

Description: Bowery Capital focuses on early enterprise software companies. The firm helps founders develop go-to-market strategies and transition from product development to their first revenue.

Other Active Investors in NYC

Alongside the local firms listed above, national investors such as Union Square Ventures, FirstMark Capital, and Greycroft also have a strong presence in New York. Their activity adds more depth and competition to the city’s early-stage scene.

Conclusion

New York remains one of the most active places in the country for pre-seed and seed funding. For anyone starting up in the city, these firms are worth getting to know early.

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