Arizona has attracted some very promising people over the past decade or so. Tempted by the warm weather and affordable real estate, there’s been some serious buzz over where the state’s economy is heading. It’s made it a fertile ground for venture capital (VC) firms that want to seize the day.
Successful startups in Arizona span a wide range in terms of industries, though venture capitalists are unsurprisingly focused largely on technology and how it applies to a variety of sectors. The good news is that VC firms are willing to spend on the companies they believe in. In the third quarter of 2021, VCs funded 41 deals in the state worth more than $566 million. It brought the total up to $979.5 million for the year — a very strong showing compared to past years.
Let’s look at the top VC firms in Arizona, the industries they specialize in, and their investment ranges.
Best Venture Capital Firms in Arizona
The companies below are funding some of the most innovative and disruptive startups in Arizona. They’re also the firms that entrepreneurs should keep their eye on if they’re looking for investments.
Keep reading to learn what industries they invest in, some of the more notable companies they’ve funded, and more.
Seeking Startup Funding?
Systematic connects startups and investors on one AI-powered platform. Sign up today to receive an exclusive, limited-time discount of over 50% off—don’t miss out!
Get Started1. Arizona Founders Fund
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
- Industries: Healthcare, Legal, Technology
- Stage: Seed
- Investment Range: $50,000 – $400,000
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Lawlytics, Allbound
Arizona Founders Fund focuses on technology companies, and the team is known for providing hands-on support. Many firms find that they need this kind of extra attention to really scale their solutions.
This is one of the most involved VC firms in the Phoenix area, and the staff is committed to changing the world through innovation. This would be a great option for anyone who wants more support than just capital.
2. PHX Ventures
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Industries: Education, B2B Software, Real Estate
- Stage: Seed
- Investment Range: $50,000–$500,000
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Nurture Boss, CircleIn, eVisit, ActiveClass
PHX Ventures works with B2B software companies and funds them with early-stage investments. The most notable perk the group offers is the chance to meet other institutional investors. This can help carry a company through from one stage of funding to the next.
In addition to the company’s general network, PHX Ventures will also provide its portfolio companies with valuable insights which can help them make difficult decisions at one of the most critical times for any startup. The leaders have the experience in software to spot mistakes before they have the chance to progress any further.
3. Cave Creek Capital
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Industries: Consumer Products, Business Services, Healthcare Services, Specialty Manufacturing
- Stage: Series B
- Investment Range: $5 Million–$25 Million
- Notable Portfolio Companies: VMC Group, Bastech, Integro
Cave Creek Capital Management may wait to invest until Series B, but they’re also prepared to take companies where they need to go. This is an opportunity for companies in select industries to take their company to a new level.
This firm is comfortable working with other major players in their space. When they make an investment. it’s after doing their due diligence to ensure that the partnership is a good fit.
4. Pivotal Group
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Industries: Telecommunications, Healthcare, Media, Aerospace, Consumer Products
- Stage: Series B
- Investment Range: $25 Million–$250 Million
- Notable Portfolio Companies: SnapNurse, InstaStaff, Paymint
Pivotal Group is a huge supporter of innovative products with attractive margins. The VC invests in companies that show growth potential and lead their market segments. Investments are funded with internally generated capital, which means they’re typically able to make faster decisions.
Entrepreneurs who are big on ideas and short on time may want to focus on Pivotal. The team has more than 4 decades of experience across multiple asset classes, which can come in handy for accelerated growth.
5. Point Financial
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Industries: Energy, Life Science, Healthcare, Technology, LifeTech
- Stage: Seed
- Investment Range: Undisclosed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: LensVector, Agilyx, Marrone, W Hotels
Point Financial has an impressive portfolio that spans a number of industries. As a sector agnostic VC, this would be a great option for anyone who feels like they don’t fit neatly into a sector.
The team at this VC has more than 30 years of experience managing equity, and they’re confident they can help their companies thrive in a competitive economy. Point Financial offers customized financing options to meet emerging market needs.
6. Coplex Ventures
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Industries: Healthcare, Technology, Food and Beverage
- Stage: Seed
- Investment Range: Undisclosed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Qwick, Insurmi, YellowBird
Coplex is a startup studio, meaning they help build companies from scratch. They work with entrepreneurs until the business is off the ground, though they don’t typically provide ongoing support once everything is up and running.
The company has a larger mission and goals, so they look for people whose values align with theirs. They take deep dives alongside all the companies in their portfolio to ensure that they have all the details straight before coming up with a strategy.