Delaware is a great state to start a business for multiple reasons. It has a uniquely business-friendly environment that is not available in many other states. Startups in Delaware can do business outside of the state without incurring corporate tax on goods and services. They also won’t need to file any VATs or need to worry about inventory tax. The state is also a great resource for venture capital.
There are many VC firms that have set up shop in Delaware. With so many to choose from, it can be helpful to have a little guidance. That’s where we come in. Here are some of the more notable venture capital firms in Delaware.
Best Delaware VC Firms
1. Visionary Investment Finance Company (VIFCO)
- Location: Wilmington, DE
- Industries: Infrastructure, Energy Utilities, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy
- Stage: Seed, Early-Stage Venture, Late-Stage Venture
- Investment Range: Undisclosed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: DoNation, Alfa Trading, Soupologie
VIFCO is a VC firm focused on investments that can make the world healthier and more energy efficient. It has invested in startups around the world, including the US, Chile, France, Nigeria, and Spain.
VIFCO is not only a VC firm, but an international consulting firm in finance, investments, and mega projects. Using years of expertise and industry knowledge, this company seeks to identify and foster startups that show real promise in areas like energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. It’s on a mission to show that the right kind of help can transform a startup into a globally influential leader.
2. Velvet Seat Ventures
- Location: Dover, DE
- Industries: Industry Agnostic
- Stage: Seed to Growth
- Investment Range: Undisclosed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Liquid Death, Scopely, Strigo
Velvet Sea Ventures is a Delaware-based VC firm that offers capital investments from seed to growth in a wide range of industries. Its principals have over 80 years of combined experience and more than $2 billion invested as founders and venture investors.
This multi-stage venture capital firm strives to help founders turn their visions into reality. Its portfolio, which includes Liquid Death, SuperRare, and Mercato, demonstrates that the firm can invest across all sectors and see success. By combining expertise and targeted assistance for entrepreneurs, Velvet Sea shows the true power of a passionate VC firm.
3. Limitless Ventures
- Location: Dover, DE
- Industries: Therapeutics
- Stage: Seed
- Investment Range: Undisclosed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Robin, Lyndra Therapeutics
Limitless Ventures was founded in 2019 to provide funding to organizations focused on substance abuse recovery. The team is comprised of experienced veterans with distinctive perspectives, along with investment and operating experience.
Limitless Ventures built its investment strategy based on the Determinants of Health (DoH), part of the Continuum of Care developed by healthcare professionals to assist those in need. The company seeks to improve substance dependence recovery outcomes by investing in startups that show true promise in the field of recovery.
4. Leading Edge Ventures
- Location: Newark, DE
- Industries: Information Technology, Medical Devices
- Stage: Seed, Early-Stage Venture
- Investment Range: $50,000 to $750,000
- Notable Portfolio Companies: App Bus, Kickup, Benefix
Leading Edge Ventures is a Newark-based VC firm that invests in information technology and medical device startups. It seeks out founders who are both visionary and hard-working, individuals who show significant promise in their chosen industries. This VC firm wants to be with startups early and support them as they grow.
Leading Edge Ventures has a multi-stage investment strategy. Its initial investment can range from $50,000 to $250,000, but can grow to up to $750,000 over time. The firm may invest alone or as part of an investor syndicate. Its investments can augment bank funding or other non-equity capital sources.
5. Arcanum Capital
- Location: Dover, DE
- Industries: Decentralized Networks, Global Blockchain
- Stage: Seed
- Investment Range: Undisclosed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: BitKeep, Colexion, Dropper
Arcanum Capital is a venture capital firm that specializes in decentralized networks and global blockchain. Its founders and operators are experts in blockchain technology and business operations, allowing them to identify promising startups and support those startups with financing and business guidance. It has operated in a variety of emerging markets since 2013.
Arcanum works diligently to help its partnerships transition from idea to market and to scale up to a global level. It has invested in numerous companies over the past decade, many of which have seen substantial growth and success after the involvement of Arcanum.