The physical security industry in the US focuses on protecting people, property, and assets through various technologies and services. This sector includes companies that manufacture hardware solutions such as surveillance cameras and access control systems, along with software that enhances security operations. With the rise of IoT and AI, the industry is rapidly evolving, incorporating smart technologies to offer more comprehensive security solutions. Insightful trends indicate a growing demand for adaptable security measures, especially in urban centers. As threats become more sophisticated, the industry is transitioning towards proactive measures, reshaping how security is perceived and implemented.


This article highlights twelve notable investors actively engaged in the physical security sector within the US. The list features a mix of venture capital and private equity firms, spanning various city hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. Established between 1985 and 2023, these investors range in size from small teams to larger firms managing substantial assets. In 2024, they collectively executed numerous investments, signaling robust interest in innovative security technologies—including those focusing on smart home solutions and enterprise security. Their activities provide insights into the future potential and growth of the physical security industry.


Top 12 Physical Security Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies such as Lockitron, which raised funds in 2009 for its innovative smart lock technology, and Bannerman, which focuses on security solutions. Additionally, Ambient.ai, which received funding in 2017, is known for its AI-driven security applications, further emphasizing Y Combinator's engagement in the physical security sector. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's commitment to supporting startups that contribute to advancements in physical security technology.


2. Insight Partners

  • Website: insightpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 64
  • LinkedIn: insight--partners

Insight Partners is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in providing investment and advisory services to high-growth technology and software companies. Founded in 1995, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has a team of 201-500 professionals. Insight Partners supports its portfolio companies through capital investment and operational expertise, helping them scale effectively in competitive markets. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions in the security sector, including the acquisition of Armis, an enterprise IoT security company, for $1.1 billion, and their participation in multiple funding rounds for Armis, which raised substantial capital for product development and market expansion. Additionally, their investment in SentinelOne, which raised over $200 million, highlights their commitment to supporting innovative security solutions that can encompass physical security aspects.


3. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies primarily within the technology sector. The firm has a global presence with offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. Notably, Accel has participated in several funding rounds for ForeScout Technologies, a company that specializes in network security solutions. Their investments include a Series E round of $8 million in 2008, a Series D round of approximately $4.1 million in 2007, and a Series C round of $10 million in 2002. These transactions highlight Accel's involvement in the security technology space, which is relevant to the broader physical security industry.


4. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm invests in early-stage technology companies, focusing on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In recent years, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the physical security sector, including a $15 million funding round for Deep Sentinel, which provides AI-driven security solutions, and a Series B investment of over $53 million in ZeroEyes, a company specializing in gun detection technology. Additionally, Intel Capital has been involved in the acquisition negotiations of Invision Biometrics, further emphasizing its interest in companies that enhance security through innovative technology. By providing funding, strategic support, and access to Intel's resources, Intel Capital helps startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem, including the critical area of physical security.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. Notably, Plug and Play has made significant investments in the physical security domain, including Scout Security, which raised funds in a seed round, and Knightscope, which secured $3.8 million in Series A funding. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for DHS, which focuses on AI-enabled security solutions, showcasing their commitment to advancing technology in the physical security space. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a key player in the venture capital landscape.


6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions in the physical security domain, including investments in SimpliSafe, a home security startup, and ZeroEyes, which specializes in security technology. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to investing in innovative solutions within the physical security industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.


7. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. It offers a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Notably, Goldman Sachs has been involved in several significant transactions within the physical security context, particularly with Vivint, a leading provider of smart home security services. Over the years, Goldman Sachs has participated in multiple debt financing rounds for Vivint, raising substantial amounts such as $365 million in 2009, $125 million in 2010, and $50 million in 2012. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' commitment to supporting companies in the physical security sector, reinforcing its relevance as an investor in this industry.


8. Bessemer Venture Partners

  • Website: bvp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1911
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 78
  • LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Bessemer has invested in August Home, a company that raised significant funding to develop smart home access solutions, indicating their interest in physical security technologies. Additionally, their involvement in Claroty, which raised substantial funding rounds to enhance cybersecurity for operational technology, further demonstrates their commitment to security solutions that can include physical security elements. With a diverse portfolio and a focus on innovative security technologies, Bessemer Venture Partners is well-positioned to support advancements in the physical security industry.


9. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing not only funding but also mentorship and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a global focus, 500 Global has made 98 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, 500 Global has invested in companies like Angelcam, which raised $144,600 in a Seed Round in 2014, focusing on cloud-based video surveillance solutions, and GlobeKeeper, which raised $150,000 in a Seed Round in 2017. These investments highlight 500 Global's engagement with startups that contribute to the physical security sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.


10. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Among their notable transactions, NEA invested in Noonlight, which raised $3.2 million in a seed round in 2017, focusing on personal safety and security solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Nevis Networks, which raised $12.5 million in Series B funding in 2005, indicating their involvement in security technology. While NEA primarily focuses on technology and healthcare, their investments in companies with security applications suggest a potential interest in the physical security industry.


11. Cisco

  • Website: cisco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: cisco

Cisco Systems, Inc. is a technology company founded in 1984 and based in San Jose, California. It specializes in digital communications and cybersecurity solutions, offering a range of products including networking hardware, software, and security services to businesses and organizations across various industries. Cisco has been actively involved in the security sector through several significant transactions. Notably, they acquired Sentryo in 2019, a company that specializes in cybersecurity for industrial control systems, highlighting the importance of IoT security. In 2018, Cisco acquired Duo Security for $2.35 billion, which enhances their security offerings. Additionally, their acquisition of Portcullis in 2015 aimed to bolster their security consultancy services, further indicating their commitment to security solutions. These transactions reflect Cisco's strategic focus on enhancing security capabilities, which can be relevant to the physical security industry.


12. General Catalyst


General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has made significant investments in the physical security sector, including a $200 million investment in Verkada, a company known for its advanced security camera systems and access control solutions. Additionally, they have supported Sunflower Labs, which has pivoted to focus on commercial and industrial security solutions, raising $15 million in Series A funding. Their portfolio also includes Armis, which, while primarily focused on cybersecurity, intersects with physical security through its asset visibility and security solutions. These transactions highlight General Catalyst's active role in the physical security market.



Physical Security Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Insight PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500199564
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Bessemer Venture PartnersSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50191178
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
CiscoSan Jose, California, United States (USA)10001+19845
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144


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