Top 13 Advertising Investors in the US
Top 13 Advertising Investors in the US
The advertising industry in the US is a dynamic ecosystem integral to shaping consumer behavior and brand perception. It consists of various players, including creative agencies, digital marketing firms, analytics companies, and advertising technology providers. These entities collaborate to deliver targeted campaigns across mediums such as print, television, and social media. The industry is increasingly embracing technology, focusing on data analytics and programmatic advertising to enhance campaign effectiveness. As consumer preferences evolve, the emphasis on personalized and engaging content grows, positioning the US advertising sector for rapid innovation and transformation in the upcoming years.
This list highlights the top investors in the US advertising sector, showcasing a mix of venture capital firms and investment hubs. Collectively, they span key locations like California and New York, with founding years ranging from 1911 to 2023. Investment sizes vary significantly, with several firms managing portfolios from a handful of companies to thousands. In 2024, these investors secured numerous deals, revealing an energetic marketplace ready for growth and progress in advertising technology and related services. It's evident that these investors are shaping the future of advertising through strategic capital allocation.
Top 13 Advertising 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 designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in companies like OwnLocal, which raised $777,000 in a Seed Round in 2011 and focuses on local advertising solutions. This investment highlights Y Combinator's engagement in the advertising sector, alongside its broader technology focus. Other investments include Kaya and Tydo, which, while not directly related to advertising, showcase Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative startups across various industries.
2. 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 based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. 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. Among their notable transactions, 500 Global has invested in SilverPush, a technology-enabled marketing platform that raised $1.25 million in a pre-series A round to support global expansion and the launch of PRISM, a platform designed for brands to measure their television advertising. This investment highlights 500 Global's engagement in the advertising technology sector, showcasing their interest in innovative solutions that enhance advertising effectiveness. Additionally, their repeated investments in GetCraft, a platform that connects brands with content creators, further emphasizes their involvement in the advertising industry, making them a significant player in this space.
3. Silicon Valley Bank
- Website: svb.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 31
- LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank
Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, specializing in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. With a strong presence in Santa Clara, California, the bank offers a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has been involved in several significant transactions within the advertising sector. For instance, they participated in the financing of Martini Media, a global media and advertising company, contributing to both a $14 million Series D round in 2013 and a $13 million venture round in 2011. Additionally, they have provided debt financing to other advertising-related companies such as InMobi, Q1Media, and Verve, indicating their active role in supporting the growth of businesses in the advertising industry.
4. Plug and Play Tech Center
- Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 253
- LinkedIn: 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 targeting businesses in the technology sector. Notably, they have invested in companies like Aarki, which has raised funds through multiple rounds, including a Seed Round and Series A financing, focusing on advertising technology. Additionally, they invested in Virool, a video advertising startup that raised $6.62 million in seed financing, highlighting their engagement in the advertising space. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the venture capital landscape.
5. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, primarily in the technology sector. SV Angel provides financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts to help startups navigate business development challenges. Among their notable transactions, SV Angel invested in Vungle, a mobile video ad network that raised $6.5 million in a Series A round, and AdReady, which raised $2 million in a Series A round. Additionally, they supported SelfMade, a platform that raised $11 million in funding, indicating their engagement with companies that have advertising components. This diverse portfolio highlights SV Angel's commitment to fostering innovation in the tech space, including the advertising industry.
6. 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, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily within the technology sector. Notably, Accel has been involved in several significant transactions in the advertising industry, including leading a Series B funding round for Openads, which focuses on advertising solutions, and participating in funding rounds for AdRoll, a company that provides online advertising services. Additionally, Accel has invested in SureWaves, a cross-media advertising platform, further solidifying its presence in the advertising sector. These investments highlight Accel's active role in supporting innovation and growth within the advertising industry.
7. Greycroft
- Website: greycroft.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 20
- LinkedIn: greycroft-partners
Greycroft is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in technology investments across various sectors, including software, sustainability, and consumer brands. Founded in 2006, Greycroft has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, providing capital and expertise to startups and emerging companies. Among their notable transactions, Greycroft invested in Molio, Inc., a creative and media agency that raised $3 million in Series A funding to offer marketing solutions on YouTube, highlighting their focus on advertising. Additionally, Greycroft was involved in multiple funding rounds for Maker Studios, a digital media company that plays a significant role in content creation and advertising, raising substantial amounts of capital over several years. These investments reflect Greycroft's commitment to supporting innovative companies that are transforming the advertising industry.
8. 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, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. 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 several transactions relevant to the advertising industry, including investments in Downstream, a marketing tech startup that raised nearly $2M in seed funding, and OneScreen.AI, which raised $1.5M in a pre-seed round. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with companies that are directly involved in advertising and marketing technology, reinforcing its relevance in this sector.
9. Aperiam
- Website: aperiam.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: mathcapital
Aperiam Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in advertising technology, providing investment and strategic guidance to startups in the ad tech sector. Aperiam's focus on innovation and collaboration positions them as key partners for companies looking to succeed in this dynamic industry. Notable transactions include their investment in tvScientific, which raised $9.4 million in 2024 and previously secured $1.5 million in seed funding from prominent names in ad tech. Additionally, Aperiam invested in Thunder, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Series B round, and Spaceback, which raised funds through a convertible note. These transactions highlight Aperiam's active role in supporting and growing companies within the advertising technology landscape.
10. 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 made significant investments in the advertising industry, particularly through their involvement with companies like Criteo, a performance display advertising company, where they participated in Series C and Series D funding rounds. Additionally, they invested in Yodle, a startup that provides online advertising services, contributing to multiple funding rounds. These transactions highlight Bessemer's active role in the advertising sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that enhance advertising capabilities and services.
11. 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. Among their notable transactions, Insight Partners invested in AdColony, a mobile advertising platform, during its seed round in 2010. They also made a significant investment in Mediaspectrum in 2013, a company that simplifies the management of content and advertising across multiple channels, demonstrating their commitment to the advertising sector. Furthermore, their investment in Spot.IM, a commenting platform that enhances publisher engagement, showcases their interest in companies that facilitate advertising and content interaction. These transactions illustrate Insight Partners' active role in the advertising industry, alongside their broader focus on technology and software.
12. 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 prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with entrepreneurs. NEA has made notable investments in the advertising industry, including participation in funding rounds for GumGum, an innovative advertising platform that raised $26 million in Series C funding and $7 million in Series B funding, showcasing their commitment to supporting advertising technology. Additionally, NEA was involved in the funding of Advertising.com, which raised $57 million, further solidifying their presence in the advertising sector. These transactions highlight NEA's strategic interest in the advertising landscape, alongside their broader investment focus.
13. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Among their notable transactions, FJ Labs invested in AppNexus, which raised over $62 million in a Series F round, positioning itself as a leader in digital advertising technology. Additionally, they participated in the funding of Virool, a video distribution platform that aims to expand its footprint in the global advertising market, showcasing FJ Labs' engagement with advertising-related ventures. Their investment in Topsort, an auction-powered API company, also highlights their interest in innovative solutions that can impact the advertising landscape.
Advertising Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Silicon Valley Bank | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 5001-10000 | 1983 | 31 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
| Accel | Palo Alto, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1983 | 101 |
| Greycroft | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2006 | 20 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Aperiam | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2018 | 6 |
| Bessemer Venture Partners | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1911 | 78 |
| Insight Partners | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1995 | 64 |
| New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the advertising industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the advertisingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.With Inven, you'll also get to know:
- Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
- Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
- Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
- ...and much more!
.jpg)
Trusted by 700+ companies
