The virtual reality game development industry in the US is a thriving ecosystem that blends technology and creativity. Companies range from small startups crafting indie games to established studios producing blockbuster VR titles. They leverage cutting-edge technologies to create immersive experiences that engage players like never before. As VR hardware and software become more accessible, we see innovative cross-platform games and VR experiences emerging. Notably, AR applications are gaining traction, boosting interaction with real environments. This evolution raises intriguing possibilities for exploration in education, training, and entertainment sectors as consumer demand for realistic experiences increases.


The list of investors showcases a mix of venture capital firms, each with varying headquarter locations across the US. Founded between 1995 and 2023, these firms vary in size from 1-10 employees to over 500, indicating different operational scales and investment approaches. Notably, in 2024, they collectively engaged in more than 800 investments in the gaming sector. Some, like Galaxy Interactive and Intel Capital, have developed a specific focus on virtual reality game ventures, indicating a growing interest in this dynamic field.


Top 17 Virtual Reality Game Development 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. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed Ramen VR, which raised $173,114 in a Pre-Seed round in 2019, focusing on virtual reality experiences. Additionally, they invested in Niantic during its Pre-Seed round in 2012, a company renowned for its innovative augmented reality games. More recently, Y Combinator also invested in Blacktop Hoops, which raised $5,100,000 in a Seed round in 2023, further showcasing their commitment to the gaming sector. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's active involvement in the virtual reality and gaming industries.


2. BITKRAFT Ventures

  • Website: bitkraft.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: bitkraftvc

BITKRAFT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investments in gaming and emerging technologies, providing funding and support to startups in these sectors. BITKRAFT is particularly focused on Synthetic Reality™, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry. Notable transactions include a $25 million Series C funding round for Resolution Games, which is involved in VR gaming, and a $7.5 million Series A funding for Tilt Five, a startup developing AR headsets for tabletop gaming. Additionally, they participated in funding for The Believer Company, which aims to create an open-world game, and CCP Games, which is working on a new Web3 game. These investments highlight BITKRAFT's commitment to supporting companies that are pushing the boundaries of gaming technology, including virtual reality.


3. 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 access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been actively involved in various transactions, including a $2.5 million seed round for Sinn Studio Inc. and participation in a $20 million Series A funding round for StatusPro, a company focused on developing sports titles through XR technology. Additionally, they have invested in STRIVR, which specializes in immersive learning solutions, showcasing their commitment to the virtual reality and immersive technology sectors. These investments highlight the fund's strategic focus on innovative companies that are shaping the future of virtual reality and gaming.


4. 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. With a focus on innovative startups, 500 Global has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including notable transactions such as their investment in Animoca Brands, which raised $4,935,392 in a Post-IPO equity round in 2016. Animoca Brands is recognized for its contributions to blockchain gaming and virtual worlds, which are integral to the virtual reality landscape. Additionally, their investment in Pixowl, a mobile game developer, further highlights their engagement in the gaming sector. These transactions demonstrate 500 Global's commitment to supporting companies that are relevant to virtual reality game development.


5. Boost VC

  • Website: boost.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: boost-vc

Boost VC is a venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in connecting accredited investors with innovative deep tech startups, facilitating investment opportunities through events like the Deep Tech Demo Day. Boost VC has made several notable investments in the virtual reality game development sector, including Sinn Studio Inc., which raised $2.5 million in 2024, and Realities.io, which secured funding in 2016. Other relevant investments include Sidequest and SculptrVR, both of which are involved in the virtual reality gaming space. These transactions highlight Boost VC's commitment to supporting emerging technologies and innovative gaming experiences.


6. Makers Fund

  • Website: makersfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: makersfund

Makers Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in the United States, that specializes in investing in startups within the gaming and interactive entertainment sectors. The firm provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a global network to help visionary entrepreneurs establish their businesses and navigate early-stage challenges. Notably, Makers Fund has made significant investments in the virtual reality space, including a $10 million investment in Ramen VR during its Series A round in September 2021, and participation in both the Series C and Series D funding rounds for VRChat, a prominent social VR platform, which raised $10 million and $80 million respectively. These transactions highlight Makers Fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the virtual reality game development industry.


7. 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 specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to these sectors, Intel Capital has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including notable transactions with companies like Kabam, which raised substantial funding to expand its game studios and develop social games. Furthermore, Intel Capital invested in FlowPlay, a company known for its online gaming platforms. Most relevantly, Intel Capital invested in WorldViz in 2015, a company dedicated to advancing virtual reality applications for enterprise use, highlighting their engagement in the virtual reality sector. This combination of investments illustrates Intel Capital's commitment to supporting innovative technology and gaming ventures, including those in the virtual reality space.


8. Galaxy Interactive


Galaxy Interactive is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2018, that focuses on investments in the interactive space, including gaming, media, and technology. They provide capital and expertise to innovative startups, helping them grow in a competitive market. Notably, Galaxy Interactive has participated in several significant transactions in the virtual reality game development sector. They invested in Polyarc, the studio behind the acclaimed VR game 'Moss', during a Series B funding round, which highlights their commitment to VR gaming. Additionally, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for ForeVR Games, a company dedicated to creating family-friendly VR experiences, including a Series A round aimed at developing the 'Wii Sports of VR'. Furthermore, their investment in Tilt Five, which focuses on augmented reality (AR) for tabletop gaming, showcases their interest in immersive technologies that bridge the gap between digital and physical experiences. Overall, Galaxy Interactive is positioned as a key player in the VR game development landscape.


9. Samsung Next

  • Website: samsungnext.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 49
  • LinkedIn: samsung-next

Samsung Next is a venture capital firm based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2012. The firm invests in technology startups across various sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Healthtech, and Consumer Services. Notably, Samsung Next has made significant investments in the virtual reality space, including a Series D funding round for Survios, a studio known for its VR games, where they participated in a $16.7 million funding round. They also invested in Spatial, an AR/VR startup, which raised $14 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight Samsung Next's active role in supporting innovative solutions within the virtual reality game development landscape, positioning them as a key player in this sector.


10. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, Sosv connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only capital but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, Sosv has been involved in significant transactions within the gaming sector, including multiple rounds of funding for Harmonix Music Systems, a pioneer in music and rhythm games, which are increasingly integrating virtual reality elements. In 2024, Sosv also invested in MixRift, a company that raised funds in pre-seed rounds, further indicating their interest in the gaming industry, including potential virtual reality applications. This combination of investments highlights Sosv's commitment to supporting innovative gaming ventures, making them a relevant player in the virtual reality game development space.


11. 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. They specialize in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. Notably, SV Angel has invested in several companies within the virtual reality game development space, including Bigscreen, a VR social productivity app, and Manticore Games, which has raised significant funding across multiple rounds. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to fostering innovation in the virtual reality sector, making them a valuable partner for startups in this industry.


12. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. They provide capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. In 2022, Gaingels participated in several notable transactions relevant to the virtual reality game development sector, including an investment in STRIVR, a leading platform for enterprise-scale VR solutions, and Playable Worlds, which raised over $25 million for its MMO title. They also supported Playgig, a cross-platform gaming studio, in its seed funding round, which aims to create captivating gaming experiences. Additionally, their investment in Sprocket Games, a studio focused on inclusivity, further demonstrates their commitment to supporting diverse and innovative gaming ventures.


13. Griffin

  • Website: griffingp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: griffin-gaming-partners

Griffin Gaming Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2019, located in Santa Monica, California. The firm specializes in the gaming industry, providing investment and advisory services to startups at various stages of development. Griffin has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $3 million seed funding round for Harmony Games, which aims to expand its mobile market presence. They also participated in funding rounds for Supersocial, a developer focused on metaverse experiences, raising $5.2 million and $1.9 million in seed funding in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, Griffin was part of the investment group for Neon Media, which raised $20 million in Series A funding for the development of the first-person shooter Shrapnel. These transactions highlight Griffin's active role in the gaming sector, particularly in areas that may intersect with virtual reality development.


14. 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 focus on connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities in the technology sector. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Pixowl, a multi-platform mobile game developer, which raised funding to create titles featuring The Grub character and expand their gaming offerings. Additionally, they have supported other startups like MindCoord and ASSEMBLR, indicating a diverse portfolio that includes companies relevant to the gaming and technology sectors.


15. 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, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has made significant investments in the gaming sector, including a $20 million investment in CCP Games, a company known for its immersive gaming experiences. They have also invested in Super Evil Mega Corp, which raised funds to develop mobile esports games, indicating a focus on innovative gaming technologies. Additionally, their investment in Jadu, an augmented reality developer, highlights their interest in immersive technologies that overlap with virtual reality. These transactions demonstrate General Catalyst's active role in supporting companies that contribute to the gaming and virtual reality landscape.


16. 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. Accel has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including notable transactions such as their early investments in Meta, which raised $27.5 million in Series B funding in 2006 and $12.7 million in Series A funding in 2005. Meta is a key player in the virtual reality market, particularly with its Oculus VR platform. Additionally, Accel led a $12 million Series A funding round for Supercell, a Finnish game developer known for its popular mobile games. They also invested in Animoca Brands, which is involved in gaming and blockchain technology. These transactions highlight Accel's active role in the gaming sector, including areas relevant to virtual reality development.


17. Yield Guild Games

  • Website: yieldguild.io
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: yieldguildgames

Yield Guild Games (YGG) is a corporate investor based in New York, founded in 2020. They focus on web3 games, creating a platform that unites players, developers, and guilds. YGG empowers players through programs and quests, fostering community engagement and collaboration in the gaming industry. Notably, YGG has participated in several significant transactions relevant to virtual reality and metaverse development. For instance, they invested in AMGI Studios, which is working on the metaverse project 'My Pet Hooligan'. Additionally, they were part of the funding round for Thirdverse, a company that has raised substantial capital for its gaming initiatives. Their involvement in these projects highlights their commitment to advancing the gaming landscape, including virtual reality experiences.



Virtual Reality Game Development Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
BITKRAFT VenturesDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-50201726
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Boost VCSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)1-10201218
Makers FundUnited States (USA)11-50201710
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Galaxy InteractiveNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201811
Samsung NextMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-200201249
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
GriffinSanta Monica, California, United States (USA)11-5020193
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Yield Guild GamesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50202015


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