The vision insurance industry in the U.S. provides coverage for a range of eye care services, from routine exams to specialized treatments. Companies operate in varied segments, including insurance providers, digital platforms, and care management services, often focused on enhancing affordability and accessibility. With advances in technology, many providers are incorporating telehealth and digital account management into their offerings. Analysts predict growth driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of vision-related issues, and a rising awareness of eye health. Innovations in personalized eyewear and telemedicine are likely to reshape how vision care is delivered and accessed moving forward.


In 2024, the U.S. saw substantial activity from investors in the vision insurance sector, represented primarily by venture capital and private equity firms. Headquartered mainly in major innovation hubs like New York and San Francisco, these organizations vary widely in size—from intimate startups to expansive global firms. Their deal counts demonstrate an active interest, with 802 investments recorded across the industry. Established firms like Goldman Sachs and emerging players like Liquid 2 Ventures showcase varied investment strategies, highlighting technology-driven solutions and traditional insurance companies as focal points in their portfolios.


Top 17 Vision Insurance Investors in the US


1. 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. The firm connects startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities primarily in the technology sector. In 2022, Plug and Play participated in funding rounds for XP Health, a digital vision benefits platform, which raised $17.1 million in Series A funding and an undisclosed amount in a seed round. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting companies that enhance vision insurance offerings, showcasing their relevance in the vision insurance industry.


2. 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 helps 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 their notable investments, they have backed companies like SimplyInsured, which raised $750,000 in a Seed Round in 2013, focusing on health insurance solutions. Additionally, they have invested in Akido Labs, which has raised funds in both Seed and Pre-Seed rounds, indicating their interest in health-related technologies. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the healthcare and insurance sectors, aligning them with the vision insurance industry.


3. 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 funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a focus on innovative startups, 500 Global has been involved in several transactions relevant to the vision insurance context. Notably, they invested in Eyewa, a company that raised $7.5 million in Series A funding in April 2019 and $1.1 million in a Seed Round in January 2018, both of which are significant for the eyewear and vision sector. Additionally, their investment in Koltin, which raised $650,000 in a Pre-Seed Round in April 2022, further demonstrates their engagement in the vision-related market. Overall, 500 Global's diverse portfolio and specific investments in vision-related companies position them as a relevant player in the vision insurance industry.


4. 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

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) 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, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several significant transactions, including Beam Dental, which raised $40 million in a venture round in October 2024 and previously raised $80 million in a Series E round in March 2021. Beam Dental focuses on innovative employee benefits, including vision insurance products. Additionally, the fund participated in the Series D funding of Lentesplus, a company that operates in the eyewear sector, further emphasizing its engagement in the vision-related market.


5. NFP, an Aon company

  • Website: nfp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: wearenfp

NFP, an Aon company, is a corporate investor based in New York, specializing in insurance brokerage and financial services. Founded in 1998, NFP offers a wide range of products, including property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, and wealth management solutions. In recent years, NFP has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings in the health benefits space. Notably, they acquired Hafetz & Associates, LLC in June 2023, which focuses on group benefits and health products, potentially including vision insurance. Additionally, their acquisition of Get Medical Plans Limited in March 2024, a specialist in health insurance solutions, further strengthens their capabilities in the health benefits market. These transactions indicate NFP's commitment to expanding its health benefits portfolio, which may include vision insurance as part of their employee benefits services.


6. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions in the vision insurance context, IFC invested in Eye-Q, which raised $24 million in November 2014 and $9.5 million in March 2015, both aimed at enhancing eye care services. Additionally, IFC supported salauno, a company that raised an undisclosed amount in a Series A round in June 2014, further emphasizing its commitment to the vision sector. Furthermore, IFC's investment in Roojai, a Thai InsurTech startup, highlights its interest in innovative insurance solutions, which may include vision insurance products.


7. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in Sana Benefits, which raised $60 million in a Series B round in June 2022, focusing on health insurance solutions. Additionally, they participated in the seed funding rounds for Amenli, an Egyptian digital insurance startup, which raised $2.3 million in October 2021 and $125,000 in July 2021. These transactions highlight their engagement in the insurance sector, particularly in health and digital insurance, aligning with the vision insurance industry.


8. 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 based in New York, founded in 1998. 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. In the context of vision insurance, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments such as the acquisition of Capital Vision Services, the parent company of MyEyeDr., for approximately $2.7 billion. This acquisition underscores their commitment to the vision care sector, as MyEyeDr. provides essential management services to optometrists. Additionally, Goldman Sachs led a funding round for Mister Spex, a European online retailer specializing in glasses and contact lenses, securing $40 million to enhance its market position. These transactions reflect Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in the vision insurance industry, making them a relevant player in this space.


9. 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 and growth-stage companies across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Oscar Health, a health insurance company, contributing to its growth and expansion. Their investments in Oscar Health include a $225 million funding round in June 2020, a $165 million venture round in March 2018, and participation in earlier rounds that helped Oscar Health reach a valuation of $2.7 billion. This involvement in the health insurance sector highlights General Catalyst's interest in companies that operate within the healthcare space, which encompasses vision insurance as well.


10. Alliant Insurance Services

  • Website: alliant.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1925
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: alliant-insurance-services

Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. is a prominent consulting firm based in Irvine, California, specializing in insurance and risk management solutions since its founding in 1925. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Alliant provides a wide range of services, including employee benefits consulting, captive insurance, and claims assistance. Their clientele primarily consists of businesses across various sectors, aiming to manage risks and enhance employee well-being through tailored solutions. Notably, Alliant has been active in expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, such as Group Insurance, Inc. and Acceptance Insurance Agency of Tennessee, which may enhance their capabilities in providing comprehensive employee benefits, potentially including vision insurance. Their acquisition of Crystal & Company, a global provider of insurance and employee benefits consulting services, further underscores their commitment to expanding their offerings in the insurance sector, which could encompass vision insurance as part of broader employee health benefits.


11. 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. With a focus on technology and healthcare sectors, NEA partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance. The firm has been involved in several significant transactions, particularly in the healthcare domain. Notably, NEA has participated in multiple funding rounds for Stride Health, a company that aims to create a modern portable benefits system for independent workers, raising a total of $83.5 million across Series A, B, and C rounds. This involvement highlights NEA's commitment to innovative healthcare solutions, which can encompass vision insurance as part of broader employee benefits. Additionally, NEA invested in Bright Healthcare, which raised $80 million in a Series A round, further emphasizing their focus on healthcare-related ventures.


12. 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 aims to support founders by providing financial backing, strategic advice, and access to a vast network of industry experts. Notably, SV Angel has invested in Oscar Health, a health insurance company, and Cover, which focuses on insurance technology. Additionally, their investment in Warby Parker, a company that sells eyewear, highlights their engagement in the vision-related market. Through these transactions, SV Angel demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation in sectors that intersect with healthcare and vision insurance.


13. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes and achieve strong financial returns. The firm has made significant strides in the vision insurance sector, highlighted by its acquisition of National Vision Inc., the fourth-largest optical company in the US, for over $1 billion in 2014. In 2020, KKR acquired 1-800 Contacts for more than $3.1 billion, marking a substantial investment in the online vision care market. More recently, in 2024, KKR acquired the Dutch eyewear group Nexeye, further expanding its footprint in the vision industry. These strategic investments showcase KKR's commitment to the vision care sector and its potential to influence the vision insurance landscape.


14. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Carlyle serves institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, by providing tailored investment solutions and access to alternative asset classes. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the insurance sector, including the acquisition of NSM Insurance Group for $1.78 billion in 2022, which enhances their portfolio in the insurance domain. Additionally, their investment in China Pacific Insurance, which raised $400 million in 2004, further underscores their commitment to the insurance industry. These transactions highlight Carlyle's strategic focus on driving long-term value in sectors that include vision insurance, making them a relevant player in this market.


15. General Atlantic

  • Website: generalatlantic.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: general-atlantic

General Atlantic is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity. Founded in 1980, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and growth companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Atlantic has been involved in several transactions relevant to the vision insurance industry, such as leading a $188 million funding round for ASG Eye Hospital, an Indian optometry chain, and participating in multiple funding rounds for Eyewa, a company focused on eyewear. These investments highlight General Atlantic's commitment to enhancing the growth trajectories of companies within the vision care sector, leveraging its global network and expertise to support innovation and expansion in this field.


16. Stone Point Capital

  • Website: stonepoint.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: stone-point-capital

Stone Point Capital is an investment management firm specializing in private equity and credit investment strategies, founded in 2005. The firm manages assets for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, focusing on delivering superior risk-adjusted returns through strategic partnerships. Stone Point has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the insurance industry, including a $15M Series B funding round for Covr Financial Technologies, which aims to enhance digital insurance technology and distribution partnerships. Additionally, they partnered with American International Group (AIG) to establish Private Client Select Insurance Services, targeting high-net-worth markets. Their investment in Inigo, a specialty re/insurance holding company, further demonstrates their commitment to the insurance sector, indicating a broad interest that could encompass vision insurance.


17. Tiger Global

  • Website: tigerglobal.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a New York-based investment firm founded in 2001, specializing in public and private equity investments. With approximately $50 billion under management, the firm focuses on innovative companies leveraging technology. Among its notable transactions, Tiger Global has invested in Warby Parker, a leading eyewear retailer that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds, including a Series A of $12 million in 2011, a Series B of $36.8 million in 2012, a Series C of $60 million in 2013, and a Series D of $100 million in 2015. These investments highlight Tiger Global's engagement in the vision sector, particularly in companies that could intersect with vision insurance through their innovative approaches to eyewear and eye care.



Vision Insurance Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
NFP, an Aon companyNew York, New York, United States (USA)5001-10000199814
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
General CatalystSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002000144
Alliant Insurance ServicesIrvine, California, United States (USA)10001+19256
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
SV AngelSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10200944
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
General AtlanticNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000198032
Stone Point CapitalUnited States (USA)51-20020056
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125


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