What are the top VCs for hardware startups?

So, what are the top VCs for hardware startups?

If you are a founder, you likely know from experience that not every investor has the patience or expertise needed for physical products.

The best approach is to find investors who are willing to support hardware startups.

6 Best VCs for hardware startups

Here are the best venture capital firms for hardware startups in 2026.

#1

Konvoy

Best for: Deep tech, hardware, interactive entertainment, and critical industries.

Our top choice is Konvoy, a Denver-based firm that originally focused only on gaming.

Recently, they shifted their focus and now invest in interactive entertainment, deep tech, and critical industries.

Since then, they have become one of the best firms to support founders in the hardware industry.

When you look at your Deep Tech & Hardware thesis, you can see that it focuses on breakthrough devices and systems. Its Critical Industries section covers areas like defense, manufacturing, and national infrastructure.

This year, Konvoy led the $20 million Series A for Seasats, a company that makes uncrewed surface vessels. They have also backed the haptics company Afference.

If you are preparing to pitch, you can start with Konvoy’s guide on how hardware startups can secure venture funding.

#2

Eclipse

Best for: Manufacturing, energy, robotics, and industrial technology companies.

Eclipse, founded in 2015 by Lior Susan in Palo Alto, helps companies that are transforming industries like manufacturing, energy, and robotics.

In April 2026, Eclipse raised $1.3 billion across two funds, with one aimed at helping companies scale. Their team includes people who have worked in factories and supply chains.

#3

Lux Capital

Best for: Science-driven startups in robotics, defense, space, semiconductors, and AI.

Lux Capital supports founders building companies in robotics, defense, space, semiconductors, and AI, especially those with a strong science focus.

Lux Capital was among the first big investors in Anduril. They invest from seed to growth stages, so they are a good match for ambitious, research-driven hardware startups.

#4

Root Ventures

Best for: Seed-stage startups led by technical founders and hardware builders.

Root Ventures is a seed fund based in San Francisco, and it is run entirely by engineers and hardware builders.

In 2025, Root raised its fourth fund, totaling $190 million. They can invest up to $5 million at the seed stage and reserve about two-thirds of their capital for follow-on investments.

#5

Playground Global

Best for: Early-stage deep tech, computing, automation, and energy startups.

Playground Global invests in early-stage deep tech companies, including those working on next-generation computing, automation, and energy transition.

Playground Global manages over $1.2 billion, has invested in PsiQuantum, and added former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger as a general partner in 2025.

#6

SOSV HAX

Best for: Pre-seed hard tech founders seeking capital and hands-on engineering support.

HAX is SOSV’s pre-seed program that focuses on hard tech.

Founders can receive up to $550,000, a six-month residency, and hands-on engineering support at a 35,000-square-foot facility in Newark. HAX also has offices in Shenzhen, Pune, and Tokyo.

Why VCs for hardware startups are different from other investors

Software teams can launch, test, and improve their products in just a few days.

However, hardware founders deal with much longer development cycles.

Because of this, VCs play a bigger role in:

• Larger, longer capital commitments.
• Operational expertise within the VC team.
• Deep follow-on reserves.
• Patience with margins.

In Summary

The best VCs for hardware startups offer patient capital and real operational expertise. This includes pre-seed programs like HAX and scale-stage specialists like Eclipse.

Before you pitch, make sure each firm’s stage, focus, and follow-on capacity fit your product’s current needs.

For more curated rankings, visit the Agency Partners startups hub or check out our list of top MVP development companies for startups.

FAQs

1. What are the top VCs for hardware startups right now?

Konvoy, Eclipse, Lux Capital, Root Ventures, Playground Global, and SOSV HAX are among the most active. Each focuses on a different stage, from pre-seed to growth.

2. Why is hardware harder to fund than software?

Hardware startups need funding for tooling, inventory, and certification before they earn any revenue, and their development cycles are longer.

3. What does Konvoy offer hardware founders?

Konvoy leads Seed and Series A rounds, focusing on deep tech, hardware, and key industries like defense and manufacturing.

4. Which stage should hardware founders target first?

Most founders begin with pre-seed or seed investors who understand prototyping. They move to growth-focused firms once their production is established.