Battery Ventures is a global, technology-focused investment firm that makes venture-capital and private-equity investments in markets across the globe. Founded in 1983, the firm has raised over $13 billion since inception and is now investing its fourteenth funds, Battery Venture XIV and Battery Ventures Select Fund II, with a combined capitalization of $3.8 billion. The firm operates from offices in Boston, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Israel, and London, with a focus on AI investments across software and infrastructure.
History
Battery Ventures was founded in 1983 in Boston, Massachusetts by Rick Frisbie, Howard Anderson, and Bob Barrett. The firm has since expanded its footprint, maintaining offices in Boston, San Francisco, Menlo Park, Tel Aviv, London, and New York City. Over its four-decade history, Battery has raised capital through fourteen funds and corresponding side funds, accumulating more than $13 billion in total commitments. The firm's longevity reflects its adaptability across technology cycles, from early enterprise software to contemporary Machine learning and generative AI opportunities.
Investment Focus
As of 2025, Battery Ventures has invested in more than 530 companies, 70 of which have gone public and another 185 have merged or been acquired. The firm's current investment focus spans four primary areas: application software, infrastructure software, consumer, and industrial tech plus life sciences. Within these categories, Battery has increasingly targeted Deep learning and neural network startups, backing companies that develop large language models and related infrastructure. The firm's approach combines early-stage venture capital with later-stage private equity, allowing it to support portfolio companies from inception through maturity.
Notable Portfolio Companies
Battery's portfolio includes a range of companies across the AI ecosystem. In the infrastructure layer, the firm has invested in CoreWeave, a cloud provider specializing in GPU-accelerated workloads for AI training and inference, and Cerebras, which develops wafer-scale processors for Deep learning applications. On the software side, Battery has backed AI21 Labs, a company building foundation models and generative AI tools, and Inflection AI, which focuses on personal AI assistants. The firm has also invested in BigBear.ai, a data analytics company applying Machine learning to defense and intelligence problems, and Commure, which uses AI for healthcare workflow automation.
Global Presence and Strategy
Battery Ventures operates as a global firm, with investment teams in the United States, Israel, and Europe. The Israel office, located in Tel Aviv, has been particularly active in Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity deals, leveraging the region's deep technical talent pool. The London office focuses on European software and infrastructure software opportunities, while the US offices cover the broader technology landscape. Battery's strategy emphasizes sector expertise, with dedicated teams for each investment focus area, enabling the firm to provide operational support and strategic guidance to portfolio companies. The firm's latest funds, Battery Venture XIV and Battery Ventures Select Fund II, with a combined $3.8 billion, are being deployed across these geographies and sectors.
Impact on AI Ecosystem
Battery Ventures has played a significant role in funding the current wave of Artificial intelligence innovation. By investing in both foundational infrastructure companies like CoreWeave and Cerebras, as well as application-layer startups, the firm supports the full AI stack. Its investments in Groq and SambaNova, which design specialized AI accelerators, highlight its focus on Deep learning hardware. Battery has also backed companies working on neural network research and deployment, contributing to the broader Machine learning ecosystem. The firm's track record of successful exits, including 70 IPOs and 185 mergers or acquisitions, demonstrates its ability to identify and scale transformative technologies.