The annual list recognizes venture capital and private equity firms with track records of backing founder-led companies

Inc. Magazine has released its annual Founder-Friendly Investors list, honoring the private equity, venture capital and debt firms with a track record of backing founder-led companies. Battery Ventures, a global, technology-focused investment firm, once again earned recognition across both the venture capital and private equity categories—continuing its multi-year presence on the list as a trusted partner to founders worldwide.

According to Inc., the list celebrates the investors that back founder-led businesses and help them thrive. Inc. noted all honorees have demonstrated consistent collaboration and active involvement with the companies they invest in. Battery Ventures’ inclusion underscores its four-decade track record of backing ambitious teams and helping them scale in transformative markets, including today’s rapidly evolving AI era.

“Supporting founders has always been at the heart of Battery’s mission,” said Battery Ventures General Partner Chelsea Stoner. “In an era defined by AI innovation, entrepreneurs need partners who bring both strategic perspective and operational depth. We’re honored to be recognized again by Inc. for our enduring commitment to helping founders build innovative, resilient companies that stand the test of time.”

Since its founding in 1983, Battery Ventures has raised 14 families of funds valued at more than $13 billion. The firm invests globally across stages—from seed and venture and to growth and buyout—and supports portfolio companies with a dedicated portfolio-services team spanning talent, sales, marketing, business development and operations. Its investments focus on AI, across software and enterprise infrastructure, healthcare IT, and industrial technology and life-science tools.

To compile the 2025 Founder-Friendly Investors list, Inc. surveyed entrepreneurs who have sold to or partnered with private equity and venture capital firms. Founders filled out a questionnaire about their experiences and shared data on how their companies have grown during these partnerships. The complete list is available at https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors.

Inc. Magazine, an independent third party not associated with Battery Ventures, issued this award. Battery Ventures submitted materials and paid a fee in connection with the application. This recognition is not indicative of future performance and is solely the opinion of the party conferring the award. For more information on the award selection criteria and methodology, please visit: https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors-methodology-how-we-selected-these-firms.html.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Battery Ventures

Battery partners with exceptional founders and management teams developing category-defining businesses in markets including software and services, enterprise infrastructure and AI, healthcare IT and industrial technology and life-science tools. Founded in 1983, the firm backs companies at all stages, ranging from seed and early to growth and buyout, and invests globally from offices in Boston, San Francisco, Menlo Park, New York, London, and Tel Aviv. Follow the firm on X @BatteryVentures, visit our website at www.battery.com and find a full list of Battery's portfolio companies here.

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