Las Vegas is betting on more than blackjack these days. From university-backed funds to state-run accelerators, the city’s venture capital scene is dealing a new kind of hand.
Nevada’s business-friendly policies, such as zero corporate income tax, provide a financial edge as the emerging VC ecosystem draws in a variety of specialized investors. Additionally, this desert oasis offers proximity to West Coast markets without California’s crushing costs, creating ideal conditions for new founders and scaling ventures.
What began as a gaming mecca is now doubling as a West Coast alternative for founders seeking access to capital, talent, and markets. Here are some of the biggest gamblers Here are four of the top VC gamblers transforming the tech hub into an unexpected startup launchpad.
1. Vegas Tech Fund
- Investment Range: $200k-$1M
- Key Sectors: Vertical Commerce, Commerce, Physical Retail
- Stage: Pre-seed, Seed
- Notable Investments: Skillshare, The/Studio, Returnbase
- Total Investments: $48
- Exits: 5-10
- Funds Raised: $88M
About:
VTF is a seed-stage investor focused on commerce technology, digital brands, and pre-consumer logistics – a space built by and for “nerds.” The firm helps entrepreneurs grow their companies through capital investment, platform-level problem solving and hands-on advisory support.
Learn more here.
2. Unshackled Ventures
- Investment Range: 250K–1M
- Key Sectors: Deep tech, AI, SaaS, frontier tech
- Stage: Pre-seed
- Notable Investments: Ocient, Kinnami, Esper
- Total Investments: 50+
- Exits: 5+
- Funds Raised: $50M+
About
Unshackled Ventures backs immigrant founders at early stages, often before product development, by providing capital and visa sponsorship. The firm specializes in deep tech and artificial intelligence, having supported more than 50 startups.
Learn more here.
3. Redhills Ventures
- Investment Range: Unlisted (Private Fund)
- Key Sectors: Healthcare, IT, Real Estate, SaaS
- Stage: Seed to Series B
- Notable Investments: Velos, Trustifi, Health Data Insights, Intellicare, Ozonator
- Total Investments: 23+
- Exits: 16 (including acquisitions & IPOs)
- Funds Raised: $15M+ (across multiple funds)
About
Redhills Ventures, the Chaltiel family’s private investment arm, is a venture capital firm focused primarily on healthcare. The firm invests as either a lead or co-investor in expansion rounds and buyouts of companies with annual revenues under $100 million, as well as in early-stage opportunities.
Learn more here.
4. Rebel Venture Fund
- Investment Range: $25K–50K
- Key Sectors: SaaS, AI, FinTech, Esports, Hospitality/Tourism
- Stage: Pre-seed to Series A
- Notable Investments: Connected Signals, ZenCentiv, Walls 360
- Total Investments: 25+
- Funds Raised: Undisclosed
About:
The Rebel Venture Fund, UNLV’s student-led venture capital group, invests in early-stage startups to support economic growth in Las Vegas. Student participants gain hands-on experience in venture capital while networking with entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. The fund provides practical education in startup investing and promotes community development through its support of local technology firms and small businesses.
Learn more here.
About the Author: Tess Danielson is a journalist and writer focusing on the intersection of technology and society.
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