Venture capital firms raise billions in new funds in October SEC filings

October saw significant fundraising activity among venture capital firms, according to TechCrunch's analysis of SEC filings. Trust Ventures, an Austin-based firm founded in 2017 to back founders in regulated industries, filed to raise a $400 million Fund V, following a previous attempt to raise $225 million in 2023.

Deep tech fund Interlagos Capital is also raising a $400 million Fund II, highlighting continued investor interest in specialized technology sectors. Meanwhile, Diffusion ONE, a debut AI-focused fund launched by former Benchmark VCs Victor Lazarte and Kris Fredrickson, has raised $1.252 billion, far exceeding its original $800 million target.

Benchmark itself filed for four new partner-only funds, collectively seeking to raise over $360 million. Jack Altman, who recently joined Benchmark, is listed in each filing. Additionally, 8VC, led by Joe Lonsdale, appears to be raising new vehicles, including a $400 million fund.

These filings indicate a robust appetite among limited partners for venture capital investments, especially in specialized and emerging technology sectors such as AI and deep tech. The firms have already begun deploying capital in significant deals, including Diffusion ONE's co-lead in Harvey's $550 million Series H and participation in Etched's $300 million Series C.

Looking ahead, these new funds will likely continue to support innovation in regulated industries, AI, and deep tech, reflecting broader trends in venture capital investment strategies this year.