An Expansion Investor is an individual or entity that provides capital to startups or growing companies during their expansion phase. This phase typically occurs after the initial startup and early growth stages, when the company is ready to scale operations, enter new markets, or increase production. Expansion Investors help fund these growth activities to accelerate the company's development and increase its market presence.
Synonyms: Growth Investor, Expansion Stage Investor, Growth Stage Investor, Later Stage Investor

Expansion Investors play a crucial role in the growth of startups by providing the necessary funds to scale the business. Without this investment, companies might struggle to expand their operations, hire more staff, or develop new products. This funding helps startups transition from early-stage ventures to established businesses with larger market shares.
Startups seek Expansion Investors when they have proven their business model and need additional capital to grow. These investors typically participate in later funding rounds, such as Series B or Series C, providing larger sums of money compared to early-stage investors. The investment is used for activities like expanding into new geographic areas, increasing marketing efforts, or enhancing production capabilities.
Expansion Investors can be venture capital firms specializing in growth-stage investments, private equity firms, or even large institutional investors. For example, a venture capital firm might invest $10 million in a startup's Series B round to help the company open new offices internationally or launch a new product line.