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Lightspeed Venture Partners is a prominent global multi-stage venture capital firm founded in 2000 by Barry Eggers, Christopher Schaepe, Peter Nieh, and Ravi Mhatre. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the firm operates eleven offices worldwide and manages over $40 billion in assets. Lightspeed's unique federated structure allows it to provide localized support while leveraging a vast network of resources across the US, Europe, Israel, India, and Southeast Asia.
In December 2025, Lightspeed achieved a significant milestone by raising over $9 billion across six investment vehicles, marking its largest fundraising effort to date. The firm has invested in 956 companies, resulting in 101 unicorns and 38 IPOs, showcasing its successful track record in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. Currently, Lightspeed employs a team of 123 members, including 83 partners, who are dedicated to supporting founders at various stages of their business journeys.
Lightspeed's investment strategy is heavily focused on artificial intelligence, having invested over $5.5 billion in 165 AI-native companies since 2012. The firm primarily targets early-stage investments, including Pre Seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to over $100 million. The average seed investment is approximately $10-11 million, while Series A and B investments average around $30 million and $53 million, respectively.
In addition to AI, Lightspeed invests in a diverse array of sectors, including enterprise software, healthcare, fintech, infrastructure, blockchain/crypto, and frontier technology. The firm employs a depth-first approach, providing comprehensive support throughout the investment lifecycle, from initial seed funding to substantial growth investments. This strategy is complemented by a dedicated $600 million co-investment fund, which offers additional capital to portfolio companies as they scale.
Lightspeed's extensive portfolio includes a mix of notable companies across various sectors, particularly in AI and technology. Key investments include:
Lightspeed has facilitated 257 acquisitions and continues to expand its portfolio with 116 investments made in 2025 alone, including 21 in early 2026.
Barry Eggers: Co-founder, with extensive experience in venture capital and technology investments.
Christopher Schaepe: Co-founder, known for his expertise in enterprise software and technology sectors.
Peter Nieh: Co-founder, focuses on consumer and healthcare investments.
Ravi Mhatre: Co-founder, specializes in AI and disruptive technologies.
Bipul Sinha: Venture Partner, with a background in technology and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Shelley Chu: Partner, Healthcare, with expertise in health technology investments.
Justin Overdorff: Partner, Fintech, focusing on financial technology innovations.
Kat Zhang: Partner, Fintech, with experience in scaling fintech startups.
Connor Love: Partner, Enterprise, specializing in enterprise software solutions.
Aaron Frank: Partner, Fintech, with a focus on financial services.
Tal Morgenstern: Partner, Enterprise, experienced in technology investments.
Brenton Fargnoli: Partner, Healthcare, with a focus on health tech.
Luke Beseda: Partner, People Infrastructure, specializing in organizational development.
Rob Horton: Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operational strategies.
Angela Sibley: Partner, Investor Relations, managing relationships with limited partners.
To pitch Lightspeed, founders should submit their business plans through the firm's website. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team background. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Lightspeed operates the **Launch program**, aimed at seed and early-stage founders. This program provides essential resources and mentorship to help startups grow and succeed in their respective markets. Founders interested in the program can apply through Lightspeed's website for consideration.
On February 20, 2026, Lightspeed made its latest investment, continuing its active engagement in the startup ecosystem. In 2025, the firm completed 116 investments, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting emerging companies. Notable recent exits include Rubrik, Netskope, and Navan, where Lightspeed served as the largest institutional investor during their IPOs.
Q? What are Lightspeed's investment criteria?
A Lightspeed focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, particularly in AI, fintech, and healthcare. They seek bold founders with innovative ideas and a strong market understanding.
Q? How can startups apply or pitch to Lightspeed?
A Startups can pitch to Lightspeed through their website, where they can submit their business plans and decks. It is advisable to include detailed information about the team, market opportunity, and product.
Q? What makes Lightspeed different from other venture capital firms?
A Lightspeed's federated structure allows for localized support from partners who understand regional markets, combined with the resources of a $40 billion platform. This unique approach enhances their ability to support founders effectively.
Q? What is Lightspeed's geographic scope?
A Lightspeed invests globally, with a strong presence in the US, Europe, Israel, India, and Southeast Asia, ensuring they have local partners in every major startup ecosystem.
Q? What is Lightspeed's post-investment involvement like?
A Lightspeed takes an active role post-investment, often taking board seats and providing operational guidance and strategic support to help portfolio companies scale.
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