Lerer Hippeau

Lerer Hippeau is a prominent seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York City. Founded in 2010, it has built a strong reputation for backing early-stage startups with transformative potential. The firm has invested in over 400 companies, including notable successes like Warby Parker, Allbirds, BuzzFeed, Oscar Health, and ClassDojo. Their portfolio spans various sectors, with significant investments in consumer products, enterprise software, healthcare, fintech, and media. Lerer Hippeau's investment strategy focuses on partnering with innovative founders and providing extensive support to help them grow. They typically invest in seed and early-stage rounds but also participate in follow-on investments to support the continued growth of their portfolio companies. The firm is known for its hands-on approach and deep network, which they leverage to help startups scale. Key figures at Lerer Hippeau include managing partners like Ben Lerer, Eric Hippeau, and Graham Brown, who bring a wealth of experience and industry insight. The firm is recognized for fostering a collaborative and founder-friendly culture, making it a preferred choice for many early-stage entrepreneurs looking for more than just capital. Lerer Hippeau’s notable unicorns include SeatGeek, ClassDojo, and Genies, among others. The firm has also seen several successful IPOs, including companies like Allbirds and Warby Parker, further establishing its reputation as a leading early-stage investor. For startups aiming to connect with Lerer Hippeau, it's beneficial to showcase innovative solutions with strong market potential, aligning with the firm’s focus on supporting transformative and high-growth ventures​.