Lerer Hippeau

Lerer Hippeau, founded in 2010 by Ken Lerer, Ben Lerer, and Eric Hippeau, is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City. The firm is known for being one of the most active venture capital funds in the region, with a portfolio that includes over 250 companies in various sectors, particularly in consumer and enterprise markets. Lerer Hippeau focuses on seed to later-stage investments and has backed notable companies such as Allbirds, Bowery Farming, K Health, and Zipline. The firm aims to partner with founders who demonstrate strong product vision and customer insight, emphasizing the importance of brand building. Additionally, Lerer Hippeau has adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider to promote inclusivity within its investment practices.

Graham Brown

Managing Partner

Stephanie Manning Cohen

Operating Partner

Sharlene Guiriba

Associate

Andrea Hippeau

Partner

Eric Hippeau

Managing Partner

Suraj Kapoor

Director

Ken Lerer

Managing Partner

Benjamin Lerer

Managing Partner

Ben Lerer

Managing Partner

Robert Li

Associate

Will McKelvey

Investor

Joe Medved

Partner, LH Strategy

Isabelle Phelps

Partner

Maurice Russo

Investor

Caitlin Strandberg

Partner

Max Wechter

Director of Strategy

James Wellemeyer

Investor

Mendy Yang

Associate

Past deals in Music Streaming

Veritonic

Series A in 2022
Veritonic, Inc. is a marketing analytics platform based in New York, specializing in commercial sound and serving the advertising industry. Founded in 2015 by Andrew Eisner and Scott Simonelli, the company provides artificial intelligence-driven metrics and marketing response data to measure, compare, and test various audio elements, including music, voiceovers, jingles, and audio logos. Veritonic's services encompass online testing, analytics, and workflow management, enabling users to make data-driven decisions, measure emotional responses, and gather both qualitative and quantitative insights. The platform facilitates benchmarking of brand progress and allows users to efficiently manage, save, and share audio tracks, thereby enhancing their marketing strategies.

Crossing Minds

Series A in 2021
Crossing Minds is a San Francisco-based company that leverages advanced artificial intelligence to enhance the human experience through personalized recommendations. Founded in 2016, its flagship product, Hai, serves as a cultural discovery platform, offering tailored suggestions in various categories, including music, books, movies, and video games, with plans to expand into restaurants and travel activities. Hai employs predictive models and cultural taste correlations, allowing it to adapt to individual preferences and moods. The platform is designed to be intuitive and engaging, enabling users to rate items, create personal libraries, and connect third-party accounts to refine their profiles. By utilizing comprehensive taste analytics and sophisticated data analysis techniques, Crossing Minds prioritizes user privacy while delivering relevant and meaningful recommendations.

Studs

Series B in 2021
Studs is focused on transforming the ear piercing experience by offering both online and offline services that promote self-expression and individuality. The company aims to modernize the traditional mall piercing environment, providing a safe and healthy experience for customers. Studs employs a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated to delivering personalized ear piercing services and a wide selection of ear jewelry. By celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, Studs seeks to make ear piercing accessible and enjoyable, encouraging customers to embrace their identity through their personal style.

Buzzer

Series A in 2021
Buzzer Media Inc. operates a mobile platform that offers a notification-driven service for live sports streaming, aimed at enhancing the fan experience. Established in 2020 and based in New York, Buzzer aggregates fragmented sports content and rights into a single accessible platform, allowing fans to receive real-time notifications tailored to their preferences. This service enables users to effortlessly discover and watch live sports moments across various leagues and games, either through existing cable or over-the-top subscriptions, or by making micropayments within the app. Buzzer's mission is to simplify the discovery of live sports content, making it easier for fans to engage with their favorite events.

Meet Cute

Series A in 2020
Meet Cute is a podcast company based in New York City that specializes in producing and distributing original romantic comedies in audio format. Launched in December 2019, the company aims to provide entertainment through short audio fiction stories that capture the essence of the romantic comedy genre. By focusing on themes of happiness and hope, Meet Cute creates engaging content designed to resonate with listeners who appreciate feel-good narratives.

Shotcall

Seed Round in 2020
Shotcall, Inc. operates an online platform designed to connect streamers, content creators, and organizations with their fans through paid engagement opportunities. Founded in 2018 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, the platform enables gamers to participate in private competitions, coaching sessions, and charity tournaments, with the option for creators to charge fees for these events. Shotcall facilitates deeper community engagement by allowing creators to organize events with control over session length, lobby size, and pricing, thus generating new revenue streams and high-quality content. By incentivizing social interactions, Shotcall helps bridge the gap between gamers and their fan communities, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for direct engagement and monetization.

Veritonic

Series A in 2020
Veritonic, Inc. is a marketing analytics platform based in New York, specializing in commercial sound and serving the advertising industry. Founded in 2015 by Andrew Eisner and Scott Simonelli, the company provides artificial intelligence-driven metrics and marketing response data to measure, compare, and test various audio elements, including music, voiceovers, jingles, and audio logos. Veritonic's services encompass online testing, analytics, and workflow management, enabling users to make data-driven decisions, measure emotional responses, and gather both qualitative and quantitative insights. The platform facilitates benchmarking of brand progress and allows users to efficiently manage, save, and share audio tracks, thereby enhancing their marketing strategies.

Buzzer

Seed Round in 2020
Buzzer Media Inc. operates a mobile platform that offers a notification-driven service for live sports streaming, aimed at enhancing the fan experience. Established in 2020 and based in New York, Buzzer aggregates fragmented sports content and rights into a single accessible platform, allowing fans to receive real-time notifications tailored to their preferences. This service enables users to effortlessly discover and watch live sports moments across various leagues and games, either through existing cable or over-the-top subscriptions, or by making micropayments within the app. Buzzer's mission is to simplify the discovery of live sports content, making it easier for fans to engage with their favorite events.

Sonoro

Seed Round in 2020
Sonoro is a global media company based in Los Angeles, with an office in Mexico, focused on producing premium Spanish-language audio content. Founded in 2020, Sonoro collaborates with both established and emerging storytellers to create diverse audio-first content that is accessible across various platforms. This allows users to engage with stories anytime and anywhere, whether on a computer, smartphone, or during daily activities like exercising or shopping. The company's mission is to provide listeners with the opportunity to catch up on their favorite topics while seamlessly integrating audio content into their routines.

Radiate

Venture Round in 2020
Radiate The World, Inc. is a mobile application that facilitates connections among individuals attending the same music festival. Launched in 2015 and headquartered in New York, the platform allows users to opt-in to events and share images, gifs, and text with others present. It features an anonymous messaging function where users can say "Hey" to each other; if both parties respond positively, a chat is initiated. Additionally, users can browse through profiles in a manner reminiscent of dating apps, enhancing the social experience at festivals. Radiate has successfully fostered over 3 million connections, enabling users to meet new friends, engage with communities, and participate in shared experiences. The application is available on both iOS and Android devices.

HIFI

Venture Round in 2020
HIFI is a financial rights organization based in New York, dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of the music industry. Founded in 2013, HIFI advocates for artist-centric innovation and transparency, fostering a community of creators and their supporters. The organization focuses on improving monetary wellness through education, advocacy, and the development of technologies and services that empower its members. By promoting financial independence and transparency, HIFI aims to create a more equitable environment for artists in the music industry.

Studs

Seed Round in 2019
Studs is focused on transforming the ear piercing experience by offering both online and offline services that promote self-expression and individuality. The company aims to modernize the traditional mall piercing environment, providing a safe and healthy experience for customers. Studs employs a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated to delivering personalized ear piercing services and a wide selection of ear jewelry. By celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, Studs seeks to make ear piercing accessible and enjoyable, encouraging customers to embrace their identity through their personal style.

Studio

Series B in 2019
Studio operates a connected fitness platform that streams live and on-demand classes to users in their homes through a sleek, responsive display. The system personalizes content in real-time by utilizing user feedback and biometric data, allowing access to a diverse range of classes, including cardio, strength training, and yoga. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, Studio aims to enhance the fitness experience by combining technology with user engagement to promote a healthier lifestyle.

WAVE Meditation

Seed Round in 2019
WAVE Meditation Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a subscription-based mobile application designed to facilitate at-home meditation. Established in 2018 and headquartered in New York, the company offers a unique platform that combines music-guided sessions with daily rituals focused on breath, body, and rhythm. In addition to its software offerings, WAVE Meditation also manufactures a connected foam cushion to enhance the meditation experience. This combination of digital and physical products aims to support individuals in cultivating mindfulness and well-being through meditation practices.

Wondery

Series B in 2019
Wondery Inc., founded in 2016 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, is a prominent content producer and publisher specializing in immersive audio storytelling. The company creates and curates a diverse range of original podcasts, focusing on genres such as crime, mystery, romance, and conspiracy. Its portfolio includes popular shows like Sword & Scale, Dirty John, American History Tellers, and Business Wars, among others. Wondery also offers a mobile application that enables users to follow their favorite podcasts, discover new content, and organize their listening experience by channels. The company's mission is to connect listeners and brands through engaging audio narratives.

Wondery

Series B in 2019
Wondery Inc., founded in 2016 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, is a prominent content producer and publisher specializing in immersive audio storytelling. The company creates and curates a diverse range of original podcasts, focusing on genres such as crime, mystery, romance, and conspiracy. Its portfolio includes popular shows like Sword & Scale, Dirty John, American History Tellers, and Business Wars, among others. Wondery also offers a mobile application that enables users to follow their favorite podcasts, discover new content, and organize their listening experience by channels. The company's mission is to connect listeners and brands through engaging audio narratives.

Splice

Series C in 2019
Splice designs and develops a technology platform for music creators streamlines the fragmented process of creating and sharing music. It also provides artists with means to connect with fans and other artists to solicit feedback throughout every step of the process. The company was founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York City.

Wondery

Series A in 2018
Wondery Inc., founded in 2016 and headquartered in West Hollywood, California, is a prominent content producer and publisher specializing in immersive audio storytelling. The company creates and curates a diverse range of original podcasts, focusing on genres such as crime, mystery, romance, and conspiracy. Its portfolio includes popular shows like Sword & Scale, Dirty John, American History Tellers, and Business Wars, among others. Wondery also offers a mobile application that enables users to follow their favorite podcasts, discover new content, and organize their listening experience by channels. The company's mission is to connect listeners and brands through engaging audio narratives.

Studio

Series A in 2018
Studio operates a connected fitness platform that streams live and on-demand classes to users in their homes through a sleek, responsive display. The system personalizes content in real-time by utilizing user feedback and biometric data, allowing access to a diverse range of classes, including cardio, strength training, and yoga. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, Studio aims to enhance the fitness experience by combining technology with user engagement to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Reelgood

Seed Round in 2016
Reelgood is a streaming aggregator platform founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. The company offers a comprehensive guide to online streaming content, allowing users to browse, search, and watch TV shows and movies from over 150 services. Its platform features a universal dashboard that enables users to track their viewing habits and discover new titles to binge-watch. With robust search and filtering capabilities, Reelgood makes it easier for consumers to find and enjoy online movies and shows conveniently, anytime and anywhere.

Ense

Seed Round in 2016
Ense Inc. operates a social voice platform that allows users to speak, sing, and shout to the world. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in New York, New York.

Bkstg

Venture Round in 2015
Bkstg Inc. operates an online platform designed to connect artists with music enthusiasts, facilitating direct relationships between them. The platform functions as a social networking application, enabling users to engage with a diverse range of personalities, including celebrities, actors, comedians, and sports teams. Founded by a group of entrepreneurs with backgrounds in technology and music, Bkstg aims to transform the way fans interact with their favorite artists. The company, originally known as Fahlo Inc., was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Cord Project

Seed Round in 2014
Cord Project Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in voice messaging technology. The company offers a platform that enables users to send voice messages quickly and easily, allowing for one-on-one chats or group conversations. The service is available for both iPhone and Android devices, providing a user-friendly experience. Cord Project operates as a subsidiary of Spotify USA Inc., focusing on enhancing communication through innovative audio messaging solutions that utilize voice commands to facilitate interactions on mobile devices.

Splice

Seed Round in 2013
Splice designs and develops a technology platform for music creators streamlines the fragmented process of creating and sharing music. It also provides artists with means to connect with fans and other artists to solicit feedback throughout every step of the process. The company was founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York City.

Songza

Venture Round in 2013
Songza is a curated music streaming platform that specializes in delivering expertly-crafted playlists tailored to enhance various activities and moods. By predicting users' needs, the service provides playlists designed for specific situations such as waking up, working out, commuting, concentrating, unwinding, entertaining, and sleeping. The platform's music offerings are curated by a diverse team of professionals, including journalists, DJs, critics, and ethnomusicologists, ensuring a rich and varied listening experience. Recognized for its innovation and quality, Songza has been acknowledged in several prestigious lists, including Apple’s App Store Best of 2012 and Time's Best Android Apps of 2013.

Just Sing It

Seed Round in 2013
Just Sing It (formerly of AnyoneGame) lets users sing and share their favorite songs on Facebook/Twitter, apply voice filters to ‘Instagram their voice’ and guess songs with other game players and even potential love interests. In just two weeks since launching out of beta in the US, Just Sing It has hit #1 in the Music category of the App Store and garnered more than 500,000 songs on the platform with a 5 star rating in the App store. Users who have downloaded the app continue to build their song library with an average of 5.6 songs recorded per player, proving the singing is a truly sticky phenomenon in the US. Even celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan have shared their favorite songs on Twitter and count themselves as fans.

Grokr

Venture Round in 2012
Grokr develops smart mobile apps built on its proprietary predictive search platform that deliver personalized information to users with respect to context and purpose. The first iteration of this platform is Fantastic, the smart music player that proactively brings users new content and information related to the music they listen to.

BalconyTV

Series A in 2012
BalconyTV, founded in June 2006 by three friends in Dublin, started as an internet show filmed from an apartment balcony. Initially focused on local bands, the platform has since expanded to feature a diverse array of musicians and acts from 43 cities globally. With over 8,000 archived videos, BalconyTV has garnered more than 40 million views, establishing itself as a significant player in the online music showcase industry. The concept of filming performances on balconies has resonated widely, allowing emerging and established artists to gain exposure through this unique format.

Airtime

Series B in 2012
At Airtime, we’re changing the way people interact online, making the internet a more welcoming and truly social place. Social networks have the power to bring people together, but they have often proven to do the opposite. In a world of social platforms that filter and curate our lives, social media has made us antisocial. That’s why we created Airtime. It’s a new kind of social space. No matter what you’re into—lofi hip hop, airbrush makeup, or improv comedy—drop in any time. There’s a room for you on Airtime that’s always open, live, and ready to welcome you in. Our company was founded by Sean Parker and is backed by Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and a host of other incredible partners. We have a world-class leadership team and over 100 wonderful employees in three offices across the country. We're working hard to create the most welcoming online live social space out there, not only in our product but also in our organization.

Airtime

Series B in 2012
At Airtime, we’re changing the way people interact online, making the internet a more welcoming and truly social place. Social networks have the power to bring people together, but they have often proven to do the opposite. In a world of social platforms that filter and curate our lives, social media has made us antisocial. That’s why we created Airtime. It’s a new kind of social space. No matter what you’re into—lofi hip hop, airbrush makeup, or improv comedy—drop in any time. There’s a room for you on Airtime that’s always open, live, and ready to welcome you in. Our company was founded by Sean Parker and is backed by Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and a host of other incredible partners. We have a world-class leadership team and over 100 wonderful employees in three offices across the country. We're working hard to create the most welcoming online live social space out there, not only in our product but also in our organization.

Popdust

Series A in 2011
Popdust Inc. is an online platform dedicated to pop music culture, connecting fans with prominent artists across genres such as pop, R&B, hip-hop, country, and K-pop. Founded in 2010 and based in New York, the company offers a variety of engaging content, including voting competitions, interviews, and multimedia franchises. Popdust produces original episodic video series, showcasing artists and providing insights into the music industry. The platform features music news, reviews, and gossip about mainstream artists, while also incorporating real-time content from social media and artist blogs. Cofounded by Craig Marks, a former editor of notable music magazines, Popdust aims to provide a critical and entertaining perspective on popular music. In 2011, the company secured $1 million in Series A funding, further enhancing its ability to deliver fresh and relevant content to music enthusiasts.
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