Lightspeed Venture Partners

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm established in 1998 that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse range of sectors. The firm targets technology-led businesses as well as non-technology opportunities in areas such as advertising and media, healthcare, education, financial services, and retail. It engages in various investment stages, including seed, early-stage, later-stage, and expansion-stage financing. Lightspeed specializes in debt financing for start-ups and growth companies while also exploring opportunities in consumer, enterprise, cleantech, and other markets. The firm is known for its strategic investments in innovative sectors, including big data, bitcoin, mobile technology, and software solutions.

Vaibhav Agrawal

Associate Partner

Saqib Awan

Partner

Mercedes Bent

Partner

Akshay Bhushan

Partner

Guru Chahal

Partner

Yoni Cheifetz

Partner

Shelley Chu

Partner

James Ephrati

Partner

Gaurav Gupta

Partner

David Gussarsky

Partner

Galym Imanbayev

Partner

Nnamdi Iregbulem

Partner

Raviraj Jain

Partner

Arif Janmohamed

Partner

Ansaf Kareem

Partner

Dev Khare

Partner

Harsha Kumar

Associate Partner

Pinn Lawjindakul

Partner

Pachara Lawjindakul

Partner

Will Leas

Partner

Jeremy Liew

Partner

Jonathan MacQuitty

Venture Partner

Hemant Mohapatra

Partner

Andrew Moley

Operating Partner and CFO

Tal Morgenstern

Partner

Justin Overdorff

Partner

Nicole Quinn

General Partner

Christopher Schaepe

Co-Founder

Shan Shan

Partner

Shuvi Shrivastava

Partner

Adam Smith

Partner

Bejul Somaia

Partner

Rahul Taneja

Partner

Anoushka Vaswani

Partner

Rytis Vitkauskas

Partner

Jerry Ye

Partner, Data Platform

Connor Love

Partner

Peter Nieh

Partner and Co-Founder

John Thompson

Venture Partner

James Alcorn

Partner

Alex Taussig

Partner

Past deals in Media

Medallion

Series A in 2023
Medallion is a New York City-based company in the media and entertainment sector, launched in 2020. It has developed a blockchain-based platform aimed at connecting artists with their fans. This platform enables users to create digital environments and foster communities while facilitating the exchange of digital goods. By leveraging this technology, Medallion assists artists in enhancing fan engagement, gaining actionable insights, and maximizing their economic potential.

ForceField IO

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Our APIs integrate seamlessly into hardware or software platforms/apps to verify streaming media. Auditing meta data to ensure checks-and-balances for corporations, insurance companies, businesses owners, and news/media outlets. Insurance-backed industries can now fight against cyber risks with an additional tool of defense. Expert team with extensive startup experience, government cyber security, forensics, and security.

Alloy

Venture Round in 2022
Alloy Digital LLC is a prominent media company focused on the 12-34 demographic, recognized for its digital media and video network that creates and delivers original content across various platforms. In addition to its media operations, Alloy has developed an identity verification platform designed to enhance security and streamline fraud prevention for banks and financial institutions. This platform offers a single API and dashboard that simplifies the management of customer data, enabling organizations to automate their identity compliance and fraud decision processes. By integrating multiple data sources and providing tools for case management and reporting, Alloy supports financial institutions and FinTech companies in effectively addressing identity and compliance challenges.

MUNI

Series A in 2022
Muni is an event management company that promotes reflection and discussion in order to create a more mindful and livable world. They accomplish this through content (such as the Muni on This podcast), research, and community-building activities.

Alloy

Series C in 2021
Alloy Digital LLC is a prominent media company focused on the 12-34 demographic, recognized for its digital media and video network that creates and delivers original content across various platforms. In addition to its media operations, Alloy has developed an identity verification platform designed to enhance security and streamline fraud prevention for banks and financial institutions. This platform offers a single API and dashboard that simplifies the management of customer data, enabling organizations to automate their identity compliance and fraud decision processes. By integrating multiple data sources and providing tools for case management and reporting, Alloy supports financial institutions and FinTech companies in effectively addressing identity and compliance challenges.

FrontRow

Series A in 2021
FrontRow is an online learning platform based in Bengaluru, India, established in 2020. It focuses on creative arts, hobbies, and sports, providing a space for individuals to pursue their passions. The platform offers a variety of courses in areas such as cricket, music, and comedy, which are taught by celebrities. In addition to instructional content, FrontRow fosters community engagement through regular activities, competitions, and opportunities for peer interaction, allowing learners to practice and showcase their talents.

Cheddar

Series D in 2018
Cheddar is the post-cable news, media, and entertainment company. Cheddar broadcasts live on SlingTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Philo, Twitter, Facebook Watch, Pluto, Xumo and more. Watched live by more than 6.5M people each month, Cheddar also garners hundreds of millions of organic video views monthly across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social & distributed video platforms. Cheddar currently broadcasts two live video news networks: Cheddar, a business news network covering the most innovative executives, founders, products, and technologies transforming our lives and economy; and Cheddar Big News, a fast-paced, young, non-partisan general news and headline news network. The company broadcasts from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, its street-level studio in the glass corner of the Sprint Store in the Flatiron Building, WeWork in Los Angeles, and the White House. Cheddar was founded by Jon Steinberg, President and Chief Operating Officer of BuzzFeed from 2010 to 2014.

Cheddar

Series C in 2017
Cheddar is the post-cable news, media, and entertainment company. Cheddar broadcasts live on SlingTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Philo, Twitter, Facebook Watch, Pluto, Xumo and more. Watched live by more than 6.5M people each month, Cheddar also garners hundreds of millions of organic video views monthly across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social & distributed video platforms. Cheddar currently broadcasts two live video news networks: Cheddar, a business news network covering the most innovative executives, founders, products, and technologies transforming our lives and economy; and Cheddar Big News, a fast-paced, young, non-partisan general news and headline news network. The company broadcasts from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, its street-level studio in the glass corner of the Sprint Store in the Flatiron Building, WeWork in Los Angeles, and the White House. Cheddar was founded by Jon Steinberg, President and Chief Operating Officer of BuzzFeed from 2010 to 2014.

Cheddar

Series B in 2016
Cheddar is the post-cable news, media, and entertainment company. Cheddar broadcasts live on SlingTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Philo, Twitter, Facebook Watch, Pluto, Xumo and more. Watched live by more than 6.5M people each month, Cheddar also garners hundreds of millions of organic video views monthly across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social & distributed video platforms. Cheddar currently broadcasts two live video news networks: Cheddar, a business news network covering the most innovative executives, founders, products, and technologies transforming our lives and economy; and Cheddar Big News, a fast-paced, young, non-partisan general news and headline news network. The company broadcasts from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, its street-level studio in the glass corner of the Sprint Store in the Flatiron Building, WeWork in Los Angeles, and the White House. Cheddar was founded by Jon Steinberg, President and Chief Operating Officer of BuzzFeed from 2010 to 2014.

Rhythm NewMedia

Venture Round in 2012
Rhythm NewMedia specializes in mobile video advertising, connecting brand advertisers with engaged mobile audiences through the sale and distribution of video, rich media, and immersive advertising formats. The company collaborates with over 50 premium media partners, including major names such as NBC Universal, CBS, and Sony, to provide targeted advertising within high-quality content across a diverse portfolio of more than 200 properties. In 2011, Rhythm facilitated campaigns for over 200 top brand advertisers, including P&G, Unilever, and Disney, achieving significant engagement results. In addition to its advertising services, Rhythm also develops mobile applications and offers site design and media hosting services, enhancing its capabilities in the mobile advertising space.

Rhythm NewMedia

Series C in 2010
Rhythm NewMedia specializes in mobile video advertising, connecting brand advertisers with engaged mobile audiences through the sale and distribution of video, rich media, and immersive advertising formats. The company collaborates with over 50 premium media partners, including major names such as NBC Universal, CBS, and Sony, to provide targeted advertising within high-quality content across a diverse portfolio of more than 200 properties. In 2011, Rhythm facilitated campaigns for over 200 top brand advertisers, including P&G, Unilever, and Disney, achieving significant engagement results. In addition to its advertising services, Rhythm also develops mobile applications and offers site design and media hosting services, enhancing its capabilities in the mobile advertising space.

Kosmix

Series D in 2008
Kosmix is a web navigation platform that allows users to explore the Internet by topic, presenting an organized dashboard of relevant videos, photos, news, commentary, and links. Founded in 2005 by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman in Mountain View, California, Kosmix employs a content categorization engine to filter and organize information, helping users navigate the web effectively even when they are unsure of their specific interests. The company's initial foray into vertical search was marked by the launch of RightHealth.com, which has since become a leading health site. In 2008, Kosmix expanded its focus to provide a broader range of topic-based exploration. The company has received funding from notable investors, including Accel Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Bezos Expeditions, and aims to streamline the way users discover and interact with online content amidst the overwhelming volume of information available.

Greentech Media

Series B in 2008
Greentech Media is an online media company specializing in news, market research, and analysis within the clean energy sector. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company focuses on delivering business-to-business content that covers various aspects of the Greentech market, including alternative fuels, solar power, batteries, fuel cells, and smart grids. In addition to providing critical business information, Greentech Media also offers a platform for companies to effectively communicate with their investors, partners, and customers, enhancing collaboration and information sharing within the industry. Through its comprehensive coverage and insights, Greentech Media plays a significant role in informing and connecting stakeholders in the clean energy landscape.

Kosmix

Series C in 2007
Kosmix is a web navigation platform that allows users to explore the Internet by topic, presenting an organized dashboard of relevant videos, photos, news, commentary, and links. Founded in 2005 by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman in Mountain View, California, Kosmix employs a content categorization engine to filter and organize information, helping users navigate the web effectively even when they are unsure of their specific interests. The company's initial foray into vertical search was marked by the launch of RightHealth.com, which has since become a leading health site. In 2008, Kosmix expanded its focus to provide a broader range of topic-based exploration. The company has received funding from notable investors, including Accel Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Bezos Expeditions, and aims to streamline the way users discover and interact with online content amidst the overwhelming volume of information available.

Greentech Media

Series A in 2007
Greentech Media is an online media company specializing in news, market research, and analysis within the clean energy sector. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company focuses on delivering business-to-business content that covers various aspects of the Greentech market, including alternative fuels, solar power, batteries, fuel cells, and smart grids. In addition to providing critical business information, Greentech Media also offers a platform for companies to effectively communicate with their investors, partners, and customers, enhancing collaboration and information sharing within the industry. Through its comprehensive coverage and insights, Greentech Media plays a significant role in informing and connecting stakeholders in the clean energy landscape.

Rhythm NewMedia

Series B in 2006
Rhythm NewMedia specializes in mobile video advertising, connecting brand advertisers with engaged mobile audiences through the sale and distribution of video, rich media, and immersive advertising formats. The company collaborates with over 50 premium media partners, including major names such as NBC Universal, CBS, and Sony, to provide targeted advertising within high-quality content across a diverse portfolio of more than 200 properties. In 2011, Rhythm facilitated campaigns for over 200 top brand advertisers, including P&G, Unilever, and Disney, achieving significant engagement results. In addition to its advertising services, Rhythm also develops mobile applications and offers site design and media hosting services, enhancing its capabilities in the mobile advertising space.

Kosmix

Series B in 2006
Kosmix is a web navigation platform that allows users to explore the Internet by topic, presenting an organized dashboard of relevant videos, photos, news, commentary, and links. Founded in 2005 by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman in Mountain View, California, Kosmix employs a content categorization engine to filter and organize information, helping users navigate the web effectively even when they are unsure of their specific interests. The company's initial foray into vertical search was marked by the launch of RightHealth.com, which has since become a leading health site. In 2008, Kosmix expanded its focus to provide a broader range of topic-based exploration. The company has received funding from notable investors, including Accel Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Bezos Expeditions, and aims to streamline the way users discover and interact with online content amidst the overwhelming volume of information available.

Kosmix

Series A in 2005
Kosmix is a web navigation platform that allows users to explore the Internet by topic, presenting an organized dashboard of relevant videos, photos, news, commentary, and links. Founded in 2005 by Venky Harinarayan and Anand Rajaraman in Mountain View, California, Kosmix employs a content categorization engine to filter and organize information, helping users navigate the web effectively even when they are unsure of their specific interests. The company's initial foray into vertical search was marked by the launch of RightHealth.com, which has since become a leading health site. In 2008, Kosmix expanded its focus to provide a broader range of topic-based exploration. The company has received funding from notable investors, including Accel Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Bezos Expeditions, and aims to streamline the way users discover and interact with online content amidst the overwhelming volume of information available.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.