Lerer Hippeau Ventures

Lerer Hippeau is a New York City-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in founders building transformative companies across a wide range of technology and consumer sectors. The firm is recognized as one of the most active venture investors in the New York ecosystem, with a portfolio spanning health technology, artificial intelligence, consumer brands, logistics, financial technology, and more. Founded by media and technology veterans, the firm brings deep operational experience and extensive networks to support its portfolio companies from seed stage through growth.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on backing visionary entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of company formation, often participating in pre-seed and seed rounds. Lerer Hippeau has developed a strong track record of identifying breakout consumer and enterprise companies, with notable exits and portfolio milestones that demonstrate its ability to source and develop high-value investments. Recent portfolio highlights include Ollie, the direct-to-consumer pet food brand acquired by Agrolimen for $680 million, and Guideline, a retirement savings platform acquired by Gusto, reflecting the firm's success across both consumer and enterprise categories.

The firm's active portfolio includes companies across diverse verticals such as AI-driven code security through Symbiotic Security, autonomous drone logistics via Birdstop, AI-powered physical world applications through P-1 AI, and consumer health innovation including K Health's PatientGPT platform. Other portfolio companies include Hungryroot, a personalized grocery and meal planning service that grew revenue 55% to $700 million, and Haven Energy, which raised a $40 million Series B. The firm also backs companies in emerging categories such as real estate technology, private credit modernization, and energy transition.

Lerer Hippeau's managing partners, including Ben Lerer and Eric Hippeau, are frequent commentators on technology, media, and venture trends, maintaining a high public profile through appearances on platforms such as CNBC and industry podcasts. The firm actively promotes talent from within, with team members including Madeleine Goldberg and Will McKelvey contributing to investment sourcing and portfolio development. This emphasis on team development reflects the firm's culture of investing in people at every level, both within its own organization and across its portfolio companies.