Lerer Hippeau

Lerer Hippeau is a New York City-based early-stage venture capital firm that primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed investments. The firm operates as a generalist investor, actively seeking out ambitious founders with innovative ideas across both consumer and enterprise technology sectors. They aim to be the initial institutional investor, providing not only capital but also hands-on support and strategic guidance to help build enduring companies.

The firm was established in 2010 by Ken Lerer, co-founder of The Huffington Post, and Eric Hippeau, former CEO of The Huffington Post. Evolving from an angel fund, Lerer Hippeau was founded with the vision of addressing the funding gap for early-stage startups, particularly within the burgeoning New York tech ecosystem. Their initial strategy emphasized being seed-first and New York-first investors, a focus that has contributed to their deep ties within the city's startup community.

Lerer Hippeau boasts a diverse portfolio of notable investments, including well-known companies such as BuzzFeed, Casper, Allbirds, and Warby Parker. Their portfolio also features innovative companies like Guideline, K Health, Zipline, Hungryroot, and Symbiotic Security, spanning various industries from healthcare technology to AI-powered solutions. The firm has a strong track record of successful exits, demonstrating its ability to identify and nurture high-growth ventures.

The Lerer Hippeau team is composed of experienced investors and operators, including Managing Partners Ben Lerer, Eric Hippeau, and Graham Brown. Their collective background in building and scaling companies allows them to offer valuable mentorship, strategic advice, and access to an extensive network of industry professionals. This operational expertise is a cornerstone of their investment philosophy, enabling them to partner closely with founders throughout their growth journey.