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LightShed Ventures

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

LightShed Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in the technology, media, telecom (TMT), and consumer sectors. Founded by renowned industry analysts Rich Greenfield, Walter Piecyk, and Brandon Ross, the firm distinguishes itself by leveraging its partners' extensive research backgrounds and deep domain expertise. This unique foundation allows LightShed to offer more than just capital, providing portfolio companies with strategic insights, market intelligence, and access to a robust network cultivated over decades in the TMT space. Their investment strategy primarily targets Seed and Series A rounds, focusing on disruptive innovations within their core sectors.

The firm has demonstrated significant fundraising success, closing its inaugural LightShed Ventures Fund I with $75 million in 2021. Building on this momentum, they successfully raised LightShed Ventures Fund II, securing $100 million in 2023. These funds enable LightShed to deploy meaningful capital into promising early-stage companies, supporting their growth from inception through critical development phases. Their approach emphasizes active partnership, guiding founders through market complexities and helping them navigate the competitive landscape.

LightShed Ventures typically deploys initial checks ranging from $1 million to $5 million, though they have the capacity to participate in larger rounds or follow-on investments. Their portfolio spans a diverse array of companies, from emerging media platforms to innovative consumer tech and telecom infrastructure plays. The firm's commitment to its portfolio companies is further evidenced by the collective success of their investments, with portfolio companies having raised over $1.2 billion in follow-on funding from various investors. LightShed Ventures positions itself as a strategic partner for founders looking to build category-defining businesses in the rapidly evolving TMT and consumer landscapes.

Investor Profile

LightShed Ventures has backed more than 27 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 9 rounds, about 33% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Gaming, Video Games.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (33%)
  • Series A (26%)
  • Pre Seed (15%)
  • Series Unknown (11%)
  • Series C (7%)
  • Series D (4%)
  • Series B (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Gaming
  • Video Games
  • Internet
  • Esports
  • Analytics
  • Marketplace
  • Audio
  • Internet Radio
  • Podcast
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does LightShed Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Gaingels
North America, Vermont, United States, Burlington
Co-Investments: 3
Bossa Invest
South America, Sao Paulo, Brazil, São Paulo
Co-Investments: 3
Concrete Rose Capital
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 2
Advancit Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Norwood
Co-Investments: 2
Foundation Capital
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
Crossbeam Venture Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Greycroft
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
TCG
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 2
Alumni Ventures
North America, New Hampshire, United States, Manchester
Co-Investments: 2
Tribe Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does LightShed Ventures often collaborate with?

Aubrey Graham (Drake)
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Shared Deals: 1
AP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
Deandre Ayton
North America, Arizona, United States
Shared Deals: 1
AO
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
CO
North America, Connecticut, United States, Uncasville
Shared Deals: 1
BS
North America, South Carolina, United States, Columbia
Shared Deals: 1
Andrew Wiggins
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Shared Deals: 1
AG
North America, Colorado, United States, Denver
Shared Deals: 1
Danny Green
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
MC
North America, Texas, United States, Dallas
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by LightShed Ventures?

Affiniti

New York, New York, United States

Fueling Small Businesses Across America With Industry-Tailored Credit Cards.

Financial Services
Series AMay 20, 2025
Amount Raised: $17,000,000
Boomerang

Miami, Florida, United States

Boomerang is a technology-powered service that collects, stores, and returns lost valuables back to the owners.

Software
SeedJan 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $4,900,000
Sway

Venice, California, United States

Sway is a provider of shipping services that allows returning an online purchase without leaving home.

E-CommerceInternetLogisticsShipping
Series AJan 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $19,500,000
Infinite Canvas

New York, New York, United States

Infinite Canvas is a publisher for user-generated, creator-led games.

GamingVideo Games
Series UnknownJul 17, 2023
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Breach Insurance

Suwanee, Georgia, United States

Breach is an insurance company that develops, underwrites, and distributes insurance solutions for the digital asset marketplace.

Asset ManagementCyber SecurityInsuranceInsurTechRisk Management
SeedJun 15, 2023
Telly

Sherman Oaks, California, United States

Telly offers the first Dual Screen Smart TV, is the ultimate free television upgrade for the living room.

ElectronicsTVTV Production
SeedMay 17, 2023
Illumix

Redwood City, California, United States

Illumix is an infrastructure solution that develops augmented reality games.

Augmented RealityGamingOnline GamesSoftwareVirtual Reality
Series AMar 20, 2023
Amount Raised: $18,000,000
Digiphy

Los Angeles, California, United States

Activate your products and marketing assets digitally with QR-enabled contextual marketing.

B2BBeautyDigital MarketingFood and BeverageInformation TechnologyInternetMarketingQR CodesSaaSSoftware
Pre SeedOct 30, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
1v1Me

New York, New York, United States

1v1Me allows you to stake top gamers all day, everyday.

eSportsGamingMobileMobile Apps
SeedJun 27, 2022
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Pebble

New York, New York, United States

Pebble is the first financial product where you are paid to save, spend, and send your money — all in one balance.

BlockchainFinancial Services
SeedMay 23, 2022
Amount Raised: $6,200,000