
LightShed Ventures
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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