NYC's Next-Gen Venture Capitalists

Shaping the Future of Investment

New York City's venture capital scene is buzzing with young talent. This new generation of investors, many under 30, come from diverse backgrounds and bring fresh perspectives to the industry. They represent both established firms like Female Founders Fund and Lerer Hippeau, and emerging players like Chai Ventures, specializing in various sectors, from growth and consumer to healthcare.

Key Players to Watch

Several individuals stand out for their notable achievements and contributions:

  • Layla Alexander (Female Founders Fund): Focused on the care economy, climate tech, and healthcare. She looks for founders with deep market knowledge and scalable businesses.
  • Talia Askowitz (Deerfield Management): Recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, Askowitz has reportedly helped deploy over $500 million in capital.
  • Lori Berenberg (Bloomberg Beta): Her product management background provides a unique perspective on technical innovation. Berenberg seeks companies with "a shot at the extraordinary."
  • Alex Chung (Chai Ventures): Specializing in women's health, Chung sees significant potential in this evolving sector.
  • Besart Çopa (Antler): A founder turned investor, Çopa emphasizes a founder-centric approach and seeks solutions for niche problems.
  • Will McKelvey (Lerer Hippeau): Launched a student venture fund at Berkeley and values humility in the VC world. He seeks founders with unique insights and strong motivations.
  • Mason Murray (NEA): A generalist with a focus on software, Murray is bullish on AI and New York's potential as a hub for AI founders. He has invested in companies like beehiiv and Twelve Labs.
  • Zehra Naqvi (Headline Ventures): Known for her VC newsletter "No GPs Allowed," Naqvi focuses on consumer investments and encourages a contrarian approach in the current market.
  • Mark Xu (Lightspeed Venture Partners): One of the youngest partners at Lightspeed, Xu has a background in music and mathematics, and has invested in companies like Stripe.
  • Claire Zau (GSV Ventures): A young partner at GSV, Zau focuses on AI investments and publishes an AI newsletter.

These rising stars represent a new wave of venture capital in NYC, bringing diverse skills, perspectives, and a focus on innovation.