Lightspeed's Latest Hire Shines a Light on Social Media's Role in Venture Capital
Claire Zau, a well-known investor and tech content creator, has joined Lightspeed, a venture firm known for its growing social media presence. Zau has more than 100,000 followers on TikTok and over 250,000 followers on Instagram, where she breaks down the day’s biggest tech trends.
“A lot of people want to participate in the future and are excited about technology,” Zau told Equity. “They just don’t have the facts presented to them in an accessible way. So that’s hopefully the role I feel very lucky and privileged to play.”
Zau's role at Lightspeed is part of a new trend in venture capital, where firms are using social media to connect with new audiences and help their portfolio companies share their stories with the world. The firm is taking on a greater role in helping startups get their funding stories out, as traditional journalism faces layoffs and consolidation in the media.
- The podcast she co-hosts with Machiz, Lightspeed’s CMO, is part of the new media trend that many venture firms are embracing.
- Connecting with early founders is the main benefit of expanding the Lightspeed media empire.
- Being online also helps them get real-time feedback on investments and new technology.
"It was, I would even say, humbling," she said of the direct feedback she would get to some of her videos. "It’s so helpful to have basically real-time visibility into how people are using these technologies and what kinds of narratives are hitting."
Machiz and Zau spoke to Equity about what comes next for them. Another podcast? A TV show one day? “Our goal is to be the place where hopefully future founders learn about venture, understand the ecosystem,” Machiz said. “We’re still early days.”
Lightspeed's growing social media presence is just the beginning of a new era in venture capital. With Claire Zau on board, the firm is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of how venture firms connect with founders and share their stories with the world.