Earlier this year, Lightspeed garnered attention when it declared that Claire Zau, an investor and well-known tech content creator, would be joining the venture firm. She boasts over 100,000 followers on TikTok and more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, where she analyzes the most significant tech trends of the day. 

Lightspeed partners Josh Machiz and Zau visited the Equity studio to discuss the strategy fueling their expanding social media presence; their podcast, Lightwork; and how it all began with a direct message on Instagram.

“Many individuals are eager to partake in the future and are enthusiastic about technology,” Zau expressed to Equity. “They simply lack access to the information in a comprehensible format. That’s hopefully the role I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to fulfill.” 

Zau represents, in many respects, a new generation of venture operators utilizing social media to engage with fresh audiences, whether they are merely tech enthusiasts or potential founders who might subsequently seek investment from Lightspeed.

The podcast she co-hosts with Machiz, Lightspeed’s CMO, is part of a burgeoning media trend that numerous venture firms are adopting, where firms assume a more active role in assisting their portfolio companies in narrating their stories to the public. 

“There’s an ever-decreasing amount of traditional journalism out there due to layoffs and media consolidation,” Machiz stated. “For startups, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to get their story out. Availability of platforms to share their narratives is dwindling. There are now significant barriers to communicating your funding story. Thus, we aspire to offer another avenue to convey your tale in this new media landscape.” 

Thus far, the duo — and the firm — have observed certain advantages to broadening the Lightspeed media domain. Engaging with emerging founders is the primary benefit, but being active online also allows them to receive immediate feedback on investments and innovative technology. For instance, Zau mentioned that within the Silicon Valley bubble, there was much excitement about funding a new AI startup, yet upon discussing the investment online, she recognized that Gen Z was rather skeptical of AI. 

“It was, I would even characterize it as humbling,” she remarked about the direct feedback she received on some of her videos. “Having essentially real-time insight into how people are interacting with these technologies and which narratives resonate is incredibly valuable.” 

Machiz and Zau also shared with Equity their thoughts on what lies ahead for them. Another podcast? A TV show someday? “Our ambition is to become the place where future founders hopefully learn about venture and grasp the ecosystem,” Machiz shared. “We’re still in the early stages.” 

Tune in to catch more of the discussion — and what Machiz and Zau have in store for the future.