Lerer Hippeau

Lerer Hippeau is an early-stage venture capital fund based in New York City, founded in 2010 by Ken Lerer, Ben Lerer, and Eric Hippeau. The firm is recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors in the region, managing multiple funds, including Lerer Hippeau Ventures V, VII, and VIII. With a portfolio exceeding 250 active companies, Lerer Hippeau invests across various sectors, particularly focusing on consumer and enterprise companies. Notable investments include firms such as Allbirds, Bowery Farming, and K Health. The fund emphasizes backing founders who demonstrate strong product vision, customer insight, and brand-building capabilities. Additionally, Lerer Hippeau has adopted a Diversity Term Sheet Rider, reflecting its commitment to promoting diversity within its portfolio.

Graham Brown

Managing Partner

Stephanie Manning Cohen

Operating Partner

Josh Gilbert

Vice President, Finance and Operations and Chief Compliance Officer

Andrea Hippeau

Partner

Kenneth Lerer

Managing Partner

Ben Lerer

Managing Partner

Robert Li

Associate

Isabelle Phelps

Partner

Dan Rochkind

CFO

Caitlin Strandberg

Partner

Max Wechter

Strategy Associate

Mendy Yang

Associate

Past deals in Austin, TX

Expressable

Series A in 2022
Expressable is an online speech therapy practice that addresses communication disorders for both children and adults. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company has developed a parent-focused care model that leverages technology and education to integrate speech therapy techniques into everyday life. The platform offers a range of services, including accent modification, aphasia, apraxia of speech, and support for autism spectrum disorder, among others. By providing weekly practice activities, Expressable aims to enhance speech and language outcomes, enabling individuals to improve their communication skills effectively.

Expressable

Seed Round in 2021
Expressable is an online speech therapy practice that addresses communication disorders for both children and adults. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company has developed a parent-focused care model that leverages technology and education to integrate speech therapy techniques into everyday life. The platform offers a range of services, including accent modification, aphasia, apraxia of speech, and support for autism spectrum disorder, among others. By providing weekly practice activities, Expressable aims to enhance speech and language outcomes, enabling individuals to improve their communication skills effectively.

ZenBusiness

Series B in 2020
ZenBusiness Inc. is a corporate entity creation and management company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2015. It provides a technology-driven platform that simplifies the process of starting and managing a business. The company offers software as a service through a web portal and mobile application, enabling users to check their company's status, update registered agent information, and file documents with state authorities. ZenBusiness focuses on business identity theft protection, compliance, and management, utilizing automation to deliver fast and affordable services. Their personalized dashboard provides customers with easy access to essential tools and expert support, making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. The company's mission is to make business formation accessible and affordable for aspiring business owners across the nation.

ZenBusiness

Series A in 2019
ZenBusiness Inc. is a corporate entity creation and management company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2015. It provides a technology-driven platform that simplifies the process of starting and managing a business. The company offers software as a service through a web portal and mobile application, enabling users to check their company's status, update registered agent information, and file documents with state authorities. ZenBusiness focuses on business identity theft protection, compliance, and management, utilizing automation to deliver fast and affordable services. Their personalized dashboard provides customers with easy access to essential tools and expert support, making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. The company's mission is to make business formation accessible and affordable for aspiring business owners across the nation.

ZenBusiness

Seed Round in 2018
ZenBusiness Inc. is a corporate entity creation and management company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2015. It provides a technology-driven platform that simplifies the process of starting and managing a business. The company offers software as a service through a web portal and mobile application, enabling users to check their company's status, update registered agent information, and file documents with state authorities. ZenBusiness focuses on business identity theft protection, compliance, and management, utilizing automation to deliver fast and affordable services. Their personalized dashboard provides customers with easy access to essential tools and expert support, making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. The company's mission is to make business formation accessible and affordable for aspiring business owners across the nation.

OwnLocal

Seed Round in 2011
OwnLocal, Inc. is an automated digital advertising agency based in Austin, Texas, specializing in transforming offline advertising into multichannel online marketing campaigns. Founded in 2007 and originally known as Seeing Interactive, the company offers an AI-driven platform that collects and enhances data to create effective digital marketing content. Their flagship product, Origami, is well-regarded for automating online display advertising. OwnLocal serves over 4,000 media companies globally and boasts a private advertising network that generates more than 10 billion impressions each month. The company's patented technology also enables the creation of interactive banner ads, search engine optimization campaigns, and landing pages, catering particularly to small businesses seeking to expand their advertising reach.