Lightspeed Venture Partners’ newest hire, investor and content creator Claire Zau, joined the firm earlier this year after a direct message on Instagram from partner Josh Machiz. Zau, who has more than 250,000 followers on Instagram and over 100,000 on TikTok, now co-hosts the firm’s podcast, Lightwork, with Machiz, who serves as Lightspeed’s chief marketing officer.
The pair recently sat down with TechCrunch’s Equity podcast to discuss how Lightspeed is building its media presence and why a venture firm is investing in social media and podcasting. Zau described her role as translating complex tech and venture topics into accessible content for a broader audience. “A lot of people want to participate in the future and are excited about technology,” she said. “They just don’t have the facts presented to them in an accessible way.”
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From Instagram DM to venture partner
Zau’s journey to Lightspeed began with a simple social media outreach. Machiz, who was already active in the venture capital community online, reached out to Zau via Instagram DM after following her content. The conversation evolved into a formal role, making Zau part of a growing trend of venture firms hiring creators and media-savvy operators to expand their reach.
Zau is not just a content creator; she is also an investor at Lightspeed, giving her a dual role that blends media and deal-making. Her presence reflects a broader shift in how venture firms approach communication, moving away from traditional press releases toward direct engagement with audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts.
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Why venture firms are becoming media companies
The Lightwork podcast is part of a larger movement among venture firms to produce their own content. Machiz pointed to the decline of traditional journalism as a key driver. “There’s less and less traditional journalism out there because of layoffs and the consolidation in media,” he said. “If you’re a startup, it’s harder to get your story out there.”
By creating their own media channels, firms like Lightspeed aim to fill that gap, offering portfolio companies an alternative way to share their narratives. This approach also helps the firm connect with early-stage founders who may not have access to traditional media coverage.
The strategy appears to be paying off. Zau noted that being active online provides real-time feedback on how the public perceives investments and new technologies. For instance, she observed that while Silicon Valley insiders were eager to fund AI startups, her social media audience, particularly Gen Z, expressed skepticism about AI. “It was, I would even say, humbling,” she said, adding that the direct feedback offers “real-time visibility into how people are using these technologies.”
What’s next for Lightspeed’s media push
Machiz and Zau have ambitious plans for the future. They are considering additional podcast formats and even a potential TV show, though they remain focused on their core mission. “Our goal is to be the place where hopefully future founders learn about venture, understand the ecosystem,” Machiz said. “We’re still early days.”
The duo’s efforts reflect a growing recognition that in an era of fragmented media, direct audience engagement is a valuable asset for venture firms. By building a loyal following, Lightspeed is positioning itself to attract both founders and deal flow, while also providing a public platform for discussing industry trends.
For now, the firm’s media expansion continues, with Zau and Machiz planning to deepen their content offerings and explore new formats. As they noted, the initiative is still in its infancy, but the early results suggest that a well-executed social media strategy can open doors that traditional networking might not.
Disclaimer: This article discusses the business strategies of Lightspeed Venture Partners and does not constitute financial advice. The venture capital and media landscapes are subject to change, and readers should conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.
