Benchmark Capital News
4 articles
growth-negative
Lazarte has only been at Benchmark for two years. He backed startups like Mercor, HeyGen, and Decart AI.
Victor Lazarte, a venture capitalist at Benchmark, is leaving the firm to start his own investment practice. Lazarte, known for co-founding Wildlife Studios, invested in companies like Mercor, HeyGen, and Decart AI during his tenure at Benchmark. His departure marks the second exit from Benchmarks partnership this year, following Sarah Tavels transition to a venture partner role. Benchmark operates as an equal partnership, with all general partners sharing fees and returns equally. Lazartes exit could impact the firms dynamics, but the remaining partners include Peter Fenton, Eric Vishria, and Chetan Puttagunta.
Management Changes
growth-positive
Benchmark is raising $170M for its latest partners-only fund | TechCrunch
Benchmark Partners, a prominent venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, is raising an additional $170 million for a new fund called Benchmark Partners Founders’ Fund I. This fund is unique as it is primarily composed of contributions from the firms partners, both past and present, with some availability for their friends and family. This strategy allows the partners to invest their personal capital without involving limited partners money. Benchmark has a history of successful investments in companies like eBay, Snap, Uber, and Twitter, and has consistently returned significant profits to its backers. The firms approach contrasts with larger VC firms, as it operates as an equal partnership and focuses on Series A-stage investments.
Investment
growth-positive
Benchmark sells $80m Wix stake
Benchmark Capital has liquidated its entire holding in Wix.com Ltd., at a handsome profit. The SEC filing for the end of 2014 shows Benchmarks holding in Wix shares at 0%, compared to 10.7% in the previous filing. Benchmark first invested in Wix in March 2010 and sold shares worth around $80 million towards the end of 2014. Wix held its IPO in 2013 at a company value of $600 million. Other major shareholders in Wix include Bessemer and Mangrove.
Investment
growth-negative
VC firm Benchmark will not raise new Israel fund
Benchmark Capital, a venture capital firm, has decided not to raise a third Israel fund. The firm has been active in Israel since 2001 and manages $500 million, including the Benchmark Israel II Fund. The decision is due to changes in the firms model, not its investment priorities. Benchmark seeks exposure to outstanding investment opportunities in Israel through a California-based fund.
Investment
