Pitch guide
How to pitch Lightspeed Venture Partners
Lightspeed Venture Partners has backed 6 of the startups in our index. Here's everything you need to know before reaching out.
Quick facts
- Type
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Lightspeed Venture Partners's actual focus. They invest in Enterprise, Consumer, Fintech, Crypto. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Lightspeed Venture Partners works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Snap, Affirm, Mulesoft — companies Lightspeed Venture Partners backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Lightspeed Venture Partners on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Lightspeed Venture Partners invest in?
Lightspeed Venture Partners focuses on Enterprise, Consumer, Fintech, Crypto.
What stages does Lightspeed Venture Partners invest at?
Lightspeed Venture Partners has historically participated most in Series B, Series G, Series A rounds.
Where is Lightspeed Venture Partners based?
Lightspeed Venture Partners is headquartered in Menlo Park, USA and was founded in 2000.
How do I contact Lightspeed Venture Partners?
The best way to reach Lightspeed Venture Partners is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://lsvp.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@lightspeedvp).
What are Lightspeed Venture Partners's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Lightspeed Venture Partners include Snap, Affirm, Mulesoft, Nutanix.