Victor Lazarte

Victor Lazarte Exits Benchmark to Launch Independent VC Firm

After two years at Benchmark, general partner Victor Lazarte has announced his departure to start his own investment firm. He shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “After 2 great years at Benchmark, I've made the difficult decision to leave the firm in order to pursue a new adventure.”

Track Record at Benchmark

During his brief but impactful tenure at Benchmark, Lazarte backed promising startups including Mercor (a recruiting and data-labeling platform), HeyGen (AI video generation), and Decart AI (AI infrastructure). His investments reflected a focus on emerging deep-tech and AI ventures.

Changing Dynamics at Benchmark

Lazarte is the second senior departure at Benchmark within months. Earlier in 2025, partner Sarah Tavel announced a shift to venture partner status. The firm’s remaining partners now include Peter Fenton, Eric Vishria, and Chetan Puttagunta. Notably, Benchmark operates as an equal partnership—so departures affect both leadership and financial structure.

Why This Matters: A Broader VC Trend

Lazarte’s decision fits a growing pattern: seasoned investors leaving established firms to launch independent funds aligned with their personal vision. His next venture is expected to focus on early-stage founders, reflecting his background as co‑founder of Wildlife Studios, once valued at $3 billion.

What’s Next for Lazarte’s New Venture

While details about his new firm remain under wraps, industry watchers anticipate it will leverage his expertise in AI and tech investing. He’s already informed portfolio companies and peers of the transition. The VC ecosystem is keen to learn more as his firm’s strategy and investment thesis emerge in the coming months.

Final Takeaway

Victor Lazarte’s move underscores shifts within venture capital: from traditional firms toward individualized investing approaches. As he builds his own platform, all eyes will be on how his deep-tech track record and startup fluency shape his new fund—and whether it can become a leading force in early-stage investing.

Jaye Camposanto Andaya: Building a Legacy, Not Just a Business

There is a meaningful difference between building a business and building a legacy. A business is measured in revenue, market share, and exit valuations. A legacy is measured in what remains standing long after the founder has stepped away, and in who it continues to serve. Jaye Camposanto Andaya has

Kevin Gundersen Says the Most Influential Business Leaders of the Next Decade Won’t Come From Traditional Media

The path to influence looks very different today than it did a generation ago. Not long ago, media power was concentrated in the hands of television executives, newspaper owners, and publishing conglomerates. Building an audience required significant capital, distribution networks, and access to platforms that were unavailable to most entrepreneurs.

Jeremiah the Tycoon Continues Building One of the Most Dominant Sports Betting Brands in the Industry

Over the last year, few names in sports betting have generated more attention, momentum, and conversation than Jeremiah the Tycoon. As the founder of Tycoon Picks, Jeremiah has rapidly transformed his platform into one of the fastest-growing sports betting communities online while building a reputation that many supporters now

From Collector to Competitor — The Evolution of Lecha Khouri

The journey from elite automotive collector to international motorsport competitor is not one many people successfully make. Yet for Lecha Khouri, the transition feels almost inevitable. For years, Khouri has become known for acquiring and curating some of the world’s rarest and most historically significant performance machines. His collection