VC Victor Lazarte Departs Benchmark to Start New Firm
Victor Lazarte, a prominent venture capitalist, is leaving Benchmark to establish his own firm. This move marks a significant shift in the venture capital landscape, as Lazarte has built a strong reputation during his time at Benchmark. His departure signals new opportunities and potential disruption in the tech investment world.
Lazarte’s Tenure at Benchmark
At Benchmark, Victor Lazarte has significantly influenced several high‑profile investments. As a General Partner, he leverages his deep operational experience to identify and support standout founders in areas like AI, gaming, and fintech. His expertise helped drive Benchmark’s lead investments in startups such as HeyGen and Mercor, underscoring his sharp eye for high growth opportunities.
Before joining the firm in mid‑2023, Lazarte built Wildlife Studios into a major mobile gaming company in Latin America. The company reached a valuation of nearly $3 billion. That track record gave Benchmark the confidence to make an exception. It led a $60 million Series A for Wildlife, despite the company’s later‑stage status at the time.
Strategic Playbook & Thought Leadership
Lazarte’s investing framework highlights speed of growth and business durability. For instance, he helped Benchmark invest early in Mercor, which saw a 100× revenue ramp to a $75 million run rate within nine months. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of durable business models that can survive successive AI model upgrades.
He also stresses founder traits such as open‑mindedness balanced with constructive disagreement qualities he looks for when leading deals. His founder‑first mindset and judgment shaped Benchmark’s recent expansions into AI‑focused areas. Podwise
Launching a New Venture
Lazarte’s decision to launch his own firm reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to forge his own path in the venture capital industry. As a result, this new venture will likely focus on early-stage investments in innovative technology companies.
Potential Investment Focus
While the specific investment focus of Lazarte’s new firm remains to be seen, industry analysts speculate that it will concentrate on areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain Technology
- Emerging Technologies
Impact on the Venture Capital Industry
Lazarte’s departure and the launch of his new firm could have a ripple effect on the venture capital industry. It may lead to increased competition for deals and a renewed focus on supporting early-stage startups. This move is watched closely by investors and entrepreneurs alike.
