Rising Stars: How Young VCs in NYC Are Revolutionizing Tech and Healthcare Investments
Staff Editor New York’s Young Venture Capitalists Reshape Investment Landscape
A new wave of young investors is making significant impacts in New York City’s venture capital scene, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse interests to the industry. These up-and-coming professionals, all under 30, hail from both prominent and smaller venture firms, covering sectors ranging from growth and consumer to health and technology.
Among the notable names is Layla Alexander of Female Founders Fund, who entered the industry through internships and now focuses on the care economy, enterprise climate tech, and healthcare. Talia Askowitz, the youngest partner at Deerfield Management and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, has helped deploy over $500 million in capital.
Lori Berenberg of Bloomberg Beta transitioned from product management to venture capital, while Alex Chung of Chai Ventures concentrates on women’s health innovation. Besart Çopa, a principal investor at Antler, advocates for a founder-centric approach, drawing from his experience as a former founder.
The list also includes Ethan Daly, recently promoted to partner at Shine Capital, and George Easley, a principal at Outsiders Fund and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Marina Girgis of Precursor VC is known for her keen eye in picking promising pre-seed companies.
Laura Hamilton of Notable Capital, who entered the field through cold outreach, specializes in data, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Emily Herrera at Slow Ventures has gained recognition as a savvy investor in the creator economy.
Other rising stars include Bryce Johnson of Primary Venture Partners, who promotes diversity within VC, and Bradford Jones of SignalFire, another Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Will McKelvey of Lerer Hippeau advocates for humility in the industry, while Mason Murray of NEA is highly recommended by peers as a generalist investor.
The list continues with Zehra Naqvi of Headline Ventures, who runs a popular venture capital newsletter, and David Ongchoco, co-founder of Comma Capital and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Will Robbins, a general partner at Contrary, focuses on providing opportunities to underrepresented youth.
Michael Shepard of Insight Partners specializes in SaaS investments in Europe and North America, while Alexandra Sukin of Bessemer Venture Partners concentrates on AI and consumer companies. Mark Xu, the youngest partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, brings a unique background as a former Juilliard violinist and Harvard math student.
Rounding out the list are Claire Zau of GSV Ventures, known for her AI investments and newsletter, and Vincent Zhu of General Catalyst, recognized for hosting events and facilitating introductions in the startup ecosystem.
This dynamic group of young investors, with their diverse backgrounds and interests ranging from canoeing and hiking to playing pickleball, is set to shape the future of venture capitalism in New York City. As the industry evolves, this list of influential young investors will be updated periodically to reflect the changing landscape of venture capital in the city.
