More good news for New York startups: Lerer Hippeau raised another $200M

Tech Crunch - Apr 9th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

New York-based venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau announced the closing of its ninth fund, valued at $200 million, marking an increase from its previous $140 million fund. With this addition, the firm now manages $1.4 billion in assets. Over the years, Lerer Hippeau has invested in a variety of startups that have gained significant recognition, such as Allbirds, Axios, and Warby Parker. The firm's leadership includes Andrea Hippeau and Ben Lerer, both of whom continue the family legacy in venture capital. This new fund aims to further enhance Lerer Hippeau's investment capacity, particularly in the New York startup scene.

The announcement comes in the context of other major New York-based venture capital firms expanding their resources. Earlier this year, Insight Partners raised $12.5 billion, and Thrive Capital secured $5 billion in August 2024. These developments not only highlight the growing financial muscle of New York's venture capital firms but also underscore the vibrant ecosystem supporting both local and global startups. Although these firms invest widely, their substantial funds significantly energize the New York entrepreneurial landscape, providing a competitive edge in the global market.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely report on Lerer Hippeau's recent fund closure, supported by credible sources and accurate information. It effectively highlights the firm's growth and influence within the New York startup ecosystem. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, including potential challenges or criticisms. While it is engaging for those interested in venture capital, its appeal to a broader audience is limited. The article's clarity and readability are strong, but its impact on public opinion or policy is likely minimal. Overall, the article is a well-structured and informative piece that could be enhanced by additional transparency and diverse viewpoints.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports the closure of Lerer Hippeau's ninth fund at $200 million, a claim supported by multiple sources. It also correctly states that this fund is larger than the eighth, which closed at $140 million. The total assets under management, reported as $1.4 billion, are confirmed by additional sources. The article lists several companies backed by Lerer Hippeau, such as Allbirds and Warby Parker, which aligns with the firm's known portfolio. However, the claims about Insight Partners and Thrive Capital's fundraising efforts require further verification, as the specific amounts raised were not corroborated by the sources available. Overall, the article is mostly accurate, but it could benefit from additional verification on some points.

7
Balance

The article presents a focused view on Lerer Hippeau's achievements and its impact on the New York startup ecosystem. It provides a positive portrayal of the firm's growth and influence, mentioning key figures within the company. However, it lacks perspectives from industry analysts or competitors that could provide a more balanced view. The mention of other VC firms like Insight Partners and Thrive Capital adds some context but remains superficial. The article could improve balance by including potential challenges or criticisms faced by Lerer Hippeau or the broader venture capital landscape.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the key points. The language is clear and concise, making it accessible to a general audience. The use of specific figures and company names helps to convey the information effectively. The article maintains a neutral tone, avoiding overly technical jargon or biased language, which contributes to its clarity and readability.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources for its information, including statements directly attributed to Lerer Hippeau and other reputable publications. The use of direct claims from the firm enhances the reliability of the content. However, the article does not cite specific interviews or expert opinions, which could strengthen its authority. The inclusion of financial figures and company information suggests a reliance on trustworthy data, but the article would benefit from a wider range of sources to validate the claims about other venture capital firms.

6
Transparency

The article provides clear information about Lerer Hippeau's fund closure and its implications for the New York startup ecosystem. However, it lacks transparency regarding the sources of some claims, particularly those about other VC firms' fundraising activities. The article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the methodology used to gather information. Including more background on the sources and the process of obtaining the data would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250408846322/en/Lerer-Hippeau-Closes-$200M-for-Ninth-Seed-Fund
  2. https://20fix.com
  3. https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/09/more-good-news-for-new-york-startups-lerer-hippeau-raised-another-200m/
  4. https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/lerer-hippeau-200-million-vc-fund