A Recent Surge in VC Investing Moves

The venture capital world, typically known for its stability, has witnessed a wave of investor moves in recent months, with partners and general partners shifting positions, launching new firms, or taking breaks from investing. This article, originally published in May and updated in July and August, chronicles the key developments in this dynamic environment.

Why the Shift in VC Investing?

While venture capital funds traditionally have a 10-year lifecycle, making partner movements less common, recent trends suggest a shift in the landscape. This change can be attributed to several factors, including:

• Changing market conditions: The current market environment, marked by economic uncertainty and reduced funding, may prompt investors to seek new opportunities or adjust their strategies.
• Growing competition: The increasing competition in the venture capital space could lead partners to explore alternative avenues or pursue specialized investment strategies.
• Personal ambitions: Some investors may decide to pursue personal goals, such as starting their own funds or exploring different career paths, after achieving success in the venture capital industry.

Notable VC Investing Moves in 2024

TechCrunch has meticulously tracked the recent moves within the venture capital landscape, offering an inside look at the motivations and trajectories of key investors.

July 2024

• Alex Cook, a partner at Tiger Global, is set to leave the firm after nearly seven years, signaling a potential shift in the firm's investment strategy.
• Bessemer Venture Partners welcomed Lauri Moore as a partner, bringing her expertise in data, AI, and developer tools to the firm's portfolio.
• DCVC added Milo Werner as a general partner, further strengthening its climate investing practice with Werner's experience in the sector.
• Anne Lee Skates, a partner on the consumer team at Andreessen Horowitz, announced her departure to pursue her "life's work," indicating a move away from traditional VC investing.

June 2024

• Spencer Peterson joined Coatue as a general partner, bringing his expertise in investments like OpenAI and Rippling to the firm.
• Amanda "Robby" Robson announced her departure from Cowboy Ventures and plans to launch her own fund, demonstrating a growing trend of VC professionals venturing out independently.

May 2024

• Alison Stillman, founding partner of Serena Ventures, stepped back from the firm after nearly six years, signaling a potential shift in her career trajectory.
• Terri Burns, formerly the first Black woman partner at GV, launched Type Capital, a new venture firm focusing on pre-seed and seed-stage startups. This move highlights the increasing diversity and innovation within the venture capital landscape.
• Eva Ho, co-founder of Fika Ventures, announced her transition out of the firm after the current fund's deployment, citing personal reasons for the decision.
• Alison Lange Engel took on the role of CEO at Ceros, an AI-powered design company, indicating a shift from VC investing to operational leadership.
• After 15 years at Eniac Ventures, Vic Singh announced his departure to launch his own firm, marking a significant change in his investment journey.

April 2024

• Ethan Kurzweil left Bessemer Venture Partners after 16 years to launch an early-stage-focused investment firm alongside Kristina Shen (former Andreessen Horowitz partner) and Mark Goldberg (former Index Ventures partner).
• Christina Farr announced her departure from OMERS Ventures to focus on her health tech newsletter, book writing, and consulting, illustrating a potential shift in her priorities and contributions to the industry.

March 2024

• Ethan Choi, after six years at Accel, joined Khosla Ventures, bringing his expertise in growth-stage investing to the firm.
• Social Capital, led by Chamath Palihapitiya, fired partners Jay Zaveri and Ravi Tanuku, raising concerns about the firm's internal dynamics.
• Miles Grimshaw returned to Thrive Capital as a general partner after a stint at Benchmark Capital, highlighting the potential for former employees to return to their previous firms.
• Sam Blond, a partner at Founders Fund for about 18 months, decided to return to operating roles, illustrating the potential for individuals to transition between different roles within the startup ecosystem.

January 2024

• Connie Chan, after 12 years at Andreessen Horowitz, left the firm to pursue other opportunities, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of careers within the venture capital industry.

Key Takeaways

This recent surge in VC investing moves highlights the dynamic nature of the venture capital landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, investors are adapting their strategies, pursuing new opportunities, and exploring different career paths.

TechCrunch will continue to monitor these developments and provide insights into the motivations and trajectories of key investors in the coming months.