The upcoming group of financiers in New York City is already leaving their imprint in the Big Apple. 

They hail from renowned venture companies such as Female Founders Fund and Lerer Hippeau, as well as smaller ones like Chai Ventures. They operate in areas like expansion, consumer, and healthcare. During weekends, they enjoy canoeing, hiking, and playing pickleball. We conversed with several youthful investors — imagine, under 30 — who are aiding in sculpting the trajectory of venture capitalism within New York City. 

Presently, here’s who is on the roster.

(This list will be modified regularly.)

Layla Alexander — Female Founders Fund

Background: At 25, Alexander initiated her journey into the sector via an internship with Cleo Capital and Harlem Capital, prior to joining FFF as an investor in 2022. 

Why this VC is notable: She is enthusiastic about the care economy, corporate climate tech, and healthcare (all very trending — and profitable — domains currently). Her firm’s portfolio comprises the astrology application Co-Star and model Winnie Harlow’s Cay Skin. 

Fun facts and interests: Her pastimes encompass running, reading, sauna visits, and Pilates. She seeks founders who possess profound market knowledge, maintain user engagement, and carry out research indicating their enterprises can grow. 

Talia Askowitz — Deerfield Management 

Background: At 26, Askowitz is a principal at Deerfield Management, becoming the firm’s youngest partner at merely 25, according to Forbes. Previously, she worked at AMC Health as a business intelligence intern and volunteered as a research assistant at Mount Sinai Health Systems. 

Why this VC is notable: She secured a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025 and, as stated by the publication, has aided in deploying over $500 million in capital.

Fun facts and interests: While at Mount Sinai Health Systems, she co-authored three papers. 

Lori Berenberg — Bloomberg Beta 

Background: Berenberg, at 29, held technical and product management roles after college until catching Bloomberg Beta’s attention. Switching from product management to venture capital was a gamble, but she claims her background offers her a distinctive perspective when assessing startups, enabling her to “bridge the gap between technical innovation and go-to-market,” she shared with TechCrunch.

Why this VC is notable: A feature she spearheaded while serving as a product manager at MongoDB is now approaching a patent. 

Fun facts and interests: Her leisure activities include needlepoint and collecting vintage fashion. She aims to support companies with the potential to transcend greatness. “It needs a chance at being extraordinary.”

Alex Chung — Chai Ventures

Background: At 26, Chung ventured into the industry thanks to her mentor, Serena Dayal, a partner at the SoftBank Vision Fund, who offered guidance on navigating the ecosystem. “Most importantly, she instilled confidence in me,” Chung confided to TechCrunch. 

Why this VC is notable: She has a keen interest in women’s health, seeing it as an area rich with potential as the sector — and its demand for innovation — gains national prominence. 

Fun facts and interests: Her interests involve running, racquet sports, and needlepointing.

Besart Çopa — Antler

Background: Çopa, aged 27, joined Antler this year. He formerly interned at a16z, subsequently founding Chestr, an online shopping platform. Following the company’s closure, he joined Antler. He contemplated founding another startup but felt he lacked a passionate idea, hence opted to help others who possessed one. 

Why this VC is notable: He transitioned from founder to principal investor in one of the most sought-after accelerator programs. “If I hadn’t endured the challenges myself, I would have found it difficult to truly empathize with the journeys of the founders I support.” 

Fun facts and interests: He opposes the industry’s fixation on young founders. “Let teenagers be teenagers,” he remarked. “Experience love. Gaze at the stars. You can still build on the side. If there’s an idea you believe must exist, pursue it. Otherwise, a B2B SaaS [company] can be started later.” 

His hobbies involve reading historical works and painting. As an investor focusing on early-stage ventures, he adopts a founder-centric methodology in investing, seeking individuals who are developing specialized solutions for specific user challenges. “The more specialized, the better!”

Ethan Daly — Shine Capital 

Trayectoria: Daly, de 27 años, comenzó en la banca de inversión antes de unirse a Shine, donde ha estado durante los últimos cuatro años. Actualmente, es socio en la firma. 

Por qué este VC es destacado: Recientemente fue ascendido a socio en Shine. 

Datos curiosos e intereses: La cartera de Shine Capital incluye al colectivo de coleccionistas Flamingo y la plataforma de trabajo Notion. 

George Easley — Outsiders Fund

Trayectoria: Easley, de 29 años, se integró a Outsiders Fund en 2021 y ahora es un principal en el fondo donde contribuye a liderar inversiones en ámbitos como IA y robótica. Anteriormente estuve como analista senior en ICONIQ Capital, además de haber desempeñado roles de asociado y analista en Bridgewater y Brownson, Rehmus & Foxworth, respectivamente. 

Por qué este VC es destacado: Formó parte de la lista Forbes 30 under 30 para 2025 y, según Forbes, ha ayudado a invertir más de $25 millones en empresas como Breedr y Cercle. 

Datos Curiosos e Intereses: Según su LinkedIn, cursó estudios de historia y geografía en Dartmouth, donde practicó tanto tenis como tenis de mesa. 

Marina Girgis — Precursor VC

Trayectoria: Girgis, con 29 años, inicialmente en el sector financiero, investigando datos y semiconductores. Amaba descubrir tecnología emergente pero mencionó que deseaba influir más directamente en las compañías que investigaba, por lo que cambió de enfoque y se ha vuelto bastante optimista al invertir en compañías en la etapa pre-semilla. 

“Elegí convertirme en generalista e invertir en las etapas más tempranas posibles, empresas en etapa de idea, de modo que pudiera conocer a las personas tras las empresas y presenciar su transformación desde el inicio,” comentó a TechCrunch. 

Por qué este VC es destacado: Conocida por su destreza en seleccionar empresas pre-semilla, como la startup de seguridad de IA Edera, y por moverse rápidamente para hacer que el proceso de inversión de extremo a extremo se sienta fluido. 

Datos curiosos e intereses: Sus hobbies externos incluyen hacer rompecabezas y leer misterios de asesinato. Algo que le gustaría cambiar en la industria es el pensamiento rígido respecto al tipo de fundadores a respaldar. “No hay reglas estrictas en el capital de riesgo,” declaró, añadiendo que cualquiera puede fracasar independientemente de su trasfondo. “Deberías aprender de tus experiencias pasadas como inversor, pero mi esperanza es mantenerme de mente abierta.” 

Laura Hamilton — Notable Capital

Trayectoria: Hamilton, con 26 años, ha sido inversora en Notable Capital desde 2023. Comenzó en la industria enviando muchos correos electrónicos en frío y realizando llamadas frías a exalumnos. Consiguió su primer trabajo en VC aplicando al azar en LinkedIn, “demostrando que la estrategia de esfuerzo da resultados,” mencionó a TechCrunch. 

Por qué este VC es destacado: En Notable, está centrada en datos, infraestructura en la nube, herramientas para desarrolladores y ciberseguridad. “En este momento, estoy especialmente interesada en la infraestructura de agentes,” y está buscando respaldar a más fundadores con profunda pasión y propósito. 

Datos curiosos e intereses:  Sus pasatiempos incluyen la conducción de un podcast llamado Partner Path, donde explora las historias de éxito de inversores y fundadores en ascenso. También ayuda a dirigir FemBuild Collective, una comunidad para ingenieras y fundadoras técnicas en la Ciudad. 

Emily Herrera — Slow Ventures

Antecedentes: Con 25 años, Herrera invierte en Slow Ventures, cuyos proyectos incluyen el servicio de entrega Postmates, la marca de calzado Birdies y la aplicación social Citizen. Antes trabajaba en Night Ventures y se especializa en inversiones de consumo y la economía del creador.

Razón por la cual este VC es sobresaliente: Su enfoque innovador hacia la inversión en la economía del creador surgió mientras otros aún estaban reflexionando sobre su impacto en el sector.

Datos curiosos e intereses: Posee una experiencia rica en capital de riesgo, habiendo realizado prácticas en lugares como Harlem Capital y Dorm Room Fund. Fast Company la describió como una de las “inversoras de economía de creadores más astutas” en 2022 por su trabajo en Night Ventures, que respaldó empresas como la plataforma de marketing de influencers Pearpop y la aplicación NFT Zora.

Bryce Johnson — Primary Venture Partners

Antecedentes: Johnson, de 25 años, trabajó un tiempo en software y producto en Big Tech. Un año escuchó a Josh Wolfe de Lux Capital hablar en un evento y quedó fascinado por la idea de invertir en etapas tempranas. Cambió su carrera hacia la consultoría de gestión y utilizó esa red para conseguir un puesto de analista en Primary.

Razón por la cual este VC es sobresaliente: Siendo uno de los pocos junior VCs en su empresa, es conocido por promover la diversidad dentro del capital de riesgo.

Datos curiosos e intereses: Ama la música clásica y recorrió el sudeste asiático con mochila el verano pasado. En su trabajo, se enfoca en la tecnología, salud, tech para pequeñas empresas y SaaS vertical.

Bradford Jones — SignalFire 

Antecedentes: A sus 28 años, Bradford es un principal en SignalFire. Previamente, fue inversionista en Insight Partners.

Razón por la cual este VC es sobresaliente: Hizo entrada en la lista de Forbes 30 under 30 en 2025 y, según Forbes, lidera la oficina de SignalFire en NYC, centrándose en la intersección de AI aplicada y SaaS, ayudando a liderar inversiones en empresas como Tofy y Shade.
 
Datos curiosos e intereses: Según su perfil de Linkedin, jugó al fútbol D-1 en la Universidad de Michigan

Will McKelvey — Lerer Hippeau

Antecedentes: Mientras estudiaba en UC Berkeley, McKelvey, de 29 años, se asoció con algunos compañeros para recaudar un fondo y empezar a apoyar startups. Al graduarse, se mudó a Nueva York y se unió a Lerer Hippeau.

Razón por la cual este VC es sobresaliente: Lanzó un fondo de capital de riesgo estudiantil en Berkeley que aún sigue haciendo inversiones.

Datos curiosos e intereses: Algo que le gustaría modificar en la industria es la cantidad de ego y arrogancia que persisten, lo cual puede hacer que los inversores pierdan oportunidades y talento. “Muchos VCs siempre han sido los mejores estudiantes, asistieron a las escuelas prestigiosas y consiguieron el trabajo prestigioso, por lo que llevan erróneamente esa actitud a este rol”, continuó explicando. “Esta industria podría utilizar una gran dosis de humildad.”

Sus pasatiempos incluyen el softball, el baloncesto y el voleibol de playa. Le interesa conocer dos cosas de los fundadores que le presentan sus proyectos. “¿Cuál es el conocimiento que tienes que todos los demás desconocen y cómo lo descubriste?” comentó. “¿Qué te motiva a emprender el enorme esfuerzo de construir una empresa desde cero?”

Mason Murray — NEA 

Antecedentes: Con 28 años, Murray se unió a la firma tras una breve carrera en la banca de inversión. Principalmente es un generalista, pero se concentra en empresas de software que venden tanto a consumidores como a negocios.

Razón por la cual este VC es sobresaliente: Sin ser solicitado, tres personas en esta lista pidieron asegurarse de que se le incluyera. De acuerdo con el sitio web de NEA, ha realizado seis inversiones, incluidas en la compañía de boletines beehiiv y en AI video compañía Tweleve Labs.

Datos curiosos e intereses: Se unió a la empresa después de una breve carrera en banca de inversión. Es mayormente generalista pero se enfoca en compañías de software que venden a consumidores o empresas.

Tiene confianza en AI y no le importaría ver a más fundadores de AI acercándose a Nueva

In New York, “We’ve got remarkable talent, committed clients, financial backing, and outstanding educational institutions,” he expressed to TechCrunch. “I am optimistic about New York.”

In his personal world, he enjoys various hobbies such as collecting, making music, singing, and experimenting in the kitchen. Professionally, he seeks entrepreneurs with a distinct concept on how to transform the globe, “integrated with a detailed strategy on reaching that goal.”

Zehra Naqvi — Headline Ventures

Background: Naqvi, aged 25, had experience with consumer startups before officially joining as an investor at Headline last year.

Why this VC is notable: She is well-regarded for her celebrated venture capital newsletter No GPs Allowed, which connects investors across New York. 

Fun facts and interests: Enjoying her role as an investor, she asserts even though the consumer sector is down currently, “historically, there’s no better time to invest heavily in the emerging consumer market,” she shared with TechCrunch. “Be unorthodox.”

Her pastimes include visiting art exhibits, exploring new places, playing tennis, and enjoying films (she’s an AMC Stubs member). She is scouting for founders in the consumer field, covering both technology and consumer packaged goods, from pre-seed to Series A stages. 

David Ongchoco — Comma Capital

Background: Ongchoco, 28 years old, holds a background in tech, sales, and investment, having worked at Dorm Room Fund, interned with Learn Capital, and operated in sales and growth at Amplitude and Rutter.

Why this VC is notable: Ongchoco co-established Comma Capital, which focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments.

Fun facts and interests: He, along with his co-founder Adarsh Bhatt, achieved recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for their venture capital endeavors. Comma has supported over 50 companies, some acquired by the likes of Stripe and Airtable.

Will Robbins — Contrary

Background: Robbins, age 27, holds the position of general partner at Contrary. His LinkedIn indicates experience working with multiple tech companies in machine learning and various roles at startups.

Why this VC is notable: He earned a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2025, noted for his role in lifting four funds amassing millions. Noteworthy investments encompass the unicorn Zepto and Alloy Automation.

Fun Facts and Interests: Forbes also mentions his efforts in creating startup opportunities for underrepresented youth.

Michael Shephard — Insight Partners

Background: Shephard, 29, serves as a principal at Insight Partners. Previously, he held positions at iCapital Network and Levine Leitchman Capital Partners.

Why this VC is notable: Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025, he advanced from intern at Insight Partners to principal, concentrating on SaaS in Europe and North America, with investments like Kabal and Colab.

Fun facts and interests: His LinkedIn profile mentions he established Lagom.io, a startup that designs browser homepages.

Alexandra Sukin — Bessemer Venture Partners

Background: Sukin, 27, embarked on her career at Harvard, contributing to diverse on-campus activities like Harvard Ventures and co-founding the VC firm Contrary Capital. Post-graduation, she joined Bessemer.

Why this VC is notable: She holds the title of vice president at Bessemer, with investments such as Truebill, a fintech (purchased by Rocket Technologies), and enterprise firms Unito, Rewind, and Contractbook.

Fun facts and interests: Among her leisure activities are hiking and skiing, and she cherishes time spent out West, given her father’s family roots in Montana and Colorado. “Though I’m heavily involved in vertical and SMB software investments, AI’s potential to propel a wave of consumer enterprises excites me,” she remarked.

Mark Xu — Lightspeed Venture Partners

Background:Xu, at the age of 24, stands as a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. His portfolio, according to his LinkedIn profile, features Glean, Stripe, Wiz, and Anduril. 

Reason this VC stands out: Gained recognition for being one of the youngest individuals ever elevated to the role of partner at Lightspeed Ventures. 

Interesting facts and hobbies: Prior to enrolling at Harvard University to pursue mathematics, he attended the Juilliard School for his violin studies. His career included roles in business development and investment banking before his tenure at Lightspeed Ventures. 

Claire Zau — GSV Ventures

Profile: Zau, aged 27, ranks among the youngest investors to achieve partner status at GSV, playing a pivotal role in steering AI investments, as highlighted by Forbes. Her earlier experience includes internships at Red & Blue Ventures, Julius Bear, and Baring Private Equity Asia. 

Reason this VC stands out: She was recognized in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for 2025, with investments encompassing Pace AI, Magic School, and Paloma. 

Interesting facts and hobbies: She authors an AI-focused newsletter titled “GSV: AI & Education,” which boasts over 6,000 subscribers.

Vincent Zhu — General Catalyst 

Profile: Zhu, a 25-year-old investor in the early stages at General Catalyst, expresses a passion for collaborating with founders who are innovating for the generation native to digital environments, as per his LinkedIn page. 

Reason this VC stands out: He’s crafted a reputation in the area, organizing events and aiding founders with connections. 

Interesting facts and hobbies: Following his collegiate studies, he began his career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs before transitioning to General Catalyst two years prior. The firm’s portfolio lists Stripe, Canva, and Warby Parker. 

This article has been amended to include the latest investments by Mason Murray.