Victor Lazarte Leaves Benchmark to Start His Own Venture Firm
Making big moves in the venture capital world, Victor Lazarte has officially parted ways with Benchmark, one of Silicon Valley’s most prestigious investment firms. This shift is gaining attention across the startup and tech communities, as Lazarte revealed he is launching his own venture firm after a two-year stint at Benchmark. If you’ve been wondering why Lazarte is leaving Benchmark, what his next steps look like, and how this could shape the VC landscape, this article breaks it all down. We’ll explore Lazarte’s motivations, career milestones, and what this means for founders and investors alike.
Why Victor Lazarte Is Leaving Benchmark to Start His Own Firm
Victor Lazarte’s departure from Benchmark isn’t just a career change—it’s a signal. Having spent two impactful years at the firm, where he made notable investments in high-growth startups like Mercor, HeyGen, and Decart AI, Lazarte is now focused on building a venture practice of his own. According to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Lazarte shared his intention to start a new investment firm, adding that he had already informed his portfolio companies of the upcoming transition.
This move follows a pattern among high-profile venture capitalists who are seeking to build more personalized, focused investment models. Lazarte, known for co-founding Wildlife Studios—a mobile gaming powerhouse valued at $3 billion—brings both operational and investing expertise to the table. His track record with Wildlife and his more recent investments demonstrate a strong understanding of product-market fit and scalability, especially in emerging tech like artificial intelligence and infrastructure platforms. Starting a firm of his own will likely allow him to double down on these areas with greater freedom and flexibility.
Benchmark’s Structure and Recent Departures: A Shift in Strategy?
Lazarte’s exit marks the second significant departure from Benchmark this year. In April, Sarah Tavel transitioned to a venture partner role, further highlighting the fluid nature of the firm’s current leadership dynamics. Benchmark has always stood apart from other venture capital firms due to its equal partnership model. Unlike traditional structures where senior partners control a larger share of profits and influence, Benchmark operates as a flat organization. All general partners share profits and decision-making power equally, a rare setup in venture capital.
While this model fosters collaboration and shared responsibility, it can also prompt some investors to seek more control over their professional destinies. Launching a personal venture firm enables investors like Lazarte to create bespoke strategies, experiment with fund structures, and cultivate more direct relationships with LPs (limited partners). It’s a modern shift reflective of the evolving expectations within VC—where being part of an elite firm no longer carries the same gravitational pull as it once did.
What Lazarte’s New Venture Firm Could Mean for Startups and Founders
Victor Lazarte’s move to establish his own firm will undoubtedly attract attention from founders, fellow investors, and limited partners. With his proven track record in both gaming and AI startups, early-stage founders working on cutting-edge technologies may now see Lazarte’s firm as a go-to option for not just capital but also strategic guidance.
Expect Lazarte to prioritize investments in AI, gaming, and technical infrastructure—spaces where he has demonstrated both passion and success. His investment in HeyGen, an AI-powered video platform, shows a sharp eye for scalable, tech-forward consumer products. Likewise, backing Decart AI—a company focused on AI infrastructure—positions him as someone well-versed in the tools that power the next generation of applications. Founders who value hands-on support from investors with startup experience are likely to be drawn to his new venture.
The broader venture capital industry is also watching. As more high-profile investors leave established firms to launch their own, the trend signals a decentralization of influence in VC. Rather than competing with Benchmark or other top firms, Lazarte’s new company may act as a complementary player that collaborates on deals, co-leads funding rounds, or takes risks on companies that may not fit traditional investment molds.
A Bold Move That Reflects a Changing VC Landscape
Victor Lazarte’s decision to leave Benchmark and launch his own venture firm reflects both personal ambition and the changing tides of venture capital. Today’s investors are looking for more than just prestige—they want autonomy, creative freedom, and the chance to build something uniquely their own. With Lazarte’s operational know-how and investment acumen, his new firm is expected to be one of the more closely-watched launches in the venture space.
Whether you’re a startup founder, angel investor, or someone following the evolution of venture capital, Lazarte’s next chapter is worth keeping an eye on. It represents the emergence of a new generation of venture firms led by operators-turned-investors who understand what it takes to build enduring businesses from the ground up. As he sets out to write the next chapter of his professional journey, Victor Lazarte is once again betting on himself—and that could be good news for the next wave of disruptive startups.
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