Victor Lazarte, a General Partner at Benchmark, is leaving the prominent venture capital firm to launch his own investment venture.
Why it matters: Lazarte’s departure marks a significant shift in the venture capital landscape and highlights the dynamic nature of the startup investment ecosystem.
The details:
- Lazarte joined Benchmark as a General Partner in August 2023 and has decided to embark on a new entrepreneurial path.
- He co-founded the mobile gaming company Wildlife Studios, which was last valued at approximately $3 billion in 2020.
- During his tenure at Benchmark, Lazarte invested in several startups, including a recruiting and data labeling company, AI video intelligence platform HeyGen, and an AI infrastructure company.
Lazarte announced his departure and future plans on July 24, 2025, stating that he plans to “build a new investment practice.” He has already informed his portfolio companies about his decision to leave Benchmark.
The background: Lazarte is the second partner to leave Benchmark this year, following Sarah Tavel’s transition announced in April. The remaining partners at the firm include Peter Fenton, Eric Vishria, and Chetan Puttagunta.
What sets Benchmark apart: The firm is known for its unique structure where all general partners share fees and returns equally, unlike most venture capital firms where senior partners typically receive a larger share.
What’s next: Further details regarding Lazarte’s new venture have not yet been disclosed. The venture capital community eagerly awaits more information on this developing story and the impact it may have on the startup investment landscape.
