Lightspeed Venture Partners

Innovation is all about networking and collaboration, and at its core the Lightspeed summer program fosters collaboration. We strive to create an environment in which you can network with the right people to collaborate as effectively as possible. The idea is to provide the connections, guidance and support you need so that you can transition into a professional entrepreneur.

Your team will be paired with 1 or 2 Lightspeed partners who work in your field. Your mentor will meet regularly with you and work as closely with you as the team and project require. The other partners at Lightspeed are also available for additional advice and guidance. All Lightspeed professionals are happy to put you in touch with the lawyers, entrepreneurs, CEO’s, and investors they know can help your business grow.

We have ensured that the office space fosters collaboration among the fellows, too. Set up with office equipment, scenic views, common areas, a fully-stocked kitchen, and even a shower, the space receives lavish praise from fellows. We regularly schedule events so that fellows and Lightspeed partners can spend time together outside the office, as well.

If you have questions about specific steps in the start-up process, you’ll find our (optional) series of lunch-time seminars particularly helpful. Each week portfolio company executives and functional experts—including attorneys, CFO’s, PR specialists, recruiters, and angel investors—come to the office to talk about what they do. These talks are designed to mirror the steps in the start-up process so that you make the right connections at the right time. Many of these speakers have gone on to become advisors to teams.