Equity · Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Lightspeed Venture Partners has hired Claire Zao, a prominent creator on Instagram and TikTok, to focus on sourcing deals and co-hosting the firm's AI podcast. This move signals a growing trend of VC firms building in-house media operations to connect with a broader audience of potential founders.
“Lightspeed venture partners just made a notable hire to do exactly that. Bringing on Clair Zao, a seed investor from a major following across Instagram and TikTok to source deals and co-host the firm's AI podcast, Lightwork, alongside CMO Josh Matches.”
“Well, actually I got an Instagram DM from Josh. Or actually, was it TikTok or Instagram? I think it was Instagram. Yeah, I feel like TikTok DMs are harder. Yes, yeah. I might be the only VC hire that has come from an Instagram DM, which is interesting.”
“It's undeniable, right? Like, I feel like Claire took over my Instagram feed and mostly TikTok. I feel like TikTok is my feeder for discovering new creators. And when I saw her content, I just actually thought she was a good Instagram, like a good creator.”