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Learn which startups Work-Bench invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. Jonathan Lehr).
Work-Bench is NYC's go-to seed fund for founders with enterprise ambitions, focusing on early-stage investments in enterprise, SaaS, and infrastructure software.
Key people at Work-Bench.
Work-Bench was founded in 2013 by Sean Smith (Founder).
Work-Bench is a New York City-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in enterprise software startups, particularly those building in AI, cybersecurity, developer tools, and infrastructure. Their mission centers on backing gritty, conviction-driven founders with enterprise ambitions, emphasizing go-to-market (GTM) strategies as a key competitive moat. The firm supports seed-stage companies with check sizes typically ranging from $2 million to $10 million and has a strong track record of investing in high-growth startups like Spring Health and Socure, both unicorns. Work-Bench plays a significant role in the NYC startup ecosystem by fostering a community rich with talent and enterprise customers, helping founders scale their businesses through deep operational support and connections to strategic enterprise clients[1][2][3].
Founded in 2013 by Jonathan Lehr and Jessica Lin, Work-Bench has evolved with a disciplined, thesis-driven investment approach that focuses on enterprise software startups in New York City. The firm has steadily grown its funds, recently raising $160 million for its fourth fund to continue backing seed-stage founders. This evolution reflects a commitment to staying focused on enterprise SaaS and infrastructure while adapting to emerging trends like AI and cybersecurity. Early traction came from building a strong local network and investing in companies that have since achieved significant valuations, reinforcing their reputation as NYC’s go-to seed fund for enterprise startups[1][2][4].
Work-Bench rides the rising trend of enterprise software innovation, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and developer tools, sectors experiencing rapid growth due to increasing digital transformation and security demands. The timing is favorable as enterprises seek advanced software solutions to improve efficiency and security, creating a robust market for startups in these areas. By concentrating on NYC, Work-Bench leverages the city’s unique blend of financial services, media, and technology companies, influencing the broader ecosystem by nurturing local talent and fostering enterprise innovation outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley[1][2][4][5].
Looking ahead, Work-Bench is poised to deepen its impact by continuing to invest in cutting-edge enterprise startups, especially those leveraging AI and cybersecurity advancements. The firm’s focus on GTM excellence and community-building will likely enhance its portfolio companies’ chances of scaling successfully. As enterprise software continues to evolve rapidly, Work-Bench’s disciplined approach and strong NYC network position it well to capitalize on emerging trends and maintain its influence as a leading seed investor in the enterprise space. Their continued success will likely reinforce New York City’s status as a major hub for enterprise innovation[1][2][3].
Work-Bench was founded in 2013 by Sean Smith (Founder).
Key people at Work-Bench.
