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New York-focused VC Work-Bench has raised a fresh $160M
Work-Bench, a New York-based VC firm, has raised $160 million for its Fund IV, focusing on early-stage investments in enterprise software. The fund aims to support companies in AI, cybersecurity, and developer tools, with investments ranging from $2M to $4M. Co-founder Jonathan Lehr noted their disciplined approach has enabled this smooth fundraising process amidst an AI boom.
Key points
- Work-Bench raises $160 million for Fund IV.
- Focus on seed-stage companies in New York City.
- Investment checks will vary between $2 million and $4 million.
- Target sectors include AI, cybersecurity, developer tools, and enterprise applications.
- The firm aims to invest in 23-25 companies through this fund.
- Jonathan Lehr attributes smooth fundraising to the firm's disciplined strategy since its 2013 inception.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI and cybersecurity investments aligns with 2025 IT trends emphasizing technological innovation and enhanced security solutions.
- Increased venture capital investment in NYC reflects a broader trend of tech hubs growing outside Silicon Valley.
- Work-Bench's success may inspire similar VCs to adopt disciplined funding strategies in response to market volatility.
Work-Bench's successful $160 million fundraising illustrates the growing confidence in NYC's tech scene and highlights the increasing focus on AI and cybersecurity investments in the current landscape.