H/L Ventures

H/L Ventures is a New York City-based venture firm and studio that builds high-growth, mission-driven companies focused on protecting people and the planet, with a preference for diverse founding teams. The firm pioneered the venture studio model in 2009, actively co-building portfolio companies beyond just funding, and currently operates with 21-50 employees, generating an estimated annual revenue of $3.5 million and an estimated valuation of $11.3 million. It utilizes a proprietary Daily Active Engagement model to provide holistic support from early stage to exit, targeting sectors such as B2B, Consumer, Healthcare, and FinTech. Key personnel involved in the firm's operations include Natalie Bruss, Andrea Cross, Cory Sullivan, and Lisa Benson. H/L Ventures was founded in 2009 by Oliver Libby and Eric Hatzimemos.

High-Level Overview

H/L Ventures is a venture capital firm and company-building ecosystem that specializes in investing in and actively supporting early-stage, mission-driven startups at the intersection of growth, impact, and diversity. Their mission centers on helping founders build inspiring and valuable companies from inception to exit, emphasizing sustainable business models and diverse founding teams, including underrepresented minorities by gender, ethnicity, economic background, LGBTQ+ status, and military service. H/L Ventures goes beyond traditional funding by providing daily active engagement and operational support to increase the chances of success for their portfolio companies. This hands-on approach distinguishes them in the venture capital landscape, fostering startups that solve real problems with measurable impact[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Founded in 2009, H/L Ventures was among the earliest modern venture studios focused on company-building with a purpose-driven approach. The firm was co-founded by Oliver Libby and others who envisioned a new model of venture capital that integrates daily active involvement with portfolio companies rather than passive investment. Over time, H/L Ventures expanded its ecosystem to include multiple funds such as H/L Studio and CityRock Ventures, covering investments from seed through Series B stages. Key partners include Oliver Libby and General Partner Galina Ozgur, who has been instrumental in developing the firm’s managed services and product stack to support founders effectively. The firm’s evolution reflects a commitment to diversity, impact, and growth, carving a unique niche in venture capital by combining funding with operational partnership[2][3][6].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: H/L Ventures practices *daily active engagement* with portfolio companies, involving weekly calls and continuous support from a broad team including venture partners and advisors.
• Focus on Diversity and Impact: They prioritize investments in diverse founding teams and companies that address meaningful social or environmental problems.
• Company-Building Ecosystem: Beyond capital, they provide hands-on operational support, including executive search, brand strategy, and product development assistance.
• Track Record: Since 2009, they have invested in over 30 early-stage companies, with a portfolio that spans multiple sectors and includes successful exits.
• Network Strength: Their ecosystem includes a wide network of service providers and experts who actively collaborate with founders to solve challenges in real-time[2][3][6].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

H/L Ventures rides the growing trend of purpose-driven investing and inclusive entrepreneurship, recognizing that diverse teams and impact-focused companies tend to outperform in the long term. The timing is critical as the venture capital industry shifts away from purely financial metrics toward sustainable and equitable growth models. Market forces such as increasing demand for social impact, diversity in tech, and founder support beyond capital align well with H/L’s philosophy. By actively co-building companies, H/L Ventures influences the broader ecosystem by demonstrating that hands-on, founder-centric venture capital can yield better outcomes and foster innovation in underrepresented communities[1][2][3].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, H/L Ventures is likely to deepen its company-building ecosystem, expanding its managed services and operational support to further differentiate itself from traditional VCs. Trends such as increased emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and founder support models will shape their journey. Their influence may grow as more investors and startups seek venture partners who provide more than just capital—partners who actively help navigate the complexities of early-stage growth. H/L Ventures’ commitment to daily engagement and impact-driven investing positions them well to continue shaping a more inclusive and sustainable venture capital landscape[2][3][6].