{
  "id": 191713,
  "title": "How Lightspeed found its newest hire … via Instagram DM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/how-lightspeed-found-its-newest-hire-via-instagram-dm",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T20:48:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechCrunch",
    "slug": "techcrunch",
    "url": "https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/05/how-lightspeed-found-its-newest-hire-via-instagram-dm/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Earlier this year, venture firm Lightspeed announced that Claire Zau, a well-known investor and tech content creator, would be joining their team. Zau boasts over 100,000 followers on TikTok and more than 250,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares insights on the latest tech trends. Lightspeed partners Josh Machiz and Zau discussed their strategies behind their growing social media presence, their podcast Lightswork, and how their journey began with a direct message on Instagram. Zau expressed her excitement about bridging the gap between people interested in technology and accessible information, stating, \"They just don't have the facts presented to them in an accessible way. So that's hopefully the role I feel very lucky and privileged to play.\" Her role aligns with a new class of venture operators who utilize social media to reach out to a wider audience, including future founders who may later seek funding from Lightspeed. With the decline of traditional journalism due to layoffs and media consolidation, Machiz emphasized the importance of alternative platforms for startups to share their stories. He and Zau anticipate several benefits from expanding Lightspeed's media presence, such as connecting with early founders and receiving real-time feedback on investments and new technology. For instance, Zau shared her experience of receiving contrasting reactions to AI investments from different demographics on her social media posts. Machiz and Zau spoke to Equity about their future plans, hinting at the possibility of launching another podcast and even a TV show. Their ultimate goal is to serve as a resource for future founders to learn about the venture ecosystem.",
  "summary": "Lightspeed partners Josh Machiz and Claire Zau stopped by the Equity studio to talk about the strategies behind their growing social media presence and their podcast, Lightwork.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}