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David Lerner is a Venture Partner at RTP Ventures based in New York City, where he focuses on sourcing and advising early-stage enterprise software and technology infrastructure startups. Before joining the firm in 2023, he served as a General Partner at Hertzel Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship at Columbia University. Throughout his career, Lerner has built a personal angel investment portfolio of over 50 early-stage companies and backed more than 20 startups at RTP Ventures, achieving several notable portfolio exits to acquirers such as IBM. He recently led an investment in the artificial intelligence security startup Cyera in the first quarter of 2025 and frequently speaks at major industry events like TechCrunch Disrupt. Holding an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business, his current focus remains on advancing B2B technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
David Lerner is a distinguished Venture Partner at RTP Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm known for its strategic investments in groundbreaking technology companies. In his pivotal role, David leverages a wealth of operational experience to identify, evaluate, and support innovative startups poised for significant growth. His work at RTP Ventures is instrumental in shaping the future of the firm's diverse portfolio, particularly within the dynamic sectors of B2B software, fintech, developer tools, and advanced AI/ML applications.
At RTP Ventures, David Lerner's investment focus is deeply rooted in identifying companies with strong product-market fit and scalable business models. He is particularly interested in early-stage ventures that are disrupting traditional industries or creating entirely new markets through technological innovation. His keen eye for potential, combined with a hands-on approach, makes him an invaluable asset to the founders and teams he works with. David provides strategic guidance on product development, market entry, and scaling operations, drawing directly from his own extensive career in the technology sector.
Prior to joining RTP Ventures, David Lerner built a robust career marked by significant leadership and product management roles within high-growth technology companies. His background includes serving as a Vice President of Product Management at LivePerson, a leading conversational AI company, where he was responsible for driving product strategy and execution. This operational foundation has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies. He has firsthand experience in bringing complex products to market, scaling user bases, and building high-performing teams, all of which he now imparts to RTP Ventures' portfolio companies.
David's unique blend of operational expertise and venture capital acumen allows him to offer practical, actionable advice that resonates with entrepreneurs. While specific individual investments are often a collaborative effort at RTP Ventures, David plays a critical role in supporting the firm's overall investment thesis and contributing to the success of its portfolio. He is dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation and growth, helping founders navigate the complexities of fundraising, talent acquisition, and market expansion. His commitment ensures that RTP Ventures continues to back and build the next generation of industry leaders. Through his strategic insights and mentorship, David Lerner reinforces RTP Ventures' reputation as a supportive and forward-thinking partner for technology startups.
David Lerner is a Venture Partner at RTP Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is known for leveraging his extensive operational and product management background to identify and support promising technology startups.
David Lerner, through RTP Ventures, focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in areas such as B2B software, fintech, developer tools, and AI/ML. He seeks disruptive innovations with strong product-market fit.
David Lerner works as a Venture Partner at RTP Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm. RTP Ventures is headquartered in New York City, with a global investment reach.
