Layer Global is a newly launched venture capital firm founded in 2026 by Anton Levy, former co-president and chairman of global technology investing at General Atlantic. After nearly three decades backing category-defining tech companies, Levy stepped down in early 2025 to build a more hands-on firm focused on earlier-stage investing. Layer Global positions itself as an active partner for founders navigating what Levy describes as an AI super cycle, where speed, precision and execution matter more than ever.
Layer Global is seeking to raise $1.1 billion for its debut fund. The vehicle marks a significant first-time raise, especially for a firm shifting toward earlier-stage investing. While many spinouts from established firms opt for smaller debut funds, Layer Global is targeting institutional scale from day one. The fund is designed to invest earlier than the late-stage and growth checks Levy became known for at General Atlantic, signaling a move into Series A and Series B territory with the ability to support companies as they scale.
The $1.1 billion target suggests Layer Global intends to build concentrated positions in high-conviction companies and reserve substantial capital for follow-on rounds. Given Levy’s long-standing relationships with institutional LPs and sovereign capital from his General Atlantic tenure, the firm is expected to attract blue-chip backers comfortable with large, technology-focused funds. The core thesis centers on AI as a multi-decade platform shift, requiring investors who can help founders recruit talent, expand globally and make high-stakes decisions early.
Leadership
Layer Global is led by founder and managing partner Anton Levy, previously co-president and global technology chairman at General Atlantic. He spent 27 years at the firm backing companies such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Uber Technologies Inc..
Levy remains an advisory director at General Atlantic and also serves as an independent director at Warner Bros. Discovery Inc..
The founding team includes Zack Kaplan and Roger Gao, both formerly of General Atlantic; Daniel Lewis, previously at MSD Partners; Yury Yakubchyk, founder of Cold Start; Jeff Gelfand, previously at Centerbridge; and Arash Rebek, previously at Khosla Ventures LLC. The team blends large-scale growth equity experience with early-stage venture and operational exposure.
Investment Strategy
Layer Global aims to be an active partner rather than a passive capital provider. The firm emphasizes founder support in talent recruitment, customer expansion and strategic decision-making during periods of rapid market change.
Its positioning reflects a belief that AI-driven markets compress timelines and increase execution risk, requiring investors with pattern recognition across multiple technology cycles. The strategy likely includes leading or co-leading rounds, taking meaningful ownership stakes and supporting companies through scaling inflection points.
Notable Investments
While Layer Global is newly formed and has not yet disclosed portfolio companies, Anton Levy’s prior track record at General Atlantic includes investments in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, Uber Technologies Inc., Facebook, Slack Technologies and Snap, reflecting deep exposure to global consumer internet, marketplaces and enterprise software leaders.
Notable Exits
As a new firm, Layer Global has not yet recorded exits. However, Levy’s historical exits through General Atlantic include stakes in companies that reached public markets or major liquidity events across the US and Asia, particularly in consumer internet and enterprise technology.
Other
Layer Global is part of a broader trend of senior investors spinning out from established platforms to build focused, thesis-driven firms. Unlike many debut managers who start small, Layer is entering the market with institutional scale.
Founders can expect a partner with deep experience in global expansion, late-stage financing strategy and board governance. The firm’s AI-centric thesis signals strong interest in companies building foundational infrastructure, applied AI products and enterprise platforms shaped by machine learning advances.
United States
