Work-Bench is a New York City-based venture capital firm founded in 2013 with a singular focus on backing seed-stage enterprise software startups. Positioned at the intersection of enterprise needs and startup innovation, Work-Bench plays an active role in helping founders scale go-to-market strategies and navigate customer acquisition within the corporate landscape. The firm has built its identity around disciplined, focused investing and deep domain expertise, particularly within New York’s rapidly growing enterprise tech scene.
Work-Bench exclusively invests in early-stage enterprise software companies, writing initial checks between $2 million and $4 million.
The firm is especially interested in startups developing AI applications, cybersecurity solutions, developer tools, and B2B enterprise infrastructure. Beyond capital, Work-Bench emphasizes a hands-on, founder-first approach, often helping startups refine product-market fit, engage with Fortune 1000 buyers, and build sustainable growth engines.
In May 2025, Work-Bench announced the close of its $160 million Fund IV, bringing fresh capital to support its ongoing commitment to New York’s enterprise tech founders.
With this fund, the firm plans to back approximately 23 to 25 companies, continuing its focused strategy of high-conviction, sector-specific investing.
The raise marks Work-Bench’s largest fund to date and was completed smoothly, a testament to the firm’s long-term consistency and measured approach amidst today’s AI-driven investment frenzy.
Work-Bench’s Fund IV remains tightly aligned with the firm’s founding thesis: invest early, support deeply, and concentrate on B2B software markets where buyer relationships and technical validation matter most.
The fund also reflects the firm’s intent to double down on the New York City ecosystem, which it believes is uniquely positioned at the convergence of talent, industry, and commercial opportunity for enterprise software innovation.
Leadership
Co-founder Jonathan Lehr and the Work-Bench team bring a blend of operator experience, enterprise partnerships, and early-stage investing insight.
The firm maintains strong ties with corporate IT buyers, helping its portfolio bridge the gap between product development and scalable enterprise adoption.
Work-Bench is widely respected for its ability to support technical founders in building category-defining companies within complex B2B markets, and for maintaining its focus and discipline over multiple market cycles.
Notable Investments
Work-Bench’s portfolio includes unicorns Spring Health and Socure, alongside a roster of promising startups across enterprise SaaS, AI, and cybersecurity.
The firm is known for identifying technical founding teams early and helping them scale within highly competitive enterprise environments.
Notable Exits
While Work-Bench maintains a long-term investment horizon, some of its earlier portfolio companies have gone on to raise significant growth rounds, reach unicorn status, or be acquired by strategic buyers.
Specific exit details have not been publicly disclosed for Fund IV as it is newly launched.
