Eli Conniff

Partner. Menlo Park. Growth.

As a Partner on Lightspeed’s Growth team, Eli focuses on working with founders at the inflection point between strong early traction and durable scale. He brings a customer-first mindset and a deep appreciation for operational excellence, qualities that define his approach to partnering at the growth stage.

Prior to Lightspeed, Eli spent four years at Insight Partners in New York, where he partnered with software companies navigating critical growth milestones. He was drawn to Lightspeed by the firm’s reputation for high conviction, long-term partnerships, and its global ambition to back generational companies.

Eli’s path into venture began early. While studying at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he joined Dorm Room Fund, where he invested in student-founded startups. His involvement sparked a drive to partner with ambitious builders from day one, a curiosity and focus he’s continued to sharpen through his later investing experience.

He grew up in Pittsburgh, where he learned that effort and consistency were non-negotiable. Early exposure to resilience and responsibility continues to shape his approach to his work today: anchored in a high bar for execution. Outside of work, Eli stays active playing basketball and tennis, which offer both a reset and a continued outlet for competition and growth.

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