Work-Bench Raises $160M to Supercharge NYC Enterprise Startups

Imagine trying to build the next big tech company—and you’ve got the right idea, the passion, and the team. But there’s one thing missing: funding. That’s where venture capital firms step in. And in New York City, one of those key players, Work-Bench, just made a big move that could change the game for early-stage enterprise startups.

What Is Work-Bench, and Why Does Their $160M Raise Matter?

Based in the heart of Manhattan, Work-Bench is a venture capital firm with a clear mission: supporting enterprise tech startups. They zero in on companies at the early stages of development — when ideas are fresh, but cash and connections are in short supply.

With this new $160 million fund, Work-Bench is doubling down on its commitment to New York’s tech future. It’s not just about pouring money into companies. It’s about nurturing innovation, empowering founders, and helping “boring” but impactful business technology thrive.

What Exactly Is Enterprise Tech?

Let’s break that down for a moment. “Enterprise tech” might sound complicated, but it really just means technology designed for businesses, not for everyday consumers like you and me. Think:

• Cybersecurity tools that keep companies safe
• Cloud software that helps teams manage data
• AI platforms that streamline business operations

These tools might not be flashy, but they are critical. Every major business, from banks to hospitals, relies on enterprise software to run smoothly. And building this kind of tech is what Work-Bench’s portfolio companies do best.

Rooted in NYC — and Proud of It

Unlike many venture firms that spread their money across the globe or pack up for Silicon Valley, Work-Bench is proudly New York-centric. They’ve always had a laser focus on startups that are based in or deeply tied to NYC.

Why? Because New York is home to thousands of enterprise customers — Fortune 500 companies in finance, healthcare, media, and more. That means startups get the rare opportunity to test (and sell) their software to potential clients right in their own backyard.

A Track Record of Success

This isn’t Work-Bench’s first rodeo. Since launching in 2013, they’ve:

• Backed startups like Catalyst (customer success platforms), Socure (identity verification), and FireHydrant (incident response management)
• Hosted an extensive enterprise tech community with events, panels, and mentorship
• Stayed true to investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups

With this new fund—their third and largest yet—Work-Bench is ready to fuel even more innovation and create lasting impact.

Women-Led and Breaking Barriers

Here’s something else that makes Work-Bench stand out: their leadership team is made up entirely of women. Led by General Partner Jessica Lin and the recently promoted General Partner Kelly Ryan, this team is rewriting the rules in an industry often dominated by male voices.

They bring a fresh perspective to investing—and that may just be one of their secret weapons. Lin and Ryan say they’re laser-focused on industry pain points. Translation? They’re not just investing in cool gadgets; they’re solving real-world problems that businesses face every day.

What This Means for NYC Founders

If you’re a startup builder in New York City, this is great news. A fresh $160 million means more opportunities to:

• Raise money when you’re just starting out
• Get advice from experienced investors who care about your success
• Tap into a powerful network of partners, advisors, and other founders
• Grow without having to leave NYC for the West Coast

In a world where funding can often feel like a locked door, Work-Bench is giving NYC founders a key.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Work-Bench?

So what do they plan to do with all that cash? According to the firm, it’s all about doubling down on what they know best — finding talented founders, helping them build, and connecting them with enterprise customers in New York and beyond.

They’re sticking to their original playbook, backing 10 to 12 startups per year, offering checks between $1 million and $3 million. But the difference now is they have more room to support those companies over the long haul.

“We’re not tourists,” said Lin in a recent interview. “We’re committed to this city and the startups that keep it moving.”

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line: Work-Bench is betting big on New York—and that’s a win not just for enterprise startups, but for the entire ecosystem. More funding means more innovation. More chances for founders to grow. And more fuel for the future of technology that powers the businesses we all rely on.

Whether you’re a founder, tech enthusiast, or just curious about how venture capital shapes the world around us, Work-Bench’s latest move shows that tech isn’t just surviving in New York — it’s thriving.

Are You Building the Next Big Thing?

If you’re working on enterprise software and dreaming of turning your startup into a success story, keep Work-Bench on your radar. Their fresh fund might just be the launchpad you’ve been looking for.

Who knows? You could be the next big name in enterprise tech — and your journey could start right here in the city that never sleeps.