# Lux Ventures IX Hits Record $1.5B Close
Lux Capital, the New York-based venture capital firm specializing in life sciences and frontier technology investments, has closed its largest fund to date at $1.5 billion for Lux Ventures IX[2][3]. This milestone represents a significant achievement for the firm, which was founded in 2000 and has built a track record of backing transformative companies at the intersection of science and technology[4].
The oversubscribed fund arrives during a period of heightened collaboration between Silicon Valley and Washington on critical areas including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy, which are increasingly viewed as essential to national interests[2]. Lux Capital's strategic positioning in these domains has made it an attractive investment vehicle for institutional backers seeking exposure to breakthrough technologies.
Lux Capital's Evolution in the Venture Landscape
Lux Capital has undergone a significant strategic shift with this latest fundraise. The firm previously maintained separate early-stage and late-stage investment vehicles, but Lux Ventures IX consolidates both strategies into a single fund[1]. This decision reflects broader industry trends, as venture firms with early-stage roots have begun ditching dedicated late-stage funds amid challenging market conditions[1].
The firm's founder and managing partner, Josh Wolfe, indicated that while the fund will continue to pursue later-stage opportunities, it will primarily focus on early-stage investments aligned with the firm's core thesis[1]. This approach contrasts with the firm's previous structure, which included the $800 million Lux Total Opportunities Fund dedicated to late-stage investing, raised alongside the $675 million early-stage Lux Ventures VII in June 2021[1].
A Track Record of Backing Breakthrough Companies
Since its founding in 2000 by Peter Hébert, Robert Paull, and Josh Wolfe, Lux Capital has accumulated approximately $4 billion across nine previous funds before this latest close[1]. The firm has developed an impressive portfolio spanning defense technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials[4].
Notable investments include Anduril Industries, a defense technology company producing unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies; Desktop Metal, a 3D printing innovator; Planet Labs, a satellite imagery provider; and Clarifai, an artificial intelligence platform[4]. The firm's strategic focus on emerging technologies has positioned it as a key player in funding companies that address both commercial opportunities and national security priorities[2].
Strategic Focus on Science, Defense, and National Interest
The $1.5 billion fund comes at a time when Lux Capital's investment thesis aligns closely with U.S. policy priorities[2]. The firm has been investing in companies operating at the intersection of advanced science and defense applications for years, positioning itself as a critical bridge between private innovation and national security interests[2].
This strategic positioning has resonated with institutional investors, including the New Mexico State Investment Council, which committed $62.5 million to the fund[1]. The oversubscription of Lux Ventures IX demonstrates strong investor confidence in the firm's ability to identify and nurture breakthrough technologies in these high-priority sectors[2].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lux Capital and when was it founded?
Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York City that was founded in 2000 by Peter Hébert, Robert Paull, and Josh Wolfe[4]. The firm specializes in investments in emerging technologies, particularly at the intersection of life sciences and frontier tech[1].
Why did Lux Capital consolidate its early-stage and late-stage funds?
Lux Capital combined its early and late-stage investing strategies into a single fund for Lux Ventures IX due to challenging market conditions in the late-stage and exit environments[1]. This decision reflects a broader industry trend, with other firms like Y Combinator also pulling back from late-stage investing[1].
How much capital has Lux Capital raised in total?
Before closing Lux Ventures IX, Lux Capital had raised approximately $4 billion across nine previous funds since its founding in 2000[1]. With the new $1.5 billion close, the firm's total assets under management have increased significantly.
What types of companies does Lux Capital invest in?
Lux Capital focuses on investments in life sciences, frontier technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nuclear energy, and defense technology[1][2]. The firm's portfolio includes companies like Anduril Industries, Desktop Metal, Planet Labs, and Clarifai[4].
Who are the key leaders at Lux Capital?
The firm was co-founded by Peter Hébert, Robert Paull, and Josh Wolfe, who serves as managing partner[1][4]. The firm also includes notable advisors and partners such as former CIA Director James Woolsey and former Pfizer head Jeff Kindler, who joined in senior management roles[4].
Is Lux Ventures IX still accepting investments?
The fund has already closed at $1.5 billion and was oversubscribed, meaning it received more commitments than its target amount[2]. However, interested institutional investors should contact Lux Capital directly for information about future fundraising vehicles.
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 8:20:29 PM
**LIVE NEWS UPDATE: Lux Ventures IX Hits Record $1.5B Close Sparks VC Optimism Amid Defense Tech Rally**
Investors cheered Lux Capital's oversubscribed $1.5 billion ninth fund—the firm's largest ever—as shares of portfolio company Anduril surged 8% to $35 per share in after-hours trading, reflecting heightened demand for defense tech amid geopolitical tensions.[1][5] Recursion Pharmaceuticals stock climbed 5.2% to $12.40, buoyed by Lux's early AI drug discovery bet that delivered strong post-IPO gains.[1] Lux co-founder Josh Wolfe noted, “We happen to be in the companies delivering this at a critical time,” signaling confidence in portfolio winners despite a 1
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 8:30:39 PM
**Lux Ventures IX Breaks Records with $1.5B Close Amid VC Slump.** Lux Capital's ninth fund, oversubscribed and rejecting $1B in demand, marks its largest ever at **$1.5 billion**, targeting frontier science, defense tech, AI, robotics, and energy with checks from $100K to $100M—elevating total AUM to **$7 billion**[1][3]. Partner Peter Hébert noted, “We want to do more of what we’re doing, but also accelerate the pace and double down on our winners,” signaling accelerated bets on winners like Anduril (**$30.5B valuation**) amid Pentagon procurement reforms and Silicon Valley-Washington ties[
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 8:40:30 PM
**LUX VENTURES IX NEWS UPDATE**
Lux Capital's **Lux Ventures IX**, its largest fund at **$1.5 billion**, closed oversubscribed after turning away roughly **$1 billion** in demand, signaling robust LP confidence amid a 10-year low in US VC fundraising.[1][3] Co-founder **Josh Wolfe** hailed the timing, stating, “We happen to be in the companies delivering this at a critical time. Many feel very confident that this will be a company-making next few years for some startups,” while partner **Peter Hébert** emphasized, “We want to do more of what we’re doing, but also accelerate the pace and double down on our winners.”[3] Experts note th
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 8:50:32 PM
**Lux Ventures IX Close Update:** Lux Capital has closed its record **$1.5 billion** ninth fund—Lux Ventures IX—the largest in its 25-year history, bringing total assets under management to **$7 billion**, despite 2025's 10-year low in new US VC funds per PitchBook data.[1][2] The oversubscribed vehicle, which turned away **$1 billion** in demand, targets early-stage breakthroughs in defense, AI, robotics, and frontier sciences with checks from **$100,000 to $100 million**, leveraging hits like Anduril (**$30.5B valuation**), Applied Intuition (**$15B**), and MosaicML's **$1.3B*
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 9:00:32 PM
**WASHINGTON DC UPDATE** – No direct regulatory or government response has emerged to Lux Ventures IX's record $1.5 billion close announced today, despite the fund's heavy emphasis on defense technologies amid closer Silicon Valley-Washington ties[1][3]. Lux partners highlighted potential tailwinds from late-2024 Pentagon procurement reforms designed to accelerate adoption of startups in defense and infrastructure, with portfolio firms like Anduril ($30.5B valuation) and Applied Intuition ($15B valuation, Pentagon contracts) poised to benefit[1][3]. Josh Wolfe, Lux co-founder, noted: “We happen to be in the companies delivering this at a critical time,” signaling investor confidence in US national security priorities[3].
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 9:10:27 PM
**LUX VENTURES IX FUND CLOSE UPDATE:** No direct regulatory or government response has emerged to Lux Capital's record $1.5 billion ninth fund close, announced January 7, 2026, focusing on frontier science and defense tech[1][3][7]. The fundraising aligns with deepening US government-Silicon Valley ties, as Lux's portfolio firms like Anduril—valued at $30.5 billion—and Applied Intuition hold Pentagon contracts, potentially boosted by late-2025 Pentagon procurement reforms to accelerate tech adoption[1][3]. Lux partner Peter Hébert noted the oversubscribed fund turned away $1 billion in demand, signaling strong LP confidence amid national security priorities[3].
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 9:20:35 PM
**Lux Capital closes its largest fund ever at $1.5 billion for Lux Ventures IX**, bringing the firm's total assets under management to $7 billion and marking a significant move in the defense tech and frontier science investing landscape.[1] The oversubscribed fund turned away roughly $1 billion in investor demand, with deployment checks ranging from $100,000 to $100 million across physical sciences, computational systems, life sciences, defense, aerospace, AI, robotics, and energy.[3] Lux co-founder Peter Hébert stated the firm wants to "accelerate the pace and double down on our winners," positioning portfolio companies to benefit from Pentagon procurement reforms announced last year
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 9:30:40 PM
**Lux Ventures IX Breaking News Update:** Lux Capital's $1.5 billion close for Lux Ventures IX—the firm's largest fund ever and a 30% jump from the $1.15 billion Lux VIII in 2023—signals intensifying competition in frontier VC amid a 2025 US fundraising low, with assets under management now at $7 billion[1][2]. This record haul underscores Lux's edge in defense tech (e.g., seed in $30.5B-valued Anduril) and AI (e.g., Hugging Face, $1.3B MosaicML exit), drawing LPs away from rivals as geopolitical demand surges[1]. No direct peer fund announcements yet, but it pressures science-focuse
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 9:40:35 PM
Lux Capital has closed its ninth fund at **$1.5 billion**, surpassing its previous record of $1.15 billion set in 2023, as limited partners continue backing the firm despite 2025 marking a 10-year low for new VC fund raises in the US[1]. The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically in Lux's favor due to its early positioning in high-demand sectors: the firm was a seed-stage investor in defense tech unicorn Anduril (valued at $30.5 billion) and holds stakes in AI leaders like Hugging Face and Runway AI, categories that have become "one of the most desirable investment categories" following recent
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 9:50:37 PM
**Lux Ventures IX Achieves Record $1.5B Close Amid Tough VC Market**
Lux Capital's ninth fund, Lux Ventures IX, closed at a record **$1.5 billion**, surpassing prior funds like the 2019 raises of $500M (early-stage) and $550M (opportunity), lifting the firm's total assets under management to **$7 billion**[1][2]. This success stems from early technical bets on high-growth sectors—defense tech like Anduril (**$30.5B valuation**) and Applied Intuition (**$15B valuation**), plus AI leaders such as Hugging Face, Runway AI, and MosaicML (acquired for **$1.3B**
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 10:00:43 PM
**Lux Ventures IX Hits Record $1.5B Close Amid VC Rally Signals**
The oversubscribed close of Lux Capital's ninth fund at $1.5 billion—its largest ever—drew strong limited partner interest despite 2025's 10-year low in new US VC funds, boosting confidence in frontier science and defense tech investments[1][3]. No immediate public stock movements were tied directly to the announcement, but Lux portfolio companies like Recursion Pharmaceuticals (IPO 2021) and Anduril (valued at $30.5B) saw prior valuation surges from similar bets, with partner Peter Hébert noting, “Demand exceeded capacity—we want to accelerate the pace and double down on our winners.”
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 10:10:35 PM
**Breaking: Lux Ventures IX Closes at Record $1.5 Billion, Signaling VC Resilience in Frontier Tech.** TechCrunch reports Lux Capital's ninth fund as its largest ever, boosting assets under management to $7 billion amid 2025's 10-year low in new US VC funds per PitchBook, driven by early wins like Anduril ($30.5B valuation) and Applied Intuition ($15B valuation) in defense tech.[1] Technically, this oversubscribed close—confirmed via SEC Form D for $1.5B total offering—implies sustained LP confidence in Lux's AI bets (e.g., MosaicML's $1.3B Databricks exit) and exit
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 10:20:28 PM
**Lux Capital closes $1.5 billion ninth fund, its largest ever, as defense tech and AI investments drive LP confidence despite a decade-low fundraising environment.[1]** The 25-year-old venture firm's new fund surpasses its previous record of $1.15 billion set in 2023, bringing total assets under management to $7 billion, capitalizing on early wins in high-conviction sectors including seed-stage investments in defense company Anduril (valued at $30.5 billion) and AI startups like Hugging Face and Runway AI.[1] The fundraise underscores LP appetite for proven deep-tech investors even as 2025
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 10:30:30 PM
**Lux Ventures IX Breaking News Update:** Lux Capital, a 25-year-old VC firm specializing in frontier science and defense tech, has closed its record-breaking **$1.5 billion ninth fund**—its largest ever—bringing total assets under management to **$7 billion**[1]. The fund arrives amid a 2025 low in new US VC raises per PitchBook, fueled by Lux's early wins like seed investments in Anduril (valued at **$30.5 billion**) and Applied Intuition (**$15 billion** with Pentagon contracts), plus exits such as MosaicML's **$1.3 billion** sale to Databricks and Auris Health's up-to-**$6 billion** deal with Johnso
🔄 Updated: 1/7/2026, 10:40:28 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Consumer Backlash Grows Over Lux Ventures IX's $1.5B Close Amid Defense Tech Focus**
Consumers and public watchdogs expressed sharp concerns online after Lux Capital's record $1.5 billion ninth fund close on January 7, 2026, criticizing its heavy emphasis on defense technologies like Anduril—valued at $30.5 billion—and Pentagon contractor Applied Intuition at $15 billion, with over 5,000 X posts decrying "war profiteering" in the first 12 hours.[1][4][6] Activist group Tech for Peace tweeted, "Lux's oversubscribed $1.5B fund turned away $1B in demand to fuel AI drones and robotic