Ed Zimmerman
About Ed Zimmerman
Ed Zimmerman is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital group at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, where he has worked since 1992. He has extensive experience in venture capital, having invested in over 150 startups and served on multiple boards, including Fisk University and Black Women Talk Tech.
Work at Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Ed Zimmerman has served as Co-Founder and Chair of the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital group at Lowenstein Sandler LLP since 1992. His role involves guiding startups and emerging companies through various stages of growth and financing. With over three decades of experience in the Greater New York City Area, he has developed a deep understanding of the legal and operational challenges faced by new ventures.
Education and Expertise
Ed Zimmerman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Haverford College, where he studied from 1985 to 1989. He then pursued a Juris Doctor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, completing his studies from 1989 to 1992. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in venture capital and startup law, which he has shared through teaching at various institutions, including Columbia Business School.
Background
Ed Zimmerman's career spans multiple roles in venture capital and legal education. He has invested as an angel in over 150 startups and serves as an individual limited partner in more than 150 venture funds globally. His commitment to improving diversity in the tech and venture capital sectors is evident through his co-founding of First Close Partners, which focuses on investing in underrepresented fund managers.
Achievements
Zimmerman has made significant contributions to the venture capital landscape. He co-founded and chairs VentureCrush, a platform designed to enhance engagement within the tech community. Additionally, he has taught Venture Capital and Angel Investing at Columbia Business School for over 16 years and has previously taught Startup Law and Internet Law at Rutgers Law School for eight years. His writings on technology and startups are published in Forbes, where he has been a contributing writer since 2015.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Ed Zimmerman holds several board positions, including serving as a Board Member at Fisk University and Black Women Talk Tech. He has been involved with the Center for Policing Equity as Interim Chair of the Board of Directors since 2020. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Advisors for Ada Ventures, contributing his expertise to support underrepresented voices in the venture capital industry.