Lightspeed Venture Partners is expanding its media operations by combining venture investing with social content, podcasts and direct distribution. The firm hired investor and tech creator Claire Zau earlier this year to invest in early-stage companies while helping build its new media strategy. Lightspeed describes her role as Partner & New Media, placing investing and content creation within the same position. Social Media Gives Investors Direct FeedbackLightspeed says the benefit also works in the other direction. Publishing investment and technology content online gives Zau direct feedback from audiences outside Silicon Valley.