Episodes
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In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to host Bryan Kim, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, for an insightful conversation on the intersection of venture capital and consumer innovation. Brian shares his remarkable journey from a thriving career in investment banking to becoming a driving force in the tech industry. He opens up about the transformative experience of working with Alibaba during its groundbreaking IPO and how it inspired his pivot toward partnering with visionary founders.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.(0:00:00) - Intro(0:08:51) - Snap's Early Growth and User Engagement(0:20:32) - AI Innovation in Consumer Companies(0:35:26) - Founders and AI Innovation Trends(0:44:22) - The Future of Social Products(0:52:49) - Revolutionizing Revenue Models With AI(0:57:49) - Book for Growth and InspirationSubscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74Z...Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...Follow on Twitter: / mikegelb Follow on Instagram: / mikegelb Follow on TikTok: / consumervc
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Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
Thank you Jerry Staub for the intro to our guest today is Terri Rockovich, Founder & CEO of Jinx. Jinx is a dog food brand that offers premium kibble, homemade toppers, and beef crumbles and are made by a team of pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
We discuss:
How legacy brands create their dog foodThe inspiration behind JinxHer nutrition philosophy for petsSourcing the right manufacturing partners & convincing them to work on JinxApproach to testing if the product tastes goodThe reasons why she raised venture money (most recently a Series B)How she launched onlineWhy Walmart has been a great partner for a premium brandJinx’s market positioning compared to other premium dog food brandsApproach to launching SKUs & new productsHow she thinks about celebrity partnerships & more -
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n this episode with Jonathan Keidan, founder of Torch Capital, we dive into his journey from talent management in the music industry to early-stage venture capital. Jonathan shares how nurturing emerging artists parallels supporting founders, offering unique insights into spotting potential and overcoming challenges in both fields. He reveals key lessons learned from triumphs and setbacks in building impactful companies.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
(0:00:00) - Building Companies and Working With Founders
(0:10:23) - Investing in Technology vs Inventory Businesses
(0:14:48) - Investing in Consumer Brands and Tech
(0:29:06) - Founder's Focus on Building Trust
(0:38:57) - Funding Strategy and Market Insights
(0:51:14) - Navigating Early-Stage Investing Strategies
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In this episode with Brian Cho, co-founder and general partner at Patron, we explore the intricacies of the gaming world's future. From the complexities of cross-currency games to the delicate balance of control and user flexibility within game economies, Brian offers his invaluable perspective. We delve into the sustainability of centralized models and the transformative potential of generative AI and blockchain technologies on the gaming landscape.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
(0:00:01) - Future of Gaming and Innovation
(0:03:47) - Gamification in Social Media and Investment
(0:09:08) - Building IP and Gamification in Gaming
(0:17:46) - Evolution of Gaming Business Models
(0:25:29) - Future of VR Platforms
(0:34:53) - Emerging Trends in Gaming Innovation
(0:46:10) - Gaming Industry Growth and Investment
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Today, we're diving into the secrets of successful early-stage investments in North American consumer brands with Marcel Bens, CEO of Emil Capital. In this episode, Marcel shares the unique strategy of Emil Capital’s hybrid venture firm, with its sharp focus on 'better-for-you' products and how it bridges the critical investment gap between angel investors and larger private equity firms. We’ll explore how they strategically deploy $1-5 million checks, backed by the rich history of the Tangleman Group, to drive growth and diversification across regions.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
0:00:28 - Why Do Consumers Pay a Premium for High-Quality Products?
0:07:04 - How Is the Investment Deployment Strategy Structured?
0:13:14 - What Are the Opportunities in Better-for-You Products?
0:19:01 - What Are the Market Strategies for Premium Products?
0:25:47 - How to Decode Nutrition Labels for Better Choices?
0:30:37 - How to Select the Right Brands at Conventions?
0:34:48 - How to Identify Niche Emerging Categories?
0:38:37 - How to Invest in Consumer Brands and Tech?
0:48:49 - What Is the Approach to Building a Company Brick by Brick?
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Our guest today is Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA. She shares her journey from pioneering XBox at Microsoft to navigating the social gaming boom with Playdom and making her mark in venture capital. Discover her investment ethos centered on consumer passion projects, successful investments in companies like Robinhood and Mejuri, and her insights on AI's transformative potential across industries. This episode is filled with valuable lessons and expert knowledge from Vanessa's diverse career.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:03:23 - Microsoft's Early Touch Screen Technologies
0:05:36 - Designing Surface Device Controls Without Mouse
0:09:11 - Xbox Connect Speech Recognition Evolution
0:14:33 - Innovative Technologies and Timing
0:17:12 - A-B Testing and Data-Driven Decisions
0:23:10 - Profitability and Growth in Different Industries
0:26:55 - Investing Across Different Categories
0:29:53 - Robinhood Revolutionizes Commission-Free Investing
0:36:33 - Identifying Winning Consumer Companies
0:54:15 - Venture Capital in Tech Innovation
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https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914
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Join us as we explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, science, and consumer innovation with Osman Khan, CEO and co-founder of Squared Circles. Discover how his venture studio is revolutionizing product development and redefining the future of consumer brands.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
00:00:00: Intro
00:07:30: How does Squared Circles differentiate itself from other companies in the industry?
00:10:35: How does Squared Circles integrate sustainability into its products?
00:12:32: What are your plans for global expansion, and how do you approach new markets?
00:19:30: Can you share a success story that you believe exemplifies the impact of Squared Circles?
00:26:00: How do you manage and scale the company’s operations as it continues to grow?
00:28:15: What strategies do you use to attract and retain top talent?
00:33:00: What are some of the most significant trends you’re seeing in your industry right now?
00:41:00: How do you ensure that your leadership team remains aligned with the company’s vision?
00:46:00: What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
00:57:00: How do you measure success, both personally and for Squared Circles?
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Our Guests Today is Abby Miller Levy, the visionary founder of Primetime Partners. In this enlightening episode, Abby shares her journey from personal frustration with her aging parents to spearheading a venture capital firm that is revolutionizing opportunities for older adults. Discover How Abby and renowned venture investor Alan Patricof are fostering entrepreneurial innovation to transform the aging experience, highlighting key startups that tackle this pressing challenge.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter:
https://www.theconsumervc.com/
Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74ZMqodx5UmAeWAOJF?si=e0bd72bc48b341ab
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https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914
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Our guests today are Angela Vranich and Ben Lewis, the dynamic duo behind Little Spoon, as we explore their journey from high school sweethearts to co-founders of a revolutionary baby food brand. Listen in as they share how their early fascination with consumer brands led them to the natural products industry, and how their personal relationship evolved into a successful business partnership. Angela and Ben provide a candid look at the challenges and rewards of building a business as a couple, the motivations that fueled their entrepreneurial spirit, and the key partnership principles that have guided their journey.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
(0:00:01) - Building Little Spoon With a Partner
(0:10:31) - Revolutionizing the Baby Food Industry
(0:19:15) - Expanding Product Line for Growing Kids
(0:32:56) - Direct-to-Consumer Success in Marketing
(0:46:21) - Balancing Growth and Profitability Strategy
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Our guests today are Andrew Bluestein and Ashley Hartman, Managing Partners of Bluestein Ventures. Bluestein Ventures invests in the future of food. What does that mean? They focus on investing in High-growth consumer brands, Proprietary foodtech, Next-gen commerce, Value-add digital technology. They just raised a $45 million third fund – which huge congrats to them for doing so. We discuss the transition from family office to VC firm, investing in inventory businesses and technology businesses, the difference between fund 3 and funds 1 and 2, what happened with Foxtrot, future of plant based meat, and much much more.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:03:32 - Trends in Food Industry Digitization (35 Seconds)
0:07:14 - Food-Centered Investing Strategy Discussion (65 Seconds)
0:13:38 - Supply Chain Investing and Business Models (78 Seconds)
0:27:45 - Channel Strategy for Expanding Food Brands (75 Seconds)
0:38:10 - Plant-Based Meat (59 Seconds)
0:41:52 - Debate on Plant-Based Meat Benefits (91 Seconds)
0:50:59 - Investing in Great Businesses (77 Seconds)
0:57:47 - Optimizing a Complex Store Concept (67 Seconds)
1:02:09 - Strategic Framework in Business Startups (54 Seconds)
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Our guest today is Manica Blain. In this episode, we journey through the fascinating evolution of two beauty brands that have overcome initial hurdles to achieve remarkable success. Discover how an Ayurvedic beauty brand captured investor interest through high repeat purchase rates and how Everest, a hair care concentrate brand, pivoted from sustainability to performance, leading to explosive growth.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
We Discuss:
•Investing in Long-Lasting Consumer Brands
•Founding and Growing Beauty Brands
•Investment Strategies in Beauty Industry
•Dealing With Red Flags in Business
•Fund Development and Co-Partner Dynamics
•Inspiration in Books
0:01:35 - Investing in Beauty and Personal Care
0:04:44 - Evolution of Consumer Brand Expectations
0:08:08 - Brands Iterating to Find Success
0:18:41 - Investing in Beauty and Personal Care
0:23:09 - Beauty Industry Exit Dynamics
0:25:22 - From Bootstrapping to Funding
0:37:57 - Importance of Customer Retention
0:41:50 - Future Plans for Topknot Ventures
0:46:15 - Investment Strategy and Relationship Building
0:49:29 - Book Inspiration - Personal and Professional
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Our guest today is Teddy Townsend of CG Sawaya Partners, as we explore the dynamic world of health and wellness brand acquisitions.Teddy brings her expertise to the table, shedding light on why companies in this vibrant sector pursue mergers and acquisitions, and how different types of buyers, from private equity funds to strategic acquirers, approach these deals
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
We discuss:
• Company Acquisition Health & Wellness
• Understanding Equity Investment Terms
• Challenges With Low Profit Margins
• Shift in Supplement Business Trends
• Strategic Timing in Brand Acquisition
• Strategic Acquirers and Private Equity Groups
• Brand Evaluation and Marketing Strategies
• Strategic vs Minority Round Buyouts
• Women's Health and Market Needs
• Importance of Differentiation in Consumer Industry
(0:00:00) - Health and Wellness Brand Acquisitions
Nature's mergers and acquisitions in health and wellness, private equity vs. strategic buyers, term sheet nuances.
(0:09:35) - Understanding Liquidation Preferences in Investments
High liquidation preferences in VC deals can misalign interests, impede exits, and signal investor confidence in hot markets.
(0:13:37) - Sustainable Growth in Business Trends
Unsustainable growth models, excessive capital raising, reliance on high cash burn, shift in investor perspective, D2C market, understanding key metrics, importance of acquiring new customers, fundamental health and long-term sustainability in health and wellness sector.
(0:17:45) - Health and Wellness Industry Strategy
Current trends in health and wellness industry: focus on OTC products, strategic acquisitions, and consumer behavior in beauty and personal care.
(0:27:37) - Strategic Considerations for Business Acquisition
Nature's strategic considerations for founders targeting specific buyers, including M&A criteria, legal issues, scaling capabilities, and private equity.
(0:34:30) - Navigating Business Exits and Valuations
Substantiating product claims, engaging third-party reviews, and understanding exit strategies for successful business transactions.
(0:42:12) - Maximizing Deal Opportunities and Process Preparation
Maximize M&A success with nostalgia marketing, thorough preparation, and strategic buyer engagement for full buyouts and minority rounds.
(0:49:56) - Women's Health Challenges and Brand Differentiation
Women's health sector faces challenges in narrow market windows, scaling, and differentiation in a saturated market.
(0:56:55) - Transition From Writer to Banker
Teddy's journey from writing to investment banking, using storytelling skills, learning finance from "Investment Banking," and the impact of reading Stephen King's "The Stand.
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Our guest today is Diana Melencio. Diana manages the entire XRC Ventures investment process across three investment vehicles – Accelerator Fund, Brand Capital Fund, and Opportunity Fund.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter:
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Our guest today is Dayton Miller, Managing Partner at BFG Partners. BFG Partners help entrepreneurs build exceptional businesses that deliver sustainable growth and outperform competitors in the better-for-you food, beverage, and consumer products space. Their investments include Olipop, Athletic Greens, Caulipower, and Bobo’s. We discuss the inflection points at seed, series A, and Series B in today’s market, categories he’s excited about in consumer today, ozempic, operations metrics, and his time as an entrepreneur building Function Drinks from scratch to $20 million in sales.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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Our guest today is George Milton & Erin Link, Founders of YellowBird Foods a Modern Hot Sauce business.
We discuss:
• How did they get into Whole Foods?
• How did they also get into Walmart?
• How did their approach to retail expansion?
• How did they approach branding and positioning for Yellowbird
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries – https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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Our guest today is Amrit Richmond, Founder of Indie CPG since 2019, and has also joined SecureCPG recently
We discuss:
• What gives a food and drink brand accusation energy?
• What are the different profiles of the acquire today?
• Why acquire emerging brands?
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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Our guest today is Samyr Lainé, an Olympian, an amazing operator who worked with Jay-Z's, Will Smith and Jada Pickett Smith who is now the founder of Freedom Trail Capital.
We discuss:
• How he trained for the Olympics while being a full time law student
• Working at Monumental Sports (owners of the Washington Capitals and Wizards)
• Shifting towards the MLS
• Getting the email that Jay-Z was looking for someone to help run his businesses
• All of Jay-Z's businesses
• His view on how brands can collaborate with talent
• Why he left to work for Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook
• His thesis behind launching Freedom Trail Capital
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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Our guest today is Matt Weiss, Founder & CEO at RIND Snacks
Matt is the CEO of RIND Snacks, a sustainable fruit snack brand. He has over a decade of experience in the natural food industry and previously worked in investment research. Matt is also known for his advocacy in community and environmental causes, founding a nonprofit that helped establish a park in lower Manhattan.
We discuss:
• We discuss the inspiration behind creating a brand and a product that focuses on the peels of a fruit
• How did he first get into retail?
• Why he was part-time with it for two years?
• What was kind of the moment that he switched to doing it full-time?
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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Our guest today is Ben Lerer. Ben Lerer is a Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. Lerer Hippeau is a venture capital fund based in New York who were early investors in Warby Parker, Glossier, and Topicals. He also founded Thrillist, an online media website website back in 2004 and was former CEO of Group Nine Media until it was acquired by Vox Media.
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries – https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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Our guest today is Fan Bi, Founder & CEO of Hedgehog
Fan Bi is the Founder & CEO of Hedgehog. He founded, grew, and exited many eCom + store menswear brands. He has been in DTC eCommerce for over 13 years.
We discuss:
• How was Fan was introduced to entrepreneurship and what things he found compelling about man's fashion?
• What multiples were used for early-stage digital brands?
• Why he started Hedgehog?
• What to make of the current market and how do you see it in the future?
Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries – https://www.propellerindustries.com/
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.
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