Every startup has AI in their pitch deck and they should according to Forerunner Ventures' Eurie Kim
Jun 5, 2024
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Eurie Kim, from Forerunner Ventures, discusses the rise of consumer startups in funding, the importance of AI in pitch decks, and the trends in early stage funding. She emphasizes the advantages of dedicated investors and shares insights on the investment landscape and IPO trends.
Consumer startups face funding challenges, but data indicates their performance surpasses enterprise models.
AI integration is crucial for consumer startups, offering transformative solutions for operational efficiency and customer experiences.
Deep dives
Consumer Investing Trends and Portfolio Insights
Consumer investing has undergone shifts with a fluctuating focus on the consumer space. There was a surge followed by a pullback in investing interest, moving towards safer options like SaaS and enterprise solutions. Forerunner Ventures emphasizes solving consumer problems, investing in a variety of industries like health and wellness, travel, and personal care. The emphasis is on backing companies that improve consumer lives, whether through products, services, or enabling tools.
The Impact of Consumer Businesses in the Market
Contrary to negative sentiments around consumer businesses, data analysis by Forerunner Ventures and others shows that consumer businesses are strong investments. A consumer-focus leads to a higher likelihood of going public post-Series B funding, often trading well at IPO. This challenges the misconception that consumer businesses underperform compared to enterprise models. By redefining consumer businesses beyond traditional retail, opportunities are found in various sectors impacting consumer lives.
Technology and AI Integration in Consumer Services
AI integration in consumer services is a key focus for enhancing efficiencies. Consumer investments delve into two AI application approaches: AI-centric experiences like ChatGPT and infrastructure-empowered services like Atticus in legal spaces. AI offers transformative solutions, enabling operational efficiency and improving customer experiences. The evolving landscape of consumer experiences facilitated by AI presents a blend of technological advancement and consumer-centric services.
Evolving Funding Environment and IPO Market Trends
The funding landscape has seen shifts post-2020, with a focus on higher standards for investments and proving traction for growth. Seed deals are witnessing larger sizes, while middle-stage funding experiences challenges with increased investor expectations. IPO markets show signs of resurgence, with stable trading multiples and companies preparing for potential public offerings in a conducive market environment. Companies are strategically aligning for public exits, aiming for sustained growth post-IPO for long-term success.
Consumer startups have taken a hit when it comes to venture funding. But according to Eurie Kim, partner at Forerunner Ventures and founding member of All Raise, consumer is where it’s at.
The investor joined Mary Ann Azevedo on Equity to talk through the intricacies of the space. She pointed out that last year, just 7% of seed capital went to consumer startups. Yet, research shows that consumer company performance has outpaced enterprise, Kim contends. Forerunner itself has backed the likes of Oura, Chime and Prose, among others.
Kim also talked about the advantages of being dedicated investors in a space that has seen a number of tourist VCs drift in and out. In addition to discussing the state of consumer investing and what consumer investors are looking for, the venture capitalist shared her thoughts on the investment landscape as a whole, what’s up with IPOs and why every startup should have AI in their pitch deck.
Equity is TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts.You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast.
Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.
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