This Week in Startups

Rising Above the Noise in Consumer VC with Kirsten Green of Forerunner | E1961

Jun 7, 2024

01:12:27

Snipd AI

Consumer VC investor Kirsten Green discusses Forerunner's investment framework and the impact of AI on consumer companies. They explore cultural shifts, AI interactions, and the importance of direct revenue in consumer businesses. The conversation delves into challenges in venture capital, market dynamics, and the balance between experience and naivety in investments.

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Quick takeaways

Innovation and utility are crucial for consumer products to stand out and attract users.

AI is revolutionizing consumer company operations by enhancing user experiences and offering innovative solutions.

Direct revenue from customers is essential for demonstrating product value, but exploring alternative monetization strategies can enhance business sustainability.

Deep dives

Building a Unique and Captivating Consumer Product

To stand out in the market and attract consumers, a product needs to be novel, provide utility, and offer a captivating user experience. Addressing a specific need in a unique way and wowing consumers are essential aspects to consider. The shift towards consumer spending on health and wellness reflects the evolving demand for innovative solutions that enhance personal well-being. This trend towards personal responsibility for health drives the need for products that offer meaningful and transformative experiences.

Challenges Facing Consumer Companies in Raising Money

01:53

Value of Hardware Plus Software in Creating Business Success

01:23

Intro

2min

Challenges and Strategies in Consumer Venture Capital

7min

Analyzing Consumer Demand and Innovation in Health and Wellness Products

5min

Exploring Form Factor in Wearable Tech, Product Status Symbols, Brand Elements, and the Influence of AI on Consumer Companies

4min

Exploring Consumer Interactions with AI and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Benefits

3min

The Shift towards Personalized Information and Impact of AI

5min

Exploring Audio-Based Interactions and AI Implications with Family

4min

Impact of Social Media on Spreading Conspiracy Theories

10min

Importance of Direct Revenue in Consumer Businesses

23min

10.

Navigating Challenges in Venture Capital and Market Dynamics

10min

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Todays show:

Kirsten Green joins guest host Mark Suster to discuss Forerunner’s framework on making investments (8:33), how AI will change how consumer companies and applications are built (16:28), cultural shifts that are investable (33:38), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Kirsten Green joins guest host Mark Suster.

(2:49) Kirsten’s advice to stand out in consumer venture with only seven percent of VC dollars being allocated to consumer.

(8:33) Forerunner’s framework on making investments.

(11:16) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist

(12:09) The value of searching for where businesses are missing the mark, and the “wow” factor of the Oura Ring.

(16:28) How AI will change how consumer companies and applications are built

(19:46) Oracle - Take a free test drive of OCI at https://w ww.oracle.com/twist.

(20:50) The current state of the consumer search experience and the power of personalization that AI can bring.

(24:16) The disruptive lesson from mobile and the next level of being context aware.

(28:24) Mercury - Join 200K startups who use Mercury to operate at their best at http://www.mercury.com

(31:57) Forerunner Ventures lives within the intersection of invention and culture.