S4. EP. 64 - Securing an Investor 101 & Explaining Venture Capital, with Alisa Carmichael

Alisa Carmichael, a powerhouse investor and partner at VMG Partners, joins us today to talk all about the world of venture capital, private equity, and growth equity for founders who want to understand what they're actually signing up for. She breaks down the different stages of investment, from early-stage VC checks to multi-million dollar growth equity partnerships, and explains why most investors don't want to be married to your business forever.

Alisa also opens up about being one of the few Black women in investment, her journey from Yale to investment banking to finding her calling working with founders, and how she co-created Parity Collective to support early-stage founders of color. Plus, she shares what she's really looking for when founders pitch her (hint: it's all about the "we" not the "I"), why you need to build relationships before you need them, and how she balances being a mom of two while traveling for work.

Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Understanding Venture Capital and Private Equity

01:24 Alisa's Educational Background and Early Influences

04:31 Journey into Investment Banking

08:09 Transition to VMG Partners

08:41 The Role of Founders and Investment Strategies

14:49 Stages of Investment Explained

18:35 Focus on Consumer Fund and Parity Collective

21:58 Navigating the Beauty Industry

22:28 The Challenges of Trade Shows

23:05 The Importance of Gratitude in Business

23:30 The Beyonce of Beauty

24:32 Key Traits of Successful Founders

25:00 Understanding the Beauty Market

25:59 The Role of Self-Awareness in Partnerships

27:55 Building a Strong Business Plan

30:39 The Benefits and Risks of Retail Exclusivity

33:05 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies

36:40 The Goal of Exiting a Business

37:42 Alternative Funding Options

42:04 The Importance of Relationships in Business

44:24 Personal and Professional Mentorship

47:01 Balancing Parenthood and Career

48:20 Conclusion and Future Topics

Learn more about Alisa Carmichael:

Cited as one of “The Beauty Industry’s Most Powerful Financiers” by WWD, Alisa is a veteran consumer investor who has been a key member of the VMG Partners team for 10 years. While at VMG, she has been a key leader on investments in companies including The Honey Pot Company, Briogeo, Danessa Myricks Beauty, BeautyStat, and Rowan. She is a trusted advisor to many founders, a wife, and a mother to two toddler boys!

Connect with Alisa:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alisacarmichael/ 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-carmichael-26114973/ 

Connect with Delina:

⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠

TikTok @delinamedhin⁠

YouTube @delinamedhin⁠

Threads @delinamedhin⁠ 

Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com

Explore this episode's full show notes here.