My guest today is Luke Vernon, Managing Partner of Ridgeline Ventures. Ridgeline Ventures is an independent investment group that provides founders and brands a unique alternative to traditional investment firms. Some of their investments include Cotopaxi, Bobo’s, OROS, and Pro’s Closet. Previously he was the CEO of Eco products, which he grew from $1mm to $80mm. We discuss his learnings as an operator, why he invests in consumer brands where other investor interest has softened, the benefits of being a family office and how he thinks about investment timelines.
- What were three of your biggest learnings growing Eco Products from $1mm to $80mm?
- Since you also started Luke’s Circle and helps companies find talent, what is the key to hiring the right people?
- After Eco Products sold, what eventually got you thinking of becoming an investor?
- How did Ridgeline Ventures form?
- Why doesn’t Ridgeline take outside capital?
- There’s been alot of funds that have pivoted or moved away from investing in consumer brands. What are the opportunities that you’re focused on?
- What’s your due diligence process?
- Pricing strategy in each channel
- How to scale the operations of the business
- How long does it take to scale?
- Food manufacturing
- Self manufacturing
- Great vehicles to finance CAPEX
- What were some of your learnings during COVID?
- How can a board provide value to a company?
- What’s one thing you think is overlooked when investing in consumer businesses?
- What’s one book that inspired you personally and one book that inspired you professionally?
- Endurance by Ernest Jackelin
- Blue Ocean Strategy
- What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?
Consumer VC: Venture Capital I B2C Startups I Commerce | Early-Stage Investing I Brands