Investor Spotlight: Alcohol & Vice Investing with Jason Sherman of Top Shelf Ventures

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Jason Sherman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Top Shelf Ventures, an early-stage fund specializing in alcohol and vice brands. Jason shares his journey from Harvard Law to leading billion-dollar investments at AB InBev, to building and selling one of the fastest-growing alcohol companies in the United States, and ultimately launching Top Shelf Ventures to back the next generation of disruptive brands. Drawing on over a decade of operational and investment experience, he offers a candid look at what founders need to know to succeed in this unique category.

Gain valuable insights into identifying the right markets, avoiding costly expansion mistakes, and understanding the key metrics that matter most to investors, such as velocity, retention, and operational efficiency. Jason explains why many alcohol industry exits occur earlier than in other CPG sectors, shares practical fundraising strategies, and outlines how to effectively position a brand for acquisition. He also discusses what differentiates Top Shelf Ventures in a competitive funding landscape and how his team works closely with founders to support growth.

Tune in to learn how to stand out to investors, grow strategically, and set your brand on the path to a profitable exit. 

Listen in as they share about:

• Top Shelf Ventures Overview
• Defining “Vice” & Category Boundaries
• Stage, Check Size, and Metrics
• Distribution Strategy
• Examples of Successful Approaches
• Margins & Profitability
• Fundraising Guidance
• First Investor Meeting Best Practices
• Exit Strategies & Acquisition Dynamics

Episode Links:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshelfventures/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondsherman/ 

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Show Links:

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• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
• Episode music by Super Fantastics