The Consumer VC: Venture Capital I B2C Startups I Commerce | Early-Stage Investing I Brands

In this episode with Brian Cho, co-founder and general partner at Patron, we explore the intricacies of the gaming world's future. From the complexities of cross-currency games to the delicate balance of control and user flexibility within game economies, Brian offers his invaluable perspective. We delve into the sustainability of centralized models and the transformative potential of generative AI and blockchain technologies on the gaming landscape.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.(0:00:01) - Future of Gaming and Innovation(0:03:47) - Gamification in Social Media and Investment(0:09:08) - Building IP and Gamification in Gaming(0:17:46) - Evolution of Gaming Business Models(0:25:29) - Future of VR Platforms(0:34:53) - Emerging Trends in Gaming Innovation(0:46:10) - Gaming Industry Growth and Investment

Today, we're diving into the secrets of successful early-stage investments in North American consumer brands with Marcel Bens, CEO of Emil Capital. In this episode, Marcel shares the unique strategy of Emil Capital’s hybrid venture firm, with its sharp focus on 'better-for-you' products and how it bridges the critical investment gap between angel investors and larger private equity firms. We’ll explore how they strategically deploy $1-5 million checks, backed by the rich history of the Tangleman Group, to drive growth and diversification across regions.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.0:00:28 - Why Do Consumers Pay a Premium for High-Quality Products?0:07:04 - How Is the Investment Deployment Strategy Structured?0:13:14 - What Are the Opportunities in Better-for-You Products?0:19:01 - What Are the Market Strategies for Premium Products?0:25:47 - How to Decode Nutrition Labels for Better Choices?0:30:37 - How to Select the Right Brands at Conventions?0:34:48 - How to Identify Niche Emerging Categories?0:38:37 - How to Invest in Consumer Brands and Tech?0:48:49 - What Is the Approach to Building a Company Brick by Brick?Subscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74Z...Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...Follow on Twitter: / mikegelb  Follow on Instagram: / mikegelb  Follow on TikTok: / consumervc  

Our guest today is Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA. She shares her journey from pioneering XBox at Microsoft to navigating the social gaming boom with Playdom and making her mark in venture capital. Discover her investment ethos centered on consumer passion projects, successful investments in companies like Robinhood and Mejuri, and her insights on AI's transformative potential across industries. This episode is filled with valuable lessons and expert knowledge from Vanessa's diverse career.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.0:00:00 - Intro0:03:23 - Microsoft's Early Touch Screen Technologies0:05:36 - Designing Surface Device Controls Without Mouse0:09:11 - Xbox Connect Speech Recognition Evolution0:14:33 - Innovative Technologies and Timing0:17:12 - A-B Testing and Data-Driven Decisions0:23:10 - Profitability and Growth in Different Industries0:26:55 - Investing Across Different Categories0:29:53 - Robinhood Revolutionizes Commission-Free Investing 0:36:33 - Identifying Winning Consumer Companies0:54:15 - Venture Capital in Tech InnovationSubscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74ZMqodx5UmAeWAOJF?si=e0bd72bc48b341abSubscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914Follow on Twitter:https://twitter.com/MikeGelbFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mikegelb/Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@consumervc

In this engaging discussion, Osman Khan, the CEO and co-founder of Squared Circles, shares insights on how AI is transforming product development in consumer brands. He highlights the unique approach of integrating sustainability into their offerings while navigating the complexities of brand innovation. Osman also discusses the ‘conscious maximalist’ concept, emphasizing the balance between quality and affordability in eco-friendly products. With a focus on strategic partnerships and leadership lessons, this conversation is a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Our Guests Today is Abby Miller Levy, the visionary founder of Primetime Partners. In this enlightening episode, Abby shares her journey from personal frustration with her aging parents to spearheading a venture capital firm that is revolutionizing opportunities for older adults. Discover How Abby and renowned venture investor Alan Patricof are fostering entrepreneurial innovation to transform the aging experience, highlighting key startups that tackle this pressing challenge.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.Subscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74ZMqodx5UmAeWAOJF?si=e0bd72bc48b341abSubscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914Follow on Twitter:https://twitter.com/MikeGelbFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mikegelb/Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@consumervc

Our guests today are Angela Vranich and Ben Lewis, the dynamic duo behind Little Spoon, as we explore their journey from high school sweethearts to co-founders of a revolutionary baby food brand. Listen in as they share how their early fascination with consumer brands led them to the natural products industry, and how their personal relationship evolved into a successful business partnership. Angela and Ben provide a candid look at the challenges and rewards of building a business as a couple, the motivations that fueled their entrepreneurial spirit, and the key partnership principles that have guided their journey.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.(0:00:01) - Building Little Spoon With a Partner(0:10:31) - Revolutionizing the Baby Food Industry(0:19:15) - Expanding Product Line for Growing Kids(0:32:56) - Direct-to-Consumer Success in Marketing(0:46:21) - Balancing Growth and Profitability StrategySubscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74ZMqodx5UmAeWAOJF?si=e0bd72bc48b341abSubscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914Follow on Twitter:https://twitter.com/MikeGelbFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mikegelb/Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@consumervc

Our guests today are Andrew Bluestein and Ashley Hartman, Managing Partners of Bluestein Ventures. Bluestein Ventures invests in the future of food. What does that mean? They focus on investing in High-growth consumer brands, Proprietary foodtech, Next-gen commerce, Value-add digital technology. They just raised a $45 million third fund – which huge congrats to them for doing so. We discuss the transition from family office to VC firm, investing in inventory businesses and technology businesses, the difference between fund 3 and funds 1 and 2, what happened with Foxtrot, future of plant based meat, and much much more.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.0:00:00 - Intro0:03:32 - Trends in Food Industry Digitization (35 Seconds)0:07:14 - Food-Centered Investing Strategy Discussion (65 Seconds)0:13:38 - Supply Chain Investing and Business Models (78 Seconds)0:27:45 - Channel Strategy for Expanding Food Brands (75 Seconds)0:38:10 - Plant-Based Meat (59 Seconds)0:41:52 - Debate on Plant-Based Meat Benefits (91 Seconds)0:50:59 - Investing in Great Businesses (77 Seconds)0:57:47 - Optimizing a Complex Store Concept (67 Seconds)1:02:09 - Strategic Framework in Business Startups (54 Seconds)Subscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74ZMqodx5UmAeWAOJF?si=e0bd72bc48b341abSubscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914Follow on Twitter:https://twitter.com/MikeGelbFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mikegelb/Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@consumervc

Our guest today is Manica Blain. In this episode, we journey through the fascinating evolution of two beauty brands that have overcome initial hurdles to achieve remarkable success. Discover how an Ayurvedic beauty brand captured investor interest through high repeat purchase rates and how Everest, a hair care concentrate brand, pivoted from sustainability to performance, leading to explosive growth.Thank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.We Discuss:•Investing in Long-Lasting Consumer Brands•Founding and Growing Beauty Brands•Investment Strategies in Beauty Industry•Dealing With Red Flags in Business•Fund Development and Co-Partner Dynamics•Inspiration in Books0:01:35 - Investing in Beauty and Personal Care0:04:44 - Evolution of Consumer Brand Expectations 0:08:08 - Brands Iterating to Find Success 0:18:41 - Investing in Beauty and Personal Care0:23:09 - Beauty Industry Exit Dynamics 0:25:22 - From Bootstrapping to Funding 0:37:57 - Importance of Customer Retention0:41:50 - Future Plans for Topknot Ventures 0:46:15 - Investment Strategy and Relationship Building 0:49:29 - Book Inspiration - Personal and ProfessionalSubscribe to Our Newsletter:https://www.theconsumervc.com/Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4Hjm74ZMqodx5UmAeWAOJF?si=e0bd72bc48b341abSubscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-consumer-vc-venture-capital-i-b2c-startups-i/id1484646914Follow on Twitter:https://twitter.com/MikeGelbFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mikegelb/Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@consumervc

Our guest today is Teddy Townsend of CG Sawaya Partners, as we explore the dynamic world of health and wellness brand acquisitions.Teddy brings her expertise to the table, shedding light on why companies in this vibrant sector pursue mergers and acquisitions, and how different types of buyers, from private equity funds to strategic acquirers, approach these dealsThank you to our Partner –– Propeller Industries https://www.propellerindustries.com/Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies.We discuss:• Company Acquisition Health & Wellness • Understanding Equity Investment Terms• Challenges With Low Profit Margins • Shift in Supplement Business Trends• Strategic Timing in Brand Acquisition • Strategic Acquirers and Private Equity Groups • Brand Evaluation and Marketing Strategies • Strategic vs Minority Round Buyouts• Women's Health and Market Needs• Importance of Differentiation in Consumer Industry(0:00:00) - Health and Wellness Brand AcquisitionsNature's mergers and acquisitions in health and wellness, private equity vs. strategic buyers, term sheet nuances.(0:09:35) - Understanding Liquidation Preferences in InvestmentsHigh liquidation preferences in VC deals can misalign interests, impede exits, and signal investor confidence in hot markets.(0:13:37) - Sustainable Growth in Business TrendsUnsustainable growth models, excessive capital raising, reliance on high cash burn, shift in investor perspective, D2C market, understanding key metrics, importance of acquiring new customers, fundamental health and long-term sustainability in health and wellness sector.(0:17:45) - Health and Wellness Industry StrategyCurrent trends in health and wellness industry: focus on OTC products, strategic acquisitions, and consumer behavior in beauty and personal care.(0:27:37) - Strategic Considerations for Business AcquisitionNature's strategic considerations for founders targeting specific buyers, including M&A criteria, legal issues, scaling capabilities, and private equity.(0:34:30) - Navigating Business Exits and ValuationsSubstantiating product claims, engaging third-party reviews, and understanding exit strategies for successful business transactions.(0:42:12) - Maximizing Deal Opportunities and Process PreparationMaximize M&A success with nostalgia marketing, thorough preparation, and strategic buyer engagement for full buyouts and minority rounds.(0:49:56) - Women's Health Challenges and Brand DifferentiationWomen's health sector faces challenges in narrow market windows, scaling, and differentiation in a saturated market.(0:56:55) - Transition From Writer to BankerTeddy's journey from writing to investment banking, using storytelling skills, learning finance from "Investment Banking," and the impact of reading Stephen King's "The Stand.

Diana Melencio discusses the fusion of past and future shopping experiences, highlighting the evolution of malls in the digital era. She explores consumer benchmarks in the beauty industry and emerging trends in consumer health products. The podcast also delves into XRC Labs' investment approach, market changes, and personal book inspirations.