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

Thank you Joseph Sartre for the introduction to today's guest Sapna Shah, founder of Red Giraffe. Red Giraffe makes pre-seed investments in start-ups in the retail industry, including retail tech, marketplaces, brands and consumer sectors. Select current investments include: The Wing, FINDMINE, Robyn, and Swoonery. She's also the founder of Retail X Series, an ecosystem for retail startups in New York and around the US. We discuss what it was like founding a B2C and B2B companies, opportunities in retail innovation and the changes in consumer behavior due to COVID.A couple books that Sapna highly recommends are Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and Invisible Influence by Jonah Berger.Here are some of the questions I ask Sapna -What was your initial attraction to retail?You founded two companies, both within retail. One on the B2B side and the other consumer facing. What were some of the learnings from both experiences that helped shape how you analyze opportunities?One trend we haven't yet spoken about on this show is drop shipping. Has drop shipping affected how you look at brands?We've seen new consumer habits develop during COVID that has sped up the penetration of ecommerce. What are other consumer habit changes that you believe will happen or that you find interesting?You've been a prolific angel investor for quite a few years. What are some of the differences entrepreneurs should be aware of when accepting money from angels vs. VC funds?Walk me through your due diligence process. Has the process changed or become more challenging during COVID?What are some other trends in retail that you are passionate about?What's one thing in venture capital that you would change?What's the best piece of advice you've received?

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Ezra Galston.Ezra Galston, is the founding partner of Starting Line. a seed stage, consumer tech focused fund based in Chicago. Previously he was a Principal at Chicago Ventures. Some of his investments include Cameo, Flyhomes, and Spothero.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with EzraClick here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Natalie Dillon.I'm excited to share highlights from my conversation with Natalie Dillon, Principal at Maveron. Maveron is a premier consumer focused fund that invests in seed and Series A companies that empower consumers to live on their terms. Some of their investments include eBay, Everlane, and Allbirds. Without further ado, here's Natalie.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Natalie DillonClick here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Anna Whiteman.I'm excited to share highlights from my conversation with Anna Whiteman, Vice President at Coefficient Capital. Coefficient Capital is a new venture capital fund that leads early growth investments in fast-moving consumer goods, typically investing in Series A and B rounds. So far they've invested in Just Spices, NomNom, Hydrant and Personal Care. Without further ado, here's Anna.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Anna.Click here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Charles Hudson.Charles Hudson is the Managing Partner and Founder of Precursor Ventures. Precursor Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in the first institutional round of investment for the most promising software and hardware companies. Some of their investments include The Athletic, Goodr and Co-Star.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Charles HudsonClick here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Sarah Kunst.Thank you Soraya Darabi for the intro to today's guest Sarah Kunst, managing director of Cleo Capital. Cleo Capital is an an early stage VC fund focused on the preseed & seed stages. Some of their investments include 42 Birds, Athena and Lovewellness. She's also a contributing editor at Marie Claire Magazine and previously served as a senior advisor to Bumble.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Sarah.Click here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Sasha Astafyeva.Sasha Astafyeva, Partner at Atomico. Atomico invests in Europe’s most ambitious tech founders at Series A and beyond. Some of their investments include Farmdrop, Habito, and teatime games. Sasha leads new investments in consumer. Previously, she was a Principal at Felix Capital and VP of Finance and Business Intelligence at VivaReal.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Sasha.Click here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Michael Duda.Michael Duda, Founder and one of the Managing Partners at Bullish. Bullish is a pre-seed fund and creative agency, investing in early stage consumer companies. Some of their investments include Warby Parker, Peloton, Casper and Birchbox.Click here to listen to my full conversation with MichaelClick here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Kanyi Maqubela.Kanyi Maqubela, is the Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures. Kindred Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital fund, whose mission is to back visionary and dedicated founders who want to solve the most important problems and vastly improve people’s lives around the world. Some of their investments include Uber, Poshmark, Otis and Blue Bottle Coffee.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Kanyi.Click here on Mobile to join our Community.

This episode are highlights from my conversation with Samara Hernandez.My guest today is Samara Hernandez, founder of Chingona Ventures. Samara invests at the preseed and seed stages on industries that are massively changing and founders whose backgrounds uniquely position them to create businesses in growth markets that are often overlooked. We discuss how she analyzes overlooked opportunities, some of the differences when investing in consumer vs. enterprise, and Chicago.Links:Click here to listen to my full conversation with Samara.Click here on Mobile to join our Community.