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

My guest today is Lucy Deland, Partner at Inspired Capital, who back early-stage founders with transformative ideas, brilliant teams, and relentless determination. Some of her investments include Geneva, Habi and Dandy.A couple of books that inspired Lucy:Amazing Grace by Jonathan KozolWhy We Sleep by Matthew Walker.Here's some questions I ask Lucy:Since you went from investor to founder to investor, where it makes sense to start is what attracted you to focus your career on technology and innovation?What was the insight that led you to founding Paperless Post?What led you to going back to your "roots" (so to speak) and become an investor again?Tell me a little bit about Inspired Capital and the formation.What were some of the lessons learned from your experience as COO that made you a better investor?I know that you're a generalist, but thesis driven. How do you approach which categories to focus on and opportunities?In our prior conversation, we spoke about some of the differences when your customer is a consumer, SMB and enterprise. When it comes to technology, IU, and feature set, depending on who you are selling to, what are your must haves?How has your due diligence process been disrupted by COVID?What are some of the different milestones a company has to have at the seed vs. series A?What are current trends (that are consumer facing) that you're focused on?What's one thing that you would change when it comes to venture capital?What's the best piece of advice that you received?What's one piece of advice that you have for founders?

Thank you Sasha Astafiva for the introduction to my guest today, Brian Requarth, co-founder and former CEO of Viva Real. Viva Real is the online real estate marketplace in Latin America. He is also the founder of Latitud, helping build the next generation of iconic tech startups in Latin America.You can follow Brian on Twitter @brianrequarth. You can also follow your host @mikegelb.A few books that inspired Brian:The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro KlshimiThe Hard Things About Hard Things by Ben HorowitzVenture Deals by Brad FeldSome of the questions I ask Brian -What was your initial attraction to South America?What led you to founding Viva Real?What steps did you take in order to validate your idea?On this show, we mostly focus on the U.S. landscape, what are some of the differences or things you have to take into account in Brazil that you normally wouldn't in the U.S. when thinking of starting a company?In the early days -How did you approach building your team?How did you approach growth?How did you think about international expansion into other markets?When you were thinking of raising money, did you first look for local partners or did you look towards the U.S. / outside of South America?Tell me a little bit about Latitud and how that came together?When investing, I know your focus is Latin America. What are some of the challenges when investing in companies that are focused on this geography?Has it been harder finding conviction in founders since you have to meet with them remote?What is one thing that you would change in the fundraising process?What's one piece of advice that you have for founders?

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.