The Consumer VC: Venture Capital I B2C Startups I Commerce | Early-Stage Investing I Brands
Mike Gelb
"The Consumer VC: Venture Capital I B2C Startups I Commerce" is a podcast hosted by Mike Gelb that delves into the fascinating world of early-stage venture capital and B2C startups. It offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamic and often complex relationships between investors and consumer-facing companies. Each episode provides unique insights from top venture capitalists, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry experts who share their experiences and advice on building and funding consumer brands. Listeners gain access to a treasure trove of strategies and stories from those who have successfully navigated the startup ecosystem. The podcast covers a broad range of topics, including the intricacies of consumer psychology, effective marketing techniques, and the latest trends in ecommerce and retail technology. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or simply curious about the commerce sector, "The Consumer VC" equips you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to understand the nuances of investing in consumer brands."
Episodes
Unlocking the Potential of Beauty and Personal Care Brands With Manica Blain
In this engaging episode of the Consumer VC, host Mike Gelb chats with Manica Blain, a seasoned investor and founder of Topknot Ventures. Manica shares her insights into the evolving dynamics of consumer brand investment, emphasizing the shift towards sustainable growth and profitability. She discusses the nuances of investing in beauty and personal care, revealing why these sectors attract her attention due to favorable unit economics and a robust exit environment. Manica also shares anecdotes from her investment journey, highlighting brands that have shown resilience and innovation in adapting to market demands.
The New Types of Acquirers in Health & Wellness, Different Parts Of The Term Sheet That Could Make a Difference In The Exit, and How Deals Get Done with Teddie Townsend from CG Sawaya Partners
In this detailed discussion, Mike Gelb and Teddie Townsend dive into the complexities of mergers and acquisitions within the health and wellness industry. They examine various types of acquirers, from private equity funds to strategic buyers, and the unique considerations each brings to the table. The episode also covers essential elements of the term sheet beyond valuation, such as governance and economic terms, which can significantly impact a company's exit strategy. Townsend emphasizes the importance of aligning terms with long-term business goals and the potential pitfalls of misaligned investor-founder objectives.
The Fusion of Past & Future Shopping Experiences, Insights from Brand Capital Fund's Consumer VC Benchmarks Report with Diana Melencio at XRC Ventures
In this episode, host Mike Gelb and guest Diana Melencio from XRC Ventures explore the transformation of retail spaces, focusing on how malls can adapt to the digital age while maintaining their role as community hubs. They discuss the Brand Capital Fund's latest consumer VC benchmarks report, emphasizing insights from pre-seed to Series A investments in beauty and personal care sectors. Diana shares her vision of malls as multifunctional spaces offering experiences beyond traditional shopping, such as family-friendly environments and tech-integrated services. The conversation also covers various investment strategies and the potential future of retail that balances online convenience with in-store interaction.
What Consumers Care About in Health & Wellness Products, How Competition Builds New Categories, and Will Ozempic Have an Impact on CPG Demand? with Dayton Miller, BFG Partners
In this insightful discussion with Dayton Miller of BFG Partners, the episode delves into the intricate interplay between venture capital and consumer innovation within the health and wellness sector. Dayton shares his extensive experience, from his entrepreneurial journey to his pivotal role in venture capital. The conversation covers key business metrics for different stages of investment, the strategic application of venture funds, and the broader implications of competition and innovation on consumer brands. Key topics include the influence of Ozempic on the market, strategic planning for emerging companies, and the critical evaluation of consumer trends that shape the future of CPG.
Live from SXSW: George Milton and Erin Link - How They Founded Yellowbird Sauce
Host Mike Gelb delves into the origin story of Yellowbird Sauce with its founders, George Milton and Erin Link. Recorded live at South by Southwest, this engaging episode captures the serendipitous moments and the strategic decisions that propelled Yellowbird into the hot sauce market. George and Erin share how a hobby of making spicier and preservative-free hot sauce for personal use turned into a thriving business. They recount the early challenges, including their initial informal sales at local venues and their big break of getting into Whole Foods, which significantly scaled their distribution. The discussion also covers the importance of ingredient sourcing, product quality, and their eventual move to control manufacturing to maintain their product standards. The founders' chemistry and shared passion for their product shine through, making this a compelling narrative of entrepreneurship, partnership, and growth.
What Gives a Brand Acquisition Energy with Amrit Richmond
In this enlightening episode of The Consumer VC podcast, host Mike Elp and guest Amrit Richmond, a prominent figure in the indie consumer packaged goods (CPG) space, dissect the elements that energize brand acquisitions. Richmond highlights the evolution in acquisition motives from threat mitigation to seizing opportunities, such as accessing new customer bases or innovative product lines. The discussion covers strategic acquisitions in the food and beverage industry, including iconic deals like Annie’s and Kettle Chips. They delve into the operational dynamics post-acquisition, like leveraging corporate scale for distribution and innovation. The conversation also touches on the importance of a brand's ability to resonate and integrate within its acquirer’s portfolio, aiming for synergy rather than mere addition.