The Consumer VC: Venture Capital I B2C Startups I Commerce | Early-Stage Investing I Brands
The Consumer VC takes a look into early-stage consumer investing and venture capital. If you are interested in learning about consumer trends, have a b2c business and interested in learning about the fundraising process at the early stage, you have come to the right place. Mike interviews some of the top venture capitalists in the world that focus on B2C and consumer type companies or have a deep track record investing in these categories such as marketplaces, SaaS, social, CPG and non-tech subscription. Mike also interviews founders that are building some of the most disruptive consumer facing companies in the world. The conversation usually includes the insight the founder discovered, fundraising strategy, and the pitch. This podcast also includes bonus episodes. Each bonus episode dives into a particular subject that might not have to due with the fundraise or venture capital, but still would be helpful to founders. For example, a bonus episode on brand strategy or how to construct a board of directors. All bonus episodes will be clearly labeled. For all episodes, please visit www.theconsumervc.com. For updates, you can follow @mikegelb on Twitter.
Show episodes
Chris Ashenden (Athletic Greens) - How he founded a billion dollar nutrition brand, why he waited until $150m in sales to raise capital, and creating a new consumer habit
Our guest today is Chris Ashenden, Founder & CEO of Athletic Greens and AG1. AG1 is the world’s most comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition product in green powder form. We discuss:Why he founded Athletic GreensApproach to formulationHow he met Tim FerrissHow he built relationships with customersScaling onlineCr
Matt Higgins (RSE Ventures) - How he became a Shark on SharkTank, Why he invested in Gary Vee, and the future of Direct to Consumer
Today’s guest is Matt Higgins, Founder and General Partner of RSE Ventures. RSE is a private investment firm that focuses on sports and entertainment, media and marketing, food and lifestyle, and technology. Most recently he wrote the book “Burn The Boats”, which is a counterintuitive formula for a life of perpetual gr
Holiday Highlights: Steve Case (AOL.com, Revolution, Rise of the Rest)
Ben Jones (Haus Labs by Lady Gaga) - Inside Lady Gaga's Beauty Brand
Our guest today is Ben Jones, CEO of Haus Labs by Lady Gaga. Haus Labs by Lady Gaga is Lady Gaga’s clean artistry makeup brand powered by innovation. Here's some of the questions I ask: How did you meet Lady Gaga and what was your first impression? and can you tell me about the founding story of what was originally Hau
Matt Gibson (New Culture) - Creating Cheese Without the Cow
Our guest today is Matt Gibson, co-founder and CEO of New Culture. New Culture makes animal-free dairy products that stretch, melt, and taste like the real deal through fermentation. We’re going to discuss why he made animal free cheese, what makes cheese cheese, how it’s different to other cheese alternatives, and his
Mike Smerklo (Next Coast Ventures) - What it was like working for Ben Horowitz, How he set up a search fund and bought a company, Why he invests in consumer when he comes from enterprise
My guest today is Mike Smerklo, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Next Coast Ventures and author of Mr. Monkey and Me. Next Coast is investing in a new generation of entrepreneurs building disruptive companies in big markets. We discuss why Mike invests in consumer when his operational experience is in enterprise as
