Inside the Round

How to Build a $20M CPG Brand (Even During COVID) with Hailey Swartz | Inside the Round

In this episode of Inside the Round, Helena Fogarty interviews Haley Swartz, co-founder of Actual Veggies, a company dedicated to creating healthier, restaurant-quality veggie burgers. They discuss the journey of starting the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of fundraising, the importance of having a strong co-founder relationship, and the role of accelerators in their growth. Haley shares insights on navigating the food industry, building investor relationships, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a startup founder. Takeaways The idea for Actual Veggies was born out of a need for healthier veggie burgers. Starting during COVID presented unique challenges but also opportunities. Working with chefs is crucial for developing quality food products. Building a strong co-founder relationship is essential for success. Raising capital requires careful planning and understanding of the investor landscape. Legal counsel is vital in navigating fundraising and contracts. Feedback from potential customers can validate product ideas before launch. Maintaining a work-life balance is important for long-term success. Investors can provide valuable insights beyond just funding. The startup journey is a continuous learning experience. Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Actual Veggies 03:00 Navigating the Challenges of Startup Life 05:47 The Role of Accelerators in Growth 08:49 Innovating in the Food Industry 11:42 Building a Strong Co-Founder Relationship 14:51 Raising Capital: Strategies and Insights 17:45 Understanding the Investor Landscape 20:48 Lessons from Fundraising Experiences 23:33 The Importance of Legal Counsel 26:32 Preparing for Future Raises 29:37 The Evolution of Company Culture 32:21 Maintaining Balance as a Founder 35:11 The Future of Actual Veggies Helena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenafogarty Hailey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileyswartz/

How Steve Gilman Raised $3M After His First Startup Exit - Here's His Exact Playbook

Inside the Round is a podcast hosted by fundraising expert Helena Fogarty that pulls back the curtain on startup funding by featuring founders who have recently closed their funding rounds. Each episode delivers raw, unfiltered insights into what it actually takes to get investors to commit capital, moving beyond sanitized success stories to reveal the exact processes, pivotal moments, uncomfortable conversations, and strategic decisions that led to millions in funding.  In this episode of Inside the Round, Steve Gilman shares his entrepreneurial journey from founding Block Party to launching OneRange, an AI-powered talent development platform. He discusses the challenges of fundraising, the importance of resilience, and the value of building a strong network. Steve emphasizes the need for clear roles among co-founders and the significance of mental and physical well-being in the entrepreneurial journey. He also reflects on the evolving landscape of fundraising and the lessons learned from his experiences in both sports and business. Chapters  00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM] The Journey Begins: From Block Party to OneRange 03:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=183s] Navigating the Fundraising Landscape 05:50 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=350s] Building a Resilient Team and Company Culture 08:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=525s] The Importance of Networking and Relationships 12:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=720s] Lessons from Sports: Resilience and Grit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=891s 14:51 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=891s] The Role of Investors in a Startup's Success 18:04 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=1084s] Finding the Right Co-Founder 20:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=1254s] The Challenges of Fundraising in a Changing Environment 23:51 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=1431s] Mental and Physical Well-being as a Founder 26:52 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnbAif2IrIM&t=1612s] The Future of OneRange and Upcoming Fundraising Plans Find Steve here:   / stevegilman26   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0FMM3RfeDVoSy1OS2hleTBGWFdqWUs0TTVoZ3xBQ3Jtc0tscFJ4ZmdnQmczblU2LURxampzOENicEJhSzA1a0MtRlU1TjdwX3ZmXy1uZEk4QW5SbHZxMFZzNWh3M2IxTk9OSHhuWGdfblJuVEx5MERFaDhjeFdkUVd5TjlhWnRmd096a1ZnbHNrY2dUWnQ1UjU4Yw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fstevegilman26%2F&v=wnbAif2IrIM] Find Helena here:   / helenafogarty   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmpYSGg3dC1Uay1UVUp6TndjUVNVQlA2bVNwZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttSVpiWUpHRVRDaTR4WUprLVNsNmxud29KNjdzY1lvWTRkTGNfTnF5ZDFsak10bEtCUkpURjBwenZRUTBCMzVtd1NxVWZqVG54dUtPTGtaaThTMHVpdjZIRk1KcnlzOHlVOFVwVXJrcG12VnAwOHFzdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fhelenafogarty%2F&v=wnbAif2IrIM] Follow us: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9Ah.. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblljUm5JamY1aDJZSDJpOG9LVmpRcGhlNk5Pd3xBQ3Jtc0ttM1F4MFU0Zmp6Q0VmdXBSeG9ZNHp2SWhFbWJScDBKa3owaU40T1pIOEZMQ25DS1IzQ3pFVXUzVHotZWlOZnV4YkVPMndxcm9IQWpzOUhHZmpqNHVZWnFIQkNuMHpyZ0haYW9TRnJEdGI4ck11V1JPVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F5NVE9Ah..&v=wnbAif2IrIM]. To learn more about Bamboo X: https://bamboo-x.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnBaZUZGTkpPdThpMU44QmpuVlhob3E3OVFXUXxBQ3Jtc0ttcnBaYndnV2JiazZ4dHVzMGhEMEdkN1NDM2xvUHJOektSRE1Wa3lzUmpOY1liRThfVmtGNW9rUzIwTFhlWGx0eEdtWjZJS0RLQ0gtRGtiVnU3QkxTMVkxRDIyeUxjMVptSkY5SThEaHh3d3lNYlNKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbamboo-x.com%2F&v=wnbAif2IrIM] All productions are created by 28th&Park. Visit us: https://28thpark.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa19ZMUI5U0ZPZjcyTDZ2b2dJSWZGTDlKeVNXd3xBQ3Jtc0ttaU5BMVBfcGdRa3h1MFJTYkhYQzRfTTAxWk1Qa0NCR3UzMC0wb0J2OUhpYVBraGIzT2UwTi1DWVNwSHZnNm00UjdsN01GRU5jTDBhWnluNGFlWGN2RFhUSUg4ai1HVEp4Y21EUmpXbEpDbXdYbUVzNA&q=https%3A%2F%2F28thpark.com%2F&v=wnbAif2IrIM]

How I Raised $16M to FIX the Youth Mental Health Crisis with Natalie Schneider

In this episode of Inside the Round, Helena Fogarty speaks with Natalie Schneider, founder of Fort Health, about her journey in the startup world, particularly in the mental health sector. They discuss the challenges of fundraising, the importance of understanding VC funding, and the unique hurdles faced by female founders. Natalie shares insights on building a strong team, preparing for fundraising, and maintaining personal well-being as a founder. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of startups and the critical need for resilience in the face of challenges. Takeaways * VC funding is not the only option for startups. * Female founders face unique challenges in fundraising. * Building a strong team is crucial for success. * Networking and relationships are key in fundraising. * Understanding the fundraising process is essential for founders. * Maintaining personal well-being is vital for founders. * The startup landscape is evolving with new challenges. * Investors are looking for capital efficiency and profitability. * Bias in funding decisions affects female founders significantly. * Resilience is necessary for navigating the startup journey. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding VC Funding and Its Alternatives 03:02 The Birth of Ford Health and Its Mission 05:59 Navigating the Startup Landscape: Trends and Challenges 08:56 The VC Funding Dilemma: Is It Right for You? 11:40 The Importance of Team and Support in Fundraising 14:47 Preparing for Fundraising: Strategies and Resources 18:03 The Role of Female Founders in the Startup Ecosystem 20:48 The Impact of Bias in Funding Decisions 24:08 Building Relationships and Networking for Success 26:51 The Fundraising Process: From Preparation to Closing 29:53 Managing Investor Relations and Expectations 32:41 Maintaining Personal Well-being as a Founder 36:06 Lessons Learned from the Fundraising Journey 38:50 The Future of Startups and the Importance of Resilience Find Natalie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieschneider/  Follow us: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/]  Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o]: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o [https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o]  To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/ [https://bambootalent.group/]

Raising a fund to back the next generation of consumers founders with VHS Ventures | Inside the Round

In this episode of Inside the Round, Helena Fogarty speaks with Sumeet Shah, founder of VHS Ventures, about his journey in consumer investing, the impact of market shifts, and the importance of building a supportive ecosystem for founders. They discuss the challenges of fundraising, the role of LPs, and the philosophy behind VHS Ventures, which aims to create a collaborative community for stakeholders in the consumer space.  In this conversation, Sumeet discusses the challenges faced by emerging managers in venture capital, the tools available for fundraising, and the importance of maintaining mental and physical health in high-pressure environments. He shares insights into their day-to-day operations, the emotional rewards of helping others, and the significance of vulnerability and open communication in the workplace. Takeaways: * Sumit Shah founded VHS Ventures to support consumer founders. * The 2022 market shift created opportunities for new investments. * Building relationships with founders is crucial for success. * LPs play a significant role in the fundraising process. * Consumer investing allows for tangible product engagement. * Creating a supportive ecosystem benefits all stakeholders. * The philosophy of VHS Ventures is to build a village. * Community events like Consumer Brews foster connections. * Investing in consumer products can be exciting and rewarding. * A mindset of abundance leads to better collaboration. Emerging managers face significant challenges in fundraising. * Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are valuable tools for new investors. * Day-to-day operations involve juggling multiple responsibilities. * Fellows play a crucial role in the investment process. * Emotional rewards come from seeing others succeed. * Maintaining mental health is essential in high-pressure roles. * Vulnerability should not be seen as a weakness. * Open communication fosters a healthier work environment. Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to VHS Ventures and Sumit Shah 02:57 Sumit Shah's Journey in Consumer Investing 06:01 The Impact of the 2022 Market Shift 09:12 Navigating Fundraising and Building Relationships 12:06 The Role of LPs and Consumer Investment Excitement 15:10 Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Founders 17:50 Creating a Village: The VHS Ventures Philosophy 21:12 Consumer Brews: Fostering Community Connections 26:59 Navigating the Challenges of Emerging Managers 29:05 Day-to-Day Operations in Venture Capital 34:36 The Emotional Rewards of Venture Capital 40:24 The Thrill of Seeing Backed Products in the Wild 45:19 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health in High-Pressure Environments 49:46 The Importance of Vulnerability and Open Communication Find Sumeethere: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumeethshah/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumeethshah/] Follow us:LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/]  Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o]: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o [https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o]  To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/ [https://bambootalent.group/]

Raising a $1.75M pre-seed while navigating pregnancy and motherhood with Amy Kiska of Recess | Inside the Round

In this conversation, Amy Kiska, co-founder of Recess, shares her journey of building a startup while navigating the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. She discusses the importance of identifying market needs, the dynamics of co-founding, and the intricacies of fundraising. Amy emphasizes the significance of building a targeted investor database and leveraging warm introductions to secure funding. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of venture capital and the lessons learned from their fundraising experience.  The speaker shares insights on the importance of a well-prepared data room for investors, the significance of extensive market research, and the unique challenges faced by female founders, particularly during pregnancy. The discussion also covers the dynamics of investor relationships, the acceleration of business post-funding, and practical advice for early-stage founders. The speaker emphasizes the need for resilience and the importance of maintaining emotional and physical health throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways: - Building a startup can happen during challenging times. - Identifying a market need is crucial for success. - Co-founder dynamics can significantly impact a startup's journey. - Fundraising requires extensive research and preparation. - Creating a targeted investor database is essential. - Warm introductions can greatly enhance fundraising efforts. - Pre-seed funding expectations have evolved over time. - Launching a beta product can create momentum in fundraising. - Persistence is key in the fundraising process. The data room is crucial for telling your company story. - Raising funds is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. - Building a beta site can demonstrate traction to investors. - Every interaction with investors is an opportunity to build relationships. - Maintaining a strong support system is vital for founders. - User feedback is essential for product development. - Balancing personal life and business is a continuous journey. Chapters: 00:00 The Birth of Recess: A Founder’s Journey 02:58 Identifying Market Needs and Building Solutions 05:49 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics 08:52 The Fundraising Landscape: Insights and Strategies 12:13 Building an Investor Database: The Key to Success 15:04 The Importance of Warm Intros and Networking 17:50 Lessons Learned from Fundraising Experiences 21:48 Crafting the Perfect Data Room 24:52 Understanding Market Research and Validation 26:45 The Journey of a Pregnant Founder 30:05 Navigating Investor Relationships 33:05 Post-Funding Acceleration 36:25 Building Relationships with Investors 37:22 Advice for Early-Stage Founders 39:37 Maintaining Balance in the Startup Journey Find Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykiska/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykiska/] Follow us:LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamboo-crowd/]  Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o]: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o [https://open.spotify.com/show/5NVE9AhSS5LGb6iepeZW3o]  To learn more about BTG: https://bambootalent.group/ [https://bambootalent.group/]