The Consumer Roundup #51
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Hey Friends,
Currently working on finalizing the details for a couple events at Expo West and SXSW. If you’d like to get involved, please feel free to reach out. Special shoutout to Cult Capital and Marc Nathan for helping plan. Looking forward to announcing soon. I’ll also be at Fancy Food in Las Vegas. Let me know if you’re attending and want to meet up.
📆 Webinar: Omnichannel Commerce Summit – Next Wednesday, January 17th at 1pm PST I’ll be chatting with Paul Voge, Co-Founder/CEO of Aura Bora where we will be chatting about how he expanded from DTC To Wholesale.
We will be discuss:
How to craft your story for different retailers
How retail buying has changed in the past 4 years
How to leverage retail data
His view of the DTC channel in beverage
Process for launching new SKUs & more
I’m also really excited to be partnering with Propeller Industries for The Consumer VC for this quarter. When I first started creating virtual summits during COVID, Propeller Industries were the first partner to get involved. I really appreciate them taking a chance on me early on creating this platform and their support of independent media. More about them here –
This issue is brought to you by Propeller Industries.
Propeller Industries is the leading strategic finance and accounting partner for venture-stage companies. Thinking about profitability, extending your runway, and improving efficiency in your operations? Managing your company’s finances requires multiple skill sets. Propeller’s fractional model offers a dynamic solution that provides a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time finance talent.
Now on to the latest in fundraising news…
Consumer Technology
ArenaX Labs, a gaming studio that is creating AI-powered video games, raised a $6 million round led by Framework Ventures with participation from SevenX Ventures, FunPlus, Xterio, and Moore Strategic Ventures - PR Newswire
Consumer Brands / Inventory-Based Businesses
Varlo Sports, a brand that produces high-performance apparel for triathlon and cycling athletes, raised an undisclosed seed round from REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, Todd Leff and John Cassimatis - PR Newswire
UrbanStems, the floral gifting company, raised $5 million in a Series C extension led by SWaN & Legend and DF Enterprises - PR Newswire
Nuwa, the Netherlands-based startup that has produced an advanced pen that can digitize every word you write, $1.64 million from an undisclosed U.S. global consumer goods company - PR Newswire
Hi!Papa, the personal care brand that targets 3-12 year old children in China, raised an undisclosed Series A+ led by L Catterton - PR Newswire
Reforme, parent of skin care brand Veralab, sells 30% to Peninsula Capital Partners. Veralab was founded by Cristina Fogazzi and their 2023 revenues crossed over $76.81 million, a 20% gain year-over-year - Global Cosmetic Industry
WTHN, a modern holistic wellness brand rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, raised a $5 million Series A led by L Catterton with participation by Halogen Ventures and a syndicate of cross-industry angel investors led by Annie Evans of Dream Ventures, Kelley Arena of Golden Hour Ventures, Caroline Witmer, and The Helm's angel community - Beauty Matter
Perfect Day, the plant-based dairy protein producer whose product ProFerm is a highly functional whey protein that contains no lactose, cholesterol, hormones, or pesticides, raised a $90 million pre-series E led by internal investors - Food Business News
Subtl, a brand known for producing functional and versatile makeup products that are designed for convenience and for people on-the-go, raised a $5.5 million Series A led by Cult Capital (who invested $5 million) with participation from Grouse Ridge Capital and Innovation Works - Beauty Independent
Retail
Oakberry, a franchise that sells açai bowls and smoothies that has 700 stores in 40 countries, raised a $67 million Series C from BTG Pactual. Oakberry is expected to grow revenue to $200 million and expand to 1,000 locations in the next year - PR Newswire
Funds Raising Funds
Forward Consumer Partners, a private equity firm that invests in consumer brands, raised their debut $425 million fund. Their primary strategy is to make majority investments of $25-$100 million in growing and well-positioned consumer brands - Business Wire