In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Brian Folmer, founder of FirstLook Ventures, to explore what founders need to know before fundraising—from building compelling pitch decks to avoiding common mistakes that sink deals.

Brian brings a rare full-stack perspective to consumer investing: founder, operator, ecosystem builder, and now investor backing early-stage brands through FirstLook Ventures and SPVs. His journey spans dropping out of law school to launch his first startup, working in corporate retail at Abercrombie and Victoria's Secret, investing at XRC Ventures, and eventually building FirstLook—a monthly curation box that connects emerging brands with 300+ angel investors, VCs, and family offices.

Throughout the conversation, Brian shares what separates founders who successfully raise from those who struggle, breaking down the core elements every pitch deck needs (particularly the "why now" thesis), why demonstrating passion alongside credentials matters for long-term conviction, and how capital efficiency thinking (18 months of runway, not too much capital) sets brands up for sustainable growth trajectories.

Brian discusses why social capital in VC is more valuable than deal volume, explains the psychology of winning over investors beyond just metrics, and shares a compelling case study with Half Day Iced Tea's fiber trend positioning. He addresses common founder questions around retail requirements for fundraising (spoiler: you don't need it), how many rounds to anticipate in a CPG brand's lifecycle, and tactical advice on breaking into venture capital without traditional investment banking experience.

If you're preparing for your first institutional raise, refining your fundraising strategy, or wondering what investors actually evaluate beyond the numbers, this episode offers grounded, actionable insights from someone who's been on both sides of the table.

Listen in as they discuss:

• Brian's journey: law school dropout to founder to XRC Ventures to FirstLook
• FirstLook Ventures mandate: Series A/B focus with $500K average checks
• FirstLook boxes: connecting emerging brands with 300+ investors monthly
• Why consumer investing is more exciting than tech right now
• Current fundraising landscape: why now is a solid time to raise
• Common fundraising mistakes: unrealistic projections and wishy-washy raise amounts
• What makes a great pitch deck: nailing the "why now" thesis
• Case study: Half Day Iced Tea and betting on the fiber trend
• Social capital in VC: why quality beats quantity in deal sharing
• Fundraising fundamentals: setting terms, timeline expectations, and raise amounts
• Capital planning: the 18-month runway rule and avoiding over-raising
• How many fundraising rounds CPG brands should anticipate
• Do you need retail to fundraise? (Short answer: no)
• Breaking into VC without investment banking experience

Episode Links:

Brian Folmer — Founder, FirstLook Ventures
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfolmer/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstlookvc/ 

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Show Links:

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• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics