E089: Genevieve Gilbreath: Springdale Ventures

Genevieve Gilbreath has been an active investor and entrepreneur in the consumer products space in Austin and globally for the last 15 years. Passionate about the success of consumer brand entrepreneurs in Austin and beyond, in 2019 Genevieve became a founding board member and was President of Naturally Austin, a non-profit supporting CPG entrepreneurs. Today, as a founding partner at Springdale, she is a champion of early-stage consumer investing, including investments in Feastables, Mr. Beast’s better-for-you snack brand, better-for-you Mac and Cheese brand GOODLES, and ready-to-drink cocktail BEATBOX which recently signed a deal with eight-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, designer, and philanthropist Avril Lavigne, amongst others. Genevieve is also a frequent speaker and contributor to industry topics and events on venture capital, early-stage consumer investing, CPG, food & beverage, and beauty trends.

ShowNotes for Female VC Lab Podcast with Genevieve Gilbreath of Springfield Ventures

Episode Summary: In this episode, we welcome Genevieve Gilbreath, Co-Founder and GP at Springfield Ventures. She shares her journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist, the mission behind Springfield Ventures, and insights into the changing landscape of VC investing.

Key Points Discussed:

Genevieve's Background: The transition from a successful entrepreneur in the consumer product space to founding a venture capital firm after running an accelerator program.
Springfield Ventures' Formation: Teaming up with Dan Graham, another consumer entrepreneur turned investor; they raised $27 million surpassing their initial $20 million target.
Investment Thesis: Focusing on early-stage consumer brands that enhance life at home – ranging across food, beverage, durable goods, health & wellness – as well as tech platforms supporting these sectors. They typically write checks between $250k to $2 million for Seed to Series A rounds.
Personal Interests: Despite being heavily involved in work-related activities, Genevieve enjoys listening to fantasy novels with her son and watching films like "Godzilla vs Kong."
Future of Venture Capital: Expectations for more fluidity in investments over the next 18–24 months following a period of cautiousness due to market conditions. Anticipating smarter capital allocation rather than pre-correction frenzies.

Contact Information: Listeners can reach out via their website submission form or connect with Genevieve directly through LinkedIn.

Closing Remarks: Host thanks Genevieve Gilbreath for sharing her experiences and perspectives on venture capitalism within the female-led investment community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:17 What inspired you to become a VC?
01:42 What is your investment thesis? What is the motivation for your thesis?
03:00 What are you currently reading or learning or listening to these days?
04:03 In 2 years, how do you see venture capital evolved or changed?
04:56 How do people contact you?
05:21 Thank you

Featured Guest Bio:

Guest Contact:

LinkedIn: Genevieve G. Gilbreath

Fund Information:

Founded in 2019, Springdale Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas that invests in transformational consumer brands. A champion of early-stage consumer brand investing, the fund’s portfolio focuses on food, beverage, pet, health and beauty sectors. Notable investments include Feastables, Mr. Beast’s better-for-you snack brand, better for you, yet still delicious GOODLES, ready-to-drink cocktail BEATBOX, and the number one kids book club Literati.

Fund Site:

https://www.springdaleventures.com/

Fund Contact: