Ep. 64 | Securing an Investor 101 & Explaining Venture Capital, with Alisa Carmichael
ALISa
"A GOOD IDEA CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE. IT DOESN’T REQUIRE A CERTAIN BACKGROUND OR EXPERIENCE.
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Alisa Carmichael is a partner at VMG Partners and a powerhouse investor known for championing consumer brands and founders of color. You’ll hear us talk about venture capital basics, what investors really want from founders, building meaningful relationships, and how she balances a demanding career with motherhood.
description:
In this episode of It Takes A Village, Delina welcomes Alisa Carmichael, a powerhouse investor and partner at VMG Partners, to demystify the world of venture capital, private equity, and growth equity for founders eager to understand what they’re signing up for. Alisa breaks down investment stages from early-stage VC checks to multi-million-dollar growth equity deals, explaining why most investors aren’t looking for forever partnerships but growth and exit.
Alisa shares her inspiring journey from Yale to investment banking, and ultimately becoming a key leader at VMG Partners invested in brands like The Honey Pot Company, Briogeo, and BeautyStat. She discusses co-creating Parity Collective to uplift early-stage founders of color and gives insider advice on what investors look for in pitches (it’s all about the “we,” not the “I”). She also offers meaningful insights on relationship-building, balancing motherhood with a demanding career, and navigating the beauty industry’s unique challenges.
ShoW TOPICS
Venture capital vs private equity explained
Alisa’s education and career path to VMG Partners
Investment stages and strategies
Co-founding Parity Collective to support founders of color
Beauty industry trends and insights
Trade show realities and business gratitude
Traits of successful founders and building strong business plans
Retail exclusivity pros and cons, direct-to-consumer strategies
Importance of relationships and mentorship in business
Balancing career as a mom and professional investor
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Understanding Venture Capital and Private Equity
01:24 Alisa's Educational Background and Early Influences
04:31 Journey into Investment Banking
08:09 Transition to VMG Partners
08:41 The Role of Founders and Investment Strategies
14:49 Stages of Investment Explained
18:35 Focus on Consumer Fund and Parity Collective
21:58 Navigating the Beauty Industry
22:28 The Challenges of Trade Shows
23:05 The Importance of Gratitude in Business
23:30 The Beyonce of Beauty
24:32 Key Traits of Successful Founders
25:00 Understanding the Beauty Market
25:59 The Role of Self-Awareness in Partnerships
27:55 Building a Strong Business Plan
30:39 The Benefits and Risks of Retail Exclusivity
33:05 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies
36:40 The Goal of Exiting a Business
37:42 Alternative Funding Options
42:04 The Importance of Relationships in Business
44:24 Personal and Professional Mentorship
47:01 Balancing Parenthood and Career
48:20 Conclusion and Future Topics
about alisa carmichael
Alisa Carmichael is a partner at VMG Partners and a leading investor known for backing category-defining consumer brands. With a career spanning Yale University, investment banking, and a decade at VMG, she specializes in building iconic brands while supporting founders of color through initiatives like the Parity Collective. Alisa has been instrumental in the growth of beauty and wellness brands including The Honey Pot, Briogeo, and BeautyStat. She balances her high-powered career with motherhood, making her an inspiring role model and trusted advisor in the industry.
Follow Alisa on all social media platforms
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