Consumer Ventures

Consumer Ventures is a venture capital firm in Chicago that backs young consumer businesses in the United States. It was previously called CompanyFirst. The firm works closely with founders and takes a hands-on part in building their brands.

Services

• Early-stage investment: puts capital into consumer brands, often starting at Series A rounds.
• Follow-on funding: keeps investing in portfolio companies across several rounds as they grow.
• Co-investment: invests alongside other partners so that companies can draw on wider resources.
• Operating support: a team with finance, strategy, marketing and operations experience helps with planning, systems and trade shows.
• Advisor network: gives founders access to advisors, partners and industry specialists.

Who it works with

The firm targets consumer brands in food, beverage, personal care, apparel, kids products and pet products, as well as retailers and technologies serving consumers. It favours US-based companies with growth potential and solid fundamentals, led by entrepreneurs with a clear plan.

Key facts

• Based in: Chicago, USA
• Formerly: CompanyFirst
• Focus: Consumer brands, products, retailers and consumer technology
• Stage: Multiple stages, often from Series A