{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Startup CPG Podcast","title":"Investor Spotlight: Alcohol & Vice Investing with Jason Sherman of Top Shelf Ventures","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3170,"description":"\nIn this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Jason Sherman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Top Shelf Ventures, an early-stage fund specializing in alcohol and vice brands. Jason shares his journey from Harvard Law to leading billion-dollar investments at AB InBev, to building and selling one of the fastest-growing alcohol companies in the United States, and ultimately launching Top Shelf Ventures to back the next generation of disruptive brands. Drawing on over a decade of operational and investment experience, he offers a candid look at what founders need to know to succeed in this unique category.\n\nGain valuable insights into identifying the right markets, avoiding costly expansion mistakes, and understanding the key metrics that matter most to investors, such as velocity, retention, and operational efficiency. Jason explains why many alcohol industry exits occur earlier than in other CPG sectors, shares practical fundraising strategies, and outlines how to effectively position a brand for acquisition. He also discusses what differentiates Top Shelf Ventures in a competitive funding landscape and how his team works closely with founders to support growth.\n\nTune in to learn how to stand out to investors, grow strategically, and set your brand on the path to a profitable exit. \n\nListen in as they share about:\nTop Shelf Ventures Overview\nDefining “Vice” & Category Boundaries\nStage, Check Size, and Metrics\nDistribution Strategy\nExamples of Successful Approaches\nMargins & Profitability\nFundraising Guidance\nFirst Investor Meeting Best Practices\nExit Strategies & Acquisition Dynamics\n\nEpisode Links:\nWebsite: http://topshelfventures.com/ \nLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshelfventures/\nLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondsherman/ \n\nDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/pMuUaMpWaAi3tfCEgC2OkLBVzokuLjLsIzwDIbGFqi4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMTFl/MTgxNTNlZTAwZjU1/ZmNmNWM1ZjkwMDg5/NTU4MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}