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CAVU Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, with offices in Santa Monica, California, and New York City. The firm specializes in investing in consumer brands, particularly those that promote healthy living. CAVU has established a strong reputation in the market, evidenced by its notable exits and a diverse portfolio of companies. The firm has a total assets under management (AUM) of just under $1.4 billion as of February 2026, following the close of its fifth fund at $325 million.
Over the years, CAVU has evolved from its earlier branding as CAVU Ventures to its current identity as CAVU Consumer Partners. This rebranding reflects a strategic shift towards a more focused investment approach in the consumer sector. The firm has successfully raised multiple funds, including Fund I at approximately $156 million in 2016, Fund II at around $209 million in 2017, and Fund III at $250 million in 2019. Fund IV's size remains unconfirmed, while Fund V, which closed in February 2026, was oversubscribed and targeted at $275 million.
Notable milestones include significant investments in brands that have achieved successful exits, such as Poppi, OSEA, Bai, ONE Brands, and Vital Proteins. CAVU's commitment to democratizing healthy living is evident in its investment strategy, which emphasizes innovation-led brands with authentic value propositions.
CAVU Consumer Partners invests in early- to growth-stage consumer brands across several sectors, including food and beverage, health and wellness, and personal care. The firm targets investments at various stages, from pre-seed to growth equity, allowing for flexibility in its investment approach. The typical check sizes are not publicly disclosed, but the firm has a history of backing companies with significant growth potential.
The investment strategy emphasizes providing strategic support in key areas such as sales, marketing, digital and e-commerce, operations, and partnerships. This support is facilitated through CAVU's in-house operating platform, UNCOMMON, which differentiates the firm from traditional financial venture capitalists. CAVU seeks to partner with brands that align with its mission to democratize healthy living, focusing on innovation-led companies that deliver real consumer value.
Geographically, CAVU primarily focuses on North America, allowing it to tap into a diverse market of consumer brands. The firm looks for founders who are passionate about their products and possess a clear vision for their brand's growth. CAVU's investment thesis centers on the intersection of culture, wellness, and consumer value, making it a compelling partner for emerging brands in the consumer sector.
CAVU Consumer Partners has a diverse portfolio of seven notable companies, each contributing to the firm's mission of promoting healthy living through innovative consumer products. The portfolio includes:
This portfolio reflects CAVU's commitment to investing in brands that align with consumer trends towards health and wellness, showcasing a strong track record of successful exits and ongoing growth potential.
Brett Thomas: Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Brett has a background as a former partner at Scout Capital Management, a hedge fund with over $9 billion in AUM. He brings financial expertise and strategic insight to CAVU.
Rohan Oza: Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Rohan is recognized for his role in building Vitaminwater and Smartwater, serving as CMO for all Coca-Cola brands post-acquisition. He is a guest judge on ABC's Shark Tank and is known for his expertise in consumer brand development.
Jared Jacobs: Managing Partner. Jared plays a key role in investment strategy and portfolio management, leveraging his experience in the consumer sector.
Brandon Neumann: Vice President. Brandon focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities, contributing to the firm's growth strategy.
Charlotte (Flint) Pitt: Senior Associate. Charlotte supports portfolio companies with operational and strategic initiatives.
John Copses: Senior Associate. John assists in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Mo Ghabrial: Senior Associate. Mo focuses on market research and due diligence for potential investments.
Grace Wu: Associate. Grace contributes to deal sourcing and portfolio support.
Stevie Clements: Chief Marketing Officer. Stevie leads marketing efforts for CAVU and its portfolio companies.
Dain Gordon: Creative Director. Dain oversees creative strategy and branding initiatives.
John Denny: VP, eCommerce & Digital. John manages digital strategy and e-commerce initiatives for portfolio companies.
Krisa Park: VP, Talent. Krisa focuses on talent acquisition and human resources for CAVU and its portfolio.
Samantha Martinez: Brand Associate. Samantha supports brand development and marketing efforts.
Ava McDonald: Marketing Associate. Ava assists in marketing initiatives across the firm.
Bella Filer: Chief Financial Officer. Bella manages financial operations and reporting for CAVU.
Carmen Collyns: Head of Investor Relations. Carmen oversees relationships with limited partners and investors.
Greg Langley: Controller. Greg manages financial compliance and reporting.
Andrew Pine: Senior Fund Accountant. Andrew handles fund accounting and financial analysis.
Fran Amico: Executive Assistant. Fran provides administrative support to the team.
Kayla Kawamoto: Executive Assistant. Kayla assists with administrative tasks and team coordination.
Startups interested in pitching to CAVU Consumer Partners should utilize the preferred channel of their website at cavuconsumer.com or email info@cavuconsumer.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. CAVU values clarity and detail in presentations, as this helps them assess the potential fit with their investment criteria.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process. Warm introductions can enhance the chances of receiving a timely response, as CAVU often prioritizes referrals from trusted sources within their network.
In February 2026, CAVU Consumer Partners closed its fifth fund at $325 million, targeting investments in better-for-you consumer brands across food and beverage, beauty, pet, and wellness sectors. This fund was oversubscribed, reflecting strong interest from existing and new investors.
In March 2026, CAVU made its first investment from Fund V in Recess, a magnesium-based functional drink brand, marking a significant addition to its portfolio.
During the Fund IV era, CAVU supported Gymkhana Fine Foods with a $3 million raise and was a significant early investor in Once Upon a Farm, showcasing its commitment to backing innovative consumer brands.
Notable exits from previous funds include Poppi, which was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion in May 2025, and OSEA, which was acquired by General Atlantic in 2025. These exits highlight CAVU's successful track record in the consumer sector.
What are CAVU Consumer Partners' investment criteria?
CAVU Consumer Partners focuses on early- to growth-stage consumer brands across sectors such as food and beverage, health and wellness, and personal care. The firm seeks innovation-led brands with authentic value propositions that align with its mission to democratize healthy living.
How can startups apply or pitch to CAVU Consumer Partners?
Startups can pitch to CAVU Consumer Partners through their website at cavuconsumer.com or by emailing info@cavuconsumer.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy.
What makes CAVU Consumer Partners different from other venture capital firms?
CAVU differentiates itself through its in-house operating platform, UNCOMMON, which provides strategic support in brand building, go-to-market strategy, and talent acquisition. This operational focus allows CAVU to actively engage with its portfolio companies beyond just providing capital.
What is the geographic scope of CAVU Consumer Partners' investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America, allowing it to leverage the diverse market of consumer brands and trends within the region.
What is the typical check size for investments made by CAVU Consumer Partners?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, CAVU has a history of backing companies with significant growth potential across various funding stages, from pre-seed to growth equity.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
CAVU Consumer Partners provides extensive post-investment support through its UNCOMMON platform, focusing on areas such as sales, marketing, and operations to help portfolio companies achieve their growth potential.
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