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Color Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 by entrepreneurs Jaime Schmidt and Chris Cantino. Based in Portland, Oregon, the firm specializes in consumer products, applications, and emerging commerce platforms. The founders bring significant experience from their previous venture, Schmidt's Naturals, which was acquired by Unilever in 2017. This background informs their investment strategy, which emphasizes supporting diverse founders, particularly women and people of color.
Currently, Color Capital manages a portfolio of approximately 30 companies, focusing on seed to Series B stages. The firm has established a strong narrative around advancing new-age consumer brands and technologies, leveraging their extensive network in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. Their commitment to diversity in entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of their investment philosophy.
Color Capital invests primarily in consumer goods, e-commerce, marketplaces, and emerging technologies. Their investment thesis emphasizes products and marketplaces that enhance omnichannel access and modern commerce experiences. They are particularly interested in consumer applications driven by AI and blockchain technologies. The firm targets seed to Series B stages, with a strong preference for early-stage investments.
Geographically, Color Capital focuses on the United States, seeking to partner with innovative consumer brands that align with their values. They prioritize investments in personal care, food and beverage, and retail technology, with a specific lens on supporting diverse founders. This focus on diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage, as they believe that diverse teams drive better business outcomes.
Color Capital's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Jaime Schmidt - Co-Founder. Jaime is the founder of Schmidt's Naturals, a personal care brand acquired by Unilever in 2017. She has extensive experience in consumer packaged goods and is an advocate for diverse entrepreneurship.
Chris Cantino - Co-Founder. Chris served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Schmidt's Naturals and played a key role in the company's acquisition by Unilever. He is active in thought leadership within the consumer brand space and focuses on supporting innovative startups.
To pitch Color Capital, founders should visit their website at color.capital. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with Color Capital's investment thesis. The firm prefers warm introductions but will consider direct submissions through their website. Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks.
As of April 2023, Color Capital has been actively expanding its portfolio, which currently includes around 30 companies. Notable recent investments include companies in the health and wellness sector, as well as emerging technology platforms. The firm continues to emphasize its commitment to supporting diverse founders in the consumer space.
Color Capital's notable exit includes the acquisition of Schmidt's Naturals by Unilever, which highlights the firm's successful track record in the consumer products sector. The firm remains focused on identifying and supporting innovative consumer brands that align with their investment thesis.
What are Color Capital's investment criteria?
Color Capital focuses on consumer goods, e-commerce, marketplaces, and emerging technologies. They prioritize investments in companies led by diverse founders, particularly women and people of color, and seek innovative consumer brands that enhance modern commerce experiences.
How can I pitch Color Capital?
Founders can pitch Color Capital through their website at color.capital. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details on how the company aligns with their investment thesis.
What makes Color Capital different from other VC firms?
Color Capital distinguishes itself by its strong commitment to diversity in entrepreneurship and its focus on modern consumer brands. The founders' background in CPG provides them with unique insights and resources to support portfolio companies effectively.
What is Color Capital's geographic focus?
The firm primarily invests in the United States, targeting innovative consumer brands that operate within this market.
What is Color Capital's post-investment involvement like?
Color Capital provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging the founders' expertise in consumer products and their extensive network in the industry. They focus on enhancing brand visibility and market access.
What stages does Color Capital invest in?
Color Capital invests in seed, Series A, and Series B stages, with a core focus on early-stage investments.
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