Capital, Category Creation & Where Smart Money Is Moving in Consumer

How do you actually underwrite early-stage consumer when the data is thin, capital is tighter, and durability matters more than hype?Lori Cashman, Founding Partner at Visible Ventures, breaks down how she evaluates founders from Seed to Series A, and why founder-market fit, retention, and demographic tailwinds matter more than vanity metrics.This episode is a masterclass in investor judgment, capital allocation, and building consumer businesses that last.We cover:Balancing early data with intuition in consumer investingWhat founder-market fit really means and how to spot blind spots earlyWhy there’s no single “right” founder profile (and the one archetype Lori avoids)Retention vs acquisition in the earliest inningsThe demographic shifts shaping the next decade of consumer:Wealth transfer to women and Gen ZGen Z as the next engine of GDP growthHealth, longevity, financial literacy, and upward mobilityCase studies from the Visible portfolio (pet, beauty, devices, science-backed consumer)When to lean into growth vs preserve optionalityCoaching founders through downturns, fundraising delays, and channel pivotsWhy P&L fluency and cash-flow discipline are non-negotiable heading into 2026The compounding power of founder-led storytelling and communityIf you’re building, backing, or underwriting consumer brands, this episode sharpens your edge.