Podcast Summary: Consumer VC – Episode 0: "Why The Consumer VC"

Host: Mike Gelb
Guest Host/Interviewer: Rob (Mike’s brother, founder & CEO of HeySummit)
Release Date: October 22, 2019

Overview: Main Theme and Purpose

This introductory episode serves as a “meta” interview, offering listeners insight into the background, purpose, and intended audience of “Consumer VC”—a podcast dedicated to early-stage consumer (B2C) investing and venture capital. To shake up the format, host Mike Gelb is interviewed by his brother Rob, flipping the usual host-guest dynamic and providing candid answers about the show’s vision, personal motivations, and approach.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Genesis of the Podcast

• Entrepreneurial Curiosity:
  • Mike reflects on his longstanding interest in entrepreneurship, including his experience founding a private label Amazon business and his subsequent curiosity about “high growth B2C businesses and venture capital.”
    • “I realized that there wasn’t a podcast devoted to early-stage consumer... I thought this would be interesting to hear from investors—how they evaluate opportunities when there aren’t a lot of data points to go on—and help founders demystify the fundraising process.” (00:56)
• Podcast Gap Identified:
  • He notes a clear gap in available content: a podcast focusing solely on early-stage consumer investing, both for founders and investors.

2. Audience: Who is the Show For?

• Target Listeners:
  • Aspiring and current B2C founders seeking guidance on fundraising and how venture capital works.
  • Individuals interested in hearing directly from venture capitalists about assessing startups and spotting consumer trends.
  • Those in the ecosystem who want to “understand how venture capital actually works,” and anyone keen on “emerging consumer tech or trends.”
    • “My intention is this podcast might be relevant to those that are interested in hearing from venture capitalists... It could also be helpful if you’re currently trying to raise a round or have an idea for a B2C business.” (01:42)

3. Host’s Background and Credibility

• Not a VC Insider:
  • Mike candidly admits he’s not a professional venture capitalist, though he has experience from his university VC fund in due diligence on high-growth companies.
    • “No, I actually don’t come from a venture capitalist background... I was involved in my university’s VC fund where we got to conduct due diligence on a few emerging high growth companies. But apart from that, no, I don’t.” (02:24)
• Breaking In:
  • Despite not having insider credentials, Mike has succeeded in securing interviews by simply reaching out to VCs.
    • “I thought I would just start out by writing to them... I’ve gotten some great responses and have actually conducted quite a few interviews.” (02:46–02:53)

4. Goals and Hopes for the Podcast

• Educational Resource:
  • The central aim is making early-stage consumer investing more approachable and helping listeners stay ahead on consumer trends.
    • “I hope this podcast serves as an educational resource for those wanting to understand early-stage consumer investing and learn about emerging consumer trends.” (03:08)
• Guest-Focused Approach:
  • Mike emphasizes his intent to limit his own airtime, letting guests’ expertise and stories lead.
    • “The focus and the priority are our guests and their insights and experiences. So definitely pay close attention to that. Not so much myself.” (03:21)

5. Current State and What’s Next

• Season Progress:
  • Mike shares he’s already recorded eight episodes with ten more interviews lined up.
    • “So I currently have eight episodes recorded and have ten more interviews lined up in the coming weeks.” (03:46)
• Staying Connected:
  • Listeners can follow the show by subscribing on their podcast app, visiting the website (theconsumervc.com), joining the email list, or reaching out by email or social media (Twitter & Instagram: @ikegelb).
    • “I would love to hear from you and make this as collaborative as possible.” (04:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Gratitude to Listeners:
  • “You have over a million podcasts to choose from and the fact you’re even considering this one... all I can say is that I’m chuffed. I really am.” – Mike (00:07)
• On the Hot Seat Dynamic:
  • Rob: “So I’m gonna be asking you some questions here and putting you in the hot seat for once.” (00:42)
• Mike’s Self-Awareness:
  • “I’m a bit of a talker and very much a rambler. And so what I’m worried about the most on this podcast is that you’re going to be hearing way too much from me.” (03:21)
• Brotherly Banter (Ending):
  • Rob: “Cool, Mike.”
    Mike: “All right.”
    Rob: “I’m excited for episode one.”
    Mike: “Thanks, Rob. Thanks so much for doing this. I appreciate it.”
    Rob: “No problem, Mike... See ya. Call mom.” (04:51–04:56)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:00]–[00:42]: Introduction; premise of the show; Rob as interviewer.
• [00:50]–[01:31]: Why start Consumer VC? Mike’s background and market gap.
• [01:31]–[02:12]: Intended audience and use cases.
• [02:12]–[02:37]: Host's background in VC (or lack thereof).
• [02:37]–[03:08]: How Mike lines up guests; positive surprises so far.
• [03:08]–[03:41]: Podcast goals; educational mission and guest-focus.
• [03:41]–[03:54]: Status update: number of episodes recorded and upcoming interviews.
• [04:00]–[04:50]: How to follow, reach out, and stay connected.
• [04:51]–[04:56]: Outro, sibling banter (“Call mom”).

Conclusion

Episode 0 of Consumer VC sets a welcoming tone for newcomers, clearly laying out the podcast’s mission to demystify early-stage consumer investing through candid conversations with VCs and startup founders. Mike’s humble, earnest approach—amplified by his brother’s playful interview—promises an accessible, engaging resource for B2C founders, investors, and trend-watchers alike.