Show Notes:
In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, the host interviews Madeline Kaplan, a principal at Selva Ventures. Madeline shares her career journey from investment banking at Goldman Sachs to venture capital at Selva Ventures, focusing on health and wellness consumer brands. They discuss the importance of building relationships with founders, the operational support venture capitalists provide, and the competitive landscape of the beauty industry. Madeline highlights trends like the convergence of health and wellness with beauty and the impact of AI. The episode emphasizes the importance of focus for early-stage brands and offers valuable advice for founders seeking funding.

About Madeline:

Madeline Kaplan is a Principal at Selva Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in health & wellness-focused consumer brands.

At Selva she is primarily focused on Beauty & Personal Care, serving as a Board Member for Minu and a Board Observer for OneSkin, Crown Affair, and Perelel.

Prior to joining Selva Ventures, Madeline was a Principal at Smash Capital, a later-stage consumer tech fund. Madeline started her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.

She is based in Los Angeles, CA, and has an A.B. [Bachelor of Arts] in Economics from Harvard College.

To connect with her, visit: selvaventures.com

Timestamps:
Madeline's Background (00:00:56 )
Overview of Madeline Kaplan's career, including her role at Selva Ventures and previous experiences.
Career Beginnings (00:01:59 )
Madeline shares her journey into investment banking and how family influenced her career choices.
Experiences in VC (00:03:12 )
Discussion of Madeline's various internships and her passion for venture capital.
Transition to Selva Ventures (00:04:20 )
Madeline explains her move to Selva Ventures and her focus on early-stage consumer brands.
Role of VC Beyond Funding (00:06:24 )
The importance of operational support and relationship building in venture capital.
Supporting Founders (00:07:19 )
Madeline discusses how she helps portfolio companies with hiring and strategic guidance.
Challenges of Entrepreneurship (00:09:10 )
Insights on the emotional journey of entrepreneurs and the need for support.
Market Dynamics in Beauty (00:10:10 )
Madeline talks about the competitive landscape of the beauty industry and the importance of focus.
Advice for Founders Seeking Funding (00:11:43 )
Key strategies for building relationships with investors before seeking capital.
Importance of Data and Storytelling (00:13:04 )
The role of data in decision-making and the significance of storytelling for founders.
Daily Joys and Challenges (00:14:27 )
Madeline reflects on the rewarding and difficult aspects of her venture capital role.
Future of the Beauty Industry (00:15:44 )
Discussion on the evolving beauty landscape and the impact of social media and e-commerce.
Trends in Beauty and AI (00:16:48 )
Madeline shares insights on channel strategies and the convergence of health, wellness, and beauty.
Importance of Skin Care (00:19:27 )
Emphasizing skin care as a critical aspect of health and the need for sun protection.
Reflection on Career Path (00:19:57 )
Madeline reflects on how her younger self might perceive her current career achievements.
Reflections on the Past (00:20:27 )
Madeline discusses her experiences with a concussion at 15 and how it shaped her appreciation for life.
Advice from Mom (00:22:07 )
She shares her mother's advice on the importance of showing up and being open to new experiences.
The Journey of Life (00:23:15 )
The conversation emphasizes that life is a journey without a fixed destination, focusing on experiences and growth.
Sitting in the Stands (00:24:18 )
The hosts discuss the metaphor of "sitting in the stands" and the importance of taking action in life.
Building Your Brand (00:25:11 )
Madeline reflects on the need to put herself out there and share her thoughts through writing and social media.