I am the Founder of Uprise Ventures (www.UpriseVentures.com), an early stage consumer investment firm that backs disruptive consumer startups in consumer technology, consumer media and consumer brands. At Uprise, we typically invest in companies backed by key influencers or in companies where we can help attach key influencers to significantly accelerate brand awareness. We back visionary founders with the experience and ability to create innovative companies and brands that can disrupt their marketplace. Examples of our portfolio companies include: ipsy (co-founded by YouTube superstar Michelle Phan), FabKids (co-founded by actress Christina Applegate; acquired by JustFab), Greats.com, KiwiCrate, Everbright Media (co-founded by Governor Mike Huckabee), Nourish Organic (backed by actors Ben Still and Christine Taylor), Sir Kensingtons, Savory and Red's All Natural. I am an active investor, facilitating key introductions to founders and actively working with their management teams to help solve unique challenges. My professional background includes venture capital at Polaris Partners, strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, technology and media investment banking at Goldman Sachs and Sales & Marketing at L'Oreal. My deal flow comes from personal relationships built over the last 15 years with entrepreneurs, other angel investors and venture capitalists.