The Leonardo DiCaprio Backed $45 Million Sustainability Fund Regeneration VC w/ GP Dan Fishman

In this episode, Shamus Madan converses with Dan Fishman about his career shift to venture capital and his focus on environmental impact businesses. They discuss portfolio support and investment strategy at Regeneration VC, the role of omnichannel for climate brands, and traits of successful founders. They also delve into Leonardo DiCaprio's involvement at Regeneration VC, the circular economy concept, and portfolio companies' innovative use of Clean O 2. The episode concludes with advice for climate tech founders and a story about Zane Jaffer's successful business turnaround.

Today we have a very special guest Dan Fishman, the GP at Regeneration VC which is a VC firm focused on investing in regenerative startups fueling a circular economy. It is a $45 Million fund backed by famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Before starting the fund Dan launched and operated numerous companies in entertainment, apparel, and consumer products. He is a leading investor in early-stage environmentally-conscious consumer businesses.

In 2002, he co-founded Bulldog Entertainment Group, organizing brand deals for celebrities such as Quincy Jones, Shaquille O’Neal, Jennifer Hudson, and Prince before selling to Warner Music Group in 2006. He then pivoted to contemporary fashion, launching House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate in partnership with Nicole Richie, A.L.C. with Andrea Lieberman (sold to Interluxe), and L’Agence.

In 2011, Dan switched focus to the food industry, becoming the first investor and President of Coolhaus, a premium ice cream brand now sold in over 8,000 locations. He observed and responded to the growing plant-based movement, creating Coolhaus’ vegan line which launched nationwide at Whole Foods in 2018. His recent focus is investing and advising startup brands with an environmental impact, including Tare Grocery, For Days, Reel Paper, Saie Cosmetics, Nara Organics, and Goodmylk.

Twitter of Host: @mbitpodcast

Twitter of Guest: @RegenerationVC

(0:00) Introduction and disclaimer (0:25) Interview with Dan Fishman: Career and Transition to Venture Capital (2:26) Fishman's Focus on Environmental Impact Businesses and Formation of Regeneration VC (4:21) Support for Portfolio Companies and Investment Strategy at Regeneration VC (8:34) Importance of Omnichannel for Climate Brands and Characteristics of a Successful Founder (11:20) Leonardo DiCaprio's Role at Regeneration VC and Understanding the Circular Economy (14:32) Portfolio Companies and the Innovative Use of Clean O 2 (15:08) Advice for Climate Tech Founders and Importance of Understanding Business Finance (16:08) Zane Jaffer's Story: From Near Bankruptcy to Successful Acquisition (17:01) Concluding Remarks and Closing the Podcast