In the 1990s, Howard Schultz built Starbucks into one of the world's most iconic consumer businesses. In 1998, after taking Starbucks public, Dan Levitan and Howard founded Maveron. They recognized that digital technologies would integrate into people's lives in unprecedented ways. They equally recognized that great teams attacking consumer-focused problems would require a rigorous understanding of human behavior. This belief has remained Maveron's north star for over 25 years.
Since our founding in 1998, our focus has remained consistent: early, true partnerships with non-normal entrepreneurs building consumer brands. It's great entrepreneurs — with passion, curiosity and rigor, courage and integrity — that create iconic brands.
As a firm, we specialize in what we do best: consumer. We invest under the premise that value creation comes through identifying where consumer behavior is changing, especially before it's obvious – and we are obsessed with observing how people live, work, learn, play, eat, and stay well. Often, we look at how technology and consumer centricity are disrupting archaic industries such as real estate, health care, finance, education, food, and energy.
We seek companies that change culture and the way we live. We call it "creating a cauldron of consumer passion."
do better than just profit
In June 2021, on the 23rd anniversary of our founding, we proudly announced our B Corp certification, joining an ever-growing list (including portfolio companies Allbirds, Lovevery, and Nécessaire). These are for-profit companies that use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. As investors, we partner with founders who obsess over improving the lives of consumers every single day. Additionally, a significant portion of our LP base is comprised of children’s hospitals, foundations, universities, and philanthropic families who also hold this shared mission of making the world a better place. When we do well for them, the world does too.
We’re excited to continue partnering with founders and investors who understand the weight of their power and who aim to shape the future — for good.
redefining consumer
The makeup of a consumer business has drastically changed since the 90s until now, but the core remains the same: companies that integrate into people’s lives and make the world a better place.