What Maveron Is All About
Since the late 90s, Maveron has been backing transformative consumer businesses with a sharp focus on early, true partnerships. Founded by Dan Levitan and Howard Schultz—yes, the Starbucks guy—Maveron recognized early on that digital tech would weave itself into everyday life like never before. But it’s not just about tech; it’s about understanding people. The firm zeroes in on consumer brands led by passionate, curious, and courageous entrepreneurs who bring rigor and integrity to the table. Simply put, Maveron invests in those non-normal founders who are changing the way we live, work, and play.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Maveron stand out:
- Founded in 1998 by Dan Levitan and Howard Schultz
- Specializes exclusively in consumer businesses
- Obsessed with spotting shifts in consumer behavior before they become obvious
- Invests in sectors like real estate, health care, finance, education, food, and energy
- Achieved B Corp certification in June 2021, joining portfolio companies like Allbirds and Lovevery
- B Corp score of 96.7, reflecting a strong commitment to social and environmental performance
- LP base includes children’s hospitals, foundations, universities, and philanthropic families
Backing More Than Just Profit
Maveron isn’t your typical venture capital firm chasing dollars alone. On its 23rd anniversary, the firm proudly announced its B Corp certification, signaling a commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. This means partnering with founders who obsess over improving consumers’ lives every single day. And it’s not just talk—many of Maveron’s limited partners are philanthropic organizations that want to see real-world impact. When Maveron does well for them, the world benefits too. It’s about doing better than just profit—it’s about purpose.
Redefining What It Means to Be a Consumer Business
The consumer landscape has evolved dramatically since the 90s, but Maveron holds onto a core truth: the best consumer companies integrate deeply into people’s lives and make the world a better place. Whether it’s through technology or a fresh approach to old industries, these companies don’t just sell products—they change culture. Maveron calls this creating a “cauldron of consumer passion,” where innovation and human behavior collide to spark something truly transformative.
The Values That Drive Maveron
At Maveron, values aren’t just words on a wall—they’re the brand itself. These principles guide every decision, from investments to hiring to how the firm operates day-to-day. Here’s the lowdown:
- Unapologetically Non-Normal: Like superheroes with unique origin stories, Maveron embraces being different. This non-normal mindset fuels creativity and drives change.
- Ships Over Actions: It’s all about relationships, not transactions. Investing in people, not just deals, builds trust and alignment.
- Profit + Purpose: Equal weight is given to making money and making a positive impact. The goal? To make a dent in the universe, as Steve Jobs famously said.
- Win the Right Way: Doing the right thing—even when it’s tough—is non-negotiable. As Mark Twain put it, “Always do right.”
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through investments in health-focused consumer brands
- SDG 4: Quality Education – supporting companies innovating in learning and education
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – backing consumer-centric energy solutions
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – fostering entrepreneurship and job creation
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – promoting diversity and inclusion within portfolio companies
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging sustainable consumer habits
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future for Good
Maveron continues to partner with founders and investors who get the weight of their power—and who want to shape the future for good. It’s not just about spotting the next big thing; it’s about building companies that stand for something bigger than growth at any cost. With a sharp eye on consumer behavior and a heart set on impact, Maveron is on a mission to back businesses that don’t just succeed but also make the world a better place. Because at the end of the day, doing well and doing good aren’t mutually exclusive—they go hand in hand.
