VMG Partners

Investment decisions are made by the five managing directors: Michael Mauzé, Craig Jacobson, Eric Eden, Wade Calvert, and Karina Loughlin. Each brings a combination of deal experience and consumer industry background. The team operates as a flat structure without a single named CIO, with final decisions ratified by the investment committee.

VMG Partners sources deals through a network of former founders and industry executives, as well as relationships with incubators and accelerators. The firm often leads rounds and uses the operating experience of its partners to earn trust with entrepreneurs. The firm has publicly noted its 20-year track record in consumer brands as a key differentiator.

VMG Partners is structured as a venture capital and growth equity firm, not a family office. It raises capital from external limited partners, including institutional investors. The firm manages a set of closed-end funds with defined life spans.

VMG Partners focuses on growth-stage companies, typically Series A through Series C, and also operates a separate early-stage fund called VMG Catalyst. Check sizes range from $10M to $30M for later rounds. The firm generally takes board seats and maintains hands-on involvement.

VMG Partners avoids technology-only or software companies, sticking strictly to physical consumer products. It has also publicly stated it does not invest in alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis. Its focus remains on food and beverage, beauty, personal care, apparel, and lifestyle.

VMG Partners primarily invests directly in private companies. It does not publicly disclose any commitments to external fund investments. Its extended strategy includes VMG Catalyst for earlier-stage direct deals.