#208 - Fundraising Reflections with David Fudge (Aplós) and Amanda Amos (Collaborative Fund)

The Startup CPG Podcast · 5 Aug 2025 · 1h 10m · Episode 178

What this episode covers

David Fudge, Co-Founder and CEO of Aplós, and Amanda Amos, Investor at Collaborative Fund, discuss the nuances of early-stage fundraising in the CPG sector. Fudge details his journey from angel investors to a $5.5 million Series A, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, realistic market sizing, and understanding legal structures like SAFE notes. Amos provides an investor's perspective on evaluating founders, the mechanics of venture capital funds, and the critical alignment of incentives and vision between founders and capital partners.

Mentioned

Companies
Collaborative Fund, Sweet Green, The Farmer's Dog, Bonobos, Diageo, LVMH, Y Combinator
Products
Aplós, Olipop

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