The Startup CPG Podcast · 14 Apr 2026 · 50m · Episode 288
Host Daniel Scharff and former retail buyer Caitlin Bricker provide live feedback to eleven CPG founders pitching at Expo West, including Divya Kumar of AyurSome Wellness, Spencer McManus of Kaviva, and Kristoffer Quiaoit of Good Journey. The hosts critique specific pitch mechanics, such as lighting, camera angles, and the use of 'uptalk,' while advising founders to lead with product proof points, velocity data, and clear ingredient transparency rather than generic market size claims. Key brands discussed include Bagelverse, Ramen Bae, Cali Nutrition, Doggo Sessions, Oh My! Dessert Butter, Theniya, and Tiara Natural Deodorant, with a focus on how to effectively communicate value to retail buyers in a virtual setting.
early-stage companies
Other shows on the same ground, closest first.
S'well founder Sarah Kauss joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on positioning and growth. She helps Chiara Moonzi of Chigi navigate grocery placement for a chickpea-based hot cereal, Jesús Rualcaba of Paper Tacos expand his Latino-inspired greeting cards beyond specialty stores, and Adam Barker of Bolt Skin and Shave determine his growth strategy for a razor brand targeting men who shave their legs.
Guy Raz is joined by former guests Miguel McKelvey (WeWork), Alexa Hirschfeld (Paperless Post), and Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali (Chomps) to advise three early-stage founders on communicating product value. Megan Downey of Shiki Wrap discusses the trade-off between experiential pop-ups and retail for her reusable gift wrap. Amanda of Woofsie seeks help positioning her deck of dog enrichment cards, while Mark Goldfarb of In Mark's Kitchen asks how to hire for growth without compromising his premium artisanal pesto quality.
Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn and host Guy Raz advise three early-stage founders: Michele Casentino of Top Banana, Alek Supak of Broda Beverage Company, and Sabrina Nass of House of Biscotti. Dunn critiques Top Banana's DTC pricing and influencer strategy, suggesting wholesale partnerships with brands like Caraway and Paris Hilton. He advises Broda Beverage to leverage its 'better-for-you' ingredients and Polish heritage to create a 'shot culture' in bars, while telling House of Biscotti to abandon DTC e-commerce in favor of competitive wholesale pricing at retailers like Whole Foods and Walmart.
Orgain founder and CEO Andrew Abraham joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on product positioning and growth. Bryn Snyder of Slate Electric Flosser discusses her $79.99 electric flosser and strategies for simplifying complex oral health benefits for consumers. Turner Lewis of 4 Craft Cocktails, a radiologist launching golf-inspired canned cocktails, seeks advice on scaling distribution and finding value-add investors. Catherine Smart of Not Just Co, a pasta sauce brand in 240 Target stores, asks how to secure seed funding despite investor skepticism about her $1 million sales run rate.
RXBAR co-founder Peter Rahal joins Guy Raz to answer questions from three early-stage founders: Kristi Stewart of Inner Wellth Supplements, Eric of Squat Wedgies, and April Waktel of Cheeky Cocktails. Rahal shares insights on scaling via high-intent digital ads, balancing Amazon volume with direct-to-consumer margins, and refining product messaging for trade versus consumer audiences. He also reflects on his new venture, David Protein, and the importance of overcoming founder pride to accept criticism.
The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by The Startup CPG Podcast. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.