In this episode, I sit down with Mollye Santulli, Investor at Springdale Ventures, an early-stage VC firm focused on backing the next generation of consumer brands. Springdale reviews nearly 1,000 deals a year and invests in just 5–10, making Mollye’s perspective invaluable for founders navigating the fundraising landscape.We cover:- How Springdale filters opportunities, from first pitch deck to investment decision- The founder traits and proof points that matter most at the seed stage- Why community, repeat behavior, and authentic brand love are crucial signals for investors- What separates brands that make it from Seed to Series A in today’s tighter capital environment- The role of celebrity/influencer-led brands and retail-first launches- Consumer trends Mollye is most excited about, including Gen Z entering parenthood and the rise of superfan-driven brand communities- Her advice for founders: focus on capital efficiency, know your levers, and choose your investors as carefully as they choose youIf you’re a consumer brand founder or operator, this conversation is packed with tactical insights on what VCs really look for and how to scale in 2025.