We believe that the only way to get to the top of the mountain to plant your flag is with the right team. At Flagstaff, we consider ourselves a part of our founders’ teams. We invest in pre-seed and seed stage consumer companies because we believe consumer startups are underserved. Our founder has been on the other side of the table and built a consumer unicorn. All of us are former operators who understand how messy things can get in the real world.
Embracing pre-revenue opportunities, we leverage our talent evaluation expertise to capitalize on high-reward ventures.
Prioritizing premium brands, we believe in the power of trademarks over patents, driving impressive valuations in consumer businesses.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive company is essential for innovation, growth, and long term success. Women currently lead half of our portfolio companies.
Try your product, use your product, give extensive feedback. Continue to iterate together.
Partner
Andy has spent his career building products, scaling companies, or leading turnarounds. He has worked across several verticals, including health tech, SaaS, data analytics, fintech, and consumer products. He has also launched and scaled companies in the UK, EU, USA, and Canada. His diverse experiences have provided a fertile learning ground for understanding how to deliver value to customers and build products/businesses that 'cross the chasm.' These lessons have etched into his mind, just as Isaacson states, that 'vision without execution is merely hallucination.’
Partner
Michael has always had a knack for people. That’s looked differently throughout his career. Firstly doing direct sales, setting a national record and being the #1 student in the country selling Cutco knives. With a fervor for innovation, Michael moved to San Francisco where he started his own recruiting firm specifically working with early-stage companies in helping them build their founding teams, several which are unicorns today. Recruiting, sales, and getting the right people involved is where he feels he adds the most value. Michael often says, “A wise man once told me, your people are either your biggest asset, or your biggest liability, you make the choice.”
Chief of Staff
Abbey likes many things equally: big ideas that feel impossible, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and bringing fun to every meeting. After serving as the Executive Director for a private school in Phoenix for twelve years, Abbey joined the Flagstaff Venture steam as Chief of Staff. Named one of Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2020, Abbey has a passion for developing company culture and building strong teams. In her role, Abbey collaborates with investors, founders, and partners to manage the many moving parts of the firm.
Venture Partner
Robert Vera serves as the Founding Director of GCU’s Canyon Ventures Center, taking his passion and dedication into guiding students towards profound professional transformation. With a history that encompasses roles from serving U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy to authoring best-selling books like "A Warrior's Faith", Robert's impact in entrepreneurship is undeniable. In our ever-evolving economy, he underscores the "Employable Trifecta" for students: mastering essential skills, building a powerful network, and gaining real-world experience. Under Robert’s mentorship at Canyon Ventures, students are not just equipped for challenges but primed for successes.
Venture Partner
Jeff has charted a unique course in the corporate world: an 11-year journey from startup to unicorn status, then navigating the trials of bankruptcy, only to celebrate a victorious exit. This journey, marked by highs and lows, was paralleled in his personal pursuits—enduring the challenges of Ironman races and ultra-marathons. These milestones, both professional and personal, have instilled in Jeff a deep understanding of resilience. He's now driven by a singular mission: to mentor and guide, ensuring others reach their potential while avoiding unnecessary setbacks.
Venture Partner
Dustin Burleson is a notable orthodontist, entrepreneur, and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. With a footprint in over 35 countries, he has become an influential speaker, author, and strategist for more than 4,000 professionals. Beyond his academic and speaking roles, Dustin founded several orthodontic practices in Kansas City, later transitioning ownership to Rock Dental Brands in 2021. Today, Dustin's expertise extends to being a venture partner at Flagstaff Ventures.
As CEO of recruiting firm All About People, Charles has placed 25K+ employees in companies like Amazon, Nike, and McDonald’s.
A healthtech and data analytics veteran, Andy’s entrepreneurial expertise in CPG, tech, and digital media strengthens the fund’s strategic approach.
An early Bitcoin adopter and founder of The Profile Firm, Michael’s experience in technical talent recruitment bolsters the fund’s industry knowledge.
As the founding Executive Director of GCU’s Canyon Ventures Center, Robert’s expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship enriches the fund’s strategic guidance.
A creative powerhouse, Adam’s experience as Arcade Creative Group’s founder and EVP at Sony Music Creative Group drives brand innovation.
Esteemed Wharton Marketing professor and bestselling author, Jonah’s expert insights on consumer behavior and virality fuel the fund’s strategic edge.
A successful orthodontist and entrepreneur, Dustin’s hands-on experience in healthcare and business development enhances the fund’s industry expertise.
Embracing pre-revenue opportunities, we leverage our talent evaluation expertise to capitalize on high-reward ventures.
Prioritizing premium brands, we believe in the power of trademarks over patents, driving impressive valuations in consumer businesses.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive company is essential for innovation, growth, and long term success. Women currently lead half of our portfolio companies
Try your product, use your product, give extensive feedback. Continue to iterate together.
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For last minute, impossible to get reservations.
Superfood smoothie pops. Delicious and healthy.
A social network to share investment strategies.
A data driven, kinder kind of Swim Wear.
Dollar Shave Club for retainers.
Fully customizable, perfectly-fitted mouthguards.
Conscious cereal with a brand telling the story.
Unbelievably delicious, plant-based food. Made for chefs.
A breath work app that utilizes holotropic breathing to improve performance.
Disrupting the largest segment of the wine industry, boxed. Premium boxed wine
Ready to realize the potential of your consumer-focused venture? Let’s discuss how Flagstaff Ventures can help raise your startup to new heights.
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