Best Fundraising Fundamentals Podcasts (2025)

1
VC fundamentals: CPG startup lawyer shares tips for securing the best fundraising deal 19:35

15d ago19:35

19:35

CPG founders on the hunt for venture capital should consult a lawyer first to ensure they get the best possible deal, without giving too much of their company awayBy William Reed Ltd

1
Surviving tariffs: How CPG startups can prepare for whatever comes next 19:30

1d ago19:30

19:30

CPG founders must think on their feet to work around tariff-induced supply chain disruptions, collaborating with co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers on innovative solutions to business obstaclesBy William Reed Ltd

1
5 strategies to boost share as geopolitical tensions and inflation constrict consumer spending 19:09

3d ago19:09

19:09

CPG sales and volumes are slipping among persistent inflation and tariff fears, but Circana uncovers how food and beverage manufacturers are maintaining – and gaining – share despite the shaky marketBy William Reed Ltd

1
Where is the line for ingredient bans and when should companies comply vs pushback? 20:44

10d ago20:44

20:44

FDA’s sweeping plan to eliminate synthetic colors from the US food system announced last week marks a turning point in the war on food dyes that has long been fought at the state level and which before that pitted big food against outspoken consumer advocates who often relied on passion and fearmongering more than science…

1
Better tasting better-for-you beverages: Bold flavors and improved mouthfeel drive growth of functional drink sales 16:21

24d ago16:21

16:21

Consumers increasingly are unwilling to compromise taste or health when buying beverages – opening the door for innovative brands that deliver both functional benefits and refreshing experiencesBy William Reed Ltd

1
This Hack Can Double Your Funding 21:53

26d ago21:53

21:53

Recently, I read an article from NonprofitPRO about the benefits of membership-based campaigns. The article inspired me to share with you all a few additional benefits to this funding model, how it works, how to implement it within your organization, and how a few of my clients in my funding focus group have seen success implementing this model. Fo…

1
5 trends reshaping chocolate: From clean label to flavor innovation to cost containment 23:18

1M ago23:18

23:18

Up and coming chocolate brands are rethinking how they make – and package – chocolate to meet rising consumer demand for better-for-you and clean-label options, while simultaneously navigating rising costsBy William Reed Ltd

1
Regenerative agriculture: What to know before getting certified 16:10

1M ago16:10

16:10

Startups should carefully consider regenerative agriculture certifications and how to use sustainable messaging to enhance their core value propositionBy William Reed Ltd

1
Flavor trends: How to balance authenticity and access when introducing global dishes 21:39

1M ago21:39

21:39

Consumers say they want adventurous new flavors and international cuisine, but many are hesitant to try something unfamiliar – creating a ‘conundrum’ for manufacturers and marketers introducing global flavorsBy William Reed Ltd

1
From metrics to market: Data strategies to succeed in retail 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

Spins and NielsenIQ representatives shared strategies for retail success, including boosting velocities, utilizing data efficiently and developing an omnichannel strategy that inserts a brand into a consumers' everyday lifeBy William Reed Ltd

1
Preparing for retail: What CPG brands must know to succeed 24:22

2M ago24:22

24:22

CPG companies must focus on the three C’s (credibility, capability and cash) and the four P’s (product, packaging, positioning and pricing) to drive retail growthBy William Reed Ltd

1
What is driving consumer interest in regenerative agriculture? 19:43

2M ago19:43

19:43

Consumer awareness and interest in regenerative agriculture is exponentially increasing - placing pressure on farmers, manufacturers and retailers to work together to boost supplyBy William Reed Ltd

1
Lipid luminary: Environmentally conscious fats and oils take the spotlight under Checkerspot’s new CEO 19:50

2M ago19:50

19:50

Under John Krzywicki’s leadership, US-based biotech company Checkerspot will refine its focus on using microalgae and precision fermentation to develop sustainable high value triglyceride fats and oils not easily sourced from nature at commercially relevant scale and costBy William Reed Ltd

1
From hesitation to exploration: Tips to make global & regional flavors more accessible & approachable 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

Consumer flavor preferences are all over the map, literally, as they seek adventure, authenticity and cultural connection through globally and locally inspired food and beverage – but all too often they lack the confidence, knowledge and ingredients to recreate at home international and regional dishes with diverse flavor profiles…

1
Danone seeks to rekindle consumers' love of plant-based milk 19:41

2M ago19:41

19:41

Sales of plant-based milk have slowed in the past year, but Silk and So Delicious maker Danone still sees significant potential by focusing on fun in addition to functionBy William Reed Ltd

1
Expo West guide: How founders can prepare for CPG’s ‘Super Bowl’ 30:54

3M ago30:54

30:54

Founders and startups are on the hunt for retail buyers and possible investors at one of the largest food and beverages shows in North America, so entrepreneurs will need to hone their pitches and networking skills to breakthrough the noiseBy William Reed Ltd

1
What attracts consumers to whole grains and where is there room for innovation? 25:09

3M ago25:09

25:09

As the Whole Grain Stamp celebrates its 20th anniversary, Oldways Whole Grain Council considers where there is room for innovation and how to overcome barriers blocking product development and consumption of whole grainsBy William Reed Ltd

1
Trump Is Snatching Your Funds, But Here's How You Can Beat Him at His Game 8:04

3M ago8:04

8:04

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: The Grant Graveyard is Filling Up! 🚨 Looks like Uncle Sam (or should we say Trump) has been busy pulling the plug on grants and federal funding—because, why not make life even harder for nonprofits and social enterprises to create real impact, right? But here’s the thing… we don’t panic, we pivot. 💡 If your funding strategy starts …

1
Beverage disruption: L.A. Libations CEO shares the recipe for building an iconic brand 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

Beverage veteran Danny Stepper shared his thoughts on what it takes to create an iconic drink brand during the 10th episode of the Founders’ Fundamentals podcastBy William Reed Ltd

1
Better-for-you marketing claims raise red flags: Could enforcement crackdown loom? 22:08

3M ago22:08

22:08

An advertising watchdog lists ‘better-for-you’ claims as a potential enforcement area for 2025 amid concerns that marketers may not be able to support implied health claimsBy William Reed Ltd

1
VC funding 101: Habitat Partners discusses strategies to secure capital 23:14

4M ago23:14

23:14

CPG founders seeking venture capital funds in 2025 should prioritize capital efficiency and how they uniquely tackle business challenges to woo prospective investorsBy William Reed Ltd

1
Strategies to drive volume will replace price hikes as path to profitability in 2025 23:15

4M ago23:15

23:15

Price hikes to boost profits are out in 2025 as CPG companies embrace more consumer-friendly strategies to drive growth, including one that could dramatically reconfigure the playing fieldBy William Reed Ltd

1
What CPG startups must know about debt financing in 2025 19:00

4M ago19:00

19:00

CPG startups searching for funding in 2025 should steel their nerves in the face of inflation and possible tariff increasesBy William Reed Ltd

1
Know Your Purpose. Defeat Discouragement. 16:05

5M ago16:05

16:05

In this episode of Nonprofit UNPLUGGED, we explore how stepping into discomfort can lead to remarkable growth, both personally and professionally. Discover Lisa’s inspiring journey from uncertainty to success as a nonprofit leader and learn how biblical principles and practical strategies can help you embrace challenges, grow stronger in your missi…

1
2025 sustainability trends: Food players ‘pump breaks’ on environmental goals 20:22

5M ago20:22

20:22

The Coca-Cola Co.’s recent decision to extend by five years its timeline to reach several voluntary environmental sustainability goals could portend a broader trend for food and beverage companies in 2025, according to one industry insider.By William Reed Ltd

1
2025 trendspotting: Exhausted consumers demand lower prices, healthy food, treats 26:49

5M ago26:49

26:49

Most US consumers are exhausted after a year of uncertainty marked by ongoing inflation and political turmoil, and industry insiders predict as they enter the new year many will seek relief – physical, emotional and financial – from the foods and beverages they choose.By William Reed Ltd

1
Persistent inflation will shape where and what groceries consumers buy in 2025 12:51

5M ago12:51

12:51

Consumer frustration and fear about their finances likely will continue to color their shopping behavior in the new year after the latest Consumer Price Index data released last week revealed prices – including for groceries – picked back up in November and progress towards the US central bank’s 2% inflation target appears to have stalled.…

1
Startup CPG, Emil Capital Partners, SPINS share tips for success in 2025 40:35

5M ago40:35

40:35

To break out in 2025, CPG founders must conserve capital, strategically plan promotions and offer value and premiumization, according to experts during an episode of the Founders' Fundamentals podcast.By William Reed Ltd

1
Mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labeling is coming – how should brands prepare? 22:52

5M ago22:52

22:52

FDA is under pressure to require standardized science-based, front-of-pack labeling to help consumers interpret nutrition information on food products – but what will the mandate mean for packaged food brands?By William Reed Ltd

1
Level Up Your Next Event using Benevolent Marketing @ ThePixSquad-Randy Long 27:48

5M ago27:48

27:48

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Randy Long, also known as Kris Kringle himself, to explore the origins and inspiring journey behind The Pix Squad. Randy shares how his passion for spreading joy and capturing memorable moments led to the creation of this innovative company, which specializes in event photography for galas and other me…

1
The BEST Way To Build Geniune Connections with Donors in 2025 with Christa Stelzmuller 16:52

5M ago16:52

16:52

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at charity: water, an organization revolutionizing global access to clean and safe water. With her extensive background in technology, consulting, and mission-driven startups, Christa brings a unique perspective to her role at charity: water, where she leads in…

1
What will it take for the US hummus market to break $1 billion annually? 23:14

5M ago23:14

23:14

PepsiCo’s acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Sabra and Obela dips and spreads brands from Strauss Group late last month underscores the growth potential of the US hummus market, which Persistence Market Research predicts will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.4% from $982.9 million this year to $1.72 billion by 2031.…

1
Here's Why Your Nonprofit Needs to do THIS in 2025...with Howard Pearl 25:03

5M ago25:03

25:03

In this episode, we sit down with Howard Pearl, the dynamic CEO of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), a trailblazing organization transforming the way we think about charitable giving. Under Howard's leadership, CARS has become a leading platform for vehicle and real estate donations, returning over $450 million to its nonprofit partners. Jo…

1
YES, You Can Have a Nonprofit LLC 9:04

5M ago9:04

9:04

In this podcast episode, we'll explore a topic that may seem confusing: can an LLC be a nonprofit? Many people assume that only corporations can be structured as nonprofits, but it turns out that LLCs can qualify as nonprofit organizations too. As we'll learn from the insights provided by experts in the industry, forming a nonprofit LLC requires fo…

1
Where are consumers most interested in sugar reduction? 24:04

5M ago24:04

24:04

Eight in 10 consumers globally are limiting sugar in their diets, but where they are cutting back and where they continue to indulge varies as do their reasons for limiting sugar and how they prioritize sugar reduction alongside other values, such as taste, clean label and overall nutrition, according to new data from ADM.…

1
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Consumers increasingly turn to food for ‘emotional wellness’ 17:37

6M ago17:37

17:37

Emotional wellbeing is emerging as a top health concern for consumers across the generations, according to new research by the Hartman Group, which also found an increasing portion of people prefer to manage their moods with food, beverages and supplements than over-the-counter and non-prescription medications.…

1
Founders' Fundamentals podcast: Karen Anderson on identifying, capitalizing on whitespace innovation 20:38

6M ago20:38

20:38

Delivering on whitespace innovation can propel a CPG food and beverage startup into mainstream success, and filling a gap in the market might be simpler than some startups think, explained Karen Anderson, CEO of Purple Peak Marketing, during a recent Founders’ Fundamentals podcast.By William Reed Ltd

1
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: What does USDA’s stricter definition for ‘pasture-raised’ chicken mean for industry? 19:48

6M ago19:48

19:48

A broadly-supported new definition for “pasture-raised” poultry proposed by USDA this fall could help level the playing field for small, independent farms and brands competing in the increasingly important, crowded and confusing humanely-raised chicken category.By William Reed Ltd

1
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: What is the business proposition for 100% grass fed dairy? 25:01

7M ago25:01

25:01

Research and advocates for 100% grass-fed dairy suggest the practice is better for people, the planet and animals – but is it better for business?By William Reed Ltd

1
Soup-To-Nuts podcast: 4 flavor, color trends for 2025 that focus on simplicity, comfort & rediscovery 27:07

7M ago27:07

27:07

After a year of “unapologetically” embracing luxury, indulgence and whimsy through vivid colors and unexpected flavor combinations, consumers will rediscover and recenter themselves in 2025 by choosing taste profiles and hues that more realistically represent their individual needs and support their emotional wellbeing, according to tastemakers at …

1
Founders’ Fundamentals Podcast: Christy Lebor of SmashBrand discusses 'the head and the heart' of brand strategy 35:40

7M ago35:40

35:40

Successful CPG startups not only strike the right balance between delivering on product claims and branding aesthetics — the head and heart of building a food and beverage business — but also provide consumers easy ways to learn about their brand when they spot the product on shelf, Christy Lebor, partner and director of brand development at SmashB…

1
Soup-to-Nuts Podcast: Steward’s novel lending model reinforces supply chains for regenerative, regionally produced ingredients and products consumers want 19:59

7M ago19:59

19:59

Consumer interest in products made with ingredients from regional smallholder farmers or those practicing regenerative agriculture is on the rise, but CPG companies and suppliers are struggling to meet their demand in part because most farmers are unable to access sufficient capital on their own to scale specialty crops and sustainable growing prac…

1
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Does FDA’s proposed post-market assessment of chemicals in food fit the bill? 22:12

7M ago22:12

22:12

Food and beverage industry stakeholders and consumer advocates are lauding FDA’s commitment to enhance its post-market assessment of chemicals in food, but they worry the agency’s proposed process is “thin on details,” including lacking sufficient transparency about how it would select ingredients for review, how it will assess their safety and the…

1
This is Why Organizations Need Insurance Coverage 16:13

8M ago16:13

16:13

In this episode, we dive into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of nonprofit management—insurance coverage. Whether you're running a small community organization or a larger nonprofit, having the right insurance policies can protect your mission, your staff, and the communities you serve. We'll explore why insurance coverage is a must for every…

1
Philanthropy Service Learning | Why do they matter | Fernando Aguirre Vice Chairman of DHS Ventures 3:34

8M ago3:34

3:34

Fernando Aguirre is known as a risk-taker and a corporate business driver whose entrepreneurial instincts and clarity of vision have carried multiple companies through rapid and continuous growth.By Fernando Aguirre DHS

1
Fam! I Am BACK!!! 9:39

8M ago9:39

9:39

After an unexpected 6-month leave, Shakira is BACK and ready to dive deeper into the nonprofit world! Shakira also shares the importance of change and how to truly embrace the seasons of change in our own lives.By Shakira

1
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Reimaging how to source spices helped Burlap & Barrel meet demand for fresh flavors 20:28

8M ago20:28

20:28

As US consumers embrace a wider variety of seasonings to flavor their food they increasingly want to know where spices come from, their safety profile and environmental and social impact – prompting the industry stakeholders to rethink spice supply chains, which historically have been purposefully opaque to hide widespread inequity and exploitation…

1
Founders' Fundamentals Podcast: Understanding product-market fit, branding basics with Jordan Buckner 27:31

8M ago27:31

27:31

Food and beverage CPG startups can set themselves up for long-term business success by slowly and strategically growing their retail footprint, focusing first on product-market fit, unique branding and wisely allocating marketing dollars to build loyalty with customers, Jordan Buckner, founder of online CPG food and beverage community Foodbevy, sha…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Fundraising Fundamentals Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen