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Helping founders build enduring companies and brands

Beckett Industries’ venture investment platform operates at the intersection of venture capital and growth equity, providing both capital and hands-on strategic guidance to entrepreneurs building high-growth companies and brands in the CPG, technology, and business services sectors. We partner with founders who are ready to scale and value an engaged, operator-led investment approach.

Q&A

Timing

Is it ever too early to approach you?

It’s never too early to start the conversation — but it can be too late. The best opportunities come when founders engage early, before growth is limited by capital, strategy, or timing.

Beckett Industries’ venture investment platform sits at the intersection of venture capital and growth equity. We back companies at the growth inflection point in CPG, technology, and business services, providing both capital and hands-on strategic guidance. More than investors, we’re operator-partners who help scale companies effectively and position them for lasting success.

With a track record of raising $200M+, generating $800M+ in revenue, and completing $1B+ in transactions across 100+ deals, we know that stage is never a barrier to building enduring companies and brands. The earlier we connect, the more value we can create together.

What are your target deal characteristics?

We focus on backing capital-efficient companies with strong growth and sustainable margins, typically at the growth inflection point.

  • Sectors: CPG, technology, and business services.

  • Revenue: Companies with $5–100M in revenue, or a clear path to it.

  • Investment Size: $250K–$2M per company.

  • Stage & Structure: Our funds target pre-seed to Series A, with a current emphasis on better-for-you CPG brands. Through SPVs, we can invest across the lifecycle — from pre-seed to pre-IPO.

  • Approach: Flexible, hands-on support that combines strategic guidance with direct investment.

Our goal is simple: to provide the right capital and operator-led support at the right time to help companies scale effectively and build enduring brands.

What specific sectors do you focus on?

We focus on three sectors where our expertise and networks create the most value:

  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG): Better-for-you brands that are redefining categories and building enduring consumer loyalty.

  • Technology: Scalable platforms and solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and new market opportunities.

  • Business Services: Founder-led companies delivering essential, capital-efficient services with strong growth potential.

These sectors align with our experience, strategic partnerships, and track record of successful exits. By concentrating our capital and operator-led guidance here, we’re able to provide tailored strategies, accelerate growth, and help transform companies into industry leaders.

What makes you different?

We’re operator-led, not investment banker-led. We’ve been in your shoes—building, scaling, and exiting companies ourselves—so we bring practical experience, not just financial models.

  • Operator DNA: Our team has launched and grown businesses firsthand. That means we understand the realities founders face and can provide strategic, hands-on guidance that drives results.

  • Advisor Network: With 13+ seasoned advisors across industries, we extend the expertise and networks available to every portfolio company.

  • Partnership-First Approach: We go beyond writing checks. We roll up our sleeves to help companies scale, improve operations, and open doors to capital and customers.

  • Rooted Values: Integrity, collaboration, and resilience shape how we work with founders, LPs, and partners.

We don’t just invest—we partner, build, and grow alongside you. That’s what makes Beckett Industries different.

How we make decisions

Where do you like to invest?

We invest at the growth inflection point—when companies are ready to scale but still value hands-on, operator-led support.

  • Sectors: Consumer packaged goods (CPG), technology, and business services.

  • Stage & Structure: Through our funds, we typically invest from pre-seed to Series A, with a focus on better-for-you CPG brands. With SPVs, we have the flexibility to invest across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to pre-IPO.

  • Company Fit: Founder-owned, capital-efficient businesses with strong growth potential and sustainable margins.

  • Check Size: $250K–$2M per investment.

Our sweet spot is working with ambitious founders who want more than capital—they want a true partner to help build enduring companies and brands.

Do you only invest in the United States?

Yes—our primary focus is on companies based in the U.S. That’s where our networks, partnerships, and operating experience create the most value.

That said, we selectively invest in global opportunities when there’s a strong strategic fit and we believe our operator-led approach can make a meaningful impact.

How do you evaluate venture investments?

Our evaluation process blends analytical rigor with operator intuition. We want to understand both the numbers and the people behind them.

  • Founders & Team: Passion, commitment, and leadership strength are often the biggest drivers of success.

  • Business Model & Market: Clear growth potential, sustainable margins, and a defined path to scale.

  • Cultural Fit: Alignment of values—because true partnerships are built on shared vision and trust.

  • Financial Profile: Bootstrapped or capital-efficient companies in our target sectors with demonstrated traction or a clear path to it.

By combining data-driven analysis with the perspective of operators who’ve been in your shoes, we set partnerships up for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Do you back first-time or non-technical founders?

Yes. We back founders who are passionate, committed, and clear about their vision—regardless of whether they’re first-time entrepreneurs or come from a technical background.

While experience helps, we know many of the most enduring companies are built by founders who were learning as they went. What matters most to us is leadership, cultural alignment, and the willingness to surround yourself with the right team.

For more technical businesses, we often bring in experienced operators and advisors from our network to complement the founding team. Our goal is to ensure every company has the right mix of vision, talent, and execution to scale successfully.

What do you expect from the companies you invest in?

We expect transparency, regular communication, and alignment on growth goals. We’re not passive investors—we roll up our sleeves as partners—but we also don’t micromanage.

Founders can expect us to bring strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational support, while we expect openness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building enduring companies and brands.

How important is the financial track record of a company?

A financial track record is important—it shows how well a company manages resources, sustains growth, and navigates challenges. Strong financials give us confidence in operational discipline and future returns.

That said, we know not every great company comes with a long history of results. We also back companies with clear growth potential, innovative business models, and passionate leadership—even if their financial history is limited.

Our approach balances both: we value financial performance, but we also recognize vision and execution as critical drivers of long-term success.

How long does the decision-making process usually take?

Our decision-making process typically takes 6–12 weeks. This gives us time to conduct thorough due diligence—reviewing financials, business model, market potential, and the leadership team’s vision and commitment.

That said, we know timing can be critical. We have processes in place to move faster when the deal requires it. The pace ultimately depends on the opportunity, but our goal is always to balance efficiency with the rigor needed to make sound, long-term decisions.

Do the founders' or leadership team's vision and values influence decision-making?

Absolutely. Vision and values are just as important to us as financials or market potential. We believe true partnerships are built on cultural alignment and a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and doing well by doing good.

We look for leaders who are passionate, committed, and clear about where they want to take their company. When that alignment is in place, we can roll up our sleeves—whether by bringing in experienced operators from our network or stepping into temporary leadership roles—to help scale the business effectively.

At the end of the day, we partner with people first. Shared vision and values create the foundation for long-term success.

What if a proposed deal doesn't align with your investment criteria?

Transparency and respect guide how we operate. If a deal doesn’t align with our criteria, we provide clear feedback and share the reasons behind our decision.

Whenever possible, we also offer insights or recommendations that may help refine the company’s approach for future opportunities. Even if we don’t invest today, we want founders to walk away with something valuable from the conversation.

Our process

What is your investment process and how long does it take?

Our investment process is designed to be both thorough and efficient. Typically, it takes 6–12 weeks from initial conversation to close, depending on the complexity of the deal. During this time, we:

  • Conduct detailed due diligence (financial, operational, and market).

  • Align with founders on vision, values, and growth goals.

  • Structure the right vehicle—whether through our funds or a deal-specific SPV.

We have processes in place to move faster when timing is critical, but our goal is always to balance speed with the rigor needed to make sound, long-term decisions.

How do you use SPVs on a deal-by-deal basis?

We invest through both funds and special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

  • Funds: Provide diversified exposure for our LPs and focus primarily on early-stage companies, especially better-for-you CPG brands.

  • SPVs: Allow us to bring in capital on a deal-by-deal basis across the lifecycle—from pre-seed to pre-IPO. This gives us flexibility to pursue exceptional opportunities outside of the fund and allows LPs to participate selectively.

This dual approach means founders get the right type of capital at the right time, while LPs gain flexibility and choice.

What should we expect post-investment?

We’re not passive investors—we’re operator-partners. Post-investment, you can expect:

  • Hands-On Support: Strategic guidance on scaling, operations, and go-to-market execution.

  • Advisor Network: Access to 13+ seasoned operators and industry experts.

  • Capital Partnerships: Help opening doors to additional investors, customers, and acquisition opportunities.

  • Governance & Reporting: We align on communication cadence and expectations upfront. Our style is collaborative—we provide accountability and support, not micromanagement.

In short, we roll up our sleeves to help build enduring companies and brands, ensuring founders have the right mix of capital, strategy, and operating expertise.

Terms

How much do you usually invest into a company?

We typically invest $250K–$2M per company, depending on the opportunity and stage. Through our funds, we focus on early-stage companies—particularly better-for-you CPG brands—where smaller checks paired with strategic guidance can unlock meaningful growth.

At the same time, we leverage SPVs to invest on a deal-by-deal basis across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to pre-IPO. This structure allows us to pursue larger opportunities, give our LPs flexibility in where they allocate capital, and ensure founders get the right support at the right moment. Whether it’s a seed round or a later-stage growth raise, our goal is to provide capital that is catalytic, not just financial.

Do you have strict ownership requirements?

No. We don’t operate with rigid ownership thresholds or minimum percentages that dictate our involvement. Unlike some traditional firms, our approach is founder-friendly and flexible—we look for the right level of alignment, not a fixed number on a cap table.

What matters most to us is ensuring that the capital structure works for the business, the founders, and future growth. We aim to take meaningful positions that align incentives, allow us to actively support the company, and ensure that founders remain motivated and empowered. Shared ownership and long-term value creation drive our decisions more than strict ownership rules.

Will you lead rounds?

Yes, we are comfortable leading rounds when the situation calls for it. In some cases, we step in as the lead investor—structuring the deal, setting terms, and giving other investors confidence to participate.

That said, we don’t always have to be in the lead position. In many cases, we prefer to follow alongside seasoned investors who have been through multiple cycles and bring deep experience. Partnering with “smart money” allows us to combine their perspective with our operator-led support, creating a stronger foundation for the company.

Whether we’re leading or following, our role is always the same: we bring capital, strategy, and networks to help structure the round for long-term growth and success.

Will you sign my confidentiality agreement / NDA?

We respect the confidentiality of the information shared with us. While we are open to reviewing and signing confidentiality agreements or NDAs, we have standard protocols in place to ensure the protection of sensitive information throughout our discussions and due diligence process.

The basics

What industries and asset classes do you focus on?

At Beckett Industries, we invest across four core asset classes—real estate, venture capital, private equity, and private debt—with a shared focus on operational excellence, long-term value creation, and mission alignment.

Real Estate
We transform underutilized properties into high-performing, sustainable assets through walkable, urban infill developments. Often in partnership with institutions like the Catholic Church, we target 150+ unit multifamily and mixed-use projects in secondary and emerging tertiary markets. Our focus: efficient design, sustainability, and lasting community value.

Venture Capital
We invest $250K–$2M into capital-efficient companies with $1M–$100M in revenue, primarily in:

  • CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)

  • B2B Software

  • Business Services

We back founders with traction and a clear path to scale, offering more than capital—we bring operator-level experience, strategic insight, and a hands-on approach to help businesses grow the right way.

Private Equity
We take a flexible, opportunistic approach, investing $5M–$20M into businesses with $10M–$100M in revenue. Our focus areas include:

  • Roll-ups and platform builds

  • Corporate carve-outs

  • Turnarounds and underperforming assets

We partner closely with leadership to drive transformation and build scalable, high-performing companies.

Private Debt
We provide non-dilutive, flexible credit solutions for lower-middle-market businesses and real estate sponsors, typically ranging from $1M to $25M. Our offerings include:

  • First-lien, mezzanine, and unitranche debt

  • Bridge and acquisition financing

  • Growth and recapitalization capital

We prioritize speed, creativity, and downside protection, delivering smart capital that helps founders and operators move quickly—without giving up control.

Are you hiring for any internal roles?

While we don’t hire frequently, Beckett Industries is always open to connecting with exceptional talent—especially individuals who share our passion for investing, building, and creating long-term impact across real estate, venture capital, private equity, and private debt.

We also actively support our portfolio companies, real estate projects, and operating businesses in sourcing and hiring high-caliber talent across key functions—from leadership to operations to strategy.

If you believe your skills, mindset, and mission align with ours, we’d love to hear from you.

Who are Beckett Industries' investors?

Beckett Industries is backed by a diverse and trusted group of investors, including:

  • Angels and strategic operators

  • Family offices

  • High-net-worth individuals

  • Institutional partners

Our investor base reflects a wide range of experience, networks, and capital capacity—allowing us to flex across real estate, venture, private equity, and private debt with confidence and conviction.

This diversity gives us the ability to structure capital creatively, move quickly, and bring the right partners around each opportunity we support.

Where are your offices?

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is home. It’s where we’re headquartered—and where our commitment to the Midwest runs deep. But Beckett Industries operates nationally, with team members, partners, and collaborators spread across the United States.

This distributed model gives us the best of both worlds:

  • A strong foundation in the Midwest, where we’ve built lasting relationships and local expertise

  • A national presence that keeps us connected to markets, talent, and opportunities across real estate, venture, private equity, and private debt

Whether we’re walking a site in the Midwest or closing a deal on the West Coast, we show up—and stay close to the work.

How can property owners, founders, or business owners contact you?

We’re a relationship-first firm and value introductions through our trusted network of property owners, developers, founders, investors, and operators. A warm referral often leads to a faster path to alignment—but we welcome direct outreach from anyone who shares our mission of building impactful, sustainable, and high-performing businesses or projects.

To ensure the right fit and next steps, we encourage reaching out directly to the GPs leading each platform:

  • Real Estate

  • Venture / Growth Equity

  • Private Equity

  • Private Debt

Please visit our Contact Page to get started—and if you’re not sure where to begin, we’ll route your inquiry to the right partner.

Does Beckett Industries invest internationally?

Our primary focus is on the United States, with deep roots in the Midwest—where we have longstanding relationships, on-the-ground insight, and a strong track record across our investment platforms.

That said, we’re open to select international opportunities that align with our mission-driven philosophy, meet our investment criteria, and are supported by trusted local partners.

International investments—particularly in real estate or venture—require strong alignment, clear strategic rationale, and the right infrastructure to execute with excellence. When those elements are in place, we’re willing to explore.

What is Beckett Industries’ investment philosophy?

Our investment philosophy is simple: do well by doing good—and build with purpose.

We focus on opportunities where we can create lasting value through a combination of:

  • Operational expertise

  • Mission alignment

  • A partnership-first mindset

Across all platforms—real estate, venture, private equity, and private debt—we invest in people and projects that deliver strong financial returns and meaningful social, environmental, or community impact.

We don’t chase hype or short-term wins. We invest in what lasts. Because success isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s measured in legacy.

What makes Beckett Industries different from other investment firms?

We’re not just investors—we’re builders, operators, and partners who lead with conviction and invest with purpose.

What sets us apart:

  • Cross-platform expertise
    We operate across real estate, venture, private equity, and private debt, giving us the flexibility to meet opportunities where they are—and bring the right capital, structure, and support.

  • Mission-aligned investing
    We believe in doing well by doing good. Our investments are designed to deliver strong returns and lasting impact—social, environmental, and generational.

  • Hands-on, operator-first approach
    We don’t sit on the sidelines. We roll up our sleeves, help solve real problems, and stay close to the work. Our team has built, scaled, and exited businesses—we know what it takes.

  • Collaborative, relationship-first model
    We partner deeply—with founders, property owners, operators, and LPs—aligning incentives and building trust over time.

We don’t just invest in deals. We invest in people, legacy, and long-term outcomes. That’s what makes Beckett Industries different.

How can LPs or potential investors get involved with Beckett Industries?

We partner with a diverse group of Limited Partners—including institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals—who align with our mission of building high-performing, purpose-driven investments.

If you’re interested in getting involved, we offer multiple ways to participate:

  • Invest through our dedicated funds

  • Join deal-by-deal SPVs across real estate, venture, private equity, and private debt

  • Co-invest alongside us in opportunities aligned with your strategic goals

We value relationships over transactions—so whether you’re looking to deploy capital, gain exposure to curated opportunities, or simply explore alignment, we’d love to connect.

Visit our Contact Page or reach out directly to one of our GPs to start the conversation.

Our portfolio

Libby Wine

January 28, 2025

Diamond Brew

January 27, 2025

Chuck Waste

January 1, 2025

Who’s Next?

October 28, 2024

Our venture team

Danny
Beckett Jr.

Managing Partner

20+ yr operator, Ex-motocross pro, VC. 7 startups (4 VC), 3 exits. Helped drive ventures to $500M+ in revenue and raised over $100M+ in capital.

Brian
Polencheck

General Partner

20+ yrs in CPG, exec with an exit to Advantage Solutions. Former FDM partner and President, VP of Sales, consultant, and category manager.

Greg
Clark

General Partner

20+ yrs leading global CPG & tech. Proven operator, VC-backed founder, former Amway exec, and Nirvana Super president. Trusted advisor, investor, and builder.

Quinn
Witsken

Senior Associate

Wharton MBA and Georgia Tech MechE grad. Former ExxonMobil and Pond engineer. Data-driven operator passionate about systems, strategy, and scalable impact.

Andrew
Kell

Senior Associate

Senior Associate. Georgia Tech ChemE grad. Former ExxonMobil engineer turned data-driven analyst. Passionate about sustainability, BI, automation, and innovation.

Douglas
Yu

Venture Partner

Over 10 years in CPG, media, and venture capital. Founded Diamond Brew™ (Top 10 Food & Bev Game Changer, Informa). Forbes Senior Writer, Naturally Advisory Board.

Dylan
Clark

Summer Intern

Calvin University Marketing & Finance student. Varsity golfer with a sharp eye for strategy. Aspiring VC with a passion for CPG and early-stage investing.

Join The Team→

New Hire

We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Bring your expertise, energy, and vision to help us drive meaningful growth.

Our Advisors

Larry
Blanford

Advisor

Retired CEO of Green Mountain (Keurig). Led 7 public companies incl. P&G. Serves on boards incl. EWTN, Catholic Univ., and Ave Maria Law. Harvard AMP grad. Family-focused leader.

Hal
Kravitz

Advisor

Veteran CPG exec. Former CEO of AQUAhydrate and Glaceau (Vitaminwater). Lead Director at Celsius (NASDAQ). Advisor to Bain & Co. Board roles incl. JOVE and MFMsoft. 30+ years in Coca-Cola system.

Dwight
Richmond

Advisor

35+ yr retail leader (Whole Foods, Earth Fare, T&C). Expert in category, private label, & innovation. Built T&C Everyday. Advisor to better-for-you brands.

David
Vanderveen

Advisor

25+ yr CPG operator, advisor, investor. Founder of XS Global. President, Americas at Prenetics (includes IM8 Health, co-founded with David Beckham). Advisor to Rx3 & Beckett.

Joel
Wardy

Advisor

Investor, advisor, and operator. Scaled Catalina Crunch to $130M. Led Enjoy Life to $100M and exit. Trusted voice in CPG. Forbes top CMO. Better-for-you focused.

Justin
Schneir

Advisor

20+ yr entrepreneur, founder of Tractor Beverage Co. Sold first company at 37. Co-founder of Farmhand Foundation, advancing organic farming. Holds an MA in counseling psychology.

Ben
Peters

Advisor

VP at FDM Sales. Iowa State MBA. Former Hy-Vee category manager. Practical leader focused on clarity, growth, and building teams that drive lasting, meaningful impact.

Matt
Jung

Advisor

GP at Orange Dot Ventures & co-founder of Comfort Research. 25+ yrs building D2C brands with $1B+ in sales. Passionate about innovation, impact, and growth.

Clarence
Rivette

Advisor

30+ yr global exec. President of WRG. Led M&A, JVs, and growth in 42+ countries. Serves on corp/nonprofit boards. Partner in 30+ ventures across industries.

Tom
Stocks

Advisor

Wabash alum and Chicago Booth MBA with 30+ yrs in finance and M&A. Scaled lower-middle-market firms with $500M+ in closed deals. Trusted advisor and operator.

Join The Team→

New Advisor

We're always seeking exceptional advisors. Bring your expertise, energy, and vision to help us drive impact, unlock growth, and build enduring, mission-driven companies.

Let’s build something

Beckett Industries is a private alternative asset management firm focused on investing in the lower middle market across four asset classes, including real estate, venture/growth equity, private equity, and private debt. We’re founders, operators, advisors, and investors — your first call when you need help, and the earlier we can talk, the more helpful we can be.

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Beckett Industries is a private alternative asset management firm focused on investing in the lower middle market across four asset classes, including real estate, venture/growth equity, private equity, and private debt.