Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
Is it still a good time to build a consumer startup? Legendary VC Kirsten Green says: Yes... it's one of the best times in 30 years.
In this Office Hours, Forerunner Ventures founder Kirsten Green shares what she’s learned from backing iconic brands like Hims&Hers, Chime, Faire, and more. She explains why founders shouldn't overlook consumer, what separates enduring brands from short-term noise, and how emotional connection, taste, and timing are the real moats.
This is a must-watch for any Founder building at the intersection of brand, technology, and culture.
Chapters:
00:00 - Why It’s Still a Great Time to Build
00:48 - Kirsten’s Journey: From Aspiring Architect to Investor
03:32 - How Great Consumer Brands Really Get Built
05:25 - What Makes a Great Pitch Stand Out
07:30 - The Future of Consumer Investing
09:51 - Why Consumer and Enterprise Are Blurring Together
12:21 - What The Best Business Leaders Are Doing
13:35 - Why Consumer Is Not Dead
17:35 - Why Startups Should Embrace the Messy Stage
22:10 - Traits of Founders Who Break Through
23:10 - Advice for Founders Who Feel “Behind”
28:00 - Final Thoughts for Founders in 2025
💡 Are you a founder building the next big thing? Join Speedrun, the startup accelerator designed to help founders move fast with capital, mentorship, and top investors.
👉 Apply now: speedrun.a16z.com
📲 Follow us for more insights:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/speedrun
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/a16zspeedrun
#techfounder #investor #founders #ai #startup #ceo #podcast #interview #a16z #a16zspeedrun #speedrun
Is it still a good time to build a consumer startup? Legendary VC Kirsten Green says: Yes... it's one of the best times in 30 years.
In this Office Hours, Forerunner Ventures founder Kirsten Green shares what she’s learned from backing iconic brands like Hims&Hers, Chime, Faire, and more. She explains why founders shouldn't overlook consumer, what separates enduring brands from short-term noise, and how emotional connection, taste, and timing are the real moats.
This is a must-watch for any Founder building at the intersection of brand, technology, and culture.
Chapters:
00:00 - Why It’s Still a Great Time to Build
00:48 - Kirsten’s Journey: From Aspiring Architect to Investor
03:32 - How Great Consumer Brands Really Get Built
05:25 - What Makes a Great Pitch Stand Out
07:30 - The Future of Consumer Investing
09:51 - Why Consumer and Enterprise Are Blurring Together
12:21 - What The Best Business Leaders Are Doing
13:35 - Why Consumer Is Not Dead
17:35 - Why Startups Should Embrace the Messy Stage
22:10 - Traits of Founders Who Break Through
23:10 - Advice for Founders Who Feel “Behind”
28:00 - Final Thoughts for Founders in 2025
💡 Are you a founder building the next big thing? Join Speedrun, the startup accelerator designed to help founders move fast with capital, mentorship, and top investors.
👉 Apply now: speedrun.a16z.com
📲 Follow us for more insights:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/speedrun
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/a16zspeedrun
#techfounder #investor #founders #ai #startup #ceo #podcast #interview #a16z #a16zspeedrun #speedrun
