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Scott Van den Berg
Founder of CELEB & Influencer Capital
Scott Van den Berg is an entrepreneur and investor with a diverse background in business and venture capital. He is currently the founder and General Partner of Hotstart VC, a venture capital fund that invests in celebrity-led brands.24
Scott's entrepreneurial journey began during his time at Team Academy, where he started multiple companies while pursuing a business degree. His early ventures included a football phone case company and an online coupon business.1
After gaining experience in strategy innovation consulting at Business Models Inc., Scott co-founded Straise, an investment banking firm specializing in startups. This experience led him to recognize opportunities in the investment world, prompting him to exit Straise and establish his own fund.1
Prior to founding Hotstart VC, Scott held positions such as General Partner at Stealth and Founder at CELEB syndicate. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he has gained international business experience in Romania, South Africa, and the United States.3
Scott's career demonstrates a progression from entrepreneurship to venture capital, with a focus on innovative business models and celebrity-led brands. He frequently shares insights about the venture capital industry and startup ecosystem through various media channels.2
Highlights
Alani, founded by influencer Katy Hearn, is currently the #4 energy drink on the market.
Alani is a better-for-you health and wellness brand focused on providing low-calorie products with unique flavors.
Alani offers a range of products, including energy drinks, daily essentials, on-the-go snacks, and more.
It was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur, trainer, and influencer Katy Hearn.
A couple of years later, it’s already the #4 energy drink on the market, showing once again the power of creator-founded brands.
Congo Brands is its operating partner. It is also behind Prime, which was co-founded by YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul.
Recently, Alani also partnered with Kim Kardashian to launch a limited edition flavor.
Interested in angel investing in brands founded by celebrities and influencers?
You can do so now via CELEB VC.
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eXdGzMYZ
Accredited investors only.
Last year, creator Sarah Renae Clark earned $2.6 million by creating content about coloring. In this week’s newsletter, Jordan Wolfe and I discussed how she started, where she is right now, and what other creators can learn from her.
Clark is a great example of a creator who has built a strong, engaged community by tapping into a deep human desire to be creative.
Which creator should we break down next? Let us know in the comments.
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