This startup is taking a new approach to building celebrity brands. Read the pitch deck it used to raise $5M.

In an ambitious move to reshape the landscape of celebrity-branded products, VO/D has successfully raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by KarpReilly, a well-known private equity firm. The startup, co-founded by Chris Koch, Michael Schenker, and Matt Weiss, is on a mission to create consumer products that stand on their own merit before celebrity involvement is introduced. The company’s unique strategy pivots away from the traditional model where celebrities are the sole attraction for consumer products. Instead, VO/D aims to first establish a product that demonstrates potential for success independently, subsequently leveraging the influence of celebrities to broaden its reach. "We want talent to act as an amplification tool rather than the primary draw for consumers," Koch explained. Starting with freeze-dried candy, VO/D has plans to expand into the protein and supplements market, with additional products set to launch in the coming year. The company is already making waves with its flagship product, 1UP Candy, which has seen significant success, raking in over $10 million in revenue over the past year and securing placement in more than 12,000 retail outlets across the United States. The recent funding allows VO/D to further explore its growth potential across various sectors. Investors, including NFL stars Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr., were drawn to the company’s diversified approach to brand development. "They appreciated our portfolio strategy, which provides exposure to multiple brands rather than investing in individual products," said Koch. VO/D's previous funding round in 2022, which raised $2 million from friends and family, included notable backers like the Tisch family, owners of the New York Giants. This support has fueled VO/D's entry into the candy market by collaborating with gaming influencer FaZe Rug. With plans for new product lines, including a protein-juice brand for kids named Frosh and a fruity protein supplement called Joose, VO/D has its sights set on expanding its brand portfolio. Although the celebrities associated with these upcoming products have yet to be announced, the company is committed to a thorough pre-launch process that ensures engagement and alignment with their target market. Koch emphasizes the potential for innovation within the candy sector, citing a lack of novelty in product offerings compared to other food categories. By focusing on unique flavors and textures, VO/D aims to capture consumer interest and capitalize on emerging trends in the market. As the company continues to grow, it remains dedicated to pioneering the future of celebrity-led ventures, as highlighted in its extensive pitch deck that outlines its vision and operational strategy.