Dan Glickberg: From Scaling a Grocery Chain to Investing in Retail Tech Startups
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dan Glickberg. Through his company C2G Ventures, Dan Glickberg acts as an investor and advisor to startups. He specializes in retail technology and does not limit himself to any particular stage of development.
Previously Dan was a Vice President and Board Member at Fairway Market, his family’s grocery chain based in New York City. Dan helped scale the company from 3 stores and $200 million in revenue to 12 stores and over $750 million in revenue. He exited the business shortly before its initial public offering on NASDAQ.
During his personal time, Dan provides assistance to grocery stores located in former food deserts by providing operational support. He also actively participates in community efforts to establish grocery stores in food deserts. Currently, Dan is producing a documentary centered around one such community.
How did you break into tech investing?
Following my departure from Fairway Market as an operator, I began investing in ventures. My entry into venture investing was through Food Fortunes where I was part of the cast, it was a Food Network show modeled after Shark Tank for food products. Subsequently, I ventured into consumer product investments before transitioning four years ago to retail technology, an area that better aligns with my background and skill set.
What is it that excites you about investing?
The most exciting part about not knowing what any one day will bring across your desk. I have been fortunate to be connected with some great founders with very unique ideas that I would not have known existed.
What has been your biggest challenge when it comes to finding the “right deals”?
The biggest challenge is finding companies that have product-market fit AND scalable unit economics. I am not a believer in “scale it, then nail it.” The best companies have real gross margins from the start.
What major trends do you expect to see in technology innovation over the next 5 years that excites you?
The trend we have been keyed into for the last three years is AI for operational efficiency. My first investment in retail technology was in an early round of funding for Afresh Technologies. Afresh uses AI for predictive ordering for perishable departments. AI is now a much larger trend with very broad use cases.
If you had to share, “words of wisdom,” with a Founder who’s about to start their own startup, what would they be?
Once you take outside capital your business is no longer solely your own. Investors are now your partners. As a founder, you have to decide whether or not that is the best path for your own long-term vision and happiness.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
You can follow @danglickbergfood on Instagram and Twitter.
This was very insightful. Thank you so much for joining us!
