Brian Folmer
Founder / CEO / Investor
About
Brian is the founder of FirstLook.vc and Distrobox.co, Mentor at Techstars and a16z, Managing Partner of the FirstLook Syndicate, and a proud Ohio State Alum. He previously led BD & Strategic Partnerships at XRC Ventures, International Operations at Victoria's Secret, and took his first startup through a technology startup accelerator in his hometown Cleveland, OH. He believes founders are the dreamers in action who push forward innovation and create the bedrock of our economy. He's passionate about helping them build exciting brands that positively impact the planet and community.
Experience
Founder/CEO - FirstLook.vc
Bootstrapped and launched in June 2020. Have since helped 200+ early-stage founders raise $3M via 1000+ intros.
CoFounder - Distrobox.co
Bootstrapped business sending boxes full of high-growth beverage and snack brands to DSD/independent distributors.
Mentor - a16z
Mentor for a16z TxO Program
Mentor - Techstars
Mentor at Techstars Atlanta
Venture Partner - Republic
Venture Partner at Republic, and an equity crowdfunding platform.