JUSTIN MARES

Justin Mares stands out as a highly respected Venture Partner at Long Journey Ventures, a role where he channels his deep entrepreneurial insights and strategic acumen into supporting the next generation of innovative companies. His journey from successful founder to influential investor provides him with a unique perspective, enabling him to identify promising ventures and offer invaluable guidance to their leadership teams.

At Long Journey Ventures, Justin Mares plays a pivotal role in sourcing new investment opportunities and actively collaborating with portfolio companies. His expertise is particularly sought after by startups navigating the complexities of growth, market entry, and scaling operations. Mares is known for his hands-on approach, working closely with founders to refine their strategies, optimize their product-market fit, and accelerate customer acquisition. His contributions are instrumental in helping companies achieve significant milestones and build sustainable businesses.

Mares' investment focus areas are deeply rooted in his operational background. He primarily targets companies within the consumer packaged goods (CPG), direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, health and wellness, and e-commerce sectors. He looks for businesses that demonstrate strong product innovation, a clear path to market leadership, and a passionate founding team. His keen understanding of consumer behavior and market trends allows him to spot disruptive models and support companies poised for substantial impact.

Before his tenure as a Venture Partner, Justin Mares built an impressive career as a serial entrepreneur. He is widely recognized as the co-founder of Kettle & Fire, a pioneering brand that revolutionized the bone broth market, and Perfect Keto, a leading company in the health and wellness space offering keto-friendly products. These ventures showcased his ability to identify emerging consumer needs, build compelling brands, and scale operations effectively. Furthermore, Mares is the co-author of the influential book "Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth," a testament to his profound understanding of growth marketing and business development strategies. His early career also included experience at Google, providing him with a foundational understanding of technology and large-scale operations.

Justin Mares' unique blend of operational experience, strategic thinking, and investment acumen makes him a formidable asset to Long Journey Ventures and the startups they back. He is committed to fostering innovation and empowering founders to transform their visions into successful, impactful enterprises.