How the Sensori Founders Founders Raised Almost $1M From Creators Instead of VCs

#368: Y'all called it before I could even say it. Yes, I invested in the beverage brand Sensori! Co-founders Darean and Shanna are back on the show, and since the last time we talked, they've raised almost a million dollars from more than 40 creators (me included) to scale their business instead of going the VC route.

Today we’re pulling back the curtain on their fundraising strategy and why I decided to invest. If you've ever wondered whether there's another way to fund a business, you need to hear this one. I also pulled some messy questions from Threads, getting into the nitty-gritty of the raise, and they answered every single one.

We talk about:

• Why Sensori said no to VC for now, and when they'd reconsider
• How a creator-funded raise works, from cap tables and SPVs to check sizes and the creator match
• Why I chose to invest in Sensori
• Community questions about equal shares, exclusivity and what creator investors actually do
• Building a cap table that helps you beyond the check
• Why selling your company doesn't have to mean selling out
• How Sensori is scaling into retail
• A first taste of their new flavors Tropical Hibiscus and Yuzu Peach

Episode Links:

• Watch episode 337 with the Sensori team: https://youtu.be/3S0iOQTKNDg
• Get 10% off your next Sensori order at https://drinksensori.com/utm_source=creator_investor&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=lestraundra-alfred with code LES10
• Follow Sensori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinksensori/
• Follow Sensori on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinksensori
• Follow Darean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dareanrhodes/
• Follow Shanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannapearre/

Sponsors:

• Nutrafol: Nutrafol is offering our listeners $15 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://www.nutrafol.com and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.
• Monarch: Use code LUCKY at https://www.monarch.com to get your first year of Monarch Core half off at just $50.
• Bask & Lather: Go to https://www.baskandlatherco.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off.
• Ladder: If you have an iPhone, head to https://ladder.fit/LUCKY and take a quick quiz to find your perfect Ladder plan. Use my link and get a free 7-day trial and $10 off your first month if you join.
• Instant Hydration: For a better way to stay hydrated, go to https://www.instanthydration.com/solucky and use my promo code SOLUCKY for over 40% off your first subscription order - it’s Instant Hydration’s best offer available.

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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

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