**Jenny Liu’s Visionary Fund: Empowering Underrepresented Wellness Startups**
You might know Jenny Liu as the former CEO of Dogpound, the trendy health club that’s been a hub for wellness enthusiasts. But what you might not know is that she’s now on a mission to revolutionize the wellness industry by empowering underrepresented founders through her new fund, Crush It Ventures.
As a former CEO of a health club, Liu had a front-row seat to the innovative ideas and passionate entrepreneurs that were reshaping the wellness space. And yet, she noticed that many of these founders – particularly women and minorities – were struggling to find the funding they needed to turn their visions into reality. That’s why Liu decided to take matters into her own hands and create Crush It Ventures, a $5 million fund dedicated to backing wellness-focused startups.
The fund’s goal is twofold. Firstly, Liu wants to bridge the funding gap that exists in the wellness industry, where underrepresented founders often face significant barriers to accessing capital. Secondly, she aims to build a stronger network of founders, investors, and partners who share her passion for wellness and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.
The wellness industry has been on a tear in recent years, with trends like better sleep, body positivity, and mental health self-care becoming increasingly mainstream. In fact, a recent McKinsey study found that the US alone spends over $500 billion a year on wellness, with younger generations being particularly big spenders.
For Liu, the wellness industry’s popularity is driven by a growing recognition that health is more than just physical – it also encompasses emotional, social, and psychological well-being. “As we automate more with technology in our daily lives, we’re valuing experiences and products that foster real connection and long-term well-being,” she said.
So far, Crush It Ventures has invested in 18 startups, including wearable tech company Elemind and CPG business Caliwater. The fund is planning to write checks ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 and invest in between 20 and 25 companies over the next 12-18 months.
Liu’s approach to fundraising was to lean on her network, which she built during her decade-long tenure at Dogpound. She believes that building a brand is not just about marketing a product or service, but about creating a space for shared experiences, joy, and real connection. “I realized that model building isn’t just about advertising a service, but about creating an area for shared experiences, pleasure, and real connection,” she said.
Crush It Ventures’ goal is to help close the funding gap for underrepresented founders, build stronger founder networks, and demonstrate that mission-driven companies can scale and make a significant impact on health and lifestyle. “We want to help founders build their brand and community as they scale their companies,” Liu said.
Liu’s crusade is a testament to the power of underrepresented founders and the importance of building a community-driven approach to entrepreneurship. As the wellness industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Crush It Ventures will be playing a pivotal role in shaping its future.
