Andrew Black
Managing Partner at BrandProject LP
Toronto, Ontario
Overview
Work Experience
Founder & Managing Partner
2012 - Current
BrandProject, a venture studio and venture capital firm that makes seed stage and follow on investments in disruptive early stage consumer businesses. Our Studio team of eight has deep consumer and operating experience and helps founders to build strong foundations that lead to world class branded businesses. As the first institutional investors in digital commerce brands including Freshly (acquired by Nestle), Daily Harvest, Chefs Plate (acquired by Hello Fresh), Peachy, Our Place, Hello (acquired by Colgate), Juno Vet, Gainful, Iris&Romeo, Persona (acquired by Nestle), PetPlate, and Owlet (IPO). BrandProject focuses on partnering with founders to build consumer traction, customer experience, profitable unit economics and CAC, scalable technology, and businesses that can reach $50M within 3 years.
Founder and CEO
2004 - 2009
Partnered with Richard Branson and Bell Canada in founding Virgin Mobile, Virgin's first business in Canada. Grew the business to 1M customers, $500M in revenues, 1000 employees, and 5000 points of distribution within 5 years. Won JD Power and Associates Best Customer Service Award 5 years in a row, and was recognized as Canada's Best new brand. Together with Richard Branson, sold the business to Bell Canada in July, 2009.
President, Americas
2001 - 2003
Led the $500M Americas Division of the privately held, Denmark based LEGO AS, the third largest toy company in the world. Launched Bionicle and Harry Potter / Star Wars licenses growing the business 26% to $500M. Expanded distribution at WalMart, Toys R US and Target and LEGO.com.
General Manager, USA
1997 - 2001
Led the US Equipment Division and launched Nike Timing, Vision, Hockey, and Golf Equipment including the global Nike Tour Accuracy Golf Balls. Global Category Director Cross Training, ACG Outdoor Division, and Director, Business Development at Nike.com
Nike is a retail brand that provides the sale of apparel, footwear, sports equipment, and accessory products.
Raised $239,000,000.00 from Pershing Square Capital Management.
VP Marketing USA
1990 - 1997
Led Brand Marketing for North American Flavors and Mixers beverages including 7UP, Canada Dry, Schweppes, Crush, and Crystal Light. As VP Sales and VP Channel Marketing, responsible for the portfolio of 17 brands sold through all Pepsi bottlers.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS) is an integrated brand owner, manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages
Brand Manager
1984 - 1987
Brand Manager for Colgate Toothpaste, Irish Spring Soap, Palmolive.
Colgate-Palmolive is a consumer products company that produces, distributes, and provides household, healthcare, and personal products.
Raised $15,150,000.00 from SMILE Health.
Education
BA
1981 - 1984