JC

Jeff Cantalupo

Managing Partner at Listen Ventures

Greater Chicago Area

Overview 

Jeff Cantalupo is a consumer-focused investor based in the Greater Chicago Area, known for founding Listen Ventures and serving as a board member for various companies. His notable career achievements include investing in a range of successful companies such as Black Buffalo, Miss Grass, and Codeverse, and his expertise in sectors like Payments, Consumer Internet, and FinTech. Currently, Jeff Cantalupo is actively involved in investing in early-stage companies in the Midwest region, particularly in the areas of consumer internet and fintech, while also serving on the board of multiple organizations like Fable, Black Buffalo Inc., and Rise Gardens.

Work Experience 

  • Board Member

    2022 - Current

  • Founder, Managing Partner

    2010

    Listen is a consumer obsessed Venture Capital Firm. We back and build the brands of tomorrow.

  • Adjunct Professor

    2020

    Teach Startup Branding. There is a big difference between managing an existing brand vs. starting a brand from scratch. We teach students how to leverage consumer insights to unlock powerful brand strategy and lead the business through a brand lens.

  • Board Member

    2022

Black Buffalo is a smokeless tobacco alternative that has the same texture, taste, aroma, and experience as traditional dipping products.

Raised $39,750,000.00 from Listen, Watchfire Ventures, Vice Ventures and The Pritzker Organization.

  • Board Member

    2019

Miss Grass is a modern and elevated online magazine with captivating content and an e-commerce destination for modern cannabis consumers.

Raised $4,000,000.00 from Five Four Ventures, Rachel Springate, Listen, Kate Miller, Firstminute Capital, Casa Verde Capital, Advancit Capital, Assia Grazioli and Third Kind Venture Capital.

  • Board Member

    2016

    Plant based goodness! (CSE: FRSH)

  • Investor

    2012

Calm offers a global health and wellness brand application designed to help its users meditate and relax.

Raised $218,043,000.00 from BluePointe Ventures.

  • Board Member

    2021 - 2024

Rise Gardens is a smart indoor hydroponic gardening system for consumers to grow their own food.

Raised $11,600,000.00 from Amazon Alexa Fund, Listen, TELUS Ventures and True Ventures.

  • Board Member

    2021 - 2024

We are the first interactive feelings school to help you improve your relationships and navigate life's hardest moments.

Raised $4,120,000.00 from WndrCo, Joyance Partners, Christopher Leacock, Ed Baker, Route 66 Ventures, Able Partners, Social Starts and Listen.

Education 

Articles About Jeff

Relevant Websites