As M&A activity heats up in the CPG space, join us for an exciting panel hosted by Startup CPG founder Daniel Scharff featuring some of the leading emerging brand investors, with plenty of time for networking.
About the Speakers:
Daniel Casiero (W'11) is a Principal at Prelude Growth Partners, a New York City based consumer growth equity fund. Since 2017, Prelude Growth has invested across branded consumer categories including food & beverage, health & wellness, beauty & personal care, pet and other consumer product and service companies. Prior to joining Prelude Growth Partners, Daniel worked as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company in New York. Daniel began his career at The Blackstone Group as an investment banker.
Allie Harris (WG'25) is an investor at Melitas Ventures, a consumer VC firm partnering with visionary founders building authentic, better-for-you brands with positive impact. She joined Melitas in 2025 after earning her MBA from Wharton and has spent her entire career in the consumer sector. Prior to Melitas, Allie was an investment professional at Verlinvest, executing deals and providing ongoing support to portfolio companies across the consumer, health, and wellness sectors. She began her career in investment banking after graduating from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Lisa Li (WG'22) is an investor at Rocana Ventures, a consumer VC fund focused on mission-driven, better-for-you brands. She has a decade of experience across investing, investment banking, capital markets, and corporate strategy, with deep expertise and passion for food, health, and wellness. Outside of work, Lisa can be found training in Central Park for her next marathon, recharging at Othership, or trying new bakeries across the city. She received her MBA from Wharton (Class of 2022) and her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College.
Daniel Scharff (WG’09, Lauder) is the founder of Startup CPG, the world’s largest community of consumer brands and experts, and host of the world #1 CPG podcast. He’s formerly the CEO of Machu Picchu Energy, an organic beverage company, and a 13 year industry veteran.
When:
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6:00 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET
Where:
Madison Square District (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to email address provided at registration.)
Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $30 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $50
Gold & Benefactor Members - $0
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as events can and do sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Wednesday, March 11th at 9:00am.
Cancellations must be made at least 48-hours (business day) prior to the event date by sending an email to Gabriela Sanchez. Refunds or credits for future events are not available for any no-shows or late cancellations. Click here for full details.
About the Speakers:
Daniel Casiero (W'11) is a Principal at Prelude Growth Partners, a New York City based consumer growth equity fund. Since 2017, Prelude Growth has invested across branded consumer categories including food & beverage, health & wellness, beauty & personal care, pet and other consumer product and service companies. Prior to joining Prelude Growth Partners, Daniel worked as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company in New York. Daniel began his career at The Blackstone Group as an investment banker.
Allie Harris (WG'25) is an investor at Melitas Ventures, a consumer VC firm partnering with visionary founders building authentic, better-for-you brands with positive impact. She joined Melitas in 2025 after earning her MBA from Wharton and has spent her entire career in the consumer sector. Prior to Melitas, Allie was an investment professional at Verlinvest, executing deals and providing ongoing support to portfolio companies across the consumer, health, and wellness sectors. She began her career in investment banking after graduating from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Lisa Li (WG'22) is an investor at Rocana Ventures, a consumer VC fund focused on mission-driven, better-for-you brands. She has a decade of experience across investing, investment banking, capital markets, and corporate strategy, with deep expertise and passion for food, health, and wellness. Outside of work, Lisa can be found training in Central Park for her next marathon, recharging at Othership, or trying new bakeries across the city. She received her MBA from Wharton (Class of 2022) and her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College.
Daniel Scharff (WG’09, Lauder) is the founder of Startup CPG, the world’s largest community of consumer brands and experts, and host of the world #1 CPG podcast. He’s formerly the CEO of Machu Picchu Energy, an organic beverage company, and a 13 year industry veteran.
When:
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6:00 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET
Where:
Madison Square District (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to email address provided at registration.)
Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $30 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $50
Gold & Benefactor Members - $0
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as events can and do sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Wednesday, March 11th at 9:00am.
Cancellations must be made at least 48-hours (business day) prior to the event date by sending an email to Gabriela Sanchez. Refunds or credits for future events are not available for any no-shows or late cancellations. Click here for full details.