Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Kozler.
Maxine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in the music industry, specializing in intellectual property rights and music licensing for film, TV, and commercials. I worked with culturally-defining song catalogs—from Beyoncé and the Foo Fighters to the legendary Motown collection—placing songs on everything from The Chappelle Show to national campaigns for Toyota. It was there I learned the true power of a brand—how to create one, make it resonate, and how to bring one back to life.
Over time, my career transitioned into the consumer brand world. I launched and led PR and social media efforts for Melissa & Doug during the height of the “mommy blogger” era, building authentic relationships between brands and their audiences. Through trade shows and collaborations, I was introduced to an inspiring new ecosystem of early-stage founders—many of them women or couples—who were building products they believed in. I naturally gravitated toward mentoring them, and eventually, investing.
In 2010, I made my first angel investment in a small salad concept called sweetgreen and by 2013, my husband and I launched LDR Ventures, an early-stage venture firm dedicated to investing in purpose-driven consumer products and tech platforms. We’ve backed category-defining brands like Hyperice, Thrive Market, and many others focused on wellness, sustainability, and positive impact.
In parallel, I partnered with a growing community of women investors. Together, we’ve hosted events to educate, support, and mobilize women around angel investing—committed to opening up access to capital and accelerating women-led innovation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most worthwhile ventures, the path has not been linear. One ongoing challenge has been shifting perceptions in the broader investment community—helping people see what a powerful return female founders can deliver. Despite the data, there’s still work to do when it comes to unlocking capital for women and underserved entrepreneurs.
Another challenge lies in the nature of early-stage investing itself and that it’s deeply personal. Finding founders you truly believe in, who are aligned not just in vision but in values, is a bit like dating. You might meet dozens of impressive people, but the right match—the one with true long-term potential—can be rare. It’s easy to get excited after that first pitch or coffee, but sustainable investing is about alignment, trust, and shared purpose over time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At LDR Ventures, we are early-stage venture capital investors with a clear mission: to back visionary founders with a special focus on supporting women and those from underrepresented communities. We specialize in consumer products and tech platforms focused on wellness, sustainability, and social impact so naturally, our founders are building brands and platforms to make the world a better place.
We’re known for being among the earliest believers. We often come in as the first institutional capital, willing to back founders before their big breakout moment. We stay close to the founders we invest in, offering strategic guidance, operational insight, and access to our deeply engaged network.
Some of the brands we’re most proud to have backed include Shaka Tea, Thrive Market, and Hyperice. But even more meaningful is the community we’ve helped build: a network of powerhouse women founders and investors who show up for one another. From hosting events that celebrate female-led brands like Tower 28 Beauty, Mary Ruth Organics, Parker Thatch, and Kitsch, to mentoring the next generation of investors, it’s the ripple effect we’re proudest of.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely. The key to finding a mentor, like anything else, is just showing up. Attend events, follow up with the people you meet, and take a genuine interest in what others are building. Relationships often evolve naturally when you stay curious, consistent, and collaborative. A great mentorship doesn’t usually begin with a formal ask—it begins with mutual respect, shared goals, and a willingness to support each other.
Some of my most meaningful mentor relationships began with a shared goal or vision. To me, being a mentor means becoming part of the solution – helping someone turn their dreams into a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ldrventures.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldr-ventures/posts/?feedView=all
