Investing Beyond the Pitch: Identifying Enduring Consumer Trends

An Evening with Lori Wachs, Founder & Managing Partner, Penultima Capital Hosted in collaboration with BCLP Join Bereisheet Tech and BCLP for an intimate evening with one of the country's most respected venture investors and consumer market experts, Lori Wachs, for a candid conversation about what separates lasting businesses from passing trends. From identifying iconic consumer brands before they become household names to investing in the next generation of category-defining companies, Lori has spent more than 25 years helping founders and investors understand where markets are truly headed. In this fireside chat, we'll explore how great investors recognize opportunity, what founders often overlook, and how technology, AI, and changing consumer behavior are reshaping the future of investing. Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, executive, or simply fascinated by innovation and venture capital, this evening will offer practical insights, meaningful conversation, and exceptional networking with members of the Bereisheet Tech community and New York's innovation ecosystem. Featured Speaker Lori Wachs Lori Wachs is a venture capitalist, fund manager, and consumer analyst with more than 25 years of investment experience. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Penultima Capital, a venture capital firm investing in women-led growth-stage consumer companies. Previously, Lori was a partner at Springboard Growth Capital and spent 17 years at Delaware Investments, where she helped oversee more than $4 billion in institutional and mutual fund investments focused on the consumer sector. She began her career in Goldman Sachs' Equity Risk Arbitrage group and has become a nationally recognized voice on consumer trends, retail, and investing, regularly appearing on CNBC, Bloomberg, ABC News, Fox News, and other major media outlets. Lori is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and currently serves in leadership roles across several nonprofit and educational organizations. Moderator Jonathan Morris Jonathan is a partner in BCLP’s Corporate Finance and M&A practice, advising UK and international companies on complex transactions with clarity and commercial focus. His experience spans mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and joint ventures, guiding clients from early structuring through to successful completion. He has advised on transactions across multiple jurisdictions, helping businesses achieve growth, manage risk, and secure long‑term value. Discussion Topics How investors identify enduring trends before the market does What separates exceptional founders from everyone else Building companies that create long-term value The evolving consumer landscape in the age of AI Lessons from decades of venture investing and public markets Career advice for founders, operators, and aspiring investors Bereisheet Tech is one of the largest Israeli-American technology communities in North America, connecting more than 7,000 founders, investors, executives, operators, and technology professionals through high-quality events, education, networking, and mentorship. Our mission is to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by bringing together exceptional people and meaningful conversations. This is an intimate gathering with limited seating. Registration is required, and attendance is subject to approval. About the hosts: BCLP is a leading international law firm with over 1,200 lawyers in 30+ offices across North America, Western Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. We are proud to advise over 200 Israeli and Israeli-related clients, supporting them on complex, high-valued transactions, and disputes worldwide. With deep ties to Israel’s business community, BCLP is a trusted partner to leading corporations, financial institutions, family offices, and advisers navigating global opportunities and challenges. Our team combines a nuanced understanding of Israel’s cultural and legal dynamics with the resources of a global platform to deliver practical, tailored solutions across sectors, including banking/financial services, energy transition, food & agribusiness, hotels and hospitality, infrastructure, real estate, sports, media and entertainment, and technology. You can learn more at: https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/