DB

Deborah Benton

Founder and Managing Partner, Willow Growth Partners

Malibu, California

Work Experience

  • Founder & Managing Partner

    2020

    Willow provides early growth capital to entrepreneurs building the next generation of consumer brands and the disruptive technologies that power them.

2019 - 2021

  • Chair Of The Board Of Directors

    2020 - 2021

    Acquired by Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC).

  • Board Director

    2019 - 2021

    Leaf Group Ltd. (NYSE: LEAF) is a diversified Internet company that builds platforms across our media (Well & Good, Hunker and LIVESTRONG.COM) and marketplace (Society6, Saatchi Art, and The Other Art Fair) properties to enable communities of creators to reach passionate audiences in large and growing lifestyle categories. In addition, Leaf Group's content studio and diverse advertising offerings help brands and publishers find innovative ways to engage with their customers. Leaf Group is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.

2014 - 2020

  • Investment Partner

    2014 - 2020

    Kaktus Capital invests in early-stage consumer branded companies and technology companies that facilitate the consumer experience. More accurately, we invest in extraordinary entrepreneurs building these types of companies who are looking to make a significant and lasting, positive impact.

  • Partner

    2014 - 2020

    MMG is a global performance improvement consulting firm working with global companies and private equity firms on strategy issues and assisting management with strategic revenue enhancement initiatives and cost management challenges arising from globalization, outsourcing and supply chain management. The firm consists of senior consultants, former C-level executives and functional experts, leveraging intellectual capital developed over decades to assist our clients achieve significant short-term and sustainable performance improvement.

2015 - 2020

  • Board Director

    2015 - 2020

    The Bouqs Company (Bouqs.com), the only cut-to-order, farm-to-table flower retailer delivering straight from farms on a volcano in South America!

2015 - 2020

  • Board Director

    2015 - 2020

    Carbon38 is the premier destination for fashion-forward activewear. #RUNinRUNway.

2018 - 2019

  • Board Director

    2018 - 2019

    Comfortable underwear made for unapologetic people of all sizes and genders.

2016 - 2018

  • Board Director

    2016 - 2018

    Vow To Be Chic is the millennial's best destination for rental designer bridesmaid and little white dresses.

2012 - 2014

  • President & Chief Operating Officer

    2012 - 2014

2009 - 2012

  • Chief Operating Officer

    2009 - 2012