Jacqueline Bennett: Highlands Venture Partners
Jacqueline Bennett: Highlands Venture Partners  
Podcast: The Investor With Joel Palathinkal
Published On: Fri Sep 12 2025
Description: Where should savvy investors be looking to find the next explosive growth category? We're sitting down with Jacqueline Bennett, Partner at New York City-based Highlands Venture Partners, to explore the frontier of emerging markets.Jacqueline and her firm operate at the fascinating intersection of cutting-edge science and mainstream consumer demand, with deep expertise in the rapidly evolving worlds of cannabis, hemp/CBD, biotech, and consumer technology. She pulls back the curtain on what it takes to evaluate and advise early-stage companies in industries that are being built from the ground up, often amid a complex web of regulations and shifting public perception.This is a deep dive into the art of spotting potential in uncharted territory. Get ready for a conversation about the future of consumer brands, the science behind new wellness categories, and the unique challenges and opportunities of investing in innovation before it goes mainstream.Key Takeaways:The Emerging Market Playbook: How to identify real opportunity versus hype in nascent industries like cannabis and CBD.Science Meets Consumer Demand: The unique lens required to invest in biotechnology and consumer tech simultaneously.Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Key considerations for investing in highly regulated and rapidly changing industries.The NYC Advantage: How being based in a global hub provides a unique perspective on consumer trends and brand building.Beyond the Investment: The advisory role a firm plays in helping groundbreaking companies scale from early to growth stage.