Industry Voices

In this episode, Gemma Monclus talks with Scott Van den Berg, founder of HotStart VC, whose team has worked on over 55 celebrity and creator-founded brands, including  Feastables with MrBeast  and  The Honest Company with Jessica Alba. They unpack: How HotStart evaluates celebrity and creator-led brands Why some, like  Skims  and  Fenty , endure while others fade The importance of celebrity–produc...

In this episode, Gemma Monclus talks with Anne Kurtz , early-stage investor, brand strategist, and expert at spotting untapped opportunities in consumer — about how to identify real white space in the market and back brands with staying power. They unpack: How to spot consumer opportunities before they hit mainstream awareness The difference between being early… and being too early Why “unsexy” ca...

In this episode, Gemma Monclus talks with Elena Popovici; growth strategist, ecosystem builder, and advisor to VC funds and underrepresented founders, about why content is no longer a nice-to-have, but a strategic edge in venture capital. They unpack: How content has shifted from a marketing tool to core infrastructure inside forward-thinking funds Why funds that act like media brands are winning...

In this episode, Gemma Monclus talks with Roz Samimi, founder of Banu and part of the Sephora Accelerate 2024 cohort, about building an acne care brand that treats people, not just pimples. They unpack: Why acne, a condition affecting over 50 million Americans, is still underserved despite the category’s projected $17B market size How Banu is formulating with intention, prioritizing ingredient rig...

In this episode, Gemma Monclus talks with Kiran Mehta, a former VC turned operator, about a contrarian approach to early-stage investing: single check funds that invest once and never follow on. They unpack: Why the traditional VC logic of follow-on investments might be flawed How single check funds can reduce signaling risk and align interests better between founders and investors The cultural an...

In this episode, Gemma is joined by Ayesha Ofori — founder of Propelle, a female-focused investment platform backed by Google, Atomico, and Goldman Sachs, to explore the evolving landscape of financial education for women. We cover: The $31.8 trillion women control globally and the persistent gender wealth gap How technology, AI, and behavioral insights are personalizing financial education The un...

In this episode, Gemma is joined by Suad Fakih — investor, operator, and founder of Suad’s Gems — to unpack the seismic shifts shaping the future of consumer brands. We cover: The white space in resale and infrastructure How loyalty is evolving through experiences and culture The rise of science-led beauty, AI diagnostics & wellness convergence 6 traits that define high-potential brands today...

Joining me is  Carlota Rodben  — author, entrepreneur, and former Head of Innovation at  CHANEL , to explore how the foundations of luxury are being redefined. We unpack: 💎 Luxury resale as a cultural shift, not just a trend. 🔗 The role of blockchain in provenance. From LVMH’s Aura to Prada’s NFTs, we explore how traceability is becoming a new marker of authenticity. 📦 The end of distribution a...

In this episode, we unpack one of the most urgent questions facing modern DTC brands: what growth channels are they still missing, and why does it matter more than ever? Joining us is Tracy, co-founder of TNGE, the growth partner behind multiple 8–9 figure beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands. We discuss: 📊 Where the biggest delta lies between consumer attention and brand focus. 🛒 How platform...

In this episode, we unpack one of the most urgent questions facing modern brands: is the future of branding immersive? Joining us is Anne-Liese Prem, Head of Cultural Insights & Trends at LOOP and a leading voice at the intersection of emerging tech and cultural strategy. We discuss: 🧠 Why play, participation & cultural curiosity are key to future-proofing brands 🕶️ Which immersive techno...

In this episode, we unpack one of the most significant shifts in beauty M&A: the rapid rise of private equity.  Joining us is Tina Henry , founder of CXT Investments and one of the most respected voices in early-stage consumer investing.  We discuss: ✨ What makes a “good” early-stage beauty deal today 📦 Which categories + models are best positioned for PE exits 🚫 Common mistakes investors s...

Join us as Emily Austen, founder and CEO of London-based PR agency EMERGE, shares how she built a thriving firm at just 22 and helped shape some of the world’s most exciting brands. In this episode, Emily explores the evolution of PR in a digital age, the power of storytelling, and why quality engagement matters more than vanity metrics. She also shares her take on the role of AI in PR, and tips f...

Join us as Nicola Gunby, founder of CLIQ, shares how she’s transforming the way we connect by building a platform that bridges online and offline communities. CLIQ allows individuals to interact and join interest-based clubs, fostering real connections in a digital age. In this episode, Nicola discusses the power of community-driven events, how brands use the app to deepen engagement, and the evol...

Join us as Dulma, the powerhouse behind TikTok’s B School and host of Influence FM podcast, unpacks her journey into becoming a go-to voice in DTC and brand strategy. From the changing rules of social media and personal branding to the resurgence of newsletters like Substack, Dulma offers a fresh take on what’s driving the future of consumer brands. We dive into her thoughts on the "quiet luxury"...

Join us as Jake Browne, co-founder of Retrograde and former co-founder of Peblo, shares the journey behind his tech ventures. Jake takes us through the origins of Peblo, how its vision evolved, and the process leading up to its exit. We also explore the lessons he's carried into his new venture, Retrograde, an AI-powered platform designed to streamline brand deals for content creators. Jake explai...

Join us as Vanessa Mace, co-founder of Bessette, reveals the story behind her pioneering online fashion sample sale platform. Discover how Bessette fills a market gap, curates its inventory, and how they navigate relationships with online retailers. Vanessa discusses the challenges Bessette has faced, shifting consumer preferences, and the role of logos in fashion. Tune in to learn how Bessette ta...

Join us as Jing Zhang, Editor-in-Chief of Jing Daily, shares her expert insights on the future of Chinese consumer behavior. We discuss key trends in the beauty and fashion sectors, the rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms, and the shifting dynamics of luxury sales. Jing also explores generational differences among Chinese consumers, the challenges for international brands entering China, and the...