The Great Pursuit

In this episode, Ethan speaks with Manica, the founder of Top Not Ventures. Manica shares her journey from investment banking to founding her own venture capital fund dedicated to consumer investments, particularly in beauty. With 16 investments in 14 portfolio companies, Manica explains why the beauty sector is attractive for investments, citing high margins, customer loyalty, and strong exit opportunities with large conglomerates. She also discusses the growing importance of wellness in beauty, the challenges of celebrity-backed brands, and offers insights on the current investment landscape for beauty startups. Key points include the need for early product-market fit, the strategic value of maintaining a direct-to-consumer presence, and the potential shifts in the M&A landscape.00:40 Manica's Career Journey02:09 Why Beauty?07:47 Sustainability and Wellness Trends in Beauty11:17 Global Beauty Trends and Consumer Preferences14:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Beauty Investments23:00 The Future of Beauty Brands and Investments32:12 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Welcome to 'The Great Pursuit,' hosted by Ethan Song, where we delve into the world of entrepreneurship.In this episode, Rudra B. Persaud shares his journey from big conglomerates like Danone and Nestle to the startup world, diving into his experience at Liquid Death and now leading Lucky Energy. Learn about the inspiration behind Lucky Energy, the challenges and strategies in the highly competitive energy drink market, and the keys to their rapid success. Rudra also discusses the importance of taste, marketing, and distribution in building a beverage brand, and the future trends he sees in the industry, including CBD and psychedelic-infused drinks. Tune in for a deep dive into the beverage industry's inner workings and what it takes to disrupt it.01:26 Founding of Lucky Energy04:41 Distribution Strategy and Early Success08:59 Recent Funding and Strategic Partnerships10:55 Challenges and Success Factors in CPG13:26 Trends in Beverage M&A15:44 Energy Drink Market Dynamics20:10 Joining the Rocket Ship: Liquid Death Experience22:04 The Secret Behind Liquid Death's Success24:08 The Importance of Taste in Beverage Success26:55 Marketing vs. Distribution: What's More Crucial?32:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Beverage Industry36:05 Future Trends in the Beverage Market This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Welcome to 'The Great Pursuit,' hosted by Ethan Song, where we delve into the world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ethan chats with Andy, the founder of Vessi, a fast growing footwear brand known for its waterproof, comfortable shoes. They discuss the journey of starting a sneaker brand, the importance of timing and product-market fit, and how Vessi managed to reach over $100 million in sales within seven years without external funding. Andy shares insights into transitioning from D2C to omnichannel, the complexities of entering new market segments, and the future of the athletic footwear industry. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom, market trends, and the story behind a burgeoning footwear empire.00:31 Meet Andy: The Footwear Entrepreneur01:13 The Journey to Starting Vests02:17 Designing Footwear: From Sketch to Sample04:20 The Success of Vessi: Timing and Innovation07:45 Market Position and Brand Evolution16:12 Future of Athletic Footwear17:48 The Challenge of Diversification in Sports Brands19:17 Nike's Recent Performance and Future Prospects21:46 The Impact of Lifestyle Trends on Athletic Brands25:30 Advice for Growing Brands32:06 The Role of the CEO in Brand Success34:10 Exciting Developments for 2025Subscribe to never miss an episode: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Theo Satloff, co-founder of Remark, shares his entrepreneurial journey shaped by a childhood split between New York and Colorado and early exposure to retail through his entrepreneurial parents. He discusses co-founding Outdoorly, its evolution into Remark, and blending human expertise with AI to enhance online retail. Theo offers insights on entrepreneurship, maintaining human elements in AI, and his vision for Remark’s future, closing with rapid-fire personal insights.Theo Satloff https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-satloff/Remark website https://www.withremark.com/Remark LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/withremark/Show Notes:02:00 Theo's Background and Early Influences07:17 First Entrepreneurial Ventures08:58 The Birth and Evolution of Outdoorly17:51 Transition to Remark20:29 Remark's Value Proposition and AI IntegrationThe Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Sean Ro, co-founder of Lunar, shares his journey from studying economics and working in tech to launching an innovative craft hard seltzer brand with unique Asian fruit flavors. He discusses the inspiration behind Lunar, challenges in the alcohol industry, and the importance of Asian representation. Sean offers insights into product development, distribution strategies, and the role of community engagement in Lunar’s growth—a valuable episode for aspiring entrepreneurs and beverage enthusiasts.Sean Ro LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandrinkslunarLunar website https://www.drinklunar.com/Lunar Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drinklunarShow Notes:03:54 Birth of Lunar: The Inspiration04:42 What is Lunar?16:56 Challenges and Distribution22:01 Scaling Up: From Zero to a Hundred Accounts22:37 The Appeal of a Tangible Product30:04 Cultural Ties in Beverage Sales33:07 Consistency and Patience in Brand BuildingThe Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Bryan Mahoney, co-founder of Chord Commerce, shares his journey from launching an internet agency in the late '90s to contributing to Glossier's success and now leading Chord. He reflects on early experiences, like hacking PowerPoint to create e-commerce websites, and key career moves that brought him to New York and Glossier. Bryan discusses the challenges and opportunities in brand building, especially during the pandemic, and explains Chord’s evolution from a commerce platform to a data-driven solution leveraging AI in e-commerce. He provides insights on the future of e-commerce, DTC, and the role of data, offering valuable lessons on technology and brand growth.Bryan Mahoney https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmahoney/Chord Commerce website https://www.chordcommerce.com/Chord Commerce LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/chordcommerce/Show Notes:02:02 Bryan's Early Career and Dynamo's Beginnings04:52 Dynamo's Growth and Success10:50 The Glossier Partnership15:55 Lessons from Glossier24:50 Launching New Brands26:11 Challenges and Market Trends27:32 Transition to Technology Company31:38 Understanding Headless Commerce43:19 Future of Commerce and AIThe Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Noah Stern and Ayal Twik, co-founders of Moose Knuckles, share their journey from family fashion roots and degrees in law and business to transforming the premium outerwear market. They discuss their strategic approach to licensing, production, and carving a niche with edgy, fashion-forward designs. The episode highlights their unique marketing tactics, wholesale partnerships, and success in the Asian market. Reflecting on building a “non-luxury luxury” brand, Noah and Ayal offer personal stories, key challenges, and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing how Moose Knuckles became a fashion icon.Noah Stern https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-stern-9439a44/?originalSubdomain=caAyal Twik https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayaltwik/?originalSubdomain=caMoose Knuckles website https://www.mooseknucklescanada.com/Moose Knuckles Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mooseknucklescanada/Show Notes:05:40 First Venture: Student Sphere07:36 Founding Stay2209:35 Challenges and Growth17:09 Pandemic Impact and Pivot22:57 Exploring New Opportunities in a Growing Market24:04 Innovating for Content Creators32:08 Navigating Financial Challenges33:21 Achieving Traction and Profitability36:48 Maintaining a Frugal and Efficient Culture39:22 Scaling the Team and Expanding PartnershipsThe Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Andrew Lockhead shares his journey from his family’s business to founding Stay22, focusing on solving pain points, building partnerships, and understanding customer needs. He discusses overcoming challenges like complex sales cycles and economic hardships. Andrew also discusses how Stay22 pivoted during the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic, innovated by listening to customer feedback, and implemented a lean strategy to emerge stronger.Andrew Lockhead LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlockhead/Stay22 website https://www.stay22.com/Stay22 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/stay22/Stay22 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/get.stay22/Show Notes:03:40 First Venture: Student Sphere05:36 Founding Stay2207:35 Challenges and Growth15:09 Pandemic Impact and Pivot20:57 Exploring New Opportunities in a Growing Market22:04 Innovating for Content Creators30:08 Navigating Financial Challenges31:21 Achieving Traction and Profitability34:48 Maintaining a Frugal and Efficient Culture37:22 Scaling the Team and Expanding PartnershipsThe Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Étienne Mérineau, co-founder of Heyday, shares his journey from the creative industry to launching the conversational commerce platform in 2016. He highlights how hyper-focus and strategic branding drove product-market fit and how a Quebec furniture company embraced conversational commerce during COVID-19. Étienne offers insights on market dynamics, personal finance, pre-seed investing, and B2B SaaS pricing, as well as the importance of investors and founder-market fit. He also touches on leveraging AI and building resilient company cultures in the evolving tech landscape.HeyDay website (acquired by HootSuite 2021) https://www.hootsuite.com/platform/engagementShow Notes:03:07 Founding Heyday: The Early Days05:10 Navigating the Chatbot Revolution13:16 Pandemic Pivot: Surviving and Thriving19:21 Acquisition Talks and Strategic Decisions28:02 Personal Finance Strategies30:46 Investment Tips and Best Practices33:18 Post-Acquisition Journey35:07 Transition to Venture Capital39:41 AI and B2B SaaS Insights51:48 Founder vs. Market: What's More Important?The Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com

Bill Shufelt, co-founder of Athletic Brewing Company, shares his transition from working in finance to creating a leading non-alcoholic craft beer brand. Recognizing the market gap for non-alcoholic beverages, he founded Athletic Brewing Company while embracing a healthier lifestyle. Bill expands on his journey by discussing the company’s challenges, successes, and their focus on community, authentic experiences, and positive impact. He also shares personal insights on fitness, work-life balance, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Athletic Brewing website https://athleticbrewing.com/Athletic Brewing Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athleticbrewing/Athletic Brewing LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletic-brewing-company-llc/Show Notes:07:39 The Birth of Athletic Brewing10:21 Developing a Unique Product13:03 Building a Community and Marketing Strategy20:40 Personal Journey with Running and Fitness23:44 Inspiring the Next Generation26:01 Spartan Partnership and Athletic Brewing28:13 Positive Impact and Community Initiatives30:55 Early Challenges and Fundraising35:04 Key Breakthroughs and Team Building39:52 Navigating the Non-Alcoholic Beer MarketThe Great Pursuit is a podcast that dives into the art and science of finding product market fit. Through in-depth conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors, we uncover actionable insights to help you go from 0 to 1. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatpursuit.substack.com