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 brandsWhy some, like Skims and Fenty, endure while others fadeThe importance of celebrity–product fit, storytelling, and communityWhat it takes for a celebrity to be more than just a face on the packagingIf you’re curious about what makes celebrity-founded brands succeed and what causes them to flop, this episode is for you.

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 awarenessThe difference between being early… and being too earlyWhy “unsexy” categories like elder care and postpartum health are ripe for innovationHow investors can avoid chasing hype and instead build conviction around lasting brandsThe role of capital, branding, and timing in determining which ideas scaleIf you’re curious about the future of consumer investing, overlooked market gaps, or how to back brands with real staying power, this episode is for you.

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 fundsWhy funds that act like media brands are winning the trust of top founders and LPsWhat separates content that resonates from generic “thought leadership”How strong positioning, storytelling, and community-first strategies can shape the perception of a fund long before a pitchReal examples of content-led growth from inside Europe’s innovation landscapeIf you're curious about the future of VC visibility, founder-first thinking, or how content can become your fund’s sharpest differentiator, this episode is for you.

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 sizeHow Banu is formulating with intention, prioritizing ingredient rigor, clinical testing across all skin tones, and emotional clarityWhat it means to design acne care for adults, not only adolescents, and why so many legacy brands still miss the markThe role of community, empathy, and science in Banu’s brand architectureWhat Roz has learned from being part of Sephora’s Accelerate program and how it’s shaped Banu’s early strategyIf you're interested in the future of skincare, the redefinition of acne as a long-term skin type, or how to build an emotionally intelligent beauty brand from day one, this episode is for you.

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 flawedHow single check funds can reduce signaling risk and align interests better between founders and investorsThe cultural and market differences between UK and US venture ecosystems, especially regarding exit sizes and founder secondariesThe challenges founders face with multi-round investors and the importance of clear capital strategiesKey disciplines needed to make single check fund models work consistently in today’s marketIf you want to rethink venture capital norms and explore a bold thesis on how early-stage funding could evolve, this episode is for you.

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 gapHow technology, AI, and behavioral insights are personalizing financial educationThe unique financial behaviors and goals shaping women’s investment strategiesThe challenges and opportunities in creating tailored wealth-building tools for diverse female segmentsWhy nimbleness and deep listening are key to driving meaningful change in financial services for womenA thoughtful, insight-rich episode for anyone interested in the future of finance, fintech innovation, and empowering women to take control of their financial futures.

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 infrastructureHow loyalty is evolving through experiences and cultureThe rise of science-led beauty, AI diagnostics & wellness convergence6 traits that define high-potential brands todayWhy the biggest opportunities lie in invisible layers: backend tech, infra & supply chainsAnd how investors can better track changing consumer behaviorA thoughtful, insight-rich episode for anyone investing in (or building) the future of fashion, beauty and wellness.

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 as we knew it.🧠 And what it all means for brands seeking to balance heritage with modern relevance.This conversation is a must-listen for anyone watching how tech, culture, and consumer values are transforming legacy industries.

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-native behaviors on TikTok and Amazon are rewriting the rules of growth, and where brands are falling behind.📺 Which overlooked formats hold the key to scaling beyond traditional paid ads.🧪 And more!

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 technologies are here to stay—and which are just hype🎮 How Gen Z is reshaping brand identity through digital self-expression⚠️ What brands get wrong when chasing innovationA must-listen for anyone building in brand, culture, or the evolving world of immersive consumer experiences.

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 still make📉 How valuations could shift going forwardA must-listen for anyone navigating beauty, investing, or the changing face of consumer M&A.

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 for starting and scaling a brand in today’s fast-paced world. You don’t want to miss it! --- Find out more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠Emily Austen⁠ Get a copy of her book SMARTER Find out more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Gemma Monclús

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 evolving roles of influencers and community members in marketing. She also reveals how CLIQ grew its user base organically and her approach to securing funding while staying true to her mission. This episode is packed with valuable insights on the future of community and connection—don’t miss it! --- Find out more about ⁠⁠⁠Nicola Gunby Find out more about CLIQ Find out more about the host, ⁠⁠⁠Gemma Monclús

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" trend, how emerging brands can outmaneuver giants like Nike, and what’s next for celebrity-led businesses. Plus, Dulma gets real about the personal growth practices that have fueled her success and how she stays true to her mission, even when it’s time to pivot. This episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! ----- Find out more about ⁠⁠Dulma Altan Find out more about the host, ⁠⁠Gemma Monclús

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 explains why now is the right time to launch Retrograde, the ideal creator it serves, and how the platform can streamline their work. ----- Find out more about ⁠Jake Browne Find out more about ⁠Retrograde Find out more about the host, ⁠Gemma Monclús

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 tackles overproduction, and hear Vanessa’s vision for the brand’s future. ----- Find out more about Vanessa Mace Find out more about BessetteFind out more about the host, Gemma Monclús

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 growing influence of women in spending.  Tune in for a concise overview of the trends shaping China’s market and what they mean for global brands.  ___ Find out more about ⁠⁠Jing Zhang Find out more about ⁠⁠Jing Daily Find out more about the host, ⁠⁠Gemma Monclús