Bullish

Another great conversation with Edward Cotton, thank you Ed. I think we just started to scratch the surface on Moving Strategy Upstream - I look forward to unpacking it more and more.

We’re in search of young talent who want to spend their summer soaking up all things brand and consumer. Sound like you? Applications are open for our 2025 Miura Analyst Internship until Jan 14, 2025. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eshxJcER

In Issue #39 of The Brief: - 5 things we we're Bullish on in 2024 -OMORPHO in WSJ, Harry's in Inc - Updates from Bullish HQ Read and subscribe: https://lnkd.in/ez2QXJ8y

Agency trained Strategists CAN move upstream, IF they think more like Planners. Another great discussion about Strategy led by Fergus O'Carroll in a way he is so great at. It was a pleasure to be included in the topic with two people I admire; Adrian Ho and James Hurman said some really smart and useable stuff. I said something(s) that weren't un-good too.

Are you building the next big consumer brand in Washington DC? Whether you're just starting with an idea or weighing an exit strategy, Bullish wants to meet you. DC is home to incredible innovators like Jesse Konig 🍟, Shondra Washington, Erik Kimel, Shawna Stepp-Jones, Tari Cash, Jennifer Hankin, Neha Singh, Union Kitchen, Dad Strength Brewing and more. ***Update: All slots filled quickly. Stay tuned for our 2025 locations/topics and dates by following Bullish.*** On December 11th, Amanda Zhao and I will be holding Office Hours for founders (or aspiring founders) of DC-area consumer companies. This is a unique opportunity to get feedback and perspectives on your vision from proven investors and marketers. We are excited to meet the new disruptors! Spots are limited! To schedule time: https://lnkd.in/eGFxg4Cj To learn more: https://lnkd.in/enc2C-zd Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif), DC Lean Startup Circle, RareBreed Ventures McKeever (Mac) Conwell,II

💡 Why Lands' End Should Be the Next Retail Turnaround 💡 Dear Lands' End, you've built a strong foundation, and the potential to accelerate your transformation is immense. Bullish specializes in this kind of challenge. 1️⃣ Show up where your roots are 1️⃣ Your NY pop-up was a hit, selling out and sparking customer reconsideration. Next capitalize on this momentum by focusing on locations that reflect your geographical heritage. Think Madison (Flagship), Cincinnati, Pittsburgh. Look to Meijer (~$22B in revenue) and Buc-ee's, Ltd. (~20% CAGR in 10 years), which thrive by rooting themselves elsewhere; there’s untapped opportunity waiting beyond the coasts. 2️⃣ Double down on what your customer wants 2️⃣ Embroidery-customized totes, metallic puffers, fleece-lined clogs — these are on-trend, but who for? Abercrombie & Fitch Co. turned itself around by laser-focusing on their core consumer. Gap Inc. is betting on change with the 2024 hire of Zac Posen. Lands' End’s strength lies in creating products your customers love — lean into that clarity and build a product assortment that wins their hearts (and closets). 3️⃣ The timing is now 3️⃣ Your economic moment is here. All Americans are rethinking purchases. Walmart recently reported its market share growth was driven primarily by households earning $100,000+ (accounting for 75% of the gains last quarter). Now is the time to make bold, strategic bets to become the next big turnaround story in American retail. Lands' End, if you're ready to write your next chapter, let's connect. You know where to find us. 😉 #Turnaround #Transformations #MarketingStrategy #BrandTransformation #BullishMoves #LandsEnd

Last night Emma Sokoloff, Daniel Faierman and I co-hosted a dinner for CPG Angels with support from the best Maria Pope. It was an epic collab with epic food and conversation all about what consumer angels are watching right now and where they are writing checks. Angels are so key to the journey of any company, and those early believers have helped so many breakout CPG brands get off the ground and take flight. I'm always grateful to spend time with folks who are equally Bullish on consumer. Lakehouse Ventures x Habitat Partners x Bullish x Carta = a great time

This week we're dropping our 2024 Bullish Holiday Gift Guide, featuring big discounts generously provided by our portfolio companies. Last year's edition included Bandit, Bubble, Honeylove, and more. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter to get exclusive discounts to help you shop your wishlist: https://shorturl.at/kDFKM

This is your reminder that Bullish is actively deploying into early-stage consumer products and services companies and if you'd like to chat with us, reach out to me. ✨

Jasper’s tools could be a “massive opportunity” for smaller companies or even for small teams within larger companies, Bullish Managing Partner Brent Vartan told Digiday. “AI is incredibly helpful at the very beginning and it’s incredibly helpful at the very end,” he added, referencing our philosophy about AI's role for agencies. Read more via Marty Swant. https://lnkd.in/egcingwm