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MY NEWSLETTER - https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Ryan Bartlett, founder and CEO of True Classic (https://x.com/@RyanBartlett)From failed musician and poker player to billion-dollar t-shirt brand founder, Ryan Bartlett's entrepreneurial journey is proof it's never too late to start a business. In this episode, we explore how Ryan built True Classic from zero to over $100 million in revenue in just two years, selling 30+ million t-shirts and becoming one of the fastest-growing e-commerce brands in the apparel industry.Questions This Episode Answers:Is it too late to start a business in your 30s or 40s?How do you pivot from a failed career into successful entrepreneurship?What skills from music and poker translate to building a billion-dollar business?How did True Classic grow from $0 to $100M in just two years?What is the "white space opportunity" strategy for finding winning business ideas?How do you identify which business idea to pursue (the "fat pitch" method)?When should you transition from founder-operator to hiring a CEO?How do you scale a team from scrappy generalists to specialized experts?What role does creativity play in winning at e-commerce and digital marketing?How do you build risk tolerance for making big inventory and business bets?What are the three core problems True Classic solved in the t-shirt market?How do you compete in a "boring" or saturated industry like apparel?How important are co-founders vs. going solo as an entrepreneur?What's the best way to test products cheaply using drop shipping?How do Facebook ads and paid media drive D2C brand growth?Why do employees quit without warning and how do you prevent it?How will AI tools like Sora change marketing and ad creative production?Should entrepreneurs use AI video generation for Facebook advertising now?What's True Classic's expansion strategy (women's line, new products)?How do you balance profit with purpose and philanthropic impact?__________________________Love it or hate it, I'd love your feedback.Please fill out this brief survey with your opinion or email me at nik@cofounders.com with your thoughts.__________________________MY NEWSLETTER: https://nikolas-newsletter-241a64.beehiiv.com/subscribeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/5avyu98yApple: https://tinyurl.com/bdxbr284YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/nikonomicsYT__________________________This week we covered:00:00 – Intro: Who is Ryan Bartlett / True Classic story03:05 – Failing in music & poker for a decade10:08 – Moving from poker to digital marketing12:25 – Creativity becomes a business advantage14:49 – Compounding skills over 10+ years17:14 – Running a $1M/year marketing agency22:01 – Solving fit, feel, and price in clothing24:19 – Why boring industries have big opportunity26:44 – The bet that launched True Classic31:33 – Leveraging experience & risk tolerance33:57 – Scaling to $100M and needing a real team36:12 – Creatives vs Operators38:33 – Why people management is the hardest part40:45 – Staying in your area of strength43:12 – You don't need perfect planning to start45:33 – Failure builds the muscle47:57 – Creativity is the real advantage50:20 – AI + Sora + creativity for content55:02 – Sora is changing marketing
Jon Pundyk is a Dartmouth MBA, P&G brand manager, and a Booz-Allen strategy consultant. He's been in Glamorise for 35 years. Glamorise is a size-inclusive lingerie brand that designs bras for curvy women. Founded in New York City in 1921, Glamorise is one of the world's oldest bra manufacturers, and it has been size-inclusive since their inception.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:28] Intro[00:53] Learning the fundamentals of consumer marketing[02:01] Climbing the ladder one title at a time[02:17] Pivoting a century-old business online[04:01] Transitioning from wholesale to direct-to-consumer[07:33] Balancing wholesale partners with D2C growth[10:08] Stay updated with new episodes[10:18] Investing ahead for scalable D2C growth[13:43] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Freight, Taboola, Next Insurance[19:16] Collecting data before knowing how to use it[20:25] Leveraging legacy brand recognition online[23:05] Relying on product quality to drive loyalty[24:08] Driving growth through actionable data insightsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1Plus size bras & lingeries for full-figured women glamorise.com/Follow Jon Pundyk linkedin.com/in/jrpundykSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectTurn your domestic business into an international business freightright.com/honestPerformance beyond Search and Social discover.taboola.com/honest/Tailored business insurance. Zero hassle. Big savings nextinsurance.com/honest/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
Chaos Zero Nightmare is the spiciest deck-builder gacha of 2025! Lovecraft vibes, anime polish, Slay-the-Spire runs, Honkai-style meta, and launch numbers that slap: ~$500K/day, peak ~$800K/day, ~$8M in 2 weeks.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNCore loop: deck thinning, evolving cards, run sequencingMeta design: pity/duplicates, banner cadence, progression layersWhy community is more than broad UA (Discord ≈50k, Reddit ≈120k)Creative strategy for high-LTV audiences (what to show, what to skip)Monetization & live-ops beats that actually move revenueKEY TAKEAWAYFor hardcore, high-LTV audiences, authentic, system-forward storytelling + community momentum beats shortcut UA tactics. Frame content around runs, banners, and boss mastery moments; use paid to amplify the community, not replace it.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricPodcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgCHAPTERS00:00 — Cold open: “How much money?”03:31 — What is CZN? Tone, horror-anime polish03:43 — Design DNA: Slay the Spire / Darkest Dungeon / Honkai / “save data”09:36 — Core loop & tactics: combos, turn order, auto-off for bosses20:23 — Company context & positioning22:20 — Revenue reality: ~$500K/day → ~$800K/day; ~$8M in two weeks26:08 — UA vs Community: closed betas, brand-safe creatives, Discord/Reddit---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
Was macht eine skalierende D2C-Marke wie Teveo aus – und wie organisiert man IT, Daten & Logistik, wenn Wachstum kein Zufall ist? In dieser Folge spricht Jonas Rashedi mit Inez, Director Integration & Applications bei Teveo. Inez gewährt tiefe Einblicke in ihre Infrastruktur: von einem internen Integrationsteam über BI-getriebene Use Cases bis hin zur vollautomatisierten Logistik mit Autostore. Sie erklärt, warum ein Composable-Ansatz der Schlüssel zu Flexibilität ist – und welche Rolle KI bei der Bedarfsplanung spielt. Besonders inspirierend: ihr Leadership-Stil, der technisches Verständnis, Teamaufbau und persönliche Verantwortung miteinander verbindet. Eine Folge über smarte Skalierung, moderne Commerce-Systeme – und echte Haltung. MY DATA IS BETTER THAN YOURS ist ein Projekt von BETTER THAN YOURS, der Marke für richtig gute Podcasts. Zum LinkedIn-Profil von Inez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ineztanburah/ Zur Webseite von Teveo: https://teveo.com/ Zu allen wichtigen Links rund um Jonas und den Podcast: https://linktr.ee/jonas.rashedi 00:00 Vorstellung & Einstieg 06:00 Composable Infrastruktur & Integration 14:00 Logistik mit Autostore & Versandlogik 20:00 BI & datenbasierte Entscheidungen 28:00 Influencer & Internationalisierung 35:00 Forecasting mit KI 42:00 Führung & Teamaufbau bei Teveo
In this episode, we dive into the massive shift impacting online sellers as shoppers use ChatGPT and other AI search tools for product discovery. Erik Wikander, CEO and co-founder of Wilgot.ai, unpacks the concept of agentic commerce — where AI completes the end-to-end purchase for the user. He shares what this revolution means for D2C brands, why the old SEO playbook is dead, and how to use Agentic Product Optimization to make your product content AI-ready and capture new, hyper-relevant customers.Topics discussed in this episode: Why a major disruption is coming to Google search.What agentic commerce is and how it changes how we buy.Why the old e-commerce SEO playbook no longer works.How AI fan-out search runs hundreds of searches from one query.Why brands must now optimize for context instead of human clicks.How smaller brands can use this shift to outrun bigger competitors.What's changing about paid search ads in the age of AI.Links & Resources Website: https://www.wilgot.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikwikander/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/yrsu7srx______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/
On this episode of Inside Content, Jonathan Nickell, COO at 3Vision is joined by Ruth Berry, President of Global Partnerships and Zoo55 at ITV Studios. They explore the major macro trends reshaping the industry—from audience fragmentation to the growing shift towards digital-first content—and how ITV is meeting these challenges with innovation and scale. Ruth also shares insights into the rise of Zoo55, ITV's rapidly growing D2C powerhouse, and offers a candid look at the evolving landscape of content licensing, co-productions, and the cautious optimism emerging across the global market. Stay in the content world loop
In this Two & a Half Gamers special, Felix Braberg breaks down how to maximize ad monetization during Black Friday weekend - the new “Q5” for mobile games.
How can a century-old family tradition from Greece successfully disrupt the competitive U.S. snack aisle. I sat down with OLYRA President and CEO Yannis Varellas to discuss his fascinating journey transforming a fifth-generation flour mill into a modern consumer brand. He details his approach to market entry, the distinction between Amazon and D2C strategies, and how his vision started with a single shipping container filled with Greek cookies.
Monopoly Bingo: How Hasbro turned nostalgia Into RevenueToday, we dig into Monopoly Bingo - the latest Hasbro IP game climbing the charts.
Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition 19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more. Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• #243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
Andy Gould co-founded Batch, a Wisconsin-based D2C cannabis brand, in 2018. He says the company struggled for years until it perfected content creation and advertising. “Once we dialed in our Meta ads and built a strong creative flywheel, everything took off,” he said.Host Eric Bandholz first interviewed Andy and his two co-founders in 2023. In this latest conversation, Andy addresses video production, regulatory scrutiny, and “hockey stick” growth — from annual revenue of $5 million to $50 million in two years.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/batch-cannabis-scales-to-50-millionFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webcasts. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com
What's it really like to work inside one of India's most loved D2C brands?In this episode, Shantanu visits Ashoka University to talk to students about the journey of Bombay Shaving Company - how it started, why it was built, and the values that continue to guide its growth story.From startup stories and brand-building lessons to honest conversations about risk, purpose, and culture, it's a peek into what goes behind building a D2C brand that people truly love.Two interns also share their experiences while working at Bombay Shaving Company, the learnings, surprises, and what it's really like behind the scenes of a fast-growing D2C business. What's the one skill you'd love to learn from the team at Bombay Shaving Company? Tell us in the commentsNavigate your way through these chapters00:00 Coming Up00:34 How Bombay Shaving Company Started02:43 Why They Chose to Build BSC06:32 Core Values That Drive the Brand08:16 An Intern's Experience at BSC14:55 What to Expect Ahead
In dieser Folge sprechen wir über die tektonische Verschiebung im globalen Handel: chinesische D2C-Plattformen wie Temu, Shein, AliExpress, JD.com und TikTok Shopping treffen auf Amazon und Europas Handels- und Logistikstrukturen. Wir analysieren, warum nicht mehr nur Shops, sondern ganze Supply-Chain-Architekturen gegeneinander antreten – und wie sich das Kauf- und Lieferverhalten verändert. Dabei werfen wir einen kritischen Blick auf Regulierung, Logistikkosten, Kundenzugang und die Frage, welche Geschäftsmodelle in Zukunft bestehen werden. Themen dieser Episode: - Wie chinesische Plattformen europäischen E-Commerce und Logistikstrukturen transformieren - Factory-to-Consumer vs. klassische Handelsmodelle - EU-Regulierungspläne (Abschaffung der 150-€-Freigrenze, Importgebühr, Zollunion) - Luftfracht, lokaler Bestand & hybride Fulfillment-Modelle - Strategische Copy-Cat-Dynamik: Amazon reagiert - Gewinner & Verlierer: Welche Händler- und Logistikmodelle Zukunft haben Wir wünschen dir viel Spaß beim Hören und freuen uns, wenn du uns dein Feedback zur Folge gibst. Teile die Episode gerne mit Kolleg:innen, die sich für E-Commerce, Logistik oder Handel interessieren – und hinterlasse uns eine Bewertung, wenn dir unser Podcast Mehrwert liefert. Bis zur nächsten Woche!
TakeawaysEl e-commerce enfrenta constantes sorpresas en la demanda.La planificación de inventario es crucial para el éxito.La experiencia del cliente es fundamental para la lealtad.Las promociones deben ser claras y atractivas.El uso de SMS marketing puede ser muy efectivo.La segmentación de clientes mejora la comunicación.Las herramientas tecnológicas son esenciales para la gestión.La retención de clientes se logra a través de experiencias únicas.La colaboración con influencers puede impulsar el crecimiento.La adaptabilidad es clave en el mundo del e-commerce.Chapters00:00 Desafíos en la Predicción de Inventario02:56 Crecimiento y Estrategias de Birdman05:37 La Experiencia de e-Commerce en Birdman08:56 Manejo de Fraudes en Ventas11:49 Preparación para Temporadas de Alta Demanda14:43 Estrategias de Adquisición de Clientes17:37 Innovaciones en Comunicación y Segmentación21:01 Retos y Oportunidades en el D2C23:50 Estrategias de Promoción y Bundles26:44 Uso de SMS y WhatsApp en Marketing29:45 Seguridad y Fraude en el e-Commerce36:04 Fraudes y Estafas en el Comercio Electrónico37:26 Estrategias de Mailing y Segmentación42:46 Posicionamiento en Marketplaces46:30 Gestión de Datos y Métricas en Campañas53:15 Fidelización y Recompra de Clientes Recursos mencionados en este episodio: ✅ Descarga tu checklist BFCM aquí: ed-digital.com/BFCM
In this solo episode, Matej Lančarič dives into the new era of creative optimization — where AI tagging, unified dashboards, and ROAS-based insights replace manual testing and spreadsheet chaos.Everyone can create ads with AI, but the REAL BOTTLENECK is knowing which ones actually work. AppsFlyer's Creative Optimization tool analyzes millions of real-world insights to reveal what drives performance - so you can scale winners, cut wasted spend, and make smarter creative decisions.Check it out: https://www.appsflyer.com/products/creative-optimization/?utm_source=influencer&afc_source=influencer&utm_medium=referral&afc_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Marvelsnap_creative&afc_campaign=Marvelsnap_creative&utm_content=matej&afc_content=matej&utm_term=YouTube&afc_term=YouTube
In this episode, we play Sudoku Master - the latest “numbers” hit from the makers of Block Blast.They uncover how Hungry Studio uses 6,000 creatives, constant A/B testing, and ruthless ad optimization to dominate one of the oldest mobile genres.
Behind every highlight reel is a messy maze of contacts, gatekeepers, and missed opportunities—until someone maps it. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Ryan Rottman, actor-turned-founder who conceived an “IMDb for athletes,” and Sean O'Brien, CEO and former CMO who scaled Modloft from ~$25M to nearly $100M and helped Kevin Costner's Autio build engineering in-house. Backed by marquee investors (including super-agent Scott Boras) and a recent CNBC debut, AthleteAgent.com centralizes accurate, validated contacts for athletes and agents across growing pro leagues. Ryan and Sean share how they're boosting deal flow for the 99% of athletes, tightening product focus, and building trust in an industry famous for being fragmented and insular. Key Takeaways: → How a dinner with Aaron Rodgers sparked the idea for an “IMDb for athletes” → Why athlete representation and endorsement deals are so fragmented—and how they're solving it → The surprising industries subscribing to AthleteAgent (from Coca-Cola to financial advisors) → How AthleteAgent is bringing transparency, trust, and deal flow to athletes and agents → Why sports representation and endorsements are so fragmented—and how a centralized “pro LinkedIn” changes the game Ryan Rottman is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of AthleteAgent.com, a groundbreaking sports tech platform. In his role, Ryan oversees business operations, strategic partnerships, and platform development, helping expand the site's reach across professional leagues and enhance its database of verified athlete and team contacts. Before stepping into the tech and sports business world, Ryan built a successful career in entertainment, starring in films such as Billionaire Boys Club, The Open Road, and a variety of Hallmark originals, as well as television series like 90210(CW), The Middle (ABC), and The Lying Game (ABC Family). His background in production and storytelling has been instrumental in shaping AthleteAgent.com's user experience and brand identity. Ryan combines business acumen with creative vision, bringing a unique edge to the intersection of sports, media, and tech. Sean O'Brien is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a track record of scaling successful ventures across multiple industries. In his early 20s, Sean co-founded a patented eCommerce company that achieved $10M in sales and was acquired after being featured as a “Product of the Year” on The View. He went on to launch The DivotCard, a Groupon-like platform for golf, which earned recognition in Inc.. By the age of 30, both startups had exits. Sean later served as CMO/CTO at Modloft, a luxury D2C furniture brand, helping scale it to nearly $100M in revenue and earning accolades from Forbes, CNN, and Architectural Digest. He also played a key role at Autio, a startup backed by Kevin Costner and other investors, which turned down a $1M offer on Shark Tank. Currently, Sean is the CEO of AthleteAgent.com and Swingzy, while also being a part-time venture capitalist at NGVP and Hustle Fund. He has studied at prestigious institutions such as Wharton, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. Connect With Ryan Rottman and Sean O'Brien: Website: https://www.athleteagent.com/ Instagram: https://www.athleteagent.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when a Chinese studio perfects fake funnels? You get X-Clash - a 4X strategy game disguised as 5 different mini games.
This week we revisit a conversation from last June with Adeela Johnson, CEO and co-founder of travel gear brand Béis, who shared her journey from being a mom of three to leading the successful D2C brand she co-founded with actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell. Johnson discussed the importance of consumer-centric design, the importance of relatability in influencer marketing and what the Béis team learned from its early beginnings that helped the brand come out on top in a post-pandemic economy. Johnson also emphasized the significance of community engagement and experiential marketing in building brand loyalty, such as the "Béis Wash" pop up event and teased future Béis plans and innovation. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! campaignlive.com What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today, we dissect Huntopia, a bizarrely successful idle RPG that's part World of Warcraft, part casino. Meh, just WoW from Wish.
In this Two & a Half Gamers solo episode, Jakub Remiar breaks down how UA product funnels and templatization dominate every major studio playbook - from River Game's $7M/day 4X empire to Habby's action roguelite evolution.
Building a sustainable game business has never been more complex—or more full of opportunity. As platforms evolve and user acquisition costs rise, developers are rethinking how they monetize and engage their players directly. In this episode, Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla, breaks down the rise of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) transactions and how Xsolla's Web Shop is helping game studios reclaim ownership over their player relationships. We explore how going D2C opens new revenue streams, what infrastructure developers need to support it, and why the Web Shop is becoming more than just a payment layer—it's turning into a strategic channel for growth, loyalty, and long-term success. Today's topics include: Why D2C model's popularity grows among mobile game development studios What is Web Shop and how it works How Xsolla helps developers handle regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, global payments, and more Building stronger connections with game players via D2C presence What's next for the Web Shoo and D2C What Chris would like to change in mobile space Links and Resources: Chris Hewish on LinkedIn Xsolla website Business Of Apps - connecting the app industry Quotes from Chris Hewish “When you go direct-to-consumer, you get the full power of e-commerce, the full power of the web for discovery, and the full power of building community. It creates a better, healthier business environment for your games.” “It's not just putting your in-game store on the web. It's about doing much more with it—rotating sales, personalized offers, regional pricing, loyalty programs, and having full control over your player data.” “Going off-platform sounds great, but now you're responsible for taxes, VAT, compliance, and customer support. That's why you need a partner who can be your merchant of record—handling it all while you focus on making great games.” Host Business Of Apps - connecting the app industry since 2012
We break down The Tower - an idle-defense hybrid that turned a solo dev into a millionaire.We spoke directly with Anthony (Tech Tree Games) about design, monetization, and UA strategy.
We talk to David Pan, Director of Business Development at Habby, for the first-ever Western podcast appearance from the famously low-profile publisher behind Archero, Survivor.io, Capybara Go, and Whittle Defender.This isn't a press interview - it's a brutally honest deep dive into Habby's evolution, UA philosophy, shift from hybrid-casual to IAP-focused midcore, and its global ambitions beyond Asia.
We sit down with Chen Yang (Iwae) from Cocos again to unpack how AI is transforming the Chinese mini-game ecosystem across development, UA, and operations.The conversation reveals how AI-generated 3D, playable automation, LoRA fine-tuning, and instant meme cloning are redefining speed, scale, and creativity in the world's most dynamic mobile market.
In episode 93 of Venture Everywhere, our host is Emily Groden, founder and CEO of Evergreen Waffles, a clean-label frozen waffle brand on a mission to make better-for-you breakfasts effortless. She talks with Alex Abelin, co-founder and CEO of Kiki Milk, the first plant-based milk designed for kids and loved by all. He shares how frustration with the lack of clean, allergen-friendly options inspired him and his wife, and co-founder Lauren, to create Kiki Milk and build it into one of the most promising next-gen CPG brands. He opens up about how Kiki Milk combines mission-driven innovation with disciplined growth to redefine plant-based nutrition for modern families.In this episode, you will hear:Kiki Milk's impact on families with dietary restrictions and allergy needsBuilding a mission-driven CPG brand rooted in integrity and sustainabilityMoving from kitchen formulation to scalable, co-manufactured productionExpanding from D2C success into national retail distributionUpholding ingredient transparency and glyphosate-free sourcing standardsLearn more about Alex Abelin | Kiki MilkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexabelinWebsite: https://www.kikimilk.com Learn more about Emily Groden | Evergreen WafflesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-cole-groden Website:https://eatevergreen.com
Today, we talk with Colm Hayden, Head of Growth at Triumph - the app redefining real money gaming for a new generation of players.
In today's episode, AS Colour's Head of Ecommerce, Joe Sharplin, takes us through his leap from product design into digital leadership and what it really takes to build an online experience that keeps both wholesale giants and everyday shoppers happy. We're talking thousands of SKUs, colourways that could make your head spin, and the joys of rolling out new features across five different regions. Spoiler: it's not easy. At all.Today, we're discussing:How AS Colour scaled B2B eCommerce into a self-service global powerhouse.Balancing wholesale and D2C without compromising brand experience.The complexity of managing thousands of SKUs, colourways, and product variants.Why BigCommerce became the backbone of AS Colour's tech stack.The role of loyalty programs and pricing tiers in B2B growth.Global expansion into the US and EU, and the logistics behind it.Connect with JoeExplore AS ColourSMS us to request a guest!Support the showWant to level up your ecommerce game? Come hang out in the Add To Cart Community. We're talking deep dives, smart events, and real-world inspo for operators who are in it for the long haul. Connect with Nathan BushContact Add To CartJoin the Community
Erik Wikander, VD och medgrundare på Wilgot, gästar podden Framtidens E-Handel och pratar om hur AI och ChatGPT:s nya köpknapp förändrar hela spelplanen för sök, annonsering och produktrelevans. Varför företag nu måste riva upp sina gamla planer och tänka om helt. Vi pratar om hur relevans ersätter budget som nyckeln till synlighet, varför SEO är dött, hur små varumärken får en ny chans att vinna globalt, och hur produkter, data och kultur blir avgörande för att lyckas i den nya eran av AI-styrd handel.03:08 – E-handlare måste riva upp planerna och börja om05:08 – SEO är dött – AI går direkt på produkterna06:04 – Tre nycklar: produktfokus, styrelseengagemang och relevans10:42 – AI:s snabbhet och faktiska nytta – ”pistolen mot tinningen”13:24 – Den toxiska cocktailen: organisk trafik på väg att försvinna16:27 – Kategorier som gynnas och drabbas mest av AI21:08 – Marketplaces får det tufft – D2C-brands vinner på relevans26:12 – Relevans ersätter budget – slutet för klassisk annonsering35:32 – AI som optimerar hela produktkataloger på några minuter40:55 – Kulturell relevans – hur svenskt kaffe inte funkar globalt49:12 – All tidigare SEO-kunskap kan kastas – fokus på produkt och kund54:07 – AI gör marknaden rättvis – den bästa produkten vinner01:03:55 – ”Lyft AI till styrelsenivå – det är nu resan börjar”Här hittar du Erik & Wilgot:https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikwikander/ https://www.wilgot.ai/ Sponsor:https://beyondretail.se/ Följ Björn på LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjornspenger/ Följ Framtidens E-handel på LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/framtidens-e-handel/ Besök vår hemsida, YouTube & Instagram:https://www.framtidensehandel.se/ https://www.instagram.com/framtidens.ehandel/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEYywBFgOr34TN8NtXeL5HQPoddproducent och klippare Michaela Dorch & Videoproducent Fredrik Ankarsköld:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-dorch/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankarskold/ Tusen tack för att du lyssnar!Support till showen http://supporter.acast.com/framtidens-e-handel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Two and a Half Gamers special, Matej, Felix & Jakub talk with Chen Yang (Iwae) from Cocos about how mini-games on WeChat, Douyin, Alipay, and Huawei stores are reshaping the mobile industry.
Happy Q4 Heart of Healthcare Listeners! We're back with your monthly Digital Health Download, where we discuss the biggest industry headlines of the month. We cover:
You're obsessed with getting new customers, but the world's top brands are quietly focused on a different goal. Ken Rapp, the CEO and Co-founder of BluStream will reveal the simple retention strategies they use to build unbreakable loyalty and create lasting profit.Ken Rapp is the CEO and co-founder of BluStream, a company reshaping how brands build loyalty, reduce churn, and drive revenue after the sale, by owning the product experience. With a career spanning over two decades in digital transformation and customer experience, Ken has consistently been at the forefront of connecting technology to real business impact. At BluStream, he leads the charge in helping D2C and subscription brands solve one of the most critical (and often overlooked) problems in marketing: post-purchase drop-off. While most platforms focus on acquisition or reactive support, BluStream's PX platform is designed to activate and personalize the customer journey from the moment a product arrives - through usage, replenishment, renewal, and advocacy. With integrations across SMS, email, WhatsApp, and Shopify, BluStream gives brands a direct line to customers during their most critical ownership moments.Contact Details:Email: ken@blustream.ioBusiness: BluStream CorporationWebsite: https://blustream.io/PXAI Journey Builder - https://blustream.io/products/ai-journey-builder?utm_campaign=13746024-PXAI%20Journey%20Builder&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=earned-media Product Experience Strategy eBook - https://getstarted.blustream.io/px-readiness-ebook?utm_campaign=12306435-PX%20Strategy%20ebook&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=earned-media Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rapp-b922766/ Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can support you in getting more visibility on your products and services.
We go two and a half steps ahead into the new era of AI-generated creatives - dissecting what's trending, which studios are using them, and what it means for the future of game marketing.Key insights:Adoption is risingIn 2024 only a handful of studios used AI for hooks.By late 2025, top performers such as Lands of Jail, King Shot, and Rise of Castles will be fully embracing AI-assisted pipelines.Jakub predicts 50% of all mobile ads will be AI-driven by end of 2026.AI Creative Formats Taking OverHooks: 60–70% of AI output focuses on hyper-realistic or surreal opening shots.Full Creatives: Only ~30–40%, limited by coherence and model smoothness.Transitions are now indistinguishable from live action - especially in POV-style TikTok ads.Contrast Art Styles: Realistic → cartoon → pixel mashups catch the eye.POV Narratives: First-person sequences with “AI girlfriend” narration dominate TikTok.Localization via AI: Same creative, instantly re-rendered for JP, KR, EN markets.Freeze/Prison Metas: Prison Life-style “frozen prisoner” AI scenes trending hard.“No Ads” UGC Spoofs: King Shot's “no ads” meme now a running trend.Brain Rot & Chaos: nonsensical motion = attention-grabbing hook.AI Interviews: VEO3 and Kling 2.5 are redefining talking-head realism.Kling 2.5 = new industry benchmark (4x cheaper, faster scene rendering).2025: AI is mainly used for hooks.2026: Half of all creatives will be AI-produced end-to-end.Takeaway: AI creatives are here, fast, and chaotic. The best teams use them not to replace creativity, but to scale it.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricJoin our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction to AI Creatives03:52 Current Trends in AI Creatives06:24 The Evolution of Art Styles in AI12:01 AI Creatives and Marketing Strategies14:46 Localization and Cultural Adaptation in AI22:52 The Rise of AI in Creative Content28:01 The Evolution of Game Graphics and AI31:21 The Future of AI in Advertising37:38 Predictions for AI in the Creative Industry---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiarPlease share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me
The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
Ketty Slonimsky is Chief Growth Officer at Palta, the platform behind apps like Flo (the #1 female health app with 77M+ MAU), Simple, and Zing AI, where she leads a centralized growth function across the portfolio. She was previously first VP Product & Growth at HeliosX (£900M+ ARR, bootstrapped D2C healthtech), has advised companies like SonderMind, Runna, Guardio, Cheddar, P&G Digital Ventures, and is a board advisor at HeliosX. AGENDA: 02:33 What is Growth and When to Hire For It 06:04 Three Profiles of Successful Growth Leaders 10:07 Challenges and Learnings from Failed Ventures 21:17 How to Optimise User Onboarding for Growth 26:14 Biggest Lessons on Retention 30:25 How to Artificially Create Organic Growth and Community Building 32:10 Why LTV Models are BS 37:35 How to Use Influencers to Grow Insanely Fast 47:07 The Metrics that Matter in Growth 49:48 Push Notifications and Engagement: What To Do vs What Not to Do? 51:57 Quick Fire Round
We dive into Megabonk, a surprise Steam indie hit that's taken Twitch and the charts by storm. With 82K+ CCU, $2M in its first two weeks, and streamer hype driving growth, the trio explores what makes Megabonk work and whether it could scale to mobile.Key insights:Roguelite 3D blend of Vampire Survivors and Risk of Rain 2.Deeper systems: map objectives, shrines, infinite inventory, banish/skip mechanics.Core humor: banana-rang weapon, Mega Chad character, quirky item design.“Screwed-up moment” for roguelites - moving past 2D isometric clones.Shroud and other top Twitch streamers boosted it to 114K peak viewers.Viral builds (level 500+ with full-screen bananas, nukes, shrines) = highly watchable.Game thrives because it's fun to watch as well as play.Day 11: ~300K units sold, $2M revenue (discounted launch price €8.28).Vampire Survivors never reached this CCU peak despite 23M lifetime units.Risk of Rain 2 = 141M gross but publisher-backed. Megabonk is solo-dev mystery.Obvious rewarded ad placements (refresh button, rerolls, revive).Gacha for gear/characters could add whale-driven revenue.Estimates: ~$270K/month ad revenue if ported straight to F2P. With gacha: far higher.Sustaining Twitch attention requires updates or new systems.Still, design depth is strong - the “systems combination” is what competitors will copy.Takeaway: Megabonk is the new roguelite phenomenon: deep systems, streamer fuel, and endless monetization potential if (when) it comes to mobile.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricPodcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
We scan Steam's latest hits to predict which games could cross over to mobile success.
The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kim Cox, Managing Director for North America eCommerce & Global Snapshots at NielsenIQ, the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Follow Kim Cox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cox-nielsen/Follow NIQ on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Follow NIQ online at: https://nielseniq.comHere's what we discussed : Let's get straight to the point - Could you walk us through your framework of “Full View Measurement”? What does it encompass—and what, if anything, is still a work in progress?How has Full View Measurement evolved over the years, and what makes NIQ's approach uniquely robust in today's omnichannel environment?NIQ's Full View™ now includes top-tier coverage across online, club, D2C, social, and quick commerce—with account-level insights. Can you highlight how integrating the largest U.S. club retailer strengthens the overall measurement ecosystem?You've emphasized deeper private label performance insights. How are manufacturers leveraging that data to inform product strategy and positioning?With 91% of consumers now shopping both in-store and online, what emerging behavioral trends should brands be paying attention to as they optimize omnichannel approaches?“Digital engagement is no longer a complementary strategy—it's essential to growth.” With growth in some categories slowing, what strategic pivots should CPG and retail leaders consider over the next few years?Going beyond traditional POS, what next-gen data sources or technologies is NIQ exploring to expand omnichannel signal capture—especially in emerging channels like quick commerce and social commerce?How can Full View and related tools empower sales teams to conduct causal analyses on shopper behavior—like identifying why "casual buyers" aren't converting or where growth is stalling?Where do you see the biggest opportunity for omnicommerce measurement to evolve over the next 18–24 months? How will it reshape strategic planning for brands and retailers?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Muneeb Zafar, founder of Fitted, one of Pakistan's fastest-growing men's fashion brands. From starting without retail stores to building a strong D2C presence through quality fabrics and bold aesthetics, Muneeb shares how he built a sustainable business in a cash-burning fashion industry.We dive into:The origin story behind FittedHow to build a brand without big capitalSourcing quality fabric locally in PakistanChallenges of retail vs onlineCAC, marketing strategy, and automationIf you've ever dreamed of starting your own brand, or are curious about the reality of building a fashion startup in Pakistan — this episode is for you.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Muneeb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muneebzafar1Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Every career is built on selling. Especially an entrepreneur's! That's what Shantanu and Ankush (Co-Founder and CEO at Rebel Foods) suggested at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai, and we couldn't agree more.In this episode of Razorpreneur 3.0, Shantanu teams up with Ankush to bring the hustle as well as their friendship alive on campus. They kick off with a power-packed masterclass on the art of selling, showing why sales isn't just for salespeople, but the backbone of every profession.The challenge? Students step out to sell as much as they can. Some pitches work, some get turned down, but every attempt comes with a lesson. Between all the action, Shantanu and Ankush rewind to their younger days , laughing about the bikes they used to ride and love, emphasising on the fact that today's Razorpreneurs have a chance to win their dream bikes while perfecting the art of selling! This season, the pitch you make could win you the bike of your dreams.Razorpreneur 3.0 is here! The stakes are higher, the prizes hotter, and the race tougher:1. Sell the most → KTM 390 Duke2. Next 6 sellers → KTM 160 Duke3. An internship at Bombay Shaving Company4. Get invited for an episode on The BarberShop with ShantanuHere's how to jump in:1. Register → [https://www.bombayshavingcompany.com/pages/razorpreneur3-0?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=product_shelf]2. Sell the Trimmers using your unique code3. Climb the leaderboard, win big, and ride in styleThis is your chance to sell and win KTM!Navigate your way through these chapters 00:00 Coming Up00:49 Introduction00:56 Shantanu & Ankush's college bikes story02:10 Shantanu on acquiring market gap03:26 Ankush's journey in cloud kitchens05:54 Shantanu on effective selling strategies09:16 Introduction to Razorpreneur10:13 KTM x Razorpreneur 3.0 collaboration10:50 Steps to become a Razorpreneur11:06 Prize announcement for winners13:33 How to crack D2C? 14:06 Students selling in action17:00 Razorpreneur winners from NMIMS 18:16 Shantanu wraps up the session
We dive into Coin Sort, a surprising hybrid-casual puzzler that blends merge + sorting mechanics with clever ad monetization.Flow-state puzzler: players merge and sort coins, driving a satisfying loop.Unique twist: players call in new coins themselves, creating agency.Difficulty ramps as more coins = higher-value merges = more chaos.Shallow progression today (daily rewards, calendar, boosters).Likely to expand into menu + cosmetic/meta systems if scale continues.Early launch style: prove core loop, meta comes later.Revenue ~$120K/day; ~65% IAP, ~35% ads.Banner ads: ever-present, likely a decoy to push “Remove Ads” IAP.Interstitials: after level 3, ~9.7 per DAU. Pop-up after 3rd = strong “remove ads” conversion.Rewarded ads: clever mechanic where frozen stacks of coins drop mid-level for 5s → high-pressure CTA. Also includes 2x post-level and daily reward.Explosive scaling since June 2025, 360K DAU → $40K/day ads + $80K/day IAP.Strong Tier 1 focus: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan.Scaling with playables, though creative variety still thin (3–4 pages).Coin Sort is IAP-heavy (~65% IAP vs HexaSort's 88% ads).Takeaway: Coin Sort proves that hybrid puzzlers don't need to be ad-first — if you build clever ad funnels that push players into IAPs, you can scale fast in Tier 1 markets.Get our MERCH NOW: 25gamers.com/shop--------------------------------------PVX Partners offers non-dilutive funding for game developers.Go to: https://pvxpartners.com/They can help you access the most effective form of growth capital once you have the metrics to back it.- Scale fast- Keep your shares- Drawdown only as needed- Have PvX take downside risk alongside you+ Work with a team entirely made up of ex-gaming operators and investors---------------------------------------For an ever-growing number of game developers, this means that now is the perfect time to invest in monetizing direct-to-consumer at scale.Our sponsor FastSpring:Has delivered D2C at scale for over 20 yearsThey power top mobile publishers around the worldLaunch a new webstore, replace an existing D2C vendor, or add a redundant D2C vendor at fastspring.gg.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricPodcast: Join our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 Introduction and Vibe Check03:47 Game Discussion: Coin Sort06:47 Gameplay Mechanics and User Experience09:57 Monetization Strategies and Ad Revenue18:48 Game Launch and Initial Reception21:47 Creative Strategies and User Engagement24:47 Scaling Challenges and Market Dynamics27:55 Comparative Analysis of Game Performance30:47 Future Trends and Market Predictions---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me
Should you lock everything down during BFCM—or keep testing?In this episode, Kayle Larkin (Elevar) sits down with Mia Umanos (Clickvoyant) and Kristina Toth (Hannaford) to unpack the real tradeoffs of code freezes vs. experimentation in Q4.You'll hear why treating Q4 like a lab for behavioral data changes how you plan, how to keep tests safe without risking your checkout, and why most CRO programs fail when they ignore decision science.We also cover:Why Q4 is the one moment you can't afford to stop learningHow to design tests that reveal customer psychology, not just click-through ratesWhat to freeze (tech + payment flows) vs. what to test (messaging, promos, urgency cues)Guardrails and signals that tell you when to roll backWhether you're heading into your first high-traffic season or your 14th, this episode shows you how to balance safety with learning—and why the insights you capture now fuel Q1 and beyond.— We release new episodes every week on tracking, analytics, and conversion optimization. And if you're new to Elevar: Elevar automates server-side conversion tracking for Shopify. Check us out!
In this episode, we explore why a Shopify ecosystem-first approach is key for e-commerce growth. Anton Ekström, an entrepreneur and expert at Iggy Agency, explains why merchants should see Shopify as a powerful operating system, not just a simple store builder. He also shares tips on how to choose the right theme, avoid app clutter, and leverage Shopify for both B2B and DTC brands.Topics discussed in this episode: Why Shopify is now an operating system for commerce.How merchants should focus on sales, not code complexity.What to look for in a Shopify theme to avoid app clutter.Why a paid theme can be cheaper than a free one.How working within the ecosystem speeds up projects.What makes a Shopify theme mobile-friendly.How to build a successful B2B store on Shopify.Why you should talk to a Shopify partner early.What an agency's typical onboarding process looks like.How AI and Shopify Sidekick can help merchants. Links & Resources Website: https://iggy.agency/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-ekstrom/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/ypx7996f______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/podcast-sponsorship/
Today Colin sits down with Lindsay Shumlas, CEO of Cotopaxi, for a conversation about the brand's evolution, impact, and future.What we cover:How Cotopaxi sees itself today: outdoor brand, lifestyle brand, or both?The role of iconic products in a market that's shifting toward versatility and lifestyle.The future of Del Día and Más Vida, Cotopaxi's sustainability-driven product lines.Why resale and circularity matter for the outdoor industry.How Cotopaxi is planning for growth across wholesale, D2C, and international markets.Shumlas' 5-year vision: Cotopaxi as a household name, known as much for impact as for bold gear.Cotopaxi has taken its share of rocks on The Rock Fight which makes this open conversation even more exciting. Lindsay showed up ready for the fight and to talk about whether “doing good” can coexist with growth.Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.
Niklas Terrahe, Gründer von Pick'em, spricht über ihre erfolgreiche Social Media Strategie. Er teilt, wie sie durchschnittlich 2 Millionen Views pro TikTok erreichen, warum sie bewusst auf Hype-Management setzen und wie sie den Sprung in den internationalen Retail-Handel schaffen. Was du lernst: Wie du erfolgreiche TikTok-Strategien aufbaust Die Balance zwischen Organic und Paid Content Warum Storytelling wichtiger als Call-to-Actions ist Den Weg von D2C in den Retail-Handel ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://zez.am/unicornbakery Mehr zu Niklas: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nterrahe/ Website: https://pickem.store/de Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach:https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/
Bradley Savage is the Founder & CEO of Gardencup, aka Salad as a Service, a D2C meal subscription brand that ships ultra-premium, ready-to-eat salads and produce snacks nationwide.What started with Brad taping boxes in his kitchen after getting tired of eating hot pockets every day has grown into a $29M ARR brand in just 18 months. Along the way, Gardencup scaled to nearly 2 million salads shipped a year, fueled by organic Instagram buzz and influencers before a single dollar was spent on ads.Brad's story blends scrappy bootstrapping with rapid execution. From migrating to Shopify and building a custom tech stack, to juggling ecommerce, operations, and logistics under one roof, to solving retention challenges like menu fatigue, he's learned what it really takes to scale a food subscription at breakneck speed.Whether you're building a DTC subscription, navigating operational “puberty problems,” or looking for ways to blend convenience with customer loyalty, Brad offers an unfiltered look at the grind, the pivots, and the lessons behind turning fresh salads into one of Shopify's fastest-growing brands.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:20] Intro[01:04] Creating a product from personal need[02:55] Solving churn through menu rotation[05:44] Migrating to Shopify for growth[09:44] Gaining traction from influencer posts[11:06] Driving adoption through daily habits[11:28] Stay updated with new episodes[11:39] Testing content angles and audiences[12:50] Finding right partners at each stage[14:49] Scaling ads without huge capital[15:12] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[18:27] Collecting revenue before vendor bills[20:00] Leveraging Facebook's feedback loop[21:15] Gaining strength from co-foundersResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDelicious chef-crafted meals at your door gardencup.com/Follow Bradley Savage linkedin.com/in/savagebradleySchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!
On this episode of The Rock Fight, Colin sits down with Todd Frank, owner of The Trailhead in Missoula, MT, and board member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, to dig into the state of specialty outdoor retail.With recent closures like Summit Hut and Next Adventure , the question looms: what's the future of independent gear shops? Todd shares what makes specialty retail resilient, the challenges of D2C and online competition, and why resale programs could be a lifeline for shops like his.They also dive into:Why community connection still sets local shops apart.The role of GOA in elevating specialty retailers.Why some markets (like Missoula) thrive while others (like SoCal) struggle.The importance of brand storytelling in making product choices.Todd's pick for the next big comeback brand (hint: it's all about Black Diamond).Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.
After last week's cliffhanger, let's jump back in. If you missed it, Michael was on the Hopeaholic's podcast and we're running it back with Part 2 today!In this episode, Michael shares about his early days in sobriety, meeting the love of his life, and how becoming a father reshaped everything. He also dives into his journey of building restaurants in Manhattan, exiting for CPG, and what it really takes to run a successful D2C brand. Plus—his “no matter what” mindset, the value of commitment in sobriety, and the work ethic that continues to fuel every area of his life.Whether you're chasing recovery, building a business, or just trying to level up your habits—this episode is packed with inspiration and real-life lessons.TIMESTAMPS:1:15 Meeting the love of his life10:47 Commitment in sobriety: the secret weapon for addicts & alcoholics20:48 Pivoting during the pandemic → moving into D2C35:20 Why being a dad is the most important job42:00 Meeting Gary Vee & adopting a “NO MATTER WHAT” mentality51:42 The power of work ethic in business & life1:01:14 Why most restaurants fail (and what to do differently)
In this weeks' Scale Your Sales Podcast episode, my guest is Nwamaka Udenigwe. I am Nwamaka Udenigwe, a Commercial Strategist and Sales Architect helping organizations lead grassroots-to-scale sales transformation. I build sustainable revenue systems, optimize sales structures, and design go-to-market strategies that deliver results. I don't just create strategy — I help implement what it takes to grow. In today's episode of Scale Your Sales podcast, Nwamaka shares her journey from selling bead jewelry and cakes to building a successful sales career across insurance, pharmaceuticals, and direct selling in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. She discusses blending Nordic operational systems with Nigeria's entrepreneurial energy to empower women through digital D2C models. Nwamaka outlines how AI chatbots and innovative onboarding systems are transforming engagement and solving major sales challenges, while emphasizing the power of community, trust, and personal development. This insightful conversation with Janice highlights practical strategies for scalable success and the vital role of intentional systems in driving growth. Welcome to Scale Your Sales Podcast, Nwamaka Udenigwe. Timestamps: 00:00 Microbiologist's Journey into Sales 05:53 Career Journey in Sales Leadership 08:34 Nordic Approach in Nigerian Entrepreneurship 13:33 Empowering Women Through Community Building 15:15 Transformative Community-Led Growth 20:45 Empowering Women for Wider Impact 22:56 AI Chatbots Revolutionize Bar Communication 24:50 Streamlined Self-Paced Onboarding Process 27:56 90-Day Onboarding Success Framework 32:54 Essential Structures for Success 35:01 Sales Assessment and Roadmap Creation https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwamakaudenigwe/ https://x.com/udenigwenwamaka?s=21 https://www.instagram.com/nwamakaudenigwe Janice B Gordon is the award-winning Customer Growth Expert and Scale Your Sales Framework founder. She is by LinkedIn Sales 15 Innovating Sales Influencers to Follow 2021, the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Customer Experience Nov 2020 and 150 Women B2B Thought Leaders You Should Follow in 2021. Janice helps companies worldwide to reimagine revenue growth thought customer experience and sales. Book Janice to speak virtually at your next event: https://janicebgordon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/janice-b-gordon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceBGordon Scale Your Sales Podcast: https://scaleyoursales.co.uk/podcast More on the blog: https://scaleyoursales.co.uk/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janicebgordon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScaleYourSales And more! Visit our podcast website https://scaleyoursales.co.uk/podcast/ to watch or listen.
Today on Startup to Storefront, we're sitting down with Brian Nolan, a lifelong entrepreneur and the co-owner of Darren & Phillip, a purpose-driven pet brand known for its premium matching apparel for dogs and their humans. Before launching Darren & Phillip in the U.S., Brian co-founded and led multiple successful ventures, including BookOutdoors, acquired by Hipcamp, and Sellbrite, acquired by GoDaddy. He holds a business degree from USC's Marshall School of Business and is also a proud member of the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Darren & Phillip began in Australia in 2016 and in 2024 Brian and his wife Cris brought the brand to the U.S. Now based in Denver, Colorado, Darren & Phillip continues its mission to bring comfort to dogs and joy to the people who love them. Every purchase helps rescue dogs get adopted into safe, loving homes through donations to non-profit rescue organizations around the world. Brian's story is one of building businesses with both purpose and passion, and today we'll dive into how he's turning matching pajamas into a global movement.