We create, scale and acquire successful digital businesses by bringing together the best ideas, talent, resources and financing through a centralized platform.
Los Angeles
Joined October 2011
- Tweets1.4K
- Following152
- Followers8.5K
- Likes1.7K
Science retweeted
As the incubator of @LiquidDeath, James Hicks knows how much a brand identity means to a consumer packaged goods (CPG) company. 📦 🛍 🥫
With over 12 years of experience working with startups and his knack for innovation and brand-building, James recently channeled his expertise into creating @finalbosssour, a company that crafts incredibly sour treats using real dried fruit.
In our latest interview, James shares insights on:
✍ The branding and storytelling behind Final Boss Sour
💭 His biggest takeaway from Liquid Death when it comes to branding
🎯 How to create brands in the CPG sector that resonate with the target audience
🛒 How to balance innovation with consumer expectations in the CPG space
Check it out now: gfrfund.com/blog/liquid-deat…
#cpg #gfrfund #venturecapital #startups #branding #storytelling
Science retweeted
The @ScienceInc team spent the day in Bentonville walking Walmart aisles with merchandisers to see where the opportunities are. @LiquidDeath is just the beginning. If you are investing in cpg, you need to do this often.. so much learnings
Science retweeted
K fine, here's my story:
In 2019, I dove into Dogdrop, aiming to revolutionize dog care. 🚀 Our vision? Small footprint, chic hubs within multi-family properties for quick, top-notch dog stays (EVERYWHERE). I pitched this to @mjones and got backed by @ScienceInc
DTLA's Arts District witnessed our debut in Jan 2020. Our goals?
Demand for quick-stop daycare? Check!
Thrilled members (retention, MRR, reviews)? Absolutely!
Landlord support? They're on board!
Even during stay-at-home times, folks happily dropped their pandemic pups for a socializing spree! 🐾
Then came 2021—a deep dive into franchising. 📚 I went all in. Devoured books, articles, 50+ FDDs (and counting). Got on calls with franchising legends, and founders that IPOd (thankful for how open this industry is in sharing knowledge)
I realized Dogdrop was ripe for franchising—repeatable model, scalability, operational readiness, and capital. I believe committed franchisees will thrive locally with our system! 💼🌟
Secured $2.9M in capital by Sept '21, followed by another successful round in April '23. Thrilled to be backed by Science-Inc, @LeapVenture , @FuelCapital , @MuseCapital, Wag!'s CEO, and more! 🌟💰
We build our tech and have an in-house appointment center, and support team. We have marketing, finance, and accounting partners that are an extension of our team. We're building a "back office" team for franchisee.
With 3 locations open and more brewing between LA, Denver, and next up Fort Lauderdale, we're on a roll! 🌐✨
Follow along as I (and my team, partners, franchisees, village) build the largest network of dog daycares. I sure as hell ain't doing this alone! @shainadenny
Science retweeted
📱🚀 20 million views later…
Our @finalbosssour commercial organically reached 20M views on YouTube Shorts, within 1 month of posting, and just 2 months of the brand’s launch.
🧐 At this point, you may be asking- “how?” 🧵
Science retweeted
@peterpham delivers the fundraising advice! I learned a lot in this session...
Science retweeted
Such a wonderful journey with @DogVacay and super happy about the multi $B exit with @RoverDotCom. I am sad that Aaron H is no longer with us and want to thank his family and especially @karinenissim for being an awesome co-founder and amazing partner for the journey. ❤️
Science retweeted
Our @ScienceInc team at @FounderMade with portfolio companies @finalbosssour, @pulppantry, and Donutful. Great day with innovative products and passionate founders.
Science retweeted
Our CEO, @bvatere, stopped by @startupsxyz to dive deep into #D2R (Direct-To-Retail) and discuss why testing and measuring digital content are vital in connecting with consumers.
Listen now 👉 apple.co/3Pqn21M
#D2C #Retail #Marketing
Science retweeted
a sour snack —
that isn’t candy?
@ScienceInc debuts
“FINAL BOSS SOUR”
finalbosssour.com
love this positioning of
“nature’s sour candy”
would also nominate kiwi
yes to gamifying “sour”
nostalgic to “Cry Baby” or “Warheads” re: tolerance
Science retweeted
Under The Hood w/ @shainadenny, founder of @dogdropco 🐕
They have a D2C arm, but their main focus is franchising dog day cares.
Her digitally native franchise model wasn't always popular, but it's definitely hot rn (+ @ForerunnerVC article in comments)
1800d2c.com/reads/under-the-…
Science retweeted
#Nasdaq and Science teams : #PeterPham, Managing Director of Science, in a fireside chat with Liquid Death, Mammoth Media at Fig Tree #Venice Beach #LA #Techweek #LAtechweek @KatiaAmeri
Science retweeted
Going to be chatting with @mjones MD of @ScienceInc on @ConsumerVC next week
Investments include:
• Dollar Shave Club
• Liquid Death
• Bird
• Grove Collaborative
What questions should I ask?
Science retweeted
Day 1 @Techweek_ Los Angeles, @peterpham of @ScienceInc, and panelists share how marketers can use LLMs to create workflow efficiencies. Below are ideas. Remember detailed prompts are the key.
- Personalize email marketing messaging based on the customer's phase of the funnel.
- Optimize content titles and meta descriptions based on past top performers.
- Upload CSV's and ask ChatGPT to identify patterns
#GenerativeAI #Marketing
Science retweeted
Daisychain, the referral program designed to amplify reach, engage customers, and drive sustainable sales growth through the power of word-of-mouth marketing, is now on the @Shopify app. Check it out! youtu.be/13P8KPKKsG8
Science retweeted
Empirical named #1 in Fast Companys Most Innovative Companies list for 2023 in the Consumer Goods category.
"Empirical has literally produced a new type of alcohol called freeform with flavors that defy simple categorization."
fastcompany.com/90846907/mos…
Science retweeted
The amount of times I get this! @ScienceInc (@peterpham & @mjones) always ahead of the curve. Just wait until the amount of VC funding you hear about in franchising over the next 18+ months
Science retweeted
Got a chance to see @peterpham 2x in 1 day, talking @LiquidDeath customer experience & branding w @wpp execs put on by @jenbdasilva
@bvatere spoke about ad attribution work he's doing @mammothmedia
Then @ScienceInc Investor dinner w @mjones
Science retweeted
Why North Carolina & South Carolina📍
✔️High pet ownership households
✔️NC is the third highest numerical growth in the country
✔️NC is America’s Top State for Business in 2022
✔️Good art, parks, and vibes
Oh, and @RyanBethencourt always gets us excited about the triangle!
