As the world begins to open up post-pandemic, brands are facing existential questions. Is remote work the new norm? Are hybrid models worth the organizational hassle? Will real estate prove…
Continue ReadingThe Other Side
As our lives were turned upside down over the last 15 months, we had many conversations at Listen about what cultural shifts and consumer behaviors would emerge on the other…
Continue ReadingThe 4th Trimester: A Year in Review Part 1
Postpartum – the “P” word that is often not spoken about but every mother experiences it. Until very recently, some people will say it can be seen as the forgotten…
Continue ReadingDeeper than the media
Naomi Osaka turned heads last week after announcing she would not be speaking to the media during the French Open as a way to focus on her mental health.…
Continue ReadingThis Picture is Worth +/-1,000 ETH
The innovation of the internet was to make information cheap, accessible and capable of being infinitely duplicated. This construct opened the world to abundant and inexpensive information. Humanity forever changed…
Continue ReadingYes, And
When asked what’s required to be a great investor, I often suggest a willingness to learn improv. That’s not to suggest that you have to be funny or…
Continue ReadingGo Fight Win!
Factor CEO Mike Apostal signs off his weekly team emails with the phrase: Go Fight Win. It sets the tone and drives a results-oriented culture that he and founder…
Continue ReadingListen expands investment team with the addition of Kimmie Carey and Shawn Dennis
Chicago – 11/18/20: Listen, a consumer-focused venture capital firm investing in early-stage brands, has welcomed Kimmie Carey (Principal) and Shawn Dennis (Venture Partner) to the team. This powerhouse duo will…
Continue ReadingVoice of the consumer
Startup: “We’re maniacally focused on the consumer.” VC: “Great, how many consumers did you talk to before launching your brand?” Startup: “Oh, we don’t do research. I mean…
Continue ReadingTheraplay
Coming out of our 2018 thematic jammer, we made “therapy” a focus area for new investments. The belief was (and still is) that the concept of exercising your mind was…
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