Ann Chung

Building on the success of Rocket Studio with Simon Kirby and Pivotal with Dominic Joseph we decided to merge with Impact Counsel, led by the awesomely talented John D., Erim Jones and Robert Fok earlier this year. We’ve combined our significant and complimentary skills, experience and passion for growing amazing businesses to create a new breed of VC - Creative Capital Ventures Group (CCV). Fund 1 is focused on Sports, Media & Entertainment. Joining us on this exciting journey is media titan Tom Rogers (ex CEO Tivo & CNBC). We have also assembled a mighty team of Venture Partners bringing their expertise into our team, with the legendary Harvey Goldsmith leading our Immersive Entertainment category, and Cam Blackwood (Platinum award winning record producer) and his team at Rezonate heading up Music Rights acquisition. Creative Capital Ventures is designed to disrupt traditional VC models and accelerate the growth of innovative start-ups. We’ve already secured €18 million in commitments and are raising €35 million in total to fuel the next generation of game-changing businesses. What makes CCV different? •⁠ ⁠Founder-Led Expertise: Our team comprises serial entrepreneurs and operators who have built, scaled, and exited successful companies. We know what it takes to drive rapid growth. •⁠ ⁠Speed Scaler: Through our unique venture studio model, we’re not just funding companies—we’re actively accelerating their growth, shrinking the timeline from seed to exit. •⁠ ⁠Industry Focus: CCV focuses on high-growth sectors like Sports, Media, Entertainment, and Lifestyle, with a unique emphasis on IP acquisition to drive returns in stable asset classes. If you're interested in learning more about how CCV is reshaping the venture capital landscape, let’s connect!  More updates to follow! #VentureCapital #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #ScalingFast #CreativeCapitalVentures https://lnkd.in/eiuWVtvT

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Today, Two Chairs announces $72M of new funding to continue building a world where everyone has access to exceptional mental health care. Since late 2017, when Maveron led the Two Chairs Series A, the need for mental health services has grown considerably as our society has become lonelier and more isolated than ever. At the same time, our culture’s willingness to openly acknowledge these challenges is greater than ever. Sadly, the rapid growth of Two Chairs affirms the fact that our society is in desperate need of better mental health support. Two Chairs has built a business that believes clinical quality is the defining characteristic of success. Alex Katz has always emphasized the paramountcy of measurement-based clinical outcomes, which the team works tirelessly to achieve. In the process, Two Chairs has illustrated that embracing the ‘move fast and break things’ mentality doesn’t always work. Instead, Two Chairs opted for a different approach: they went slow to go fast. They built a proprietary algorithm that matches patients with the perfect therapist at the onset and hired a team of W2 clinicians oriented toward providing the highest quality care available. Even as the Two Chairs team has grown, their culture has remained small. This has enabled more intimate relationships within the team and between clients and clinicians. Reflecting on this milestone brings me back to the founding of Maveron and the values we hold dear. In 1998, my friend Howard Schultz and I founded Maveron to help entrepreneurs build companies that improve the lives of everyday people—their employees and their customers. There is perhaps no better example of this than Two Chairs. *** Thank you to TechCrunch's Marina Temkin, CFA for the great write-up. https://tcrn.ch/4aMt7yG

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I love this! Thank you to Rachel Brown from Beauty Independent to kick-off this exchange with Andrew Ross' provocative thesis and have us all react to it. I truly enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the topic of the shortening lifecycle of beauty brands. Here is a snippet of mine: "Because beauty brand lifespans are shortening, it is important that we are able to differentiate brands with staying power from brands that will end up being a flash in the pan. There are much more of the latter than the former in the market right now, and if a brand is not well-positioned, it will be challenging for that brand to survive over the long-term. That’s why we focus on understanding each brand’s differentiators and long-term relevance." See more here: https://lnkd.in/esVbwnu2 and you will discover what Kevin Murphy, Odile Roujol, Rich Gersten, Tina Henry Bou-Saba, Oliver Nordlinger, Claire Chang, Manica Blain, Sonya Brown, George Birman had to say. #beautyindustry #beautyinvesting Stride Consumer Partners

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WE DID IT! After 2 years of pushing through the biggest downturn in VC in decades, Matthew Stotts 🌐 and I made it to the finish line with Fund I! We couldn't have done this without One Small Planet (Will Peterffy and Jack Wielebinski 🙏), Regen Network and Regen Foundation (Austin Wade Smith Gregory Landua and Will Szal), and a dozen other family offices and angels who believed that we can build a nature-positive economy utilizing our eye for software and our history as founders from day 1 A shout out goes to all of our founders (only four announced today, but watch this space - there are multitudes!) who trusted us enough to give us a spot on their cap table for this 10-15 year journey. This is the best job in the world, and it's because we get to work with people like you who have weird ideas in the best possible way. Using Bitcoin as anchor base load to decarbonize residential housing in America's most expensive energy market? Make every complex supply chain legible to machines so we can find and eliminate deforestation in commodity supply chains? Build deeply liquid environmental asset markets to price ecosystem services, on a blockchain, that no one needs to know is a blockchain? I'm so excited to get to work on this stuff for the next 10-15 years minimum, and to see what we can accelerate with our tiny fund in the next 5-6 years as we approach 2030 Onward! https://lnkd.in/gy3B-DFe

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RETHINKING RETIREMENT We've been investing in the Future of Work since we launched BBG Ventures, targeting underserved segments like deskless workers (Anthill, OX) and solopreneurs (Topline Pro). Over the summer we spent time digging into another deeply underserved segment of the workforce: Boomers. By the end of this decade, the entire generation will have hit retirement age and, for the first time, Americans 65+ will outnumber those under 18. This has huge implications for every aspect of society, and it mandates that we start thinking differently about retirement. The question for all of us is this: Can we re-focus healthy Americans 60+ on a new phase of productivity, a “third act” that enables them to keep learning, keep earning, keep socially-engaged and contributing to the nation’s economic growth? And what role can AI play in helping every senior identify their unique skill set and personal priorities — and connect them with the right opportunities? We have some thoughts on how to make this happen, and we'd love you to give it a read, add your feedback, forward it to a founder who's working in this arena (or who you think might be intrigued), and share it! AgeTech has been too focused on death and decay; it's time we embrace longevity and give older Americans a way to keep working -- on their terms. cc: Carol Magalhães Isaacs, CFA Nisha Dua, Claire Biernacki, Drew Silverman Fennessy

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Finding the Perfect Balance at popped.nyc: Where Exclusive Meets Inclusive At popped.nyc, we're all about crafting a unique environment that bridges the gap between exclusivity and inclusivity. We embrace the "IYKYK" mentality, creating a space where insiders and newcomers alike feel valued and engaged. How do we achieve this balance? Open-Access Programming: We host events that are welcoming to all, ensuring that new faces can seamlessly integrate into our community while still offering exclusive experiences that make our regulars feel special. Inclusive Design: Our workshops and events are crafted with everyone in mind. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, you'll find opportunities to connect and contribute meaningfully. Mentorship and Guidance: Experienced members are encouraged to share their knowledge and guide newcomers. This fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can grow together. Segmented Access: We offer a range of events, from exclusive gatherings to open-access programs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone while maintaining the special touch of our niche community. Transparent Communication: We believe in clear, open communication about the nature of our events and the reasons behind any exclusivity, helping manage expectations and ensure inclusivity. Interactive Elements: Our events are designed to spark curiosity and engagement, providing newcomers with a glimpse into what makes our community unique. Respectful Boundaries: We balance privacy with openness, ensuring sensitive topics are handled respectfully while still fostering an inclusive dialogue. By focusing on these principles, we create a vibrant, dynamic space where the "IYKYK" mentality enhances our community while ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and involved. Join us at popped.nyc and be part of a community that celebrates both exclusivity and inclusivity. Let’s make connections and build something special together! #CommunityBuilding #InclusiveCulture #Networking #PoppedNYC #Events #ProfessionalGrowth

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NY friends! Please come see me at Tech Day on my panel discussing the future of the NY tech ecosystem and what I hope to bring to it!

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The new quarterly review is live! Each quarter, I dive into the latest trends and shifts in the venture capital market, covering both the broader macro perspective and the unique insights we’re seeing at Florida Funders. Check out my latest article to stay informed on what’s shaping the VC landscape and how we're navigating it at FF. Always eager to hear your thoughts – let’s keep the conversation going! #VentureCapital #FloridaFunders #MarketInsights

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There's an ongoing issue in the investment community. Can you guess what it is? That's right, a persistent underrepresentation of women in VC, particularly in influential roles. That's why I started Passing the Mic: The VC Exchange, a podcast is committed to exploring ways to inspire more women to enter the industry. Listen to insights from my exceptional guests, all women making waves in the investment community. #WomenInVC #PassingTheMic #VCexchange

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Just touched down in Miami for the VC Platform Summit Here’s what I’m most interesting in discussing with peers (and press!)… - hybrid VC service models & the Dragonfly SLA - platform’s role in the future of fractional work - a16z sizing themselves out of the early stage game (and the opportunity that creates) - the marginalization of crypto founders in the startup vendor ecosystem - the difference between platform in APAC and the US Reply or DM to link up!

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Last week, I attended Houlihan Lokey's 2024 Global Consumer, Food & Retail Conference in New York. Here are some key takeaways that stood out to me. Continued Tailwinds in the Pet Industry: 🔹 Pet Owner Sentiment: With 92-96% of pet owners viewing their pets as family, there's increasing demand for *functional* treats, supplements, and innovative food formats like freeze-dried pet food, the fastest-growing segment within freeze-dry products. 🔹 Category Consolidation: Single-product and single-capability companies are merging into larger pet platforms, opening up M&A opportunities and filling portfolio gaps. 🔹 Expansion into the Cat Category: Dog-first companies are expanding into the cat category, where purchases are stickier (e.g., cat litter) due to the selective nature of pet cats. Rise of Preventative Wellness: 🔹 Increased Gym Visits: The rise in gym memberships and equipment utilization is driving up replacement rates. 🔹 Female Athlete Surge: The increase in female athletes is influencing market trends. 🔹 Customer Service and Amenities: High-quality customer service and amenities (e.g., towel service, childcare) are essential for retaining gym memberships. Personalized customer interactions enhance member loyalty. 🔹 Men’s Health Awareness: Growing focus on men’s health, addressing the issue of men suffering in silence. 🔹 HSA/FSA Approvals: The IRS and health insurance companies are increasingly approving preventative wellness expenses like gym memberships and fitness programs for HSA/FSA reimbursement. Franchising and Multi-Unit Asset Resilience: 🔹 Growth Despite High Interest Rates: Franchising and multi-unit assets in health and wellness for both humans and pets are rising despite the high interest rate environment. 🔹 Tech-Driven Analyses: Investing in advanced tech stacks enhances customer service and expands topline and margins through data-driven approaches. 🔹 Recurring Revenue Focus: Emphasis on creating sticky, recurring revenue streams through memberships, fostering habitual use, and offering services that are typically inconvenient or time-consuming to switch. I'm looking forward to seeing how these trends evolve in 2024! #PetIndustry #PreventativeWellness #Franchising #HealthAndWellness #TechInnovation #BusinessGrowth #Investing

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Recently, I joined Daniel Scharff on the Startup CPG Podcast to break down these core financial pillars to help founders build a resilient and scalable brand. Here’s a quick rundown: 1. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) → Understand the full cost to develop, produce and receive each product (it’s way more than materials.) 2. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) → You need to use your CAC as your constant in the spend equation. 3. Cash Flow → Scaling without a handle on cash flow is a recipe for disaster. Too fast of growth can kill a company as quickly as too slow of growth. 4. Margins → Razor-thin margins (stand alone or via discounting) means playing on hard mode. 5. Retention Rate → Repeat customers are the foundation of long-term success in e-commerce. I break down each one in more detail on the podcast. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eJzypw6x

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After a whirlwind two decades of a corporate career – which has spanned a traditional management consulting firm, a Fortune 500 toy company, a world class entertainment agency, and a growth equity fund, I’m excited to officially share that I’m striking out on my own with Shruti Sehgal. Together, we’re proud to launch The Moonshot Company – a new kind of strategic consultancy, representing high-growth talent, brands, and investors looking to accelerate their cultural and commercial success from a place of authenticity, creativity, and intent. The Moonshot Company will specialize in integrated brand and growth strategies–culled from our prior executive careers in consumer, entertainment, media, finance, politics, and PR. Throughout my professional life, I often found myself at the center of consumer industries undergoing a major landscape shift. Shifting consumer behavior, the proliferation of social media, digitally-native consumption, and revamped business models have underpinned every business I have been fortunate to be a part of. Winter has always been coming. And it is through that lens that I learned a lot about myself as an executive. My curiosity has always found that change exhilarating - and I am particularly adept at spotting through lines and opportunity amidst a constant state of flux. Rapidly transforming industries don’t scare me, stagnation does. And yet, I have always felt a natural tension between building these industry-specific skills and the freedom to add my own interdisciplinary instincts and perspectives to bear, especially on someone else’s platform. But as the world has changed, so have I: this very tension I once thought frustrating is now a reason for being.  If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self that my own diverse range of experiences and multicultural consumer lens always has been, and will always be, as instructive to my success and growth as anything else. The future of business and culture requires differentiated voices and leaders who can bring a much wider set of skills and a unique blend of deeply-lived experiences – both personal and professional – to achieve transformational outcomes for clients, and this is the foundational vision of The Moonshot Company. Simply put: this platform didn't exist, so we built it. As mothers, former senior executives, culture-obsessed consumers, and South Asian women – Shruti and I are thrilled to put our skills, networks, and novel strategies to work for clients who share our values, and whom we feel uniquely compelled to deliver Moonshot-level results for. If our vision and founder story resonates with you, please reach out. And as we embark on this new journey, I’d love to hear more about your own Moonshot below. 🚀 💫

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A billion dollar high-fashion celebrity brand and a natural Ozempic? The top stories I'm digging into right now: ♡ Women’s Health & Beauty ♡ - Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme is launching a GLP-1 (and it’s natural) - Sami Clarke, Sami Spalter, and Form hit $21M in revenue ♡ Media, Entertainment & Creator ♡ - Kristin Juszczyk drops a Gatorate collab - Task Oakley is the new face of Prene - Podcast deals are booming—Joe Rogan, Kelce Brothers, and Alex Cooper strike big deals - The MTV Video Music Awards shows how powerful TikTok’s really is - NFL sets week 1 viewership record - The US Open sees 1M fans ♡ E-Commerce, Retail & Social ♡ - Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol wants to make it a new coffee shop - Dell joins the S&P 500, shares jump - L’Oréal heir and Chanel owners invest in The Row - NYFW isn’t dead ♡ Tech, Business, & Investing ♡ - How AI is shifting consumer values - Female Founders Fund isn’t betting big on AI - Walgreens is the worst performing stock of the S&P 500 this year You can read more in this week's issue of ICYMI: https://lnkd.in/gSkTPtnY #consumernews #litrendingtopics #ozempic

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This week I'm offsite with my C-suite besties from Vanta 🦙, David Eckstein Jeremy Epling Ari Shahdadi & Christina Cacioppo, kicking off the annual planning process. We'll sit together to whiteboard and debate where to invest, what to focus on, and equally importantly what we won't prioritize in the coming year. Vanta has grown a ton and how we organize our initiatives matters. We're seeking clarity of thought, focused direction, and definitive metrics. We'll leave this week with a draft of: - Our Strategy on a Page (SOAP), summed up in a single unifying vision statement - 4-5 major Strategic Initiatives (SIs), tied to specific customer cohorts we aim to serve - A set of Contributing Actions that capture, along with key metrics, what we'll build and invest in and how we'll measure success Next up we'll bring this draft to our Leadership Team for feedback and iteration. Once the LT iterates on this plan we'll enter formal creation of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP). Planning may not be sexy, but these rituals set the tone for a thoughtful, clear plan that drives focused execution. And it's also quite a lot of fun to sit and talk about the future and who we want to be next year and beyond. 😀 🚀

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From fashion collabs to shifting beauty standards, the future of consumer goods is all about reinvention. At HSR, we are spotlighting the biggest moves in health, entertainment, and business. Check out our latest weekly digest: ♡ Women’s Health & Beauty ♡ - Emergency contraception sales spiked more than 930% in some states following the election ♡ Media, Entertainment & Creator ♡ - SKIMS just released a limited edition collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana - Influencer-turned-entrepreneur, Danielle Bernstein’s new women’s fragrance is expected to land in Ulta in 2025 ♡ E-Commerce, Retail & Social ♡ - McKinsey’s eighth annual “The State of Fashion” report is out - from Business of Fashion - Gen Z’s obsession with “swicy” ingredients may signal a growing opportunity in consumer food - Ulta Beauty is cracking down on its return policy ahead of the holiday season ♡ Tech, Business, & Investing ♡ - The $8.5 billion merger between Tapestry and Capri was called off - Athleisure brand, Vuori, reaches a $5.5 billion valuation following its recent $825 million investment You can check out more in this week's HSR ICYMI: https://lnkd.in/g5QncktG

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As a venture investor at M13, I often think about the shifting M&A regulatory landscape and its impact on the innovation my industry seeks to support. My goal is to drive towards a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and supports the growth of the venture investment industry, creating a win-win situation for both investors and consumers! Check out this piece on M&A and Innovation, where I debunk some common myths regarding this vital part of the innovation ecosystem. I’d love to hear your thoughts! https://lnkd.in/eV4MVTwv

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Key to creating systemic change in the venture capital landscape, where only 2% of funding goes to women founders and within that, .34% to Black women founders, is challenging the stereotype of what a successful entrepreneur looks like. At Astia we invest in this underfunded yet outperforming, non-stereotypical founder time and again. Thank you Forbes for recognizing CEO Tanya Van Court whose fintech Goalsetter is bringing financial literacy to students and their families throughout the US. #investment #innovation #inclusion #venturecapital #Astiaportfolio

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This analogy is so spot-on it smacks you in the face! “It’s the difference between working at a startup vs. at Google,” said Jason Calacanis when comparing the hunger of emerging manager funds vs. the passivity of larger, established funds. That’s why we actively cultivate a network of high-quality emerging manager funds (EMFs) - they are access points to outliers generating some of the highest returns in venture. We invest in top-tier emerging managers and their outliers, providing investors access to 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gM6pAKza Watch the panelists in discussion with Jason Calacanis: https://lnkd.in/g_pJdjhs #EMFs #Emergingmanagerfunds #MDSV #InvestinVenture

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