Uncategorized Archives - Sandbox Studios

There Is No Playbook Anymore

The companies that win in the next decade may look nothing like the companies that won in the last one. For most of the last twenty years, venture capital had a relatively clear formula. Build software. Scale users. Raise capital. Expand globally.

Why Consumer Is Bigger Than Silicon Valley Thinks

Culture Becomes More Valuable in an AI World. Last week, I was honoured to be invited to join the largest US/UK trade delegation to date — a highly curated group assembled by the British government and Consulate to represent some...

Fund I Milestone

We’re excited to share that Fund I has generated its first distribution following a partial secondary sale in one of our portfolio companies. Achieving realized liquidity just over two years from final close is highly uncommon for a first-time fund...

Retail Resurgence: Why The Shelf Matters Again

As DTC breaks, retail wins – and Sandbox Studios is first to market. For much of the past decade, consumer investing had one mantra: win online. Direct-to-consumer brands promised exponential growth fueled by Facebook ads...

It’s Weird Out There

What VCs Are (and Aren’t) Backing Right Now. The deck is tight. The TAM is real. The story’s strong. So… why are checks still slow? Welcome to 2025: fundraising is happening, but it’s weird out there.

When Fame Isn’t Enough: Why Some Celebrity Brands Flop

A closer look at why some celebrity brands fail, and what makes the ones that last stand out. Featuring lessons from J.Lo, Nicole Richie, and Tyra Banks.

Celebrity Brands: Less Is More

The Power of Focus. A celebrity co-founder can be a superpower. When done right, the combination of fame, influence, and storytelling can drive millions in earned media...

Celebrity Brands Are Winning Big

How We’re Leveraging Star Power for Outstanding Returns. In today’s rapidly evolving market, celebrity-founded brands continue to outperform, delivering exceptional results and unmatched consumer loyalty.

Inside Expo West 2025

Trends, Highlights, and Hot Takes. Expo West, the largest annual North American trade show for natural, organic, and sustainable products, gathered over 3,500 consumer packaged goods exhibitors and more than 85,000 attendees...

Necker Island AGM

Where Deals, Celebrities & Big Ideas Collide. Necker Island—where white sand beaches meet whiteboard strategy sessions, and some of the most influential minds in venture and celebrity-backed brands came together.