Stand out products and authentic brand experiences are nearly table stakes for today’s savvy consumer. Culture defining change calls for visionary entrepreneurs who aim to define new categories and open new distribution channels by tackling dislocations in the market created by rapidly changing consumer needs and behaviors.

As the roles of brands and retailers are being renegotiated, the industry is begging for new systems, tools, platforms, supply chains, sourcing approaches, and even fresh looks at new business models. This cycle is underway, but innovation in practice has fallen behind need and demand, and we believe businesses supporting this movement operate in the path of opportunity.