‘Do consumers really care about saving the world?’ Posed in a purposefully obtuse manner by a member of the audience, it nevertheless managed to generate an animated response from the panel that we were asked to join at the annual FUTR Summit earlier in the year. Reading the recently-released Waitrose Food & Drink Report, it’s

Since first meeting our most recent investment, Mindful Chef, we have become fascinated with how brands use subscription to delight their customers. Referred to as ‘subcom’ by those working in the space, it’s a business model that is attractive to both consumers and investors. From a consumer perspective, subscription-based ecommerce brands are helping them save

‘You have to remember that most people’s lives are really boring. I’ve always seen my job as entertaining people, making their lives less boring.’ As the creator of iconic adverts for the likes of Levi’s, Lynx and Audi, Sir John Hegarty has certainly entertained us over the decades, as did he at our most recent

We’ve been very lucky to have partnered with some of today’s leading food and drink brands, from our most recent investment in Mindful Chef to Propercorn and Bottlegreen. It’s only fair that we give back to the community and help the next generation of F&B entrepreneurs. For the last five years, we’ve been working with

Public awareness of mental health is arguably higher than ever. After years in the wilderness, it is finally being addressed in schools, workplaces, the media and in government. But there is still much work to do. Prince William recently told the Davos World Economic Forum that the stigma surrounding mental health resulted in many celebrities

In the latest episode of our current podcast series, Jasper Cuppaidge, founder of Camden Town Brewery, talks about the impact of his decision to sell his brand to AB InBev, the world’s biggest drinks company. ‘Joining AB, I don’t have any regrets. However, it [the day the sale was announced] was one of the worst

To many companies, it’s the department most unloved, neglected and left toiling away in the most distant corner of the office. But the customer services function at Bloom & Wild couldn’t be more different. It’s not even defined as providing a service – it’s called ‘Customer Delight’. And as Phill Burton, COO of the online

One of the tricks of investing in consumer brands is gauging where the prevailing winds are blowing and, most importantly for us, if they will build into a gale or peter out in 5 to 10 years’ time. Unpicking this is a fine mix of gut-inspired instinct based on 30+ years of working with brands,