Companies I Like
This list is an accumulation of companies and products I really enjoy and admire. If I have more time I’ll provide a deeper review because while there’s a wide variety of companies here, the one piece that ties them together is that I cannot shut up about them. They’re awesome concepts!
In general I love a new approach, different business model, thoughtful experience, and untapped market. I also like to pay close attention to how, even established and seemingly traditional and/or luxury brands communicate and present something unique.
Maybe this list will serve as an introduction to finding interesting products, like a vest that can keep you warm in a new way, or can help you select the perfect shampoo and conditioner based off your personalized profile (and zipcode!)… or even help you find and back a promising founder working on something compelling. I’ve mostly tried all of the following experiences and products, or helped to invest in them if I’m not a customer myself.
EXPERIENCES
Alfred: The first in-home hospitality and experiences platform designed for the future of living
The Guild: Offers travelers apartment suites nestled in local neighborhoods vs. traditional hotel rooms
Equinox: Unparalleled luxury gym and app experience
Motivo: Connects therapists to clinical supervisors for licensure. Early startup I helped diligence
Athena Collects: “Turbo Tax for collecting child support”. Early stage startup I helped diligence
Goodcall: 24/7 intelligent phone assistant. It was an On Deck Hackathon project, receiving 2 of 4 awards
The Roosevelt Room, Devil May Care, Here Nor There: The best Austin lounge bars
Codependant, Goldie’s (Austin Proper Hotel): Upscale coffee spots
PRODUCTS
In Good Taste: Mini wines
Death Water: “Don’t be scared. It’s just water.”
Prose: Get hair care 100% custom made for your hair type, goals and lifestyle
Twice: “Chic dental care has arrived” -NYT
Ugly: 100% dried fruit snack, made from ugly fruit
Ororo: Heated jackets, vests, and hoodies with lithium-ion battery power
Suavs: Minimalist shoes made out of post-consumer water bottles
Hello Fresh: Delivers step-by-step recipes and fresh, pre-portioned ingredients right to your door
Aday: Capsule wardrobes of modern essentials and minimalist clothing with a sustainable supply chain
Sips By: The only multi-brand, personalized tea subscription box
Imperfect Foods: Cut down on food waste, save the planet, and feel good about conscious consumerism
Mirror: The nearly invisible interactive home gym. When off, it's an elegantly designed full-length mirror
Tesla: Elon stuff
For my favorite Austin CPG (consumer package good) brands, I founded ATX KIT at the onset of the pandemic. It’s a curated selection of my favorite foods— and I’m a picky eater! We have now worked with 50+ local entrepreneurs and shipped thousands of kits around the country.
Have some have recommendations? Contact me and I’d love to hear.
Want to reach an entrepreneur? If I know or am connected with leadership, I’ll help make an intro.