Founder Ben Branson speaks with Managing Partner Mike Edelhart about Pollen Projects, the world's first venture studio dedicated entirely to the non-alcoholic category.

Ben shares how his experience growing up on a farm in rural England inspired his creative experimentation with botanical extracts, how that passion and creativity has transformed into a series of highly innovative non-alcoholic brands, and five key pieces of advice for successfully running a startup (spoiler alert: one of them is "Never launch your first product on your wife's birthday").

In this Inception episode, CEO Nick Allen about his company Sunnyside, providing a simple, structured approach to more mindful drinking.

Nick explains why Sunnyside focuses on helping its users decrease alcohol intake as opposed to attempting complete sobriety; the huge market for this novel approach (nearly 1 in 3 adults in the US alone!), the myriad of incentives the program provides, and the highly enthusiastic response they've received so far, which speaks to society's increased awareness and dedication to becoming our happiest, healthiest selves."

CEO Nick West talks about Bandit Running, a thriving next-gen performance and lifestyle apparel brand for runners.

Nick shares how he attributes much of his company's success to their "obsession with community" and their strong emphasis on user experience; the humbling, highly enthusiastic response they've received since the launch of their very first product; and the many exciting developments on the horizon, including some innovative new product collaborations with ASIC they'll be launching at the New York City Marathon.

Managing Partner Mike Edelhart talks with CEO Raina Kumra about Spicewell, the world's first superfood seasoning.

Raina shares how the creative method she used to sneak nutrients into her family's meals during Covid transformed into the idea for her company, the incredible reception the product has received so far (consistent 200% Amazon growth month over month!), and the exciting numerous opportunities she's exploring to expand the already flourishing brand.

In this episode, CEO and Co-Founder Monique Meneses talks about Iota, the first nutritional body care brand that addresses problems before they occur, instead of just masking or retroactively treating them.

Monique shares how Iota’s formulas are developed in close collaboration with an impressive scientific board and lab team to optimize the microbiome’s complex and dynamic internal processes, how the stark difference between the professional worlds of herself and her cofounder actually makes them better business partners (did we mention her cofounder is her husband?), and how is Iota pioneering body care for the next generation, using groundbreaking science to get to the heart of every single skin issue.

CEO & Co-Founder Emily Doyle talks about DUNE, a suncare brand she launched with her Co-Founder, Mei Kwok, poised to revolutionize the antiquated sunscreen landscape with products clinically proven to “protect and perfect all skin tones.” 

Emily shares how a part of DUNE's formulation was inspired by Nickelodeon slime; the intense psychological research behind its composition, retail distribution, and marketing application strategies; and the myriad of ways the brand strives to be the go-to suncare brand for everyone, every day - and accessible to literally anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or geography. Plus, a sneak peek into how DUNE is literally going to improve the health of the next generation (spoiler - they're launching a suncare line for babies in 2025!).

In this episode, CEO Anu Sharma talks about her startup Millie, a company that provides comprehensive, wraparound maternal care from conception through the first year of parenthood.

Anu discusses how the current care model is failing mothers in the US and how the experience of her own complicated childbirth inspired her to join forces with a talented, proactive team of health professionals to found Mille. Millie is a completely new kind of maternity clinic, shifting the idea of pregnancy and beginning motherhood from a strictly clinical experience to the holistic, human experience it should be.

CEO Omar Dekkiche shares how his company Amatera is accelerating the natural evolution of plants to combat climate change and crop disease.

Omar recalls how growing up on a farm in France motivated him to found Amatera, the moment of inspiration he had when he met his brilliant cofounder at the Entrepreneur First accelerator program, and his plans to use their breakthrough cellular evolution technology to revolutionize the agriculture industry by drastically improving the world's most important perennial crops, starting with coffee.

Managing Partner Mike Edelhart talks with CEO Nora Cavani about her company Alba Health, empowering every child to have the healthiest, best start in life.

In this episode, Nora explains how Alba is developing a simple yet incredibly insightful test to assess the microbiome of infants to identify and mitigate current and future health complications. Nora shares the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm parents are already expressing in this outstanding opportunity, as well as her hopes to facilitate a corresponding sea change in citizen science that could completely revolutionize our fundamental understanding of personal health, substantially improving the lives of future generations.

Watch Nora's interview on YouTube

Managing Partner Mike Edelhart talks with Charlie Silver, CEO of Ruby Bio, a company making sustainable, scaleable replacements for the harmful chemicals in nearly all the materials in our everyday lives.

In this episode, Charlie shares how he and his cofounder developed the brilliant idea of creating low-cost, high-value biodegradable ingredients using naturally occurring yeast; how his decades of experience launching cutting-edge, complex products enabled him to devise a stellar business strategy for long-term success; and how RubyBio will powerfully transform the current chemical production industry, greatly reducing its immensely detrimental impacts on both the planet and our bodies.

Bonus! Charlie grills Managing Partner Mike Edelhart on the challenges and inner workings of managing such a cutting-edge and unconventional fund.