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In the Season 2 opener of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh sits down with Mike Jones, General Partner at Science Inc., the venture studio and fund behind household names like Dollar Shave Club, Liquid Death, and PlayVS.

With more than $1.3 billion in exits and angel investments including Scopely, GoodReads, and Maker Studios, Mike has seen what separates billion-dollar companies from the ones that stall out.

From his early days founding Userplane, CEO of MySpace, to building Science into one of the most successful venture studios in the world, Mike shares the hard truths about brand, product, team dynamics, and the role of instinct versus data. This episode dives into how breakout companies really get built, the future of venture studios in a world transformed by AI, and why some startups endure while most fade.

If you want a candid look at what it takes to scale a company that actually lasts, this conversation is a must-listen.

Mike Jones

Mike Jones is the General Partner of Science Inc., the venture fund and studio behind brands like Dollar Shave Club, Liquid Death, and PlayVS. Since launching Science in 2011, Mike has led it to over $1.3 billion in exits, shaping household names through a unique blend of venture investment and hands-on company building.

Science Inc.

Fund, develop, and advise companies focused on solving the everyday problems of modern living. Science is a unique platform where talent, resources, and financing are brought together in a bid to nurture and develop ideas, arm emerging businesses with the strategy, expertise, and capital they need to grow, and to transform existing internet ventures, injecting them with new talent and innovation.

Music Credit:

"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Takeaways

• Mike Jones emphasizes the non-linear paths of entrepreneurs.
• The importance of technology shifts in creating business opportunities.
• Venture studios aim for long-term growth rather than immediate profits.
• Successful brands like Dollar Shave Club leverage strong narratives.
• Building a great product is essential for customer retention.
• AI is transforming the way businesses are built and marketed.
• Investors expect comprehensive business plans and prototypes.
• Team dynamics are crucial for the success of startups.
• Data-driven insights enhance investment decisions.
• The future of entrepreneurship is intertwined with AI advancements.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Venture Studios and Mike Jones

01:07 Mike's Entrepreneurial Journey and Market Trends

04:17 The Evolution of Business Models and Acquisition Trends

06:35 Building Brands: Dollar Shave Club's Success Story

10:04 Creating Cult Brands: The Liquid Death Approach

12:50 Balancing Brand and Product Quality

14:56 Understanding the Venture Studio Model

18:12 Team Structure and Co-Founders in Startups

21:04 Fundraising Strategies and External Investment

22:33

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