Nick Brown
Managing Partner, Imaginary
He co-founded a venture capital firm that has backed some of the hottest start-ups in fashion’s direct-to-consumer space.
Nick Brown is the co-founder and managing partner of Imaginary, a venture capital firm specialising in early-stage retail tech and direct-to-consumer start-ups that he established with Natalie Massenet following her departure from Net-a-Porter.
Imaginary, which had a debut fund of $75 million, has invested in some of the hottest start-ups in the fashion and beauty space, including Glossier, Reformation, Everlane, Farfetch, Good American, SKIMS ( Kim Kardashian West ’s new “solutionwear” business), Hawthorne, Hum Nutrition, Necessaire, Kosas, Mejuri, Appear Here, Heist and Universal Standard, among others.
Before Imaginary, Brown was a partner at venture firm 14W, where he focused on consumer-facing technology in fashion and e-commerce. He invested in or led investments in companies including Glossier, Everlane, Goop, Reformation, Outdoor Voices, Moda Operandi, The RealReal and others.
Brown sits on the boards of Everlane, Universal Standard, SKIMS, Hawthorne and Good American (previously also Reformation and Glossier). He holds a degree from Harvard University and is based in New York with his long-time partner Derek Blasberg .
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Exclusive: Skims’ Plan for Global Domination
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand is preparing to enter many new markets in the US and, increasingly, globally. CEO Jens Grede spoke with The Business of Fashion about his vision to create ‘the Apple store of apparel.’
Exclusive: Skims’ Plan for Global Domination
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand is preparing to enter many new markets in the US and, increasingly, globally. CEO Jens Grede spoke with The Business of Fashion about his vision to create ‘the Apple store of apparel.’
Why Venture Capital Is a Bad Fit for (Most) Fashion Businesses
For every Reformation, there are a dozen Outdoor Voices. Most apparel companies will have better luck looking beyond Silicon Valley for funding.
Why Venture Capital Is a Bad Fit for (Most) Fashion Businesses
For every Reformation, there are a dozen Outdoor Voices. Most apparel companies will have better luck looking beyond Silicon Valley for funding.
Case Study | The New Four Ps of DTC Marketing
The direct-to-consumer fashion and beauty space has flourished over the last decade, but the once fool-proof marketing rubric has aged in that time. BoF outlines how to update the DTC marketing playbook so brands can break through the saturated market.
Case Study | The New Four Ps of DTC Marketing
The direct-to-consumer fashion and beauty space has flourished over the last decade, but the once fool-proof marketing rubric has aged in that time. BoF outlines how to update the DTC marketing playbook so brands can break through the saturated market.
The Future of Resale: 5 Key Questions
With Poshmark and ThredUp joining The RealReal in going public, the fashion resale market is set for major change. BoF examines the five key questions that will determine how the space shapes up.
The Future of Resale: 5 Key Questions
With Poshmark and ThredUp joining The RealReal in going public, the fashion resale market is set for major change. BoF examines the five key questions that will determine how the space shapes up.
How Fashion and Beauty Can Better Engage with Black Businesses
Four months after renewed demands for racial justice hit the fashion and beauty industries, what — beyond symbolic gestures — has been done, and what will it take to make initiatives like the 15 Percent Pledge work?
How Fashion and Beauty Can Better Engage with Black Businesses
Four months after renewed demands for racial justice hit the fashion and beauty industries, what — beyond symbolic gestures — has been done, and what will it take to make initiatives like the 15 Percent Pledge work?
BoF LIVE: How to Raise Money Right Now
While funding hasn’t completely vanished, investors are becoming more discerning with their cash. BoF unpacks how start-ups can raise capital during a global pandemic.
BoF LIVE: How to Raise Money Right Now
While funding hasn’t completely vanished, investors are becoming more discerning with their cash. BoF unpacks how start-ups can raise capital during a global pandemic.
#BoFLIVE: How to Raise Money Right Now
While money for fashion’s start-up scene hasn't dried up entirely, many companies raising money these days have one thing in common: they are seen by investors as recession-proof. How can start-ups attract venture capital firms in today's climate?
#BoFLIVE: How to Raise Money Right Now
While money for fashion’s start-up scene hasn't dried up entirely, many companies raising money these days have one thing in common: they are seen by investors as recession-proof. How can start-ups attract venture capital firms in today's climate?
The State of the Direct-to-Consumer Market
Online brands were facing profitability challenges before the crisis struck. Now, they must confront dramatically lower valuations and the possibility of being sold in distress — or worse.
The State of the Direct-to-Consumer Market
Online brands were facing profitability challenges before the crisis struck. Now, they must confront dramatically lower valuations and the possibility of being sold in distress — or worse.
Is Silicon Valley’s Love Affair With Direct-to-Consumer Brands Over?
As direct-to-consumer product companies confront an unsustainable focus on top line growth, their backers too are shifting gears, opting to invest more cautiously and with tempered expectations.
Is Silicon Valley’s Love Affair With Direct-to-Consumer Brands Over?
As direct-to-consumer product companies confront an unsustainable focus on top line growth, their backers too are shifting gears, opting to invest more cautiously and with tempered expectations.
Start-Up School: How to Write a Business Plan
A step-by-step guide to formulate your business strategy to kick-start your fashion company.
Start-Up School: How to Write a Business Plan
A step-by-step guide to formulate your business strategy to kick-start your fashion company.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
