Despite the more cautious capital environment, these founders, mentors and investors share lessons learned on innovating into markets dominated by legacy players, their playbook for scaling fast and responsibly and perspectives on how to build an authentic and enduring brand, culture and reputation for excellence.

Tariq founded Cart.com in late 2020 to level the playing field in e-commerce and has raised $400 Million with nearly 6,000 brands on platform. Ferwerda launched a sustainable skiwear brand in December 2020 and had a 10,000 person wait list in Year 1. DeBernardo finds and funds bold entrepreneurs building innovative companies in big markets. Bracken-Ferguson is a three-time co-founder with two exits and leads the largest platform dedicated to Black beauty and wellness founders.