Ep 521: How RYSE Used Meta Ads to Raise $10M+ in Equity (Not Just Sales)
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode, Trung Pham, founder of RYSE, shares how he turned paid ad funnels — usually used to drive DTC sales — into a reliable growth engine for equity crowdfunding, raising over $10 million to fuel smart-home hardware innovation.Join Ryse's Round! https://invest.helloryse.com/🎯 Why Listen:Equity Crowdfunding Meets DTC: Learn how Trung structured investor acquisition just like customer acquisition — using Meta, Google, newsletters, and conversion-optimized funnels.Patent Strategy at Work: Discover how RYSE leverages Amazon’s APEX program to automatically take down copycat products.Smart Brand Architecture: Hear how RYSE plans to monetize knockoff competitors with a lower-priced TikTok-focused sister brand.Manufacturing Flexibility: Learn how Trung is using geographic production flexibility to hedge against rising tariffs.Key Concepts Covered:How to apply ad-driven sales mechanics to investor outreachWhat Reg A and Reg CF allow founders to do that VC doesn’tHow to structure tiered investment incentives to drive larger check sizesWhy your IP and distribution channels are your real moatThe difference between marketing high-ticket smart devices and traditional DTC goodsPerfect for:DTC founders, bootstrappers, eCommerce marketers, hardware entrepreneurs, and operators looking to raise capital without giving up control.Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps00:00 – Solving the $2K problem: How Ryse was born02:00 – R&D challenges and building novel IP from scratch05:00 – From crowdfunding to ecommerce: Scaling a smart home brand07:00 – Equity crowdfunding as a DTC growth strategy11:00 – Creative ad strategy for investors and customers14:00 – Cost to acquire investment vs. product sales15:00 – Patent protection and using Amazon's APEX program19:00 – TikTok strategy and launching a lower-cost sub-brand22:00 – Managing tariff risk by diversifying manufacturing24:00 – Building for acquisition: Ryse's smart home vision26:00 – Trung’s advice for hardware founders and DTC equity raisesHashtags#DTCBrands#EquityCrowdfunding#SmartHome#StartupGrowth#EcommerceMarketing#AmazonSellers#ProductInnovation#TikTokShop#PatentProtection#HardwareStartup Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
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Ep 520: How Pilothouse Tests 30+ Creatives Weekly on Meta: A Practical Guide | AKNF
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric Dyck hosts Taylor Cain and Jacob from Pilothouse Meta Brain Trust to unpack how high-volume DTC brands test creative at scale on Meta. Learn their hybrid approach using ABO for insight discovery and Advantage Plus/CBO for scaling winners—while keeping testing spend lean at 5–10% of total budget.Key Moments & Takeaways:30+ ads/week testing: how they structure ABO for high-velocity creative discoveryBudget allocation: keep risk predictable by dedicating a small portion to testsMeta signals: what defines ‘net-new creative’ and how visuals/text/video intros affect deliveryAI vs. human oversight: balancing Meta’s algorithm with strategic media buyingHealth & wellness challenges: dealing with regressions in data permissionsChannel diversification: why brands pivot to AppLovin amid Meta data limitationsSeasonality playbook: capitalizing on lower CPMs pre-summer and prepping for prime Q4Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps00:00 – Why July is the best time to stock the pond for Q402:05 – Creative testing structures: ABO vs. ASC vs. CBO06:50 – Meta’s evolving definition of “net new creative”11:55 – How Meta’s AI systems (Andromeda, GEM, Lattice) influence delivery17:35 – Health and wellness brands and Meta’s tracking limitations22:00 – AppLovin’s rise as an alternative channel for supplement brands23:45 – Prime Day effects on Meta ad performance and purchase intentHashtags#MetaAds#FacebookAds#CreativeTesting#EcommerceMarketing#DTCBrands#PerformanceMarketing#PaidSocial#DigitalAdvertising#PilotHouse#AllKillerNoFiller Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
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Ep 519: Bootstrapping Revel Bikes: From Carbon Suspension Innovation to Acquisition
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of DTC Podcast, Adam Miller, founder of Revel Bikes, shares how he bootstrapped a premium mountain bike brand — solving product complexity, managing cash constraints, and scaling to global distribution with only minimal paid marketing.Why it matters:Bootstrapping high-cost inventory with home equity linesBuilding authenticity through storytelling and PRTurning earned media into sales on long buying cyclesAligning team & culture around product passion, not spreadsheetsKnowing when to say no to big orders to preserve customer trustHighlights:Launch day success propelled by dual Pinkbike + EnduroMag reviewsLicensed a breakthrough suspension patent as product foundationFused retail credibility with DTC growthCustomer service = primary growth engineNavigated exit with alignment to partner sharing long-term visionDid you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps00:00 Intro and Revel’s untraditional marketing approach02:00 Adam’s early entrepreneurial journey in cycling06:00 Bootstrapping Revel with home equity and roommates09:00 The launch strategy: PR, product obsession, and authenticity12:00 Why community and lifestyle drove growth16:00 What made Revel bikes different: Suspension and design19:00 How Evergreen content and reviews outperformed paid ads22:00 Managing explosive growth and demand26:00 Turning down a $980K order to focus on customer experience30:00 Selling the business: The decision and process34:00 Post-acquisition transition and CEO handoff39:00 Reflections, purpose after exit, and what’s nextHashtags#DTCPodcast#RevelBikes#FounderStory#EcommerceGrowth#OutdoorBrands#BootstrappedBusiness#ProductMarketing#BikeIndustry#DTCMarketing#CustomerExperience Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
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Ep 518: CCPA/CPRA Explained - What Every Ecommerce Tech Manager Must Know | AKNF
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of All Killer, No Filler DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck talks with Pilothouse’s Technical Manager Richard about the expanding impact of California’s CCPA/CPRA and evolving privacy laws across North America.Key moments to listen for:CCPA/CPRA 101 & penalties – Up to $7.5K per violation, private-data breach lawsuits, and agency enforcement Thresholds that trigger compliance – Revenue over $25M, 100K+ Californians’ data, or data‑sale revenue ≥50%Multi‑state comparison – VA, CO, CT, and others have their own compliance standardsCompliance tooling deep dive – Shopify solutions (ConsentMo, Pandectis, SecurePrivacy) for banners, data access, and opt‑outsTracking vs. consent – Even server‑side tracking must respect opt‑outsCase study – A client lost 58% of Analytics data but only 4% of purchases after adding full compliance toolsFuture of data consent – How PIPEDA, GDPR-like shifts, and AI‑driven consent profiles are shaping privacyThis episode is essential listening for ecommerce and tech managers who need to navigate privacy law demands without compromising growth and analytics integrity.Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps00:00 – Why eCommerce brands should care about CCPA02:55 – Overview of CCPA and CPRA regulations05:10 – Penalties for non-compliance with California privacy laws08:30 – Thresholds that trigger CCPA enforcement11:05 – What personal data qualifies under CCPA14:00 – Which US states have privacy laws beyond California17:00 – How to make your Shopify store CCPA compliant20:15 – Server-side tracking and compliance limitations23:30 – Real client example: Data loss vs purchase impact27:50 – Impact of consent banners on analytics and conversions31:10 – Managing existing customer data for compliance34:10 – The future of personal data and AI-managed privacyHashtags#consumerprivacy#ccpa#ecommercelaw#dataprotection#cpra#shopifycompliance#usprivacylaws#servertracking#retargeting#googleanalytics Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter
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Ep 517: How Back to Nature Repositioned Away from “Plant-Based” to Drive Shelf Velocity
To Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupThis episode dives deep into how a major global brand (Barilla) reimagined Back to Nature with a bold rebrand strategy anchored in nostalgia, joy, and simple ingredients. Hear why shifting from a plant‑based tagline to a "Better‑For‑You Remix of Classics" helped unlock broader consumer appeal, fortified by skinnier SKU range and sharp creative decisions.🔍 Key Highlights:Research-driven decision to ditch front‑pack “plant‑based” in favor of taste-first appeal.Bold creative overhaul: retro‑60s packaging, high brand recognition risk managed.Category insights:Cookies: flavor, new formats fuel impulse purchases.Crackers: better‑for‑you, snackable formats are gaining share.Marketing strategy: OTT launch, digital/social, plus in‑store velocity tracking.Brand building lessons: leverage heritage, memory structures, stay distinctive (per Byron Sharp).Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps:00:00 – Why Back to Nature Needed a Total Rebrand02:55 – Barilla’s Acquisition and Strategic Goals06:10 – Andrea’s CPG Background and Role in the Brand Relaunch10:45 – Why “Plant-Based” Was Hurting the Brand14:30 – Unlocking a Distinct Brand Identity with Joy and Nostalgia18:00 – Managing Risk and Shelf Recognition in a Full Redesign21:20 – Balancing Better-for-You Messaging and Simplicity23:50 – The Role of OTT and Digital in Brand Awareness26:15 – Staying Focused vs. Chasing Trends at Expo West30:00 – The Evolving Role of Ecommerce and Amazon32:10 – Lessons in Bold Branding and Distinctiveness from Byron SharpHashtags:#DTCmarketing#CPGbranding#RetailRebrand#FoodMarketing#BrandStrategy#ConsumerInsights#PackagedGoods#MarketingLeadership#BrandPositioning#EcommerceStrategy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
Weekly discussions between disruptive direct to consumer ecommerce brands and our amazing team about marketing, funnels, and everything scaling related. Subscribe to our newsletter for highlights and step by step tactical insights 👉🏻 📦 directtoconsumer.co
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