The eCom Ops Podcast Building Billion-Dollar Consumer Brands with Michael Jones
Oct 1, 2025
27:31
Building Billion-Dollar Consumer Brands with Michael Jones
From Dollar Shave Club to Liquid Death, Michael Jones has helped launch and scale consumer companies worth over $6B. In this episode, he shares how venture studios work, why TikTok Shop is a key growth channel, and how AI is changing the speed and cost of building businesses.
About the Guest:
Michael Jones is the General Partner at Science Inc., a Los Angeles–based venture studio and fund. Over his career, he’s led companies to more than $6 billion in exits, including early investments in Scopely and Goodreads.
The No.1 eCom Operations hack:
“A smaller portion of a bigger company is typically a better outcome than a larger portion of a smaller company.”
You Will Learn:
- Why obsession beats traction when backing founders
- How Science Inc. builds companies from scratch with entrepreneurs
- Why TikTok Shop is a game-changer for early-stage brands
- The advantages of venture studios over traditional VCs
- How AI is transforming product launches and marketing
Show Notes:
- (00:03:34) The Hidden Challenges of Building Companies from the Inside
- (00:05:37) The Tech Stack Behind Successful E-Commerce Launches
- (00:07:04) Navigating Walmart and Major US Retail Channels
- (00:08:45) Venture Studio vs. Traditional VC
- (00:11:08) Why Obsession Beats Traction Every Time
- (00:12:34) Deal-Breaking Red Flags Despite Strong Numbers
- (00:14:58) The Logic Behind Selling Successful Companies
- (00:17:33) Shock Value and Brand Differentiation in Today's Market
- (00:18:39) Product Testing Strategy: From Concept to Big Brand
- (00:21:09) AI's Role in D2C Over the Next 2-3 Years
- (00:22:30) Can AI Replace Human Creativity in Marketing?
- (00:24:01) The Biggest E-Commerce Mentor
- (00:26:16) Question for the Next Guest
Let’s keep learning and growing together in the world of eCommerce!
If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.
If you want to learn more about our podcast or have an exciting story to share with our audience, check SyncSpider’s website for more info.