
The Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan
540: In Retrospect - They Made $1 BILLION Selling Toothpaste | HiSmile
Nov 29, 2024
Discover how two young entrepreneurs built a billion-dollar smile care brand from scratch. Their innovative teeth-whitening kit took the internet by storm, thanks to clever influencer marketing. Learn about their commitment to staying bootstrapped and the importance of character in building a successful team. They discuss the significance of adaptability, lessons from early vlogging attempts, and strategies to outshine giants like Colgate. Plus, insights on navigating e-commerce challenges and the evolving landscape of D2C brands.
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Quick takeaways
- Nik Mirkovic and Alex Tomic founded HiSmile at a young age, addressing teeth whitening pain points with innovative product development and strategic R&D in-house.
- The success of HiSmile was significantly driven by influencer marketing, which initially bypassed traditional advertising to create authentic brand presence and traction.
Deep dives
Founders' Journey and Inspiration
Nick Mirkovic and Alex Tomek, the founders of HiSmile, began their entrepreneurial journey at a young age, recognizing a significant pain point in teeth whitening among their peers. They aimed to solve issues of pain and sensitivity commonly experienced with existing products. Through extensive research and experimentation with chemists and pharmacists, they developed an innovative formulation that set their brand apart in a competitive industry. Their drive, coupled with a youthful intuition, facilitated the creation of a billion-dollar global brand from seemingly humble beginnings.
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