The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch cover image

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: From a $1.1M Acquisition to $1.4BN in Revenues; The Meteoric Rise of Hoka Running with Deckers CEO, Dave Powers

Dec 22, 2023
Dave Powers is the President and CEO of Deckers Brands, renowned for leading the Hoka and UGG footwear lines. He discusses the remarkable rise of Hoka from a $1.1M acquisition to a booming $1.4BN powerhouse, revealing the strategic insights that fueled its success. Powers shares lessons from overcoming UGG's struggles, including the impact of Oprah's endorsement and the brand's efforts to reclaim its identity. With reflections on balancing corporate culture and consumer loyalty, he provides valuable insights into navigating the fast-paced world of fashion and footwear.
53:43

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Brand maintenance and differentiation are crucial for sustained success in the footwear industry.
  • Hoka's growth was fueled by targeting core athletes and providing a unique product experience.

Deep dives

The DDC model's sustainability challenge

The DDC model is hard to keep sustained because the marketing costs are high, and when marketing is pulled back to make profit, sales decline rapidly. Dependence on wholesale and other revenue sources is crucial to maintain growth.

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