Through their investment firm, Imaginary Ventures, Nick Brown and Natalie Massenet have proven time and again the importance of their role in the consumer ecosystem. They understand better than most how difficult it can be to start a business from scratch, so they use their knowledge and resources to prop up promising young startups and get them moving in the right direction. And the status they've achieved as respected and influential stewards of growing businesses is well deserved. In her early career Natalie honed her skills predicting consumer trends as a journalist for Women’s Wear Daily, eventually founding the massively successful high-fashion e-commerce platform NET-A-PORTER. Nick built his portfolio through a few really wise bets on some exciting up-and-coming brands like Warby Parker and Reformation, quickly garnering a reputation as the go-to-guy for fledgling founders. As self-described "generalist investors" Nick and Natalie's interest in potential partners is governed less by a specific genre—like fashion or beauty—and more by the character traits of the business leaders themselves, stating that founders need to have a well-balanced and open-minded approach to growing their business if they ever hope to be successful. There's a lot of really great insight here about the world of investment and retail in general, especially if you're an early-stage founder looking to make your mark. Thanks for tuning in to episode 41. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to [email protected] to be a part of the conversation!