Thirty Four. / Contributor Twenty Nine: Brian Folmer, FirstLook
On True Perseverance, The Future of AR, and Putting Sustainability First.
Hey, everybody. Thank you to everyone who provided some great recommendations for Portland, Maine. It’s such an incredible town, and Nitasha and I plan to come back soon, especially to Acadia National Park.
We’re back to the single author framework, and today’s edition features a relatively new friend in the startup world. When he introduced what he was working on to me, I sat there and categorized his startup within the “duh” category. The product. Just. Makes. Sense.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Brian Folmer.
Enjoy!
Brian Folmer is the founder of FirstLook, a subscription box full of emerging, high-growth consumer brands for early-stage investors. He believes founders are the dreamers in action, the bedrock of our economy, and the main driver to a higher quality of life.
He’s also a die-hard Clevelander and claims, “If I don’t feel ashamed wearing Browns merch in public, you shouldn’t feel ashamed wearing a mask.”
A fun fact: He helped start his high school’s hockey team, which is still a thriving program today.
What are you currently working on?
Currently I’m going full-speed on FirstLook. We beta launched in March, and our official box launch was in June. The response has been amazing so now I’m doing my best now to keep that positive momentum going. It’s been really rewarding so far to connect with so many founders and learn how they’re getting creative during these turbulent times.
Humans are undefeated when it comes to perseverance, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
What are you currently excited about?
AR/VR. Every time I put a headset on and explore, I’m blown away. After seeing Ready Player One a few years back, I’ve been hooked. I’m excited to see what unfolds over the coming years from this technology, in both consumer and B2B.
I feel like AR/VR now is akin to the internet in the early 90’s.
What’s a story or article that you're currently thinking about?
A story I keep wondering about is where things will land once the world solves COVID-19. Big jolts to our system like this ignite creativity. Many of the greatest songs ever came from starving artists who had their backs to the wall and everything on the line. I think a lot of people are in that same situation right now. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” has never been more relevant.
What’s a product you’re currently obsessed with?
I’m obsessed with The Consumer VC podcast. The guests are top notch, episodes move quick, and the host, Mike Gelb, asks all the right questions. Same with the Robinhood Snacks daily podcast. Hosts Nick and Jack are two peas in a pod(cast). Listening to these shows is a daily ritual, I learn so much from them.
Wild Card: What’s an item you can’t shake your mind off of?
It’s been really nice to see the world embracing sustainability amid the difficult times. There is a real changing of the guard happening. Leaders from my generation, and even younger, are reaching new heights where they can inflict real, positive change for the planet.
Brands like Akua, Candid, Moringa Connect, and Acari are putting sustainability and social impact at the forefront of what they do, and consumers are rewarding them for it. It’s a beautiful thing.
~ C O L O P H O N ~
Please send all feedback, both positive and negative, to sumeetshahwork@gmail.com as this project continues to evolve.
Interested in contributing an edition? Email me at sumeetshahwork@gmail.com!
Want more great things to read? Follow my Flipboard Magazine, #Reads_Feeds.
Did this get forwarded to you by a friend? Please consider subscribing below!