The shelf life of creative is getting shorter for DTC brands

Now that a few high profile DTC brands have been punctured on the public market and the economy is crashing, VC-driven DTC business model will likely go into its own recession. Without DTC, there is an opportunity for a variety of smaller, more sustainably funded players who do not seek hypergrowth.

What was innovative in 2010 is now table stakes. E-commerce paired with Instagram ads and a modern logo is no longer a novel experience. “DTC was an insight 10 years ago,” said Ben Lerer.

And yet, lately, it feels like we're living through an era where we don't feel comfortable rewarding the risk it takes to be directional. The gravitational pull of the safe and familiar means it's rarer for brands to stick their necks out and actually lead with a strong vision. Instead, they play it safe. Brands and countless DTC startups are seemi... See more