In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Joe Seager-Dupuy, Partner at TRUE, discusses his journey from a family of firefighters to venture capital and provides insight into TRUE, a $1 billion consumer-specialist VC and innovation advisory firm revolutionizing the retail, leisure, and consumer tech sectors. The conversation delves into TRUE’s integration of sustainability beyond mere labels, the transformation and reality check of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models, the impact of AI on consumer behavior and entrepreneurship, lessons from working with Richard Branson, and more.
**Video version of episode 132:**
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**Audio version of episode 132:**
**Key Takeaways:**
– Great founders reshape consumer habits, not just follow them.
– Market size matters – even the best idea struggles without it.
– Copy-paste advice is dangerous; context defines success.
– Brands with a bold point of view earn loyalty faster.
– AI is an accelerant, amplifying both good business models and bad ones.