#357 - Product First, Creator Second: How 1Up Candy Hit $10M in 10 Months feat. VOID CEO Chris Koch

In this episode of DTC POD, Chris Koch, founder and CEO of VOID, discusses his background and the venture studio model VOID uses to launch brands with celebrities and talent. Koch explains that VOID focuses on identifying consumer problems and creating product-first brands, using talent as a megaphone for awareness. He details VOID's investment strategy, shared service model, and the importance of strong unit economics and repeat purchases. Koch shares the success story of 1Up Candy, launched with FaZe Rug, highlighting the brand's innovative approach to the candy market, its partnership with Cash App, and its national distribution. He also provides insights into structuring deals with creators, emphasizing the need for alignment, data-driven decision-making, and protective measures to ensure long-term success for both the brand and the talent.