The Drop
curated insights: fashion, tech, beauty, wellness and biz
🌟 fashion🌟
The Future of e-commerce: My Theresa's Acquisition of Yoox, Net-a-Porter (YNAP)
Luxury brands are doubling down on direct-to-consumer sales, which means platforms like Mytheresa are pressured to prove their value beyond just having products.
The acquisition of YNAP could scale Mytheresa to €4B revenue over the next 4–5 years and give them a competitive edge.
But e-commerce sales are struggling right now.
I’m thinking about what Mytheresa can learn from social commerce.
Multi-brand retailers need to shift beyond discounts toward curated collections, storytelling, and community-driven experiences.
Social platforms are driving purchase decisions—and the high-touch, personalized interactions will keep consumers engaged.
By 2025, nearly 30% of global personal luxury sales, about $91B, will happen online, driven by Gen Z and Millennials who want seamless, fun, and meaningful shopping experiences.
What to Watch: Keep an eye on how luxury brands embrace social commerce. As content, community, and commerce keep blending, what big brands will nail this art first?
Just like the exciting Snapchat x Cartier collaboration, which brings a fresh twist to luxury shopping with an AR Try-On experience.
This feature allows users to virtually slip on the iconic Cartier "Trinity" ring and see exactly how it looks on their finger. It's perfect for enhancing customer experience and reducing returns.
💎 Sovereign Wealth Funds 💎
I’m fascinated with sovereign wealth funds (SWFs),government-owned investment funds that stabilize economies and drive long-term growth.
Lately, they’ve been making some bold moves, not just in real estate and tech but in fashion and lifestyle.
So, who are the big players in the SWF world?
But there’s more to it.
Not all sovereign wealth funds operate the same way. Take the Public Investment Fund (PIF)—a distinct kind of SWF.
It’s not just about wealth accumulation; PIF aligns investments with national policies, pursuing projects that drive development.
How is PIF different?
While SWFs build national wealth, PIFs emphasize development, investing in industries that support long-term growth, like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Example?
Look at their 40% stake in Selfridges, bought alongside Thailand’s Central Group. This deal isn’t just about owning a luxury store; it’s about expanding Saudi influence in Europe and positioning the country as a cultural and economic hub.
Image: Getty Images
Why does this matter?
These fashion investments aren’t just smart—they reflect Saudi’s ambition to weave luxury into its cultural identity, build global partnerships, and fuel a growing appetite for high-end consumption back home.
Do you know who owns Harrods?
🪷 wellness 🪷
Melinda Gates and the $250M Health Call
Last week, Pivotal Ventures (founded by Melinda French Gates) launched a $250M open call to address women’s health challenges, including maternal mortality, malnutrition, and mental health disparities.
Why does this matter?
The funding gap: Women’s health startups are still underfunded because their needs are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Unlocking potential: Funding scalable solutions will improve the lives of millions of women, empowering them to participate in society fully.
Some startups to watch in the Wellness Space:
Hertility: Secured investment from Emma Watson.
Maven Clinic: closed a $125 M funding round at a $1.7B valuation.
🤑 venture capital 🤑
The surge in AI and DeepTech funding is impossible to ignore—investors are all over it.
But here’s the question I keep returning to: What are we missing?
Frank Rotman, founding partner at QED Investors, raises an interesting point: venture capital might be over-indexing on AI, leaving other valuable sectors in the shadows.
We might be riding an AI hype wave, but what if the next big thing is right under our noses in a different sector? Are we so fixated on DeepTech that we’re leaving money on the table?
This year, I heard a great take from an experienced early-stage VC:
Founders should keep building non-AI products. Why? Because in 2-3 years, many companies will realize they’ve overinvested in AI while neglecting their core businesses. And that’s where real opportunities could be waiting.
🍫 life inspo 🍫
When something feels impossible, just think about how SpaceX made reusable rockets a reality, landing boosters like it’s no big deal and turning private space missions into everyday news.
If they can pull that off, imagine what you can accomplish with perseverance and determination.
That’s it for this week’s The Drop! What stood out to you? Let me know! 🐼