Join us for a lively discussion with David Bell, the legendary Wharton professor of 20 years known as "the guru of the DTC movement" who backed & advised Bonobos, Caraway, Cotopaxi, Diapers.com, Harry’s, Jet.com, Touchland, and Warby Parker before they were known.
We'll dive into what it takes to identify & build breakthrough startup brands, and his lessons learned as an investor, going back to the early days of DTC as well as what he looks for now as co-founder of Idea Farm Ventures.
About the Speakers:
David Bell is a trailblazer in eCommerce and omnichannel strategy and referred to as the "Guru of the direct-to-consumer movement" by Inc. magazine. As an investor in iconic new economy companies, former Chaired Professor in academia, and award-winning researcher, David brings a unique and first-principles viewpoint to commerce and entrepreneurship. [Full Bio]
Daniel Scharff (WG’09, Lauder) is the founder of Startup CPG, the world’s largest community of consumer brands and experts, and host of the world #1 CPG podcast. He’s formerly the CEO of Machu Picchu Energy, an organic beverage company, and a 13 year industry veteran.
When:
Thursday, May 21, 2026
6:00 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET
Where:
Midtown West (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to the email address provided at registration.)
Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $30 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $50
Gold & Benefactor Members - $0
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as events can and do sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Thursday, May 21st at 9:00am. No exceptions.
Cancellations must be made at least 48-hours (business day) prior to the event date by sending an email to Gabriela Sanchez. Refunds or credits for future events are not available for any no-shows or late cancellations. Click here for full details.
We'll dive into what it takes to identify & build breakthrough startup brands, and his lessons learned as an investor, going back to the early days of DTC as well as what he looks for now as co-founder of Idea Farm Ventures.
About the Speakers:
David Bell is a trailblazer in eCommerce and omnichannel strategy and referred to as the "Guru of the direct-to-consumer movement" by Inc. magazine. As an investor in iconic new economy companies, former Chaired Professor in academia, and award-winning researcher, David brings a unique and first-principles viewpoint to commerce and entrepreneurship. [Full Bio]
Daniel Scharff (WG’09, Lauder) is the founder of Startup CPG, the world’s largest community of consumer brands and experts, and host of the world #1 CPG podcast. He’s formerly the CEO of Machu Picchu Energy, an organic beverage company, and a 13 year industry veteran.
When:
Thursday, May 21, 2026
6:00 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET
Where:
Midtown West (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to the email address provided at registration.)
Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $30 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $50
Gold & Benefactor Members - $0
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as events can and do sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Thursday, May 21st at 9:00am. No exceptions.
Cancellations must be made at least 48-hours (business day) prior to the event date by sending an email to Gabriela Sanchez. Refunds or credits for future events are not available for any no-shows or late cancellations. Click here for full details.