MFD

At Manufactured, we build differently. Not just because we want to go fast (we do), but because speed is how you learn. Too many teams follow a rigid, linear process: Idea → Groom → Build → Test → Deploy → Done! We’ve flipped that. Instead, we embrace a continuous, iterative model: Small deployments (often multiple per dev per day) Real user interactions baked into every stage Learning through behavior—not opinions Measurement that drives action, not just dashboards Our core belief? The biggest bugs in software aren’t broken buttons—they’re features no one uses and features that were never built but should’ve been. So we spend less time in meetings and more time watching users in their real workflows. We listen with humility. We don’t guess what people want—we observe what they do. Thank you Kam Lasater for providing a full break down on how we build technology – https://lnkd.in/gV2eDQ4X

Most technology is about Value Creation, and subsequent Value Capture. The thumb rule for a happy balance is you capture 10% of the value you create for your customers. Most AI platforms are in the "data for tokens" business. i.e. charging for inputs not outcomes. "You give us access to your data, and use our AI prompts, our LLM access and our software to get insights from your data that you could not do with just a simple prompt window to a LLM model.... In exchange, we'll charge you a premium on the number of tokens it costs us to get those insights from the Model companies..." The fundamental problem with this model is: 1/ You hope the LLMs won't just consume your market (most are headed that way) 2/ You bet that your software and ability to glean insights is an edge you'll maintain (needs millions and hundreds of millions in SLM training and local training to keep your insights relevant) 3/ You bet that the margin structure of your "tokens : usage fee" will widen, not narrow as competition intensifies in your segment. In a broad enough market (financial services), Claude or GPT eats your lunch. In a narrow enough market, service agencies will tool up a custom product that access LLMs similar to you. Instead, if you were to truly harness AI to build and operate business outcomes, now you can truly align with your customers on outcomes instead of inputs. This is what MFD does with it's AI agents. Deliver outcomes.

Join us tomorrow for a must-attend conversation with Pranay Srinivasan (CEO), Hamaad A. (Head of Sourcing) and Mike Gelb (Community Manager) as they unpack what these tariff shifts really mean for small and midsize consumer brands. We’ll break down: • The New Tariff Landscape What’s changing — and how it could impact your margins. • Sourcing Strategies That Work Explore smarter options: overseas, nearshoring, or domestic manufacturing. • Supply Chain Impacts When? • Thursday, July 10th • 3pm EST / 12pm PST Understand how tariff shifts could raise your costs across raw materials, components, and logistics — and what proactive steps to take. 👉 If you manufacture physical goods, this is critical intel to stay ahead of disruption. RSVP Here –> https://lu.ma/xjoscbu4

And that's a wrap on Fancy Food! We had a GREAT time meeting many food and beverage + co-hosting Consumer Brews: Fancy Edition at Glimpse's HQ along with J.P. Morgan, VHS Ventures, Matt Holden, Sumeet Shah, Megan (Ceryanec) Murphy, Dimitris Kouvaros Thank you Baobab Foods, REÁL MESA PET FOOD, Salt by Necton, Stiebs, LOLA SNACKS, Maia Yogurt, Everybody Water, Veterans Green Coffee, Häppy Candy, ESSPO, QNSY™ Sparkling Cocktails , SprinkleBites Protein Sprinkles and many other brands for stopping by. #CPG #Events #Coffee #FancyFood

The best decision I made in my career was to be an early engineer at a start up. I was forced to learn and grow faster than I would have if I got swallowed by big tech. Who is looking to grow and learn more? Join us 🤘🚀! https://lnkd.in/e8geV35h MFD

Join us tomorrow for Part 7 of our Tariff Thursday webinar series, where we’ll break down what the newest tariff updates mean for your business — and what to do about them. In this session, we’ll cover: ✅ What's new on U.S. and China and how they impact your Q4 plans ✅ Sourcing strategies brands are using to stay nimble ✅ Rules of Origin and duty-paid workarounds that actually work ✅ What retaliation tariffs could mean for 2025 (and beyond) Plus, we’ll unpack real-world tactics to shift risk, save money, and adapt fast — even when policy keeps throwing curveballs. 📅 June 26th at 3pm EST / 12pm PST 🔗 https://lu.ma/0165mthd Your margins will thank you. #Tariffs #SupplyChain #ConsumerBrands #RetailStrategy #Manufacturing #GlobalTrade #Sourcing #Webinar

If you think branded merchandise is just about slapping your logo on a water bottle, think again. On this episode of the re:COGS Podcast, we sat down with Tricia Srinivasan, founder of Modern Brands Not Merch, to talk about how brands are flipping the script — and 3X-ing the value of their merch. 🎧 Tricia shares: • How brands can turn merch into a revenue stream, not a sunk cost • The design-first approach that builds real fan affinity • What actually makes people wear, use, and post • Real examples of merch strategies that drove measurable ROI If you're a founder, marketer, or operator tired of throwing money at forgettable giveaways, this is your wake-up call. 🔗 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gg_ZyRsz #CPG #DTC #MerchandiseStrategy #BrandMarketing #ConsumerBrands #Recogs #NotMerch #StartupTips #FounderAdvice #Podcast

🚨 We’re hiring a Brand Distribution Lead 🚨 At Manufactured, we are building the first inventory exchange for SMBs creating, making, and selling physical products around the world. Now we’re looking for someone who knows what it takes to build and scale brands from the ground up. This role is part brand strategist, part eComm operator, and part growth marketer. You’ll lead distribution strategy for our owned brands and select client partners—from digital P&Ls to product launches to paid marketing. Shopify and Amazon experience? Required. Founder experience? Huge plus. 🔧 You’ll own: • Digital P&L, merchandising, and campaign strategy • Shopify site optimization + marketplace performance • Paid growth across Meta, Google, Amazon, TikTok, etc. • Managing external vendors + internal stakeholders We don’t care about your resume pedigree. We care about what you’ve built, how you think, and how you get things done. If you’re ready to operate like an owner and want to join a fast-growing, venture-backed company (850% YoY growth 💥), check out the full JD and apply here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ghryne68