Mercato Partners is fundamentally different from most venture capital funds. For one thing, we think brands and customer mind share are more important than intellectual property and patents. Brand is a promise to the customer, the big idea. Authentic brands build companies and accelerate success.
Our first portfolio company, Skullcandy, was recently named the fastest growing consumer products company in America (according to Inc Magazine). Their remarkable growth can be attributed to many factors including flawless brand creation and management. The Skullcandy brand is authentic, resonating with the “core” Skullcandy customer. Everything about the company reflects the sound understanding of the customer and their lifestyle. To the half pipe in their Park City offices to the “Skullcrusher” headphones with powered bass amplification, the company is obsessed with creating products that compliment and represent the customer’s ethos. The brand is also the nucleus of the sales activities. A strong brand increases awareness, builds customer loyalty and is the most persuasive sales mechanism.
While we don’t sell gnarly headphones Mercato Partners is also in the process of building a venture brand. Unfortunately, there is no half pipe in our offices.
