Invest Like The Best
Episode 397 Building MSCHF
Invest Like The Best

Episode 397: Building MSCHF

Invest Like The Best

Episode 397

Building MSCHF

Gabe Whaley is the founder and CEO of MSCHF. We cover what it was like to build a business around unbridled creativity, the decision-making process behind some of their most successful ideas, and why subverting rules and cultural norms can be a noble pursuit.

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Show Notes:

(00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best

(00:06:50) Defining Mischief's Unique Creativity

(00:11:09) The Origin Story of Mischief

(00:12:53) Early Digital Projects and Virality

(00:20:33) Transition to Physical Products

(00:33:07) Navigating the Art World with Mischief

(00:39:52) Entering the Fashion World

(00:42:37) Mischief's Creative Process

(00:44:51) Structured Brainstorming and Idea Vetting Process

(00:46:38) The Role of Rules and Boundaries in Creativity

(00:48:39) Interacting with Venture Investors

(00:51:07) The Big Red Boots Phenomenon

(00:54:48) Supply and Demand in Creative Projects

(00:58:08) Protecting Creativity and Overcoming Challenges

(01:00:11) Lessons from West Point

(01:05:25) Fashion as Utility and Fantasy

(01:09:47) Recruiting and Team Dynamics

(01:11:56) Navigating Crossroads and Future Goals

Building MSCHF

Introduction

Patrick
My guest is Gabe Whaley, Founder and CEO of MSCHF. What began with viral internet pranks in 2014 has evolved into one of the most singular creative companies I've encountered. MSCHF's work ranges from microscopic handbags literally the size of a grain of salt to tax software that helps you file your returns by going on virtual dates with anime characters.

Every two weeks they release something new that challenges our assumptions about art, commerce, and culture. MSCHF is hard to define, but Gabe says its goal is to monopolize a feeling where subversion is the rare constant. Their most viral creation, the Big Red Boots, took over the internet in 2023.

Our conversation explores how Gabe dropped out of West Point and built a company that thrives on breaking rules. But it's also about something bigger: the power of unbridled creative expression and what happens when you build a business around it. I hope this episode inspires you to think about what your version of MSCHF could be. Please enjoy this fascinating discussion with Gabe Whaley.

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