Readiness Signals
This event took place on Thursday 16th April 2026.
Mediterranean lunch on the table, growth readiness signals on the agenda.
This lunch brought together founders and directors across consumer sectors (sportswear, cosmetics, footwear, homeware, luxury fashion, FMCG) for talks on deal readiness and unit economics for growth. The presentations focused on how brands can demonstrate strength and strategic direction through credible expansion opportunities, resilience to shifting market dynamics, a well-evidenced brand story and forward-looking views on customer cohorts. The discussion also touched on the mechanics of growth, including how higher CAC, when deployed effectively, can support profitability, alongside the role of payback modelling in informing future scaling plans.
TALKS
Deal Readiness | Scott Pettipher, Director at Strategy& (PwC), outlined how retail and consumer businesses can strengthen foundations, enhance the digital experience and address key gaps in growth plans before raising investment, in order to maximise valuation. In PwC’s work with athleisure brand Adanola, this was followed by a commercial case presented to a carefully selected group of strategic investors. The company subsequently raised minority investment in 2025 at a c.$500m valuation.
Unit Economics | Joe Fletcher, Consulting Director at Omnicommerce, offered perspective on evaluating whether a brand has the right foundations to justify increasing marketing investment. Drawing on experience working with brands such as Playful Promises, This Works, NEOM Wellbeing and Wild Nutrition, Joe demonstrated the financial and data proof points that should precede any increase in spend, and how to correct weaknesses in the marketing model before scaling.
SPONSORS
