UPDATE: Five groundbreaking brands have just been recognized as part of the 2025 Brands That Matter honorees, showcasing their impressive connections with fans and innovative approaches. These young companies, including Unrivaled and Scarlett Gasque, are setting new standards in their industries and capturing significant consumer attention.
Unrivaled, a professional three-on-three women’s basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has raised $35 million to enhance opportunities for female athletes during the offseason. With a staggering statistic showing that women accounted for over half of Unrivaled’s televised viewership last season, the league is gaining traction rapidly. Their NIL program featuring stars like Paige Bueckers from the University of Connecticut is driving even more interest.
In the beauty sector, Fine’ry is making waves by offering affordable dupes of popular fragrances. Tracking consumer desires on social media allows them to create in-demand scents quickly. Their recent release, Pistachio Please, has flown off the shelves, achieving an impressive sale every 10 seconds in 2024. Fine’ry’s innovative approach includes engaging with fans through immersive pop-ups, both physical and digital, including a presence on Roblox.
Scarlett Gasque, a two-year-old lingerie brand, has made headlines by diversifying its model roster to include more plus-size and diverse bodies. This strategic move has led to a remarkable 45% increase in social engagement, attracting attention from celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Sabrina Carpenter. Their products are even making appearances in high-profile venues, such as Selena Gomez’s music video for “Sunset Blvd.”
In the spirits industry, SirDavis, co-founded by megastar Beyoncé and Moët Hennessy, is redefining the luxury whisky market by targeting underrepresented demographics, particularly women and people of color. Their marketing strategies have included high-profile events and blind tasting tests, ensuring that customers know the product’s quality stands out beyond its celebrity status.
Alan-1 is capturing nostalgia with its modern takes on classic arcade games, generating $2.1 million in sales last year alone. Partnerships with venues like Disney World and Dave and Buster’s have enabled them to reach a broad audience, while their YouTube strategy has amassed over 500,000 organic views.
These brands are not just rising stars; they are reshaping their industries and connecting with consumers on a deeper level. As they continue to innovate and expand their reach, the impact of their strategies will be watched closely by industry experts and consumers alike.
Stay tuned for further developments on these dynamic companies as they continue to evolve and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
