Lauren Rinkey

Lauren is a leading brand architect, experience designer, and business development expert with a niche focus on creating opportunities between the start-up, investment, and consumer brand ecosystems. She has spent the past 15 years developing innovative brand programs, partnerships, experiences, and digital platforms for the world’s most iconic lifestyle and technology brands including Nike, Absolut Vodka, Samsung, and Google. Insatiably curious, Lauren is always thinking, reading or speaking about what’s next. She lives at intersection of culture and innovation, and she is known for identifying consumer trends well before the masses. Above all else, she loves connecting incredible humans, brands, and businesses.

Since 2013, Lauren has been an Adjunct Professor at USC Marshall School of Business where she co-leads the largest course at the school, Taking The Leap: The Entrepreneurial Mindset. “The Leap”, for short, is a renowned speaker series featuring the world’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators and change-makers. In 2014, Lauren co-founded HUSH Meditation, one of the world’s first modern meditation studios. She is continually studying consumer health and wellness, and believes that true success is an inside-out process. Outside of the daily grind, Lauren is an active supporter of City of Hope, The David Lynch Foundation, and the advancement of women and girls.

Education

• BA The University of Texas at Austin (2001 — 2005)
• UCLA Anderson School of Management (2009 — 2010)
• Minnetonka, MN Hopkins High School
• Hod Hasharon, Israel Alexander Muss High School In Israel

Companies

• Operating Partner, Consumer Wellness Virgo Investment Group (2021)
• Co-Lead, US Steering Committee Lyre's Spirit Co (2021)
• Board Member Desert Door Distillery (2021)
• Managing Partner Vital Ventures (2020)
• Advisor, Venture & Growth Equity Point King Capital (2020)
• Venture Partner+ Springdale Ventures (2020)
• Adjunct Professor, Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business (2013)
• Vice President, Business Development Alliance Consumer Growth (ACG) (2018 — 2020)
• Global Brand Director | Nike+ Services & Brand Experiences Nike (2015 — 2017)