Sam Bremner: Navigating Consumer Trends | Ep 1199

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Sam Bremner, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of IVEST Consumer Partners, to explore why licensing has evolved from a marketing tactic into a board-level growth strategy.

With global licensed merchandise and services reaching $369 billion, Sam explains the two major forces fueling the surge: capital-light expansion and high-margin royalty models that appeal to institutional investors. He breaks down why franchise IP continues to outperform digital-native brands in long-term value creation—and how experienced operators can successfully convert audience engagement into scalable consumer products.

Sam also shares how corporate brands are institutionalizing licensing into structured, investable revenue platforms, creating predictable cash flows that attract private equity. From entertainment giants to global retailers, he outlines how companies can unlock new royalty streams, expand into adjacent categories, and position IP as a durable financial asset class.

The conversation closes with insights into the future of IP-backed securities, governance standards required by institutional capital, and why disciplined data, transparency, and diversified licensing exposure are critical for underwriting brand royalties in today’s market.

If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.