By Invitation Only

Více o knize

On a warm September night in 2002, former acquaintances Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis reconnected at a Harvard Business School mixer. Alexis had recently left eBay, while Alexandra transitioned from investment banking at Merrill Lynch. They were entering a prestigious program that would eventually lead them to fame not in finance or consulting, but at the intersection of fashion and technology. In 2007, they launched Gilt Groupe, a groundbreaking startup valued at over $1 billion, which transformed online shopping through innovative sample sales. Alexis and Alexandra envisioned a website that would revolutionize retail, making shopping competitive, urgent, and thrilling. However, they faced significant challenges. Designers controlled sample sales, limiting access and creating exclusivity. Convincing elite brands to support their online venture was daunting, and they questioned whether high-end shoppers would embrace daily online sales. In this compelling narrative, they share the journey of Gilt's creation, detailing how they balanced the needs of suppliers, engineers, and investors while managing a growing team. They recount the struggles of expanding into new categories and navigating the recession's challenges. Through their story, readers learn that with creativity and perseverance, anything is possible.