Why “Science-Backed” Doesn’t Drive Your Exit

Most founders assume better science leads to a better business. This episode challenges that. Dr. Liia Ramachandra explains why repeat customers, not clinical trials, determine enterprise value and how founders should actually allocate capital.

Key Takeaways:

1. Repeat purchase rate matters more than scientific claims

2. Most “clinical trials” in skincare are subjective and limited

3. R&D should be minimal once product-market fit is proven

4. Marketing and distribution drive scale, not formulation tweaks

5. Differentiation must evolve as the market catches up

Prime Day moved. Most brands haven't adjusted.

If inventory isn’t at your 3PL by early May, you’re already tight.

Five questions to answer right now:

1. Do you know your Prime Day SKU list and quantities?

2. Where is your inventory right now?

3. What is your fulfillment partner’s lead time to ship to Amazon?

4. Do you have a way to track inbound status once units arrive at Amazon?

5. Have you made a deliberate call on storage fees versus availability?

What this looks like for Prime Day 2026:

• Prime Day: approximately June 30

• Amazon Prime Day in-stock deadline: June 5

• Latest ship date to your fulfillment partner: early May

• Decision point for SKUs and quantities: now