From Building Brands to Building Futures

Starting a new business can be one of the most exciting times in someone’s life—but it can also be one of the most stressful. It’s a cutthroat world out there. Roughly 90% of startups fail. Seasoned digital marketing entrepreneur Gilad Krein knows this all too well. He’s seen the ups and downs of the industry, and after finding his own success, he’d like to help others do the same.  

So, how can he do that? With a combination of Krein’s brand-building expertise and his focus on being a present mentor, Krein is redefining what it means to invest in the future.  

Mastering the Art of Brand Building 

Krein’s deep fascination with how technology is changing how people connect and businesses grow drove his journey into digital marketing. He found significant inspiration through the power of storytelling on top of data-driven strategies that have allowed him to help transform brands and drive measurable impact. 

As the founder of Era of Nature, a skincare brand committed to using only pure, natural ingredients in their products, Krein’s company emphasizes the transformative potential of nature for skin and hair care, offering formulations free from synthetic chemicals. It was no easy feat to build his business from the ground up, and now, he wants to help others do the same. Given his experience in the marketing industry, he can easily identify and support startups with scalable potential. 

The Transition to Purposeful Investment 

Krein noted that his transition into investing was “a natural extension of my entrepreneurial journey.” Now, he wants to empower other founders who share the same vision and determination he had when he started.  

According to Krein, a foundation of mentorship is largely missing in investing and assisting startups. He believes that in order for an investment to truly succeed, you need to take an interest in the actual people by providing strategic guidance and support on top of capital. Krein is focused on initiating growth in Europe and the Middle East with investments like Ant Middleton’s SAS franchise.  

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship 

There’s a reason why so many startups fail: Without mentorship and guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, you’re entering a cutthroat industry without the tools to stay afloat.  

Krein is able to use his real-world experience to offer resources and advice to startups to help them avoid common mistakes. They can do this by staying ahead of the curve and employing long-term thinking that extends beyond the next few years. 

Lessons for Today’s Entrepreneurs 

One thing Krein has learned through his own career is the importance of building a strong narrative for your brand. Without that kind of direction and identity, a brand won’t stand out in an overflowing pool of new startups. What makes your brand different, and why should it matter to people? 

While knowing your identity is integral, adaptability is also key. Not only is the market constantly changing, but so is technology and other tools that brands need to utilize to stay ahead of the curve. With collaboration and mentorship, startups can skip some of the major trial-and-error steps and take the advice and guidance of a seasoned professional to heart.  

A Vision for the Future 

Krein wants to extend his mentorship aspirations far beyond himself. He explained, “I’ve been in the trenches, navigating the growth of the digital landscape, which gives me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that businesses face today.”  

Given that he had to learn as he went along without much assistance, Krein is determined to build a global network of advisors to support startups on a larger scale that extends past his own investments.  

Not everyone starts off on the same foot. Krein himself went from “having no money” to working his way up to a place where he can give back some of what he’s learned to help others achieve the same results—particularly in underserved regions. Krein understands the potential of projects that align with innovation, sustainability, and global impact, which he sees as key components for the industry’s future. 

Entrepreneurship is More Than a Numbers Game 

Krein’s dual legacy as an investor, entrepreneur, and digital marketer has given him the tools to approach startups from the varied angles it takes to make a project work. He explained, “I understand what it takes to scale a business, build a brand, and craft strategies that resonate with audiences. This dual perspective allows me to offer practical insights and support to the businesses I invest in, ensuring they’re equipped to thrive in both the short and long term.” 

Krein is certainly someone to be on the lookout for in the future. His expertise and philosophy can inspire fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and startups to create and support the most impactful businesses. By embracing mentorship and strategic thinking, entrepreneurs can reach their full potential—and, in the process, help others do the same.