Benjamin Cogan

Benjamin Cogan is a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of Agora Brands, an e-commerce aggregator focused on acquiring and managing direct-to-consumer (D2C) businesses. His career in the e-commerce space includes founding several successful companies, notably Hubble Contacts, where he played a crucial role in scaling the business to significant revenue levels and international reach.14

Professional Background

• Agora Brands: Cogan co-founded Agora to provide a platform for smaller, profitable D2C brands that may not be attractive to larger consumer packaged goods companies or private equity firms. The company aims to enhance operational efficiencies by consolidating multiple brands under one umbrella, leveraging shared resources and strategies for improved profitability.23
• Hubble Contacts: Before Agora, he co-founded Hubble, which became one of the fastest-growing DTC companies in the U.S., raising substantial venture capital and expanding into multiple countries.45
• Other Ventures: Cogan has also been involved in founding other e-commerce businesses, including Mockingbird Strollers and Willow Underwear.34

Education and Philosophy

Cogan holds a degree from Princeton University, where he studied philosophy. His academic background influences his approach to business, particularly his focus on ethical entrepreneurship and sustainable practices within the e-commerce sector.36 He is also known for his commitment to philanthropy, having been involved with organizations like Giving What We Can, which promotes effective altruism.3

Cogan's insights into the e-commerce landscape emphasize the importance of profitability over mere growth, reflecting a shift in investor priorities towards sustainable business models.25