Jeremy Cai

Jeremy Cai is the CEO and founder of Italic, an innovative online retailer that specializes in selling luxury goods without brand names, thereby eliminating the associated markups. Founded in 2018, Italic collaborates with manufacturers that produce for high-end brands like Alexander Wang and Burberry, allowing it to offer unbranded products at lower prices. The company operates by having manufacturers set prices and share profits with Italic, which has led to a diverse inventory that includes items such as cashmere sweaters and leather wallets.12

Cai, an alumnus of Babson College and a 2015 Thiel Fellow, has a background in operations and entrepreneurship, having previously served as COO at Fountain, a company he also founded. His approach to business emphasizes understanding the manufacturing industry deeply, which has been crucial for Italic's unique positioning in the market.24

Under Cai's leadership, Italic has evolved its business model, moving away from a membership-only approach to focus more on curation and direct sales, aiming to establish itself as a luxury brand in its own right.3 The company has raised significant funding, including $13 million in November 2018, to support its growth and expansion plans.2