Community Highlights: Meet Neha Kumar of Full Glass Wine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neha Kumar.

Hi Neha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I earned my BA in economics from UCLA and my MBA from USC. My journey took me through various roles, including serving as COO and CFO of Create & Cultivate until its successful majority stake acquisition by a Private Equity firm in 2020. In 2023, I co-founded Full Glass Wine Co., where I now also serve as COO. Full Glass Wine is a trailblazing parent company shaping the future of the wine industry with a mission to cultivate the next wave of direct-to-consumer brands in the space. Alongside, I lecture at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and collaborate with the Women’s Abundance Collective, teaching high-net-worth women the ins and outs of investing and deal-making. I currently reside in Redondo Beach with my husband and two children. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entrepreneurial path is rarely smooth sailing, but that’s the beauty of it! Challenges are part for the course, but they fuel my passion for growth and learning. Transitioning through brand building and acquisition phases has been both challenging and rewarding. Each step has provided invaluable insights, enabling me to mentor and uplift others, particularly women and women of color, in their business endeavors. 

We’ve been impressed with Full Glass Wine Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Full Glass Wine operates as a brand acquisition and management firm laser-focused on the DTC wine space. We envision cultivating a one-stop shop for wine enthusiasts, offering a curated selection, personalized recommendations, and exceptional customer service across multiple brands. Through strategic acquisitions – including Winc., Wine Insiders, and most recently, Bright Cellars – we’ve built a robust portfolio. Additionally, we secured a significant $14 million Series A funding round and are on track for 100 million+ revenue in 2024. We leverage data and technology to provide custom recommendations across different brands, catering to individual taste profiles and preferences. This, combined with our curated selections of high-quality wines at various price points, creates a truly unique customer experience. 

While many wine companies shy away from the DTC model, we believe consumers still crave the seamless convenience it offers. That’s why we leverage the power of established brands with loyal customer bases. This existing data allows for highly personalized marketing, delivering a level of customer engagement that individual brands often struggle to achieve on their own. We believe this innovative approach will shape the future of DTC wine. 

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
While achieving success for my businesses is undeniably important, my deepest passion lies in empowering other women to thrive in the business world, particularly when it comes to finance. Financial literacy is key to unlocking opportunities for women entrepreneurs. By equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the financial aspects of business, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable playing field. Witnessing women leverage financial expertise to launch and grow their ventures is incredibly inspiring. My work at UCLA and the Women’s Abundance Collective allows me to directly contribute to this mission. Knowing that I’m helping pave the way for future generations of female business leaders is incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just success – it’s about creating a ripple effect of empowerment that will continue to grow and inspire. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fullglass.wine/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehatkumar/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-t-kumar-179b6129/