Maryellis Bunn | |
---|---|
Born | Laguna Beach, California |
Nationality | American |
Known for | Museum of Ice Cream |
Maryellis Bunn is an American entrepreneur and founder of the interactive retail experience company Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC), and serves as the CEO of its parent company, Figure8, Inc. [1]
Bunn was raised in Laguna Beach, California. [2] She moved to New York City for higher education, graduating from New York University and earning a joint degree in business and design from Parsons School of Design. [2] [3]
Before founding MOIC, Bunn worked in design and business strategy consultation for various firms, including Facebook, Instagram, Staples, and Fortune. She also held a role as Head of Forecasting and Innovation at Time, Inc. [4] [2]
Bunn co-founded MOIC with Manish Vora, who has a background in investment banking and previously served as the CEO of Lightbox. [2] The company, under the parent company Figure8 Inc., focuses on multi-sensory and inclusive experiences, often inspired by ice cream. [1] [5]
MOIC started as a pop-up exhibit in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in 2016. [6] The exhibit gained popularity, leading to additional pop-up locations and eventually permanent sites in several cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and New York. [4] Bunn has coined the term "experiums" to describe these spaces, emphasizing their nature as a fusion of experiences and museums. [6] [7] MOIC attracted over 1 million visitors across various locations in 2018. [8] This phase of her career led to her recognition in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Art & Style in 2018. [9] [10]
Bunn and Vora initially self-funded MOIC's venture. [2] In anticipation of further growth, Bunn secured $40 million in Series A funding in 2019, aiding in expansion to several U.S. cities, Singapore, and Shanghai. [6] [11] [12] The flagship location opened in New York's Soho neighborhood in 2019. [13] [11] [14] Subsequent permanent MOIC locations have opened in Singapore and Austin in 2021, and Chicago in July 2022. [15] [16] [17] [18] In August 2022, MOIC opened a location in Shanghai, China in collaboration with the U.S. brand Shake Shack. [19]
In 2020, Bunn and MOIC faced criticism for their response to the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly regarding a sign with the names of victims of police brutality. An apology was issued, and corrective measures were taken. [20] [21]
Moreover, allegations of a hostile work environment at MOIC were investigated, with the company stating that protocols are in place to ensure a healthy work environment. [20] [22]
Maryellis Bunn | |
---|---|
Born | Laguna Beach, California |
Nationality | American |
Known for | Museum of Ice Cream |
Maryellis Bunn is an American entrepreneur and founder of the interactive retail experience company Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC), and serves as the CEO of its parent company, Figure8, Inc. [1]
Bunn was raised in Laguna Beach, California. [2] She moved to New York City for higher education, graduating from New York University and earning a joint degree in business and design from Parsons School of Design. [2] [3]
Before founding MOIC, Bunn worked in design and business strategy consultation for various firms, including Facebook, Instagram, Staples, and Fortune. She also held a role as Head of Forecasting and Innovation at Time, Inc. [4] [2]
Bunn co-founded MOIC with Manish Vora, who has a background in investment banking and previously served as the CEO of Lightbox. [2] The company, under the parent company Figure8 Inc., focuses on multi-sensory and inclusive experiences, often inspired by ice cream. [1] [5]
MOIC started as a pop-up exhibit in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in 2016. [6] The exhibit gained popularity, leading to additional pop-up locations and eventually permanent sites in several cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and New York. [4] Bunn has coined the term "experiums" to describe these spaces, emphasizing their nature as a fusion of experiences and museums. [6] [7] MOIC attracted over 1 million visitors across various locations in 2018. [8] This phase of her career led to her recognition in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Art & Style in 2018. [9] [10]
Bunn and Vora initially self-funded MOIC's venture. [2] In anticipation of further growth, Bunn secured $40 million in Series A funding in 2019, aiding in expansion to several U.S. cities, Singapore, and Shanghai. [6] [11] [12] The flagship location opened in New York's Soho neighborhood in 2019. [13] [11] [14] Subsequent permanent MOIC locations have opened in Singapore and Austin in 2021, and Chicago in July 2022. [15] [16] [17] [18] In August 2022, MOIC opened a location in Shanghai, China in collaboration with the U.S. brand Shake Shack. [19]
In 2020, Bunn and MOIC faced criticism for their response to the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly regarding a sign with the names of victims of police brutality. An apology was issued, and corrective measures were taken. [20] [21]
Moreover, allegations of a hostile work environment at MOIC were investigated, with the company stating that protocols are in place to ensure a healthy work environment. [20] [22]