Craig (Cj) I.
About Craig (Cj) I.
Craig (Cj) I. is a co-founder of Moonshot Brands and has extensive experience in business development and entrepreneurship, having previously held leadership roles at companies like Zeni and Shift Technologies. He has a strong educational background, including an MBA from The Wharton School, and has successfully built multiple profitable e-commerce ventures.
Work at Moonshot Brands
Craig (Cj) I. serves as Co-Founder at Moonshot Brands, a position he has held since 2020. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones, including securing over $50 million in funding through equity and debt sources. Moonshot Brands has also experienced rapid growth, reaching over $100 million in sales within three years. The company has been recognized as a top performer by Y-Combinator in both 2022 and 2023, reflecting its strong market presence and operational success.
Previous Experience
Before his current role, Craig worked in various capacities across multiple organizations. He was the Managing Partner at Zeni from 2018 to 2020 and served as Head of Business Development at Shift Technologies, Inc. from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, he held the position of Program Director for Global Energy and Sustainability at Johnson Controls in 2011-2012. His experience also includes a role as Senior Manager at Airbnb from 2017 to 2018 and a Deputy Program Lead at the U.S. Department of Energy from 2009 to 2011.
Education and Expertise
Craig holds multiple degrees from prestigious institutions. He earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School, where he studied from 2006 to 2008. He also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. Additionally, he studied Economics at University College London (UCL) and participated in Y Combinator, achieving W21 in 2021.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to his role at Moonshot Brands, Craig is the Founder of Eyebloc, a position he has held since 2013. He also founded Melon, which was later acquired by WegoWise, and operated from 2012 to 2014. His entrepreneurial experience spans over a decade, during which he has successfully built several large, profitable e-commerce companies, demonstrating his ability to innovate and lead in the direct-to-consumer sector.
Media Appearances and Recognition
Craig has gained media attention for his entrepreneurial endeavors, including an appearance on Shark Tank. His leadership at Moonshot Brands has led to notable recognition, including being acknowledged as a top company by Y-Combinator for two consecutive years. His ability to build a global operation has facilitated coordination across teams in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, showcasing his strategic vision and operational capabilities.