Company Info for caastle.com | IcebreakerMembers
Cofounder @Chubbies ($100M), @Loop. And now, Marathon
What led to Marathon?
It all started in 2011, we founded Chubbies. It was acquired a decade later and is now a public company doing over $100M/yr, growing at solid double-digits/yr at very solid EBITDA margin, but it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows.
Chubbies almost went out of business because of the exact problem we're trying to solve at Marathon.
Chubbies almost went out of business because of the exact problem we're trying to solve at Marathon.
In the early days at Chubbies we built Brand because we had to. We had no money. We were scrappy, creative, dynamic.
And we built an awesome Brand.
Then we monetized that Brand with performance DR. We convinced ourselves that that was the source of our growth. We almost went out of business.
We righted the ship and built, brick by brick, to a >$100m exit, culminating in a >$1B IPO, but to do that we had to overcome the overwhelming pressure to take a short-termist approach.
As we've seen this direct–to–consumer brand market evolve over the years, we've seen the same cycle happen to nearly every other business out there: Starting hot, pushing performance marketing, then stalling out and never getting to long-term sustainable growth.
This was the problem we felt absolutely compelled to solve because we felt for these brand builders and entrepreneurs. We were in their shoes. And but for a whole lotta luck and a gritty–a** team, it would have sunk us.
Then we looked around and realized there just isn't anything on the market that helps companies do this — this most important thing imaginable.
So that's what we're working towards, would love your feedback.
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Ultimately, Brand is your only long-term moat.
Everything you do builds (or erodes) that moat.
The most important thing you can do as a Brand builder is to protect your economic castle with the only constantly learning ML measurement platform that quantifies the long-term incremental baseline revenue impact of your moat-building.
Marathon is the only dataset like this in the world. 
I am dedicated to creating brand value through innovation, strategic business development, and a commitment to sustainability. With a proven track record of merging cutting-edge technologies, forward-thinking strategies, and sustainable practices, I strive to drive impactful outcomes that deliver value to both businesses and society.
Core Expertise:
Innovation
Design Thinking: Developing user-centered solutions to complex challenges.
BlockChain strategy
Agile Methodologies: Implementing iterative, collaborative processes to accelerate innovation.
Technology Integration: Harnessing AI, IoT, and blockchain to transform industries.
White Space Innovation: Identifying untapped opportunities for disruptive growth.
Open Innovation: Building collaborative ecosystems to foster creativity and shared success.
Creative Problem-Solving: Generating novel solutions that solve real-world problems.
Business Development
Strategic Planning: Crafting long-term, data-driven growth strategies for competitive advantage.
AI for Business Strategy
Partnership Development: Cultivating alliances to unlock mutual value and expand business reach.
Market Research & Analysis: Identifying emerging trends, customer needs, and opportunities.
Digital Transformation: Guiding organizations through successful technology adoption.
Sales Enablement: Equipping teams with tools, strategies, and frameworks to drive revenue.
Negotiation Skills: Securing favorable outcomes in complex deals and partnerships.
Sustainability
Circular Economy Expertise: Designing systems and products for reuse, repair, and recycling.
ESG Strategy Development: Integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into core operations.
I thrive at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and business strategy—delivering solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. Whether it’s leading material R&D, optimizing supply chains, or scaling next-gen technologies, I am committed to driving lasting impact in a rapidly changing world. 
I’m Niyati Gupta, a FullStack Software Engineer passionate about crafting clean, scalable, and impactful software.
🎓 B.Tech in Computer Science from NIT Srinagar | Class of 2024
🚀 Startup-savvy: Built matchmaking APIs (UrbanMatch) and worked on core app features.
đź’» Skilled in Python, Django, Node.js, JavaScript, Next.js, PostgreSQL - with a growing love for backend, AI systems and product thinking.
🤝 Team player, Thrive in fast-paced teams, love debugging complex flows, and enjoy turning ideas into products.
🕺 Outside work? I dance, play sports, and connect over curious conversations I am a data-driven, IT and Cybersecurity leader with exceptional listening, planning, and presentation skills who can devise and execute an IT strategy aligned with the business. A servant leader who fosters high performing teams and a culture of excellence needed for rapid scalability, digitization, and business growth. I seamlessly translate business and technical needs into scalable business solutions. As a collaborator and visionary, I empower my teams and external stakeholders with the systems needed to succeed in today’s highly dynamic, ultra-competitive market.
â–· Expertise in all IT functions including IT operations, infrastructure engineering, corporate & GTM apps, security and risk management
â–· Experienced in achieving SOX, SOC 2, and GDPR &CCPA compliance
â–· Optimized performance and engagement with small and large teams
â–· Navigated multiple companies through complex M&A integrations
Career Highlights:
â–· Automated 5M manual tasks in one year by collaborating and streamlining business processes such as employee on/off-boarding, quote-to-cash, sales reporting, marketing operations, and customer provisioning using an iPaaS solution.
â–· Transformed, automated, and modernized business and IT systems by centralizing tools, taking ownership of workflows at multiple high growth companies, connecting and empowering siloed teams, improved security processes, and revamped the go-to-market and finance system to support the Board in IPO filings.
â–· Led IT teams through culture integration and change management to deliver a best-in-class IT program for 13,000 global Workday employees.
â–· Partnered with Infosec to achieve the ISO 27001 certification, building and implementing key policies and procedures.
▷ Architected and implemented a robust security program from the ground up, securing Glassdoor’s web application for 50M users
I am a relationship builder and always looking to expand my professional network. I invite you to connect or reach out. 
