Justin Levine, Blog + YouTube Thumbnail  (10)-2

Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Rachel Liaw of Fuse Inventory

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Rachel Liaw, co-founder and CEO of Fuse Inventory. Rachel shares how she’s spent nearly a decade building a venture-backed company in one of the toughest and most unpredictable arenas out there: supply chain. She breaks down what it’s been like to weather constant industry upheaval, from tariff swings and COVID shockwaves to the ongoing cash-flow crunch hitting brands of every size.

Rachel also digs into how Fuse was using AI long before it was trendy, and why, even with all the innovation, the world of physical goods still comes down to boats, warehouses, and sometimes… pirates.

show notes:

00:21 - Startup longevity highlighted

01:24 - Fuse Inventory’s tech evolution

03:19 - Tariff turmoil and rapid adaptation

05:08 - Covid’s impact on inventory planning

10:44 - Small brands under pressure

13:24 - Fundraising and focus over hype

Read More About The Episode:

 

00:21 - Startup longevity highlighted
Beck Bamberger introduces Rachel Liaw and celebrates Fuse Inventory’s rare durability and profitability in startup culture.

01:24 - Fuse Inventory’s tech evolution
Rachel shares how Fuse Inventory grew from AI demand forecasting to a full inventory management ERP, crucial amid tariff changes.

03:19 - Tariff turmoil and rapid adaptation
Fuse’s software updates allow dynamic tariff changes, reflecting the industry's challenge of unpredictable global trade policies.

05:08 - Covid’s impact on inventory planning
Rachel recounts how the pandemic disrupted supply chains, leading to overbuying and persistent inventory bottlenecks.

10:44 - Small brands under pressure
Discussion on how fluctuating tariffs and cash flow shortages hit small businesses hardest, especially those supplying large retailers.

13:24 - Fundraising and focus over hype
Rachel explains Fuse’s steady approach to funding, choosing sustainable growth over chasing fleeting AI trends.

Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Rachel Liaw of Fuse Inventory

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, host Beck Bamberge...

Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Feifan Wang of Source Medium

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, host Beck Bamberge...

Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Charles Chiau, Bedrock Ocean

On this episode of Coffee with a Founder, host Beck Bamberge...