Advice Line with Nick Green of Thrive Market

How I Built This · 8 Oct 2026 · 44m

AI in practice: one real use of AI described

What this episode covers

Nick Green, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Market, joins Guy Raz to advise three founders: Mercedes Smith of Blackstrad Concert Attire, Danny Walsh of Peak State Coffee, and Riya Jane of Voice Back. Green discusses how Thrive Market uses data and AI to drive product selection and customer experience, while advising Mercedes on balancing quality with speed by focusing on a core product line. He counsels Danny on funding a mission-driven brand without compromising values, suggesting debt or equity from mission-aligned partners, and advises Riya on scaling awareness for her speech-loss app by targeting clinicians and influencers rather than broad ad channels.

AI in practice

Where this conversation describes AI being used to build or deliver a product. Part of the AI in practice tracker.

Marketing & salesAI cart builder90% of member service inquiries are now self-serviced through AI

Thrive Market uses an AI-powered cart builder to help new members build their grocery orders based on their data and health goals, which has transformed the onboarding experience for new customers.

“our 1st orders now, members can get help building a cart with an AI cart builder that's just transformed the way the onboarding happens for new members. Um, you know, 90% of our member service inquiries now are self-serviced through AI.”

Speaker 2 · Hear it at 4:16

Mentioned

Companies
Thrive Market, Blackstrad Concert Attire, Peak State Coffee, Anthropic, U.S. Bank, Engine, Whole Foods, Costco, figs, Backroads, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
Products
Voice Back, Claude, Delta Sky Miles, Bobo's
Also
Beryl Stafford, Tom Hale, Brian Scudamore

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