David Olusegun | Co-Founder & Co-CEO | Creative Control Ventures
David Olusegun’s journey from South London to becoming a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of Creative Control Ventures (CCV) is a testament to his resilience, vision, and deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful impact. Born and raised in South London, David’s early career began at Viacom, where he worked with globally recognized brands like MTV and Nickelodeon, in their consumer products department. It was there that he developed a strong foundation in understanding how brands resonate with consumers and shape their daily lives. At EliteX, we are proud to have David Olusegun as part of the edition – 20 Under 40: Influential & Rising Leaders of 2024.
His career took an exciting turn when he ventured into the world of sports agencies, working with Premier League footballers and negotiating commercial deals. David’s talent for identifying opportunities and connecting the right people to the right projects soon became clear. His passion for both sports and entertainment extended into the music industry, where he launched a record label that eventually became an imprint under Warner Music. This entrepreneurial venture saw significant success, and David made the strategic decision to sell the label in 2020. However, a personal tragedy marked a profound shift in his career trajectory. After the heartbreaking loss of his brother, David was inspired to build something with a deeper purpose—a business that combined commercial success with a mission to create positive change. This vision became the foundation of Creative Control Ventures, a venture builder that partners with celebrities to launch consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands that aim to leave a lasting impact on people’s lives.
“The true measure of leadership is the impact you leave behind—not just in business, but in the lives you touch along the way.”
At the heart of CCV’s success is its ability to collaborate with celebrities to create brands that resonate with everyday consumers. David’s extensive network in media, sports, and music provided him with unique insights into how celebrities could amplify a brand’s message and create genuine connections with their audiences. His inspiration to pursue this business model came from witnessing how products, like Fenty Beauty, could cater to underserved markets and offer solutions that people genuinely needed.
One of David’s first major successes with CCV was the launch of Nala’s Baby, a skincare brand for babies, in collaboration with the British rapper Krept. Nala’s Baby, which has sold over a million products, is now stocked in over 2,500 stores, including major retailers like Boots, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, and Amazon. The brand’s success is a direct reflection of David’s commitment to creating high-quality products that solve real problems for consumers. Parents who use Nala’s Baby have shared glowing reviews, praising the positive impact the products have had on their children’s well-being. For David, knowing that something he helped create has made such a tangible difference is incredibly rewarding.
Following this success, David launched SYPS, a frozen beverage brand, in collaboration with British rapper Aitch. SYPS quickly gained traction, securing spots in over 1,500 stores, including Iceland, Amazon, ScotMid, and Costco. Like Nala’s Baby, SYPS is a brand with a purpose, offering high-quality, innovative products that cater to a growing demand for healthier, convenient options. As a young leader, David has faced his share of challenges, particularly in balancing the demands of running multiple ventures while staying true to his personal values. Building a business is never easy, and there were times when the fast pace of the industry felt overwhelming. However, David credits his mother as one of his greatest influences. She instilled in him the values of hard work, resilience, and discipline—qualities that have guided him through even the most difficult times. Her unwavering support and belief in his ambitions helped David stay grounded, even when his goals seemed incredibly ambitious.
These values proved crucial when David was building his record label and later when he founded Creative Control Ventures. He learned that by remaining disciplined, persistent, and focused on a purpose beyond just making a profit, he could navigate the inevitable challenges that come with entrepreneurship. His ability to stay true to his mission while adapting to the demands of a fast-paced industry has been key to his success. David’s leadership style is defined by empathy, resilience, and vision—three qualities that he believes are essential for success. Empathy allows him to connect with both his team and his consumers on a deeper level, ensuring that the products and ventures he creates are truly meaningful. He understands the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks and challenges, which are inevitable in the business world. Vision, meanwhile, keeps him focused on the bigger picture, helping him guide his decisions and inspire those around him.
“In a world full of opportunities, resilience and empathy are the keys to turning obstacles into stepping stones.”
As a purpose-driven leader, David’s motivation comes from knowing that the products he creates are improving lives. He is deeply passionate about making a positive impact, and every time he hears how one of his brands has helped someone, it reinforces his commitment to continue innovating and pushing forward. This sense of purpose is what keeps him focused, even in an industry as competitive as consumer packaged goods. Innovation is at the heart of David’s approach to business. He believes that true innovation is not just about creating new products, but about finding better ways to meet consumer needs and solve problems. Whether it’s identifying gaps in the market or leveraging technology to enhance product offerings, David encourages his team to think creatively and stay ahead of the curve. This innovative mindset has allowed CCV to stay competitive and continue evolving in a rapidly changing industry. David’s success as an entrepreneur can be attributed to his ability to combine innovation with a deep understanding of consumer needs. His ventures are not just about financial success—they are about creating products that truly resonate with people and make a difference in their lives.
For David, balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge, but it is one that he takes seriously. His passion for his work means that it can be all-consuming at times, but he has learned the importance of setting clear boundaries and making time for the things that matter most—family, personal growth, and self-care. He believes in being fully present in both his professional and personal life, ensuring that when he is with loved ones, he disconnects from work and gives them his full attention. Maintaining this balance is crucial for his well-being and allows him to stay focused and motivated in both areas of his life. David knows that in order to be a successful leader, he must take care of himself and prioritize quality time with those closest to him.
David’s commitment to continuous learning has been a key factor in his growth as a leader. He believes that staying curious and open to new ideas is essential for staying relevant in an ever-changing business landscape. Whether it’s through reading, networking with other entrepreneurs, or learning from his own team, David is always seeking ways to improve and evolve. He also values mentorship and surrounding himself with people who challenge and inspire him. Reflecting on both successes and failures allows him to grow, and he constantly seeks feedback to improve. For David, leadership is an ongoing journey, and he is committed to continuing his growth and development as he leads CCV into the future.
As David looks to the future, his hope is that his legacy will be one of purpose-driven impact. He wants to be remembered as a leader who not only built successful businesses but also made a meaningful difference in people’s lives. His goal is to inspire others to lead with empathy, purpose, and integrity, showing that it is possible to achieve greatness while staying true to one’s values. Through his work with Creative Control Ventures, David Olusegun is proving that entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for good. By creating products that address real needs and partnering with celebrities to amplify important messages, David is leaving a lasting legacy—one that goes beyond financial success and touches the lives of millions of people.
“Success is not just about profits; it’s about purpose. If what you’re building doesn’t improve lives, you’re missing the point.”