April 2, 2026

From Streetwear to Gaming: The Evolution of Greg Selkoe

From Streetwear to Gaming: The Evolution of Greg Selkoe

Greg Selkoe is a serial entrepreneur and a true cultural architect. He’s best known as the founder of Karmaloop, one of the original streetwear and e-commerce pioneers that went from an idea to a global brand doing over $180 million a year at its peak. Greg’s lived the full entrepreneurial arc. The insane highs of hypergrowth, the painful reality of watching it all come apart, and the even harder work of rebuilding with real intention and clarity. Today, he’s the Co-Founder and CEO of XSET, a next-gen gaming and lifestyle organization sitting at the intersection of content, community, and culture, and honestly redefining what a modern brand can look like. What I love about Greg is how real he is. He doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. He talks openly about leadership, failure, resilience, and what it actually takes to build something that truly resonates with people in the real world, not just on a pitch deck. In this engaging conversation, Adam Posner interviews Greg Selkoe, a serial entrepreneur known for founding Karma Loop and co-founding XSET. They discuss Greg's journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the cultural influences that shaped his career, and the lessons learned from the collapse of Karma Loop. Greg shares insights on building authentic brands, the importance of community in gaming, and how he defines success beyond monetary gains. The conversation highlights the significance of resilience, self-awareness, and hiring for cultural fit in business. In this conversation, Greg Selkoe discusses various aspects of balancing personal and professional commitments, particularly in the context of an upcoming event. He shares insights on financial strategies, event planning, marketing partnerships, and the importance of collaboration within his team. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of live streaming and audience engagement, as well as the final preparations leading up to the event launch. Throughout, there is a focus on the excitement and challenges of managing multiple responsibilities while ensuring a successful outcome. Connect: XSET: https://xset.com Instagram (Greg Selkoe): https://www.instagram.com/gregselkoe XSET Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xset

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Takeaways

- Greg Selkoe's journey reflects the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
- Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping business ideas.
- Karma Loop was a pioneer in streetwear and e-commerce.
- Navigating growth requires learning from mistakes and adapting.
- The collapse of Karma Loop taught valuable lessons about resilience.
- XSET aims to redefine gaming culture and community engagement.
- Authenticity in branding is crucial in today's market.
- Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills and experience.
- Success is defined by happiness and meaningful experiences, not just money.
- The importance of self-awareness and managing stress in business. It's important to balance personal commitments with professional responsibilities.
- Financial strategies are crucial when dealing with large investments.
- Effective event planning requires clear communication and coordination.
- Marketing partnerships can significantly enhance brand visibility.
- Live streaming offers unique opportunities for audience engagement.
- Collaboration within a team is essential for success.
- Final preparations are critical to ensure a smooth launch.
- Understanding audience dynamics can drive attendance and participation.
- Post-event reflections can inform future strategies.
- Maintaining strong relationships with partners is key to ongoing success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Greg Selkoe and His Journey
09:21 The Birth of Karma Loop
18:07 The Collapse of Karma Loop and Personal Reflection
25:25 Building XSET: A New Era in Gaming and Culture
33:40 Hiring for Values and Culture