Maryellis Bunn is an American entrepreneur and founder of the interactive retail experience company Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC), and serves as the CEO of its parent company, Figure8, Inc.[1]
Before founding MOIC, Bunn worked in design and business strategy consultation for various firms, including Facebook, Instagram, Staples, and Fortune. She also held a role as Head of Forecasting and Innovation at Time, Inc.[4][2]
Museum of Ice Cream
Bunn co-founded MOIC with Manish Vora, who has a background in investment banking and previously served as the CEO of Lightbox.[2] The company, under the parent company Figure8 Inc., focuses on multi-sensory and inclusive experiences, often inspired by ice cream.[1][5]
MOIC started as a pop-up exhibit in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in 2016.[6] The exhibit gained popularity, leading to additional pop-up locations and eventually permanent sites in several cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and New York.[4] Bunn has coined the term "experiums" to describe these spaces, emphasizing their nature as a fusion of experiences and museums.[6][7] MOIC attracted over 1 million visitors across various locations in 2018.[8] This phase of her career led to her recognition in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Art & Style in 2018.[9][10]
Bunn and Vora initially self-funded MOIC's venture.[2] In anticipation of further growth, Bunn secured $40 million in Series A funding in 2019, aiding in expansion to several U.S. cities, Singapore, and Shanghai.[6][11][12] The flagship location opened in New York's Soho neighborhood in 2019.[13][11][14] Subsequent permanent MOIC locations have opened in Singapore and Austin in 2021, and Chicago in July 2022.[15][16][17][18] In August 2022, MOIC opened a location in Shanghai, China in collaboration with the U.S. brand Shake Shack.[19]
In 2020, Bunn and MOIC faced criticism for their response to the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly regarding a sign with the names of victims of police brutality. An apology was issued, and corrective measures were taken.[20][21]
Moreover, allegations of a hostile work environment at MOIC were investigated, with the company stating that protocols are in place to ensure a healthy work environment.[20][22]
