Sara DeCou

Sara DeCou is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, creative executive, and brand strategist recognized as the co-founder of Brud, a technology startup that introduced computer-generated social media influencers. DeCou and her co-founder Trevor McFedries created the first computer-generated social media influencer, Lil Miquela. Brud gained attention when it was revealed as the company behind the Instagram character Miquela (@lilmiquela), a robot model and musician who amassed a significant following and was named one of Time's Most Influential People on the Internet. The company's virtual characters explored the intersection of technology, culture, and commerce.

Miquela, along with Brud's other robots Blawko and Bermuda, are the creations of DeCou and McFedries. These virtual personalities released viral pop songs, appeared on magazine covers, and contributed to real-world causes, including fundraising for Black Girls Code and victims of California wildfires. The virtual influencer released a Top 10 Spotify single and collaborated with fashion brands such as Chanel, Vetements, Off-White, Proenza Schouler, Moncler, and Prada. Brud secured substantial funding from investors, highlighting the company's impact at the intersection of artificial intelligence, media, and culture.

For her work with Brud, DeCou was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Consumer Technology. After her tenure at Brud, DeCou expanded her influence in the consumer brand sector, serving as Senior Vice President of Creative at Starface World, where she demonstrated expertise in creative leadership and management. She also advises and invests in companies such as Starface, an acne-positive skincare line based in Los Angeles.

DeCou later co-founded Futurewise with Julie Schott, Brian Bordainick, and Janet Park. As co-president of brand and creative at Futurewise, DeCou helped shape the brand's identity, targeting consumers navigating the transition between adolescence and adulthood. Futurewise achieved broad retail distribution in CVS, Target, Walmart, and Urban Outfitters. Throughout her career, DeCou has translated emerging cultural trends into compelling brand narratives, from virtual influencers to innovative skincare.

DeCou currently works as a creative and brand strategy consultant at decou studio in Los Angeles. She travels between Los Angeles and New York to collaborate with companies on storytelling and market positioning. DeCou is recognized for her expertise in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, futurism, and women in business, drawing on her cross-disciplinary experience building culturally relevant brands in the digital era.