Julie Rice

Julie Rice is an American entrepreneur and businesswoman. She began her career working in the fashion and retail industry. She held various roles, including working at Ralph Lauren and Vogue. In 2006, Rice co-founded SoulCycle, a boutique fitness company that offers indoor cycling classes, with her business partner Elizabeth Cutler. 

The company started with one location in New York City and has since grown to become a famous fitness chain with locations across the United States. The company's signature class combines cycling with strength training and choreography set to music. SoulCycle quickly gained popularity and expanded to multiple locations across the United States. Rice served as the Chief Brand Officer of SoulCycle until 2016 when she stepped down from her position to focus on other ventures.

Under Rice's leadership, SoulCycle became a cultural phenomenon known for its high-energy classes and celebrity following. The company is also well-known for its focus on community and inclusivity. SoulCycle went public in 2019. After leaving her role as the Chief Brand Officer of SoulCycle in 2016, Julie Rice co-founded the Rice Cutler Group venture capital firm. The firm focuses on investments in wellness, wellness-tech, and lifestyle brands. 

Rice is also an angel investor, which means she invests her money in startups and early-stage companies. She often provides mentorship and guidance to the founders and management teams. As an angel investor, she has invested in several companies, including fitness and wellness startups, and companies in other industries, such as food and fashion. Rice is also an advisor to various startups. Her investments and advice are focused on helping the companies scale and grow.