10 Top US VC Firms Investing in Beauty Right Now
The changes in the beauty industry are palpable. Its current focus is technological innovations, with consumers shifting toward buying products that make inclusivity their focal point. Some people prioritize products made using organic ingredients while others love product personalization.
In this shifting marketplace, it might be difficult to get a willing VC for your beauty startup. That’s why it’s important to start identifying the active players in this industry. That way, you’ll know who to entrust your dreams with.
Read on and learn more about various beauty brands and the VCs investing in them.
1. Khosla Ventures
Khosla Ventures firm focuses on companies in their early- and late-stages, as well as seed funding for these. It’s a firm that wants to invest in sectors like advertising, agriculture, big data, health, robotics, semiconductors, and sustainable energy. But their main focus is on the internet and clean technology sectors.
Their beauty investment is in NakedPoppy. It’s an online platform that uses technology to maintain a list of both known and suspected toxins that can harm the skin. They also test new beauty products rigorously, helping women know clean beauty brands well-suited for them. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5X9LVUhT2v/
2. Forerunner Ventures
This is an early-stage VC capital firm seeking to invest in a lot of industry sectors. This includes the eCommerce, internet, mobile, retail, software, and technology sectors. Forerunner Ventures first opened in 2010 and makes San Francisco, California, their home.
This firm put its investment in Curology. It’s an online dermatology service offering personalized skincare treatment plans as well as products. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_fNVahRj2/
3. Greenspring Associates
A global investment firm based in Owings Mills, Maryland, Greenspring Associates invests in both established and emerging VC fund managers. They also invest in venture-backed firms in its expansion stage as well as in secondary investments in VC funds.
They’re the firm that invested in RealSelf. This is an elective cosmetic treatment platform made for people who want to learn about cosmetic procedures. It also allows people to share their experiences and communicate with various providers. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xkTclBg0j/?hl=en
4. Imaginary Ventures
This venture capital firm’s headquarters is in New York. They focus on consumers, seeking to invest in various categories in the eCommerce market. This will include beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and retail.
Imaginary Ventures put their investment in Glossier. This is a beauty brand whose main philosophy revolves around skincare. Their products intend to help people emphasize and celebrate their natural beauty. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8l7othArQc/?hl=en
An entrepreneurial VC, Funk Ventures focuses on early-stage impact investing and acceleration. They’re headquartered in Los Angeles, California. They’re likely to invest in cleantech, healthcare, medical technologies, and wellness sectors within the Southern California region.
This firm’s recent investment is Every Man Jack. It’s a skincare product manufacturer specifically designed for men. Their products are simple, affordable, and have a high quality. Crunchbase
5. BBG Ventures
BBG Ventures is a New York-based early-stage venture capital firm. They’re founded in 2014, making investments in women-owned startups that focus on consumers. Their preferred investment sectors include internet and consumer tech, consumer products, and media.
This firm recently invested in RadSwan. It’s a company that offers hair products like extensions, wigs, and accessories for women of color. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8mGflbDSNc/
6. Innovation Global Capital
Innovation Global Capital’s headquarters is in San Francisco, California. They’re a venture capital firm that wants to invest in beauty, beverage, consumer technology, enterprise SaaS, and fashion sectors.
The firm invested in Alchemy 43, which serves as an operator for cosmetic injectable clinics. Its intended use is to become the bridge between beauty and medical aesthetic industries. This company uses 3D-imaging technology as well as micro treatments to ensure flawless skin and clients’ desired results. Crunchbase
7. 645 Ventures
This is a venture capital firm headquartered in New York. Founded in 2013, 645 Ventures aims to invest in early-stage startups. They also want to put their investments in specific sectors like software as a service (SaaS), consumer, security, and infrastructure.
645 Ventures invested in Beauty Bakerie. This is a cosmetics company that features makeup products wrapped in packaging similar to baked products and desserts. These products are cruelty-free, long-lasting, and vegan. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cKFgiBDgV/
8. Harlem Capital Partners
Another early-stage VC based in New York, Harlem Capital Partners prefers early-stage companies. Founded in 2015, this company also reserves capital so they can invest in minority and women founders based in the U.S.
Their recent investment is in Lumin Skin. It’s a skincare line for men that specializes in removing wrinkles and dark circles. They aim to reduce the effects of skin aging as well as managing it. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8eaxVMHjjC/
9. Goodwater Capital
A San Mateo, California-based VC firm, Goodwater Capital first opened in 2014. Their primary investments are in early-stage companies within the consumer and technology sectors.
This firm made its recent investment in Scentbird. It’s a fragrance subscription service tailored to change how people buy their perfume and cologne. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jDSiNhVXW/
10. Lerer Hippeau
A venture capital firm based in New York, Lerer Hippeau first opened in 2010. Their main target of investment is companies that operate within the following industries: consumer, digital media, eCommerce, emerging technology, and enterprise software.
This firm invested in Prose. It’s a hair care product line with a customized formula for each customer. They base this according to their goals, lifestyle habits, environmental exposure, and scalp needs. Crunchbase
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8KDsfSpL6n/
Other VC firms investing in fashion and beauty …
Female Founders Fund
Female Founders Fund’s specialty is startups and early-stage investments. Founded in 2013 in New York, this VC firm invests in women-owned startups within the eCommerce, web-enabled products and services, marketplaces, and platforms industries.
Their recent brand investment is Billie. This is a female-focused lifestyle brand that offers quality shaving products for women as well as body care products. Crunchbase
Final Thoughts
When starting up a beauty business, these venture capital firms are unassailable for their reputation. That’s why you need to consider them if you’re planning to get an investor for your beauty business. Do your own research if you’re not convinced by their reputation.
Founder, Editor-In-Chief // A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, ICANN, and Raytheon. A mentor at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Entrepreneur School, Dr. David Choi. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; and invested in some. // Let's Connect: john@lastartups.com
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