There has been a great skew against funding for female founders, co-relating with the huge gap between female-founded companies and their male counterparts However, a recent report from Pitchbook indicates that that may be slowly changing.
Pitchbook reports that during the first three quarters of 2021, female founders in the tech market gained over $30 billion in investments. This increase is more than 82% of the amount in 2020, which makes it the highest number thus far. Female-founded companies are now expected to receive at least $40 billion in investments, with the volume estimated to increase by 30% per year.
This is partly because women have made gains in the venture ecosystem. Recently, there has been an increase in females becoming general partners in some of the largest venture capital firms. The Pitchbook report also shows that the largest gains came during the earliest venture stages, with the number of women angel investors increasing by 66% since 2018. With more women holding more leadership roles in the venture capital landscape, more women-led businesses are now being funded.
Female-focused venture capital firms have a wide range of portfolios, including different industries such as tech, healthcare, fashion, education, beauty, and more. The amount these firms invest depends on the development stage of the business.
At the seed stage, investments range from less than a million to $3 million. The early stage typically ranges from $5 million to $25 million. Meanwhile, businesses at the growth or late stage of development receive about $10 million to $100 million worth of investments.
23 Female-Focused Venture Capital Firms Funding Female Founders of Beauty Brands in 3 Stages
Here are 23 female-focused venture capital firms funding beauty brands.
SEED/PRE-SEED STAGE
1. Female Founders Fund: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Founded in 2014 by Anu Duggal, the Female Founders Fund was created with the belief that women will build the companies of tomorrow. Since then, they have become the leading source of institutional capital for female companies at the seed stage with an enterprise value of over $3 billion.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Female Founders Fund noticed the discouraging percentage of venture capital dollars that went toward female-led companies, despite women dominating the workforce and starting businesses at a rate 1.5 times higher than the national average. Thus, the firm was launched to invest in the next generation of female talent.
Stage and amount they invest
As seed investors, they focus on investing during pre-launch and post-launch. Their investment amount ranges from $500,000 to $750,000.
Additional resources they offer
Additionally, they offer other resources such as reading materials to help you better understand venture capital, fundraising, board meetings, and market strategies.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Cay Skin – founded by Winnie Harlow, Cay Skin is a new daily suncare, skincare, and body care line designed to keep all types of skin tones glowing and protected. Its mission is to create sustainable products that can make everyone feel confident about their skin.
- Ceremonia – rooted in Latinx heritage, Ceremonia is a clean hair care brand designed to feed your hair from the roots and beyond. With unparalleled formulas, consumers can celebrate the longevity of healthier hair.
What they’re looking for
To earn their investment,
- The founding team must have at least one female member.
- The company also needs to express what makes them special and uniquely qualified for solving the problem they plan to address.
- A clear understanding of the market size and competition is also important, as well as the levers that drive a business model.
- Lastly, they need to know what your long-term vision is for the business.
How to Apply
You can submit your pitch through the email found on their website. You can also access their website’s Pitch submissions page anytime.
2. Harlem Capital: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Harlem Capital was founded in 2015 to change the face of entrepreneurship. The company is based in New York and aims to diversify its portfolio and support various businesses across all verticals.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
They also aim to address the disparity faced by women and entrepreneurs belonging to minorities by investing more heavily in them, instead of waiting for other venture capital firms to do it.
Stage and Amount they invest
The venture capital firm focuses on companies at the seed stage, with investments ranging from $1 million to $3 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
Harlem Capital recommends other resources pick for diverse founders, such as Product Hunt, Pitchbook, Term Sheets, etc.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Beauty Bakerie founded in 2011 by Cashmere Nicole, the brand’s mission is to sweeten the lives of others. The brand has also been very vocal about the different injustices that span different issues from disparities within the beauty space to serious issues such as The Black Lives Matter Movement, The Muslim Ban, missing children, etc. earning them the title “activists of makeup.”
What they’re looking for
Before investing, Harlem Capitals looks for the following criteria:
- Resilient and high-quality management team with at least one full-time founder
- Disruptive business model that solves an important problem
- Attractive valuation in capped or priced Seed Round (ownership target of at least 10%)
- Four to seven years of investment realization horizon
- Post-product market fit
- Large market size of at least $1 billion with positive demand drivers
- HCP’s ability to offer strong added value
How to Apply
You can send your pitch anytime. To apply for funding, you can fill out the form found on their website. You will be given a Deck Template for reference.
3. BBG Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Founded by Susan Lyne and Nisha Dua in 2014, BBG Ventures is currently one of the most active female-focused investors in the country. The company is based in New York and targets investments in software, commercial services, digital media, mobile, TMT, and SaaS industries.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
BBG Ventures was created to give female founders that crucial investment they need to push them to do great things. The company supports female leaders with big ideas and aims to reshape the way we live with the kind of companies they empower.
Stage and Amount they invest
Seed or Pre-Seed rounds are typically what they lead or co-lead, with a sizable initial check ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
The company also offers job opportunities to those interested.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Radswan – as an influencer-led beauty brand, Radswan’s goal is to transform the design, sourcing, and sale of natural black hair wigs, clip-ins, and extensions. They are the first to build a customer-centric e-commerce experience that focuses on offering high-quality synthetic hair products at accessible prices.
- Starface – a skincare brand bringing a new approach to treating acne, the top skincare concern. With clinically proven, affordable, clean, and fun products, they have managed to win over Gen Z and made breakouts look Instagram-worthy.
What they’re looking for
The company’s investment guidelines include:
- The startup should have at least one female founder.
- The founder should understand the community and the problem deeply.
- The company is looking to tap solutions in education, health, work, well-being, climate, and other overlooked market segments.
How to Apply
If you wish to pitch your idea to BBG Ventures, then fill out their Inbound Pitch form anytime.
4. SoGal Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
As the first women-led next-gen venture capital firm, SoGal Ventures aims to invest in next-gen billion-dollar businesses that unapologetically benefit not just the people, but the society and the planet as well.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
SoGal capitalizes on three of the biggest investment opportunities today: undervalued founders, underserved problems, and undercapitalized geographies. Their portfolio mainly consists of health and wellness companies led by passionate female CEOs.
Stage and Amount they invest
SoGal Ventures typically invests in seed-stage businesses, with a capital range of $2 million to $3 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
SoGal Ventures offers their partners support and guidance throughout the funding rounds, and the team also helps in brainstorming directions and understanding target markets.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Function of Beauty – a hair care brand that was created with the belief that no size fits all. Everyone deserves to have a product tailored just for their hair. With the right formula and the right testing sessions with professionals, they were able to rewrite the rules of beauty by putting you in charge.
- Winky Lux – a beauty brand that offers skincare and makeup. Winky Lux believes that life is all about creating joy. They leave impressions and push past boundaries to see what they can and can’t do.
What they’re looking for
SoGal Ventures loves unconventional ideas and founders. They are looking for companies that can help transform how the world lives, works, and stays healthy.
How to Apply
Access their submission form anytime to send your pitch.
5. 500 Global: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
With $2.7 billion worth of assets under management, 500 Global invests in markets where technology, capital, and innovation can drive economic growth and unlock long-term value.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Their mission is to use entrepreneurship as a means of uplifting people and economies around the world. The VC company believes in scale and diversification. The fund companies across the world.
Stage and Amount they invest
500 Global invests around $1 million to $5 million in companies that meet their criteria.
Additional Resources They Offer
Startups can join their seed accelerator and founder programs that help companies tap a community of like-minded people and explore their curriculum on culture, marketing, sales, product design, and more.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Althea, Inc. –The No.1 Digital Destination for all things K-beauty – Shopping, Lifestyles & Trends
- Amused Co. – Amused Co. is the first digital platform for preloved luxury fashion in Saudi Arabia. They pride themselves on their curated inventory that includes handbags, accessories, shoes, and jewelry from famous, high-end brands.
What they’re looking for
The following is a selection of pre-defined metrics that 500 Global has built to determine whether or not to invest in a company:
- Cross-functional team with decent expertise
- Capital-efficient businesses
- Having a functional prototype
- Good scalability
How to Apply
You need to apply for the company’s Accelerator program, and on the demo day, you can then present your pitch and tap their expansive network of investors.
SEED/EARLY STAGE
6. Bumble Fund: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014, Bumble Fund was created with the sole goal of helping advance gender equality by letting women make the first move. Throughout the years, their mission has remained unchanged.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Bumble Fund was created with equality in mind. They focus on businesses that are primarily founded by women of color as well as those belonging to the minorities.
Stage and Amount they invest
Bumble focuses on investing in businesses at the seed or early stage. The average check size is $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the business needs.
Additional Resources They Offer
The company’s Bumble Bizz offers opportunities for networking and business connections.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Shearshare – founded by the tech visionaries, Courtney Caldwell and Dr. Tye, their mission is to be the top engine of wealth and job creation for the beauty and barber industry.
What they’re looking for
Bumble Fund chooses companies that solve a problem that disproportionately impacts women.
How to Apply
Download Bumble Bizz to stay tuned for pitch competitions and other opportunities to send your application.
7. The Perkins Fund: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
The Perkins Fund was founded in 2016 by Sonja Hoel Perkins, an industry veteran. The fund focuses on long-term, lasting relationships with entrepreneurs.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
The fund’s goal is to mainly support high-technology companies that can fill the market’s unmet need that only a combination of marketing savvy, technology, and hard work can solve.
Stage and Amount they invest
Typically, the fund invests in less than 10% of a round. The company invests in all stages– seed, early, and late-stage funding.
Additional Resources They Offer
Besides fundraising, The Perkins Fund also offers value in terms of general business strategy and market positioning.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Femly – a line of 100% certified organic cotton products focused on period care that delivers to your door!
What they’re looking for
If you look at their portfolio, you can see how they have ensured diversification, and the company emphasizes empowering businesses that can potentially change the world.
How to Apply
If you wish to reach out to them and apply for an investment, you can visit their website anytime or shoot them an email at contact@theperkinsfund.com.
8. Amplifyher: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
As a venture capital firm, Amplifyher Ventures dedicates itself to investing in diverse leadership teams that possess a unique ability to create flywheel growth effects in new markets.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
The firm sees women not as underfunded but as untapped. The firm was built in order to arm women with the capital and resources they need to build their own C-suites.
Stage and Amount they invest
Investing about $1 million to $5 million, Amplifyher Ventures focuses on commerce, care, and connectivity.
Additional Resources They Offer
The team can offer the most value to founders in commerce, tech-enabled innovations, and connectivity. They also have advisors who can help share expertise in media, brand-building, science, and technology.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Live Tinted – founded by Deepica Mutyala, a South Asian businesswoman and entrepreneur. Live Tinted aims to change the narrative about beauty and celebrate beauty for different colored skins, especially when tinted.
- Aavrani – Aavrani combines ancient, all-natural rituals and a modern-day routine that has been clinically proven. It aims to make women around the world feel more comfortable in their own skin.
What they’re looking for
The company is looking for diversity in leadership teams that can impact new markets. The firm is eager to give opportunities to women and address the significant gap in financing.
How to Apply
Fill out the company’s contact form to reach out, and include a brief description and the main details about your startup’s fundraising plans.
EARLY STAGE
9. Elevate Capital: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
This capital fund values inclusivity and funds underserved entrepreneurs such as women and ethnic minorities. They have funded over 27 startups and their total investment stands at $37 million.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Elevate Capital was founded to provide help to underserved and overlooked entrepreneurs.
Stage and Amount they invest
Elevate Capital focuses on businesses at their early stage at $25k to $100k per investment.
Additional Resources They Offer
The firm also offers other resources such as videos, news, and blogs. Elevate Capital believes in the opportunity to invest early and offers these entrepreneurs mentorship.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Hue Noir – A beauty brand that aims to change the face of beauty by placing multicultural women at the forefront of the modern beauty movement. Hue Noir develops everyday makeup solutions that are innovative and ideal for customers that own nuanced skin tones.
What they’re looking for
Their portfolio is diverse, and they tap companies with disruptive products and ideas to bring to the market.
How to Apply
Visit their application page to access a short questionnaire and share your vision.
10. SteelSky Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
SteelSky Ventures is a female-focused venture capital firm that aims to invest in companies that can provide women with better access, care, and outcomes in healthcare.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
They hold the belief that women’s healthcare is a global market opportunity that has the potential for exponential growth.
Stage and Amount they invest
The firm invests around $1 million to $5 million in entrepreneurs at the early stage of their businesses.
Additional Resources They Offer
You can subscribe to their newsletter to join their network and receive regular insights on their ventures and initiatives.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- JoyLux – A menopausal platform with life-enriching solutions using clinically validated, proprietary tech-powered equipment
What they’re looking for
Companies that receive investment funding from SteelSky Ventures are those that can make a significant change and cause ripples in the women’s healthcare landscape.
How to Apply
For those who are looking to raise funding, fill out their form to submit your pitch.
11. True Wealth Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
True Wealth Ventures was created to invest in highly scalable, women-led businesses that improve human and/or environmental health.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
There is value in the impact of women and that is what the firm wants to capitalize on, especially when women-led companies have proven to deliver higher returns.
Stage and Amount they invest
The firm invests in companies that are still in their early stage with a check of up to $1 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
Check their news and events page to follow their updates. They also have experienced advisors to back up their partners.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Dermala – is a skincare brand that develops personalized acne treatments for you. It has a unique approach to fighting acne by utilizing the human microbiome.
What they’re looking for
True Wealth Ventures focuses on investing in women leaders who have proven to be able to financially outperform men-led companies. The company should also have high-growth markets in human and environmental health. Lastly, at least one woman should be of significant decision-making influence on the company.
How to Apply
Share your big idea anytime by filling out this form.
12. Visible Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Visible Ventures, previously known as Victress Capital, is dedicated to investing in bold and diverse teams that create superior consumer experiences and in the technologies that power them.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
The vision of the firm is to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurs for generations to come. 74% of their partners are led by women, and the company operates within the consumer and technology industries.
Stage and Amount they invest
The firm invests in businesses that are in their early stage, with funds ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
They also offer news resources to keep visitors up to date.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Blume – An award-winning skincare brand that ensures healthy skin instead of perfect skin. With gentle ingredients that are good for your body and the environment, they have set a new standard for skin, body, and period care.
- Droplette – A skincare brand that uses technology created by MIT scientists to repair the skin. Droplette helps consumers improve their skin from within.
What they’re looking for
Visible Ventures are searching for overlooked entrepreneurs that aim to address the unmet needs within the technology and consumer industries. If you’re interested in pitching your company to them, visit their website and access the form available.
How to Apply
Fill out the questions in their Pitch Submission form anytime.
13.GoodWater Capital: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Goodwater Capital offers a lower bar of entry so more promising business ideas can explore the field and find their footing. Then they help teams that are ready to scale move from successful startups to market leaders. Finally, the profits that Goodwater earns are funneled back into their Portfolio Companies to increase the affordability and accessibility of the products.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
As the world’s first regenerative investment platform, Goodwater Capital aims to empower exceptional entrepreneurs and help change the world for the better.
Stage and Amount they invest
Goodwater Capital invests early-stage capital to entrepreneurs, handing out checks worth $1 million to $5 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
The VC firm offers entrepreneurial guidance and equips founders with a startup curriculum, insights, software, data, and access to an exclusive community.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Memebox – a consumer company providing customers with Asian beauty products. They offer different products from different trusted brands from South Korea, in particular.
What they’re looking for
Goodwater seeks out brilliant entrepreneurs whose startups can change the way the world lives, eats, works and plays. The firm invests in companies that address and fix diverse and pressing problems in housing, food delivery, education, healthcare, beauty, etc.
How to Apply
Join Goodwater Genesis, the company’s seed-stage investment program to send your application.
14. Theresia Gouw: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Theresia Gouw is the founder of Acrew Capital. With a net worth of $500 million, Forbes has named her the wealthiest female venture capital investor in America. Theresia believes that investment is what fuels the American dream of growth and opportunity.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Her firm focuses on software and security technology and thrives by embracing diverse perspectives for driving the best outcomes. They support female founders and minorities as they believe that wealth creation should be made accessible to the broader population.
Stage and Amount they invest
Theresia offers early-stage capital to those looking for a long-term partner who can write them a check for at least $1 million.
Additional Resources They Offer
Their website has a Journal page for news, updates and insights. They post thoughts from their crew to help brands and budding companies thrive.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Birchbox – a beauty startup considered to be the pioneer of beauty subscription boxes. Founded in 2010, the company now has millions of subscribers, reporting a $485 million valuation in just four years.
What they’re looking for
Theresa looks for entrepreneurs who are uniquely suited for transforming big challenges into bigger opportunities
How to Apply
Visit Acrew Capital and follow their socials to stay tuned for pitching opportunities.
15. Sugar Capital: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Founded in 2020, Sugar Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in seed-stage, early-stage, and growth-stage companies from different industries.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Their goal is to support women-led businesses and allow them to scale and grow. They are looking to back startups driven to shape the future of commerce.
Stage and Amount they invest
The firm invests funds worth $1 million in deserving entrepreneurs and businesses at the early stage.
Additional Resources They Offer
You can follow their newsletter or socials for more insights and updates.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Starface – a beauty brand that has developed hydrocolloid acne stickers that are meant to protect and heal blemishes
- Exponent Beauty – the business behind fresher beauty products and packaging preventing oxidation and degradation of unstable active ingredients.
What they’re looking for
Sugar Capital hones in on the commerce ecosystem while bringing true innovation to the table. They are looking for companies whose products can elevate and simplify everyday life.
How to Apply
Access their startup submission form to send your pitch.
STAGE AGNOSTIC-PRE/SEED/EARLY/GROWTH/LATE
16. True Beauty Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
The firm invests in companies that can meet consumer demand in the beauty, wellness, and personal care sectors. The company has funded multiple small beauty businesses and is committed to helping scale emerging brands in the beauty and wellness industry.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
True Beauty Ventures was built to help women-led businesses scale into resilient, successful, and long-lasting beauty brands. They believe that greater opportunities and stronger returns are created and delivered from more equitable access to capital and investment in diversity.
Stage and Amount they invest
The firm pursues $1 million to $5 million investments from seed entrepreneurs to growth stage-series C.
Additional Resources They Offer
True Beauty Ventures also offers news and insights resources to keep visitors updated on industry-related events.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- AQUIS – a haircare brand heralding a revolutionary science-based approach to restoring your hair’s natural strength, beauty, and vitality. AQUIS studies the biology of your hair, offering products that strengthen it from the inside out.
- Crown Affair – they believe that understanding how to care for your hair is the first step to loving it. Each of the products they offer has been developed to work with all of their other products, forming not just a routine but a ritual for more beautiful and healthier hair.
What they’re looking for
True Beauty Ventures focus solely on brands in personal care, beauty, and wellness. They seek brands with the following criteria:
- Compelling and differentiated
- Demonstrably superior product
- Proven consumer traction and demand
- Has an omnichannel sales growth strategy
How to Apply
You can visit their website anytime and fill out their contact form for inquiries and for sharing your big ideas.
17. Khosla Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Khosla Ventures aims to support great entrepreneurs who possess the determination to build companies with lasting significance. The firm does not simply stop at investment but is willing to get its hands dirty and do the work needed to raise a company from the ground up.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
Khosla Ventures support high-impact innovations that rethink the familiar. The firm offers solid support in terms of business strategy and long-term results.
Stage and Amount they invest
Their investments can be split into two funds, one for seed-stage businesses and one for early-stage to growth-stage businesses.
Additional Resources They Offer
Other resources are also available such as growth marketing assistance, team building, blogs, and forums.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- NakedPoppy – an online platform that curates beauty brands, rigorously screening them for harmful toxins so consumers can stay safe.
What they’re looking for
To qualify for funding from Khosla Ventures, you must address the following in your pitch:
- Overview of the problem you’re trying to solve
- Your qualifications to lead this opportunity, as well as the skill set of people you work with
- Financial statements and milestones that you have and have yet to achieve
- Reasonable assumptions on your target market & competition
How to Apply
Submit your business plan on their website to apply for their funding.
18. Lerer Hippeau: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Lerer Hippeau is a venture capital firm that offers support to entrepreneurs who shake the status quo. They’re always seeking good people with amazing ideas and aren’t afraid of doing hard things.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
They support a lot of women-led startups, but to them, it’s all about creativity and truly backing up movers and shakers in the enterprise and consumer sectors.
Stage and Amount they invest
From the seed-stage to the early-stage to late stage, Lerer Hippeau is drawn to entrepreneurs with a lot of creativity.
Additional Resources They Offer
Other than investment funds, the firm also provides career opportunities and industry insights with its newsletter, socials, and other initiatives.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Prose – a haircare product line that studies the customer’s scalp needs, lifestyle habits, goals, and environmental exposure in order to create a product formula that can cater to that
What they’re looking for
The VC firm seeks to fund companies in the consumer, digital media, e-commerce, emerging technology, as well as the enterprise software industry.
How to Apply
You can contact them via their email: contact@lererhippeau.com
19. Innovation Global Capital: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
A San Francisco-based venture capital firm, Innovation Global Capital aims to not only follow the future but to actually build it. They build disruptive companies that can transform industries with sheer innovation and technology.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
The firm invests in the world’s digital transformation, providing charitable funding to entrepreneurs who can contribute to the betterment of society. The playing field is equal for as long as the startup qualifies as a next-generation consumer company.
Stage and Amount they invest
Innovation Global Capital invests in seed-stage, early-stage, and late-stage companies, guiding the next generation of innovative companies to grow and scale.
Additional Resources They Offer
Since the company does proprietary investing, its partners can expect value and maximize the company’s global expertise.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Alchemy 43 – a cosmetics injectable clinics operator that aims to bridge the gap between beauty industries and medical aesthetic
What they’re looking for
The firm is always in search of disruptive companies in dynamic environments.
How to Apply
Access their contact form to submit your inquiries and pitch.
20. Imaginary Ventures
Who they are
Founded in 2017, Imaginary Ventures aims to support the most exciting businesses across the consumer landscape. They have quickly risen to the top and have established themselves as a leading venture capital firm.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
The company has funded a lot of startups in the beauty and wellness industry, many are led by passionate women founders who employ innovation and sustainable business strategies.
Stage and Amount they invest
Imaginary Ventures invests growth capital at around $5 million worth in women-led businesses that have proven themselves to be capable of great things in the industry.
Additional Resources They Offer
The firm has a network of operators, business leaders, and advisors that their partner companies can tap.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Glossier – a beauty brand with a philosophy that skincare comes first. They aim to emphasize and celebrate the beauty of natural skin tone and facial features.
What they’re looking for
The firm prioritizes digital-first brands and powerful technology solutions that can potentially change the consumer ecosystem. They back brands in the consumer and commerce enablement categories.
How to Apply
You can contact them via email at hello@imaginary.co.
21. Red Bike Capital: Funding Female Founders
Who they are
Founded in 2021, Red Bike Capital is a Latinx and female-led investment fund located in New York early-stage, fast-growth startups fueling the economy & making a difference to people.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
The fund focuses on fintech, marketplace, health, and wellness brands. They do invest in startups founded and led by women.
Stage and Amount they invest
They invest in early-stage, fast-growth startups fueling the economy & making a difference to people.
Additional Resources They Offer
Their website has an insightful blog on venture capital and growth equity. You can also subscribe to the company’s newsletter for more insights and updates.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Hero Cosmetics – Hero Cosmetics is the maker of the Mighty Patch which was acquired by Church & Dwight for $630 million.
What they’re looking for
The fund focuses on fintech, marketplace, health, and wellness brands. They do invest in startups founded and led by women.
How to Apply
Sign Up for their newsletter and drop them a line on their site.
22. Unilever Ventures: Funding Female Founders
Who They Are
Unilever Ventures is the venture funding division of Unilever that has been supporting founders working on brands of tomorrow for the last 20 years.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
They don’t outrightly claim to focus on female-founded brands but they have backed quite a few female-led health and beauty brands
Stage and Amount they invest
They are a stage agnostic fund that invests $500K to $15M from seed stage to series C/D.
Additional resources they offer
Unilever Ventures helps with industry expertise and global networks across the supply chain, distribution and marketing to funded brands.
Portfolio of beauty brands
- Beauty Bakerie – Cashmere Nicole founded Beauty Bakerie in 2011 with the drive to be sweeten the lives of people.
- True Botanicals – Clean and eco products, clinically proven to deliver high performance.
- ByBi Beauty – A Pro-planet beauty brand for everyone, delivering healthy and radiant skin.
What they are looking for
They invest in brands of future and tech that would help them succeed in very big markets.
How to Apply
UV has two offices in London and Mumbai and you can email them.
23. Willow Growth Partners
Who They Are
Willow Growth Partners offers early-stage growth funding to founders creating game-changing consumer brands of tomorrow.
Their mission/purpose around female startups
They don’t outrightly claim to focus on women-led beauty brands, but many ventures funded in the categories they typically invest in are female-led.
Stage and Amount they invest
They typically invest $750K-$1.25M during early stage of a brand.
Additional resources they offer
They help with critical hires using their networks, help with fundraising, board support, and operational expertise.
Portfolio of beauty brands
Bubble Skincare – Founded by Shai Eisenman, it’s a new-school skincare fixing old-school skincare problems
- Kosas Cosmetics – Founded by Sheena Yaitanes, Kosas is a clean makeup for skincare freaks
What they are looking for
- Traction with revenues of around $1M-$5M
- Health & Wellness, Beauty, Personal Care, Apparel & Accessories, Food & Beverage, Baby & Home.
How to Apply
You can get in touch with them here: hello@willowgrowth.com
Summary
These are just some of the VC firms funding female founders and investing in innovation and genuine value. Choose from our list above and send your pitch to the one that you believe matches your growth strategy, values, and fundraising needs.
For more such hyper-growth resources and counter-intuitive insights and strategies, subscribe to the JUMP newsletter and join our growing community. Jump is the only complete hyper-growth solution for women-led, early-stage beauty brands using both science & emotion.