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True Beauty Ventures

North America, New York, United States, New York

Description

True Beauty Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm singularly focused on investing in high-growth, disruptive brands within the beauty and wellness sectors. Co-founded by industry veterans Rich Gersten and Cristina Nuñez, the firm leverages its deep operational and strategic expertise to identify and support companies poised for significant market impact. Their investment philosophy centers on providing not just capital, but also strategic guidance and network access to help portfolio companies scale effectively in a competitive landscape.

The firm has demonstrated strong fundraising success, recently announcing the close of its second fund, True Beauty Ventures II, in October 2023, with $100 million in committed capital. This new fund follows their inaugural fund, True Beauty Ventures I, which closed in 2021 with $50 million. Cumulatively, True Beauty Ventures now manages $150 million in assets, underscoring its significant presence and dedicated focus within the beauty and wellness investment ecosystem. They target both early-stage and growth-stage companies, seeking out innovative concepts and strong management teams.

True Beauty Ventures typically deploys initial investments ranging from $2 million to $10 million, reflecting their commitment to providing substantial early-stage and growth capital. Beyond the initial cheque, the firm is prepared to make follow-on investments, potentially committing up to $20 million over the lifetime of a portfolio company. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of brands, including notable names like K18, Crown Affair, Dieux Skin, and R.E.M. Beauty, illustrating their broad appeal across various beauty and wellness categories, from haircare and skincare to makeup and general wellness. This strategic investment approach positions them as a key partner for emerging brands looking to accelerate their growth and market penetration.

Investor Profile

True Beauty Ventures has backed more than 20 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 11 rounds, about 55% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Seed, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Croatia, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Beauty, E-Commerce, Consumer Goods.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $2M – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (30%)
  • Seed (25%)
  • Series Unknown (20%)
  • Series B (20%)
  • Series C (5%)

Country Focus

  • United States (90%)
  • Croatia (5%)
  • Canada (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Beauty
  • E-commerce
  • Consumer Goods
  • Cosmetics
  • Manufacturing
  • Personal Health
  • Wellness
  • Health Care
  • Product Design
  • Productivity Tools
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does True Beauty Ventures frequently co-invest with?

New Money Ventures
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 2
Endeavor
North America, California, United States, Beverly Hills
Co-Investments: 1
New Theory Ventures
North America, Texas, United States, Austin
Co-Investments: 1
Access VC
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 1
Silas Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Willow Growth Partners
North America, Wyoming, United States, Jackson
Co-Investments: 2
Springboard Growth Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Montage Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 2
FI
Europe, Luxembourg, Belgium, Luxembourg
Co-Investments: 2
Boulder Food Group ('BFG')
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does True Beauty Ventures often collaborate with?

MP
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
BB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
GP
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
MC
North America, Texas, United States, Dallas
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by True Beauty Ventures?

Crown Affair

New York, New York, United States

Crown Affair is a haircare brand that helps individuals develop a healthy hair care routine.

BeautyConsumer GoodsPersonal Health
Series BNov 15, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,999,995
Sofie Pavitt Face

New York, New York, United States

Sofie Pavitt Face is a new series of studio-grade skincare designed to treat problematic skin.

BeautyPersonal Health
SeedOct 3, 2024
The Maker

Hudson, New York, United States

The Maker offers customers all-inclusive fragrances as well as hotel services.

BeautyCosmeticsE-CommerceHospitality
SeedJul 12, 2024
Iris&Romeo

Sunnyvale, California, United States

Iris&Romeo is an online retailer specializing in skincare, makeup, cosmetics, health, beauty products, and accessories.

BeautyCosmeticsE-Commerce
Series ADec 19, 2023
The 7 Virtues Beauty

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

The 7 Virtues Beauty manufactures and markets perfumes to help finance causes for peace.

BeautyCosmeticsHumanitarianManufacturingMarketing
Series UnknownNov 1, 2023
Youthforia

San Francisco, California, United States

Youth Foria is a manufacturer and online seller of cosmetic products.

Consumer GoodsCosmeticsE-CommerceProduct Design
SeedApr 12, 2023
Amount Raised: $400,000
Vacation

Miami, Florida, United States

Vacation manufactures sunscreen products that are intended to protect the skin.

Consumer GoodsManufacturingPersonal Health
Series AMar 27, 2023
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
Caliray

California, Kentucky, United States

Caliray is a beauty brand company.

BeautyCosmeticsLifestyle
Series AFeb 28, 2023
Maude

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Maude is an essentials brand with a focus on access to sexual wellness products.

Consumer GoodsE-CommerceHealth CarePersonal HealthWellness
Series UnknownDec 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $3,250,000
Crown Affair

New York, New York, United States

Crown Affair is a haircare brand that helps individuals develop a healthy hair care routine.

BeautyConsumer GoodsPersonal Health
Series AMay 12, 2022
Amount Raised: $5,000,000