The nail care products industry in the US is vibrant and dynamic, featuring a range of businesses that cater to consumers’ beauty needs. Spanning everything from nail polish and manicures to gels and nail art, this sector is continually evolving with trends like cruelty-free formulations and nail health technologies. Major players include established brands and innovative startups, consistently developing new products to captivate consumers. The industry is on track for growth, boosted by a surge in at-home nail care following the pandemic, while eco-conscious products are increasingly attracting savvy shoppers. This sector thrives on creativity and understanding of consumer preferences.


The list features a mix of venture capital and private equity firms, predominantly based in New York and California. Investors range in size from small teams to large organizations, with some founded as early as 1976, while others are newer entrants since 2010. The investor landscape reflects a total of 1,300 deals across both categories in 2024 overlaying a trend of increasing interest in beauty-related ventures. Significant mentions include Y Combinator, a key player in startup funding, and KKR, known for impactful acquisitions in the beauty market.


Top 12 Nail Care Products Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in companies relevant to the beauty and personal care industry, such as Function of Beauty, which raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round to refine its brand and expand internationally. Additionally, Y Combinator participated in funding rounds for Glitzi, a beauty and spa platform, indicating its interest in the beauty sector. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's potential relevance to the nail care products market.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, SOSV operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, they have been involved in several funding rounds for Preemadonna, a company that has raised significant amounts in pre-seed and seed rounds, specifically targeting nail care technology. This includes a total of $1,096,433 raised in December 2017 and earlier investments in 2015 and 2016, indicating a strong commitment to the nail care products sector. Additionally, their diverse portfolio includes investments in various industries, showcasing their adaptability and interest in innovative consumer products.


3. L Catterton

  • Website: lcatterton.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: l-catterton

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, based in the United States, that specializes in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. L Catterton has a strong emphasis on consumer insights, aiming to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include investments in beauty brands such as Kopari Beauty, which focuses on e-commerce and product innovation, and ETVOS, a natural cosmetics brand in Japan. These investments highlight L Catterton's commitment to the beauty sector, which encompasses nail care products, making them a potential investor in this category.


4. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has built an extensive portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status. In 2023, they participated in a Pre-Seed round for Evertone Skin, a company likely involved in the beauty sector. They have also invested in Hawthorne, a personal care brand, through multiple funding rounds, including a Series A round in 2019 and a Seed round in 2017. Their investment in Peachy, which raised over $25 million in 2022, further demonstrates their engagement in the beauty and personal care market. This diverse investment strategy highlights FJ Labs' potential interest in the nail care products industry.


5. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies across various industries. Notably, they have made significant investments in the beauty and personal care sector, including the recent acquisition of Frenchies Modern Nail Care, a 24-unit modern nail care franchise, which marks their 50th franchise investment. This acquisition highlights Riverside's commitment to the nail care industry. Additionally, they have invested in skincare companies like Alpha-H and The Derm Group, showcasing their broader interest in beauty and personal care products. Their strategy focuses on supporting growing enterprises, making them a dynamic player in the investment landscape.


6. Lerer Hippeau

  • Website: lererhippeau.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: lerer-hippeau-ventures

Lerer Hippeau is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that specializes in early-stage startups. They provide essential funding and support to help businesses grow, connecting talented professionals with opportunities in their portfolio companies. Notably, Lerer Hippeau has invested in 10Beauty, which is developing an autonomous manicure machine, highlighting their engagement in the nail care products industry. They have also participated in funding rounds for GLAMSQUAD, a mobile beauty services provider, and other beauty-related companies, showcasing their commitment to the beauty and personal care market.


7. Tiger Global

  • Website: tigerglobal.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies leveraging technology. Its clientele includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services. Notably, Tiger Global has participated in several significant transactions within the beauty industry, including a pre-seed investment in Morado, a Colombian wholesale marketplace for beauty salons, and multiple rounds of funding for Beleza na Web, an online beauty retailer. Additionally, they have invested in Glossier, a well-known beauty brand, which further highlights their engagement in the beauty sector. These investments reflect Tiger Global's strategy of backing innovative companies in the beauty and personal care market, which encompasses nail care products.


8. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1984. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, including beauty and personal care. Advent has made significant investments in the beauty industry, such as the acquisition of Olaplex, a professional haircare brand valued at around £1 billion, and Skala Cosméticos, a Brazilian vegan hair care brand with estimated sales of $200 million in 2023. These transactions highlight Advent's commitment to partnering with companies that demonstrate rapid growth and strong customer loyalty, positioning them as a strategic investor in the beauty sector.


9. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions within the beauty and personal care industry, including the acquisition of Coty for $4.3 billion in December 2020, which is a significant player in the nail care products market. KKR also acquired Wella AG for $2.5 billion in the same month, further solidifying their presence in the beauty sector. Additionally, their investment in Vini Cosmetics for $625 million in July 2021 highlights their commitment to the cosmetics industry, which often overlaps with nail care products. These strategic investments demonstrate KKR's capability and interest in the beauty and personal care markets, making them a relevant investor in the nail care products space.


10. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, that focuses on investing in companies with diverse leadership. They provide capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Notable transactions include investments in Madison Reed, a hair color company, and Glamsquad, a mobile beauty services provider, which highlight their engagement in the beauty sector. They also participated in Glitzi, an at-home beauty and spa platform, further demonstrating their interest in beauty-related ventures. Gaingels also offers scholarship programs and advisory services to enhance board diversity, reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity in the business landscape.


11. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies. The firm primarily focuses on the technology sector but has also ventured into the beauty and personal care industry. Notably, Accel participated in a Series C funding round for MyGlamm, which raised approximately $47.8 million in July 2021, indicating their interest in beauty brands. Additionally, they were involved in funding rounds for Innovist, the parent company of Bare Anatomy and Chemist at Play, which raised $7 million in a Series A funding round in November 2023, further showcasing their engagement in the personal care market. Accel's diverse investment portfolio and willingness to support beauty-related startups suggest a potential interest in the nail care products sector as well.


12. Mana Up

  • Website: manauphawaii.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: manaup

Mana Up is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2018. They support local entrepreneurs by providing accelerator programs, venture capital funding, and a retail platform for local products. Their mission is to help Hawaiian companies scale globally while celebrating and promoting the unique cultural heritage of the islands. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Kapa Nui Nails, a company focused on nail care products, which raised funds through non-equity assistance in May 2020. This investment highlights their engagement in the nail care industry, alongside other ventures like Ua Body and Honua Hawaiian Skincare, which, while not directly related to nail care, reflect their commitment to supporting local beauty and wellness brands.



Nail Care Products Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Mana UpHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)1-1020188


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