The nail salon industry in the US thrives as a vibrant sector within the broader beauty market. With thousands of salons offering services from basic manicures to elaborate nail art, it caters to a wide array of clientele. Major players include independent salons, franchises, and tech-driven companies that provide booking and service platforms. Emerging trends emphasize eco-friendly products, innovative techniques, and wellness-focused services. As consumer preferences evolve, the industry is rapidly embracing technology to enhance service delivery and customer experience, positioning itself for sustained growth in the coming years.


This article highlights a collection of prominent investors supporting the US nail salon industry. It features venture capital firms, private equity companies, and corporate investors, varying in size from small startups to vast enterprises with over 10,000 employees. Many of these investors are based in key economic hubs like San Francisco and New York, established from the late 1980s to 2015, and have actively participated in numerous deals in 2024. Their engagement in nail salon ventures underscores an increasing interest in the beauty sector's innovative opportunities.


Top 12 Nail Salon Investors in the US


1. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In the beauty and wellness sector, 500 Global has participated in notable transactions such as Bfab, a beauty startup that raised seed funding to launch its platform, and Circulo de Belleza, which raised pre-seed funding. These investments highlight 500 Global's interest in the beauty industry, which is relevant to nail salons. Additionally, their involvement in GoWabi, a platform for beauty services, further emphasizes their engagement in the beauty sector, making them a potential investor for nail salon businesses.


2. 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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its notable investments are companies in the beauty and wellness sector, such as Glitzi, which raised $2.8 million to expand its at-home beauty and spa services, and STYLEBEE, which raised $120,000 in a pre-seed round. Additionally, Y Combinator participated in the funding of AgendaPro, a platform that digitizes beauty and wellness businesses, enhancing their online presence and payment capabilities. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that have direct relevance to the nail salon industry.


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, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors, including beauty and personal care. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. Notably, L Catterton has made significant investments in the beauty industry, including a $28 million Series C funding round for GlossGenius, a platform that supports beauty professionals, including nail salons. They also acquired Kiko, a beauty brand, for $1.5 billion in 2024, and invested $150 million in Function of Beauty, which offers personalized beauty products. These transactions highlight L Catterton's commitment to driving growth and innovation within the beauty sector, making them a key player in the nail salon investment landscape.


4. 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 investing 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 participated in significant transactions within the beauty industry, including investments in GLAMSQUAD, a provider of mobile beauty services, and 10Beauty, which is developing an autonomous manicure machine. These investments highlight their engagement in the beauty sector, particularly in areas that could influence nail salon operations and services.


5. 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 been involved in several significant transactions, including a $5 million pre-seed round for Morado, a Colombian wholesale marketplace for beauty salons, which aligns with the nail salon industry. Additionally, they have invested in Urban Company, a home services startup that could potentially include beauty services, further demonstrating their interest in the beauty sector. Their diverse portfolio and willingness to invest in beauty-related ventures make them a noteworthy player in the nail salon investment landscape.


6. 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, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital space. Notably, they participated in the funding of Shedul, a booking platform for salons and spas, which raised $5 million to support its consumer marketplace, Fresha.com. This investment highlights their engagement in the beauty and wellness sector, making them a relevant investor for nail salons. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Peachy and Inkbox, further showcasing their diverse investment strategy.


7. 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 across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notably, in November 2023, Riverside acquired Frenchies Modern Nail Care, a 24-unit modern nail care franchise, marking a significant milestone as their 50th franchise investment. This acquisition highlights their active role in the nail salon industry. Additionally, in March 2024, Riverside acquired The Lash Lounge, an eyelash salon franchise with over 129 locations across the U.S., further emphasizing their focus on beauty and personal care services. These transactions reflect Riverside's strategy to create a leading multi-brand franchisor in the beauty sector, making them a relevant investor in the nail salon industry.


8. General Atlantic

  • Website: generalatlantic.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: general-atlantic

General Atlantic is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity. Founded in 1980, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and growth companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Atlantic has made significant investments in the beauty and personal care industry, which is relevant to nail salons. For instance, they invested in European Wax Center, a company that operates in the beauty services sector, indicating their interest in businesses that align with nail salons. Additionally, their investments in brands like Too Faced Cosmetics and Harmay, a beauty retailer, further demonstrate their commitment to the beauty industry. By leveraging their global network and expertise, General Atlantic aims to enhance the growth trajectories of its portfolio companies, including those in the beauty sector.


9. Backstage Capital

  • Website: backstagecapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: backstage-capital

Backstage Capital is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2015. The firm is dedicated to investing in startups led by underestimated founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Backstage Capital aims to address funding disparities in the startup ecosystem by providing not only capital but also mentorship and support services to help these founders succeed. Among their notable transactions, Backstage Capital invested in NailSnaps, a company that raised funds in a seed round in January 2017, focusing on nail art products. They also participated in funding rounds for ShearShare, which connects beauty professionals with salon spaces, indicating their engagement in the beauty and personal care industry. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting businesses that cater to the beauty sector, including nail salons.


10. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has invested in various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, aiming to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Notably, they participated in the funding rounds for Glitzi, a company that is expanding its at-home beauty and spa services, which could relate to the nail salon industry. They also engaged in other seed rounds, such as Dreamery and Renude, but these do not directly connect to nail salons. Overall, while Goodwater Capital has some relevant transactions, their broader investment strategy may not be primarily focused on the nail salon sector.


11. TSG Consumer Partners

  • Website: tsgconsumer.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Larkspur, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: tsg-consumer-partners

TSG Consumer Partners is a private equity firm based in Larkspur, California, specializing in consumer-focused investments. Founded in 1986, the firm manages approximately $14 billion in assets and partners with established brands across various industries to provide capital and strategic support for growth and innovation. Notably, TSG has made significant investments in the beauty sector, including the acquisition of Kenra Professional, a brand known for its hair care products, and Pevonia International, which specializes in skincare. Their investment in Huda Beauty, a prominent beauty brand, and elf Cosmetics, further highlights their active role in the beauty industry. These transactions suggest that TSG Consumer Partners has a vested interest in brands that cater to beauty and personal care, making them a relevant player in the nail salon investment landscape.


12. Bessemer Venture Partners

  • Website: bvp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1911
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 78
  • LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners

Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. In recent years, Bessemer has made notable investments in the beauty and personal care industry, particularly through their involvement with GlossGenius, which raised $28 million in Series C funding in July 2023 and $25 million in Series B funding in September 2022. GlossGenius offers a platform designed to help beauty professionals, including nail salons, manage their businesses more effectively. Additionally, Bessemer's investment in Urban Company, a service marketplace that includes beauty services, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that intersect with nail salons. This diverse portfolio showcases Bessemer's commitment to supporting innovative companies that cater to the beauty and personal care market.



Nail Salon Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
General AtlanticNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000198032
Backstage CapitalLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1-1020153
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
TSG Consumer PartnersLarkspur, California, United States (USA)51-20019861
Bessemer Venture PartnersSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50191178


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