The hair salon industry in the US is a vibrant sector, essential for personal grooming and self-expression. It includes various businesses, from independent salons to large chains, each offering services like haircuts, coloring, styling, and treatments. Beyond basic hair care, many salons are now incorporating wellness elements, such as scalp treatments and holistic beauty services. The rise in at-home beauty solutions and eco-conscious products continues to influence trends, sparking innovation especially with the introduction of digital platforms for booking and expertise. With an ever-growing emphasis on personalized experiences and sustainable practices, the industry is dynamically evolving.

The investors in this list exhibit a wide array of backgrounds, from venture capital firms like Y Combinator to private equity players like L Catterton. These firms are strategically located across key markets—New York, California, and Vermont—showcasing the nation's investment clout. Founded between the late '80s and 2023, they range in size from small teams to major outfits managing hundreds of investments. In 2024 alone, they executed numerous deals, totaling over 1,100 across various segments of the hair salon industry, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the future of beauty and personal care services.

Top 13 Hair 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. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the hair salon industry, including Rock Pamper Scissors, a London-based startup that facilitates booking hairdressers, and StyleSeat, a platform that connects beauty professionals with clients. These transactions highlight 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the hair and beauty sector, alongside their broader focus on technology startups.

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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several companies within the beauty and salon industry, including 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, Soothe, which raised $10.6 million in Series A funding, offers on-demand massage services, further highlighting Y Combinator's engagement in the beauty and personal care sector. These transactions demonstrate Y Combinator's interest in supporting innovative solutions within the hair salon and beauty 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. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies. Notably, L Catterton has made significant investments in the beauty and personal care industry, including a majority stake acquisition in Beauty Industry Group, a provider of hair extension products, and a $150 million investment in Function of Beauty, which offers personalized hair care products. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for GlossGenius, a platform that supports beauty professionals, further solidifying their presence in the hair salon sector.

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 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 Glamsquad, a mobile beauty service provider that raised $15 million in Series B financing, and Prose, a personalized hair care brand that has raised significant funding across multiple rounds. These investments highlight their engagement in the beauty and hair salon industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.

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. Among its notable transactions, Tiger Global has invested in Beleza na Web, which raised $10 million in Series B funding in 2013 and $5 million in Series A funding in 2011. Beleza na Web is a significant player in the beauty and personal care market, which includes hair salon services, thus highlighting Tiger Global's engagement in the beauty sector. Additionally, the firm has invested in Urban Company, a home services startup that connects service providers with customers, further indicating its interest in service-oriented businesses.

6. 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, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Notably, Gaingels has participated in significant transactions within the beauty and salon industry, including investments in Glamsquad, a provider of mobile beauty services, and Madison Reed, a hair color company. These investments highlight Gaingels' commitment to the beauty sector, as they aim to enhance the growth and innovation of companies that cater to hair and beauty services. Additionally, Gaingels has invested in Glitzi, an at-home beauty and spa platform, further emphasizing their involvement in the beauty industry.

7. 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 a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has demonstrated a strong track record in supporting innovative startups. Notably, they participated in the funding of Shedul, a booking platform for salons and spas, which raised $5 million to launch its consumer marketplace, Fresha.com. This investment highlights FJ Labs' engagement in the hair salon sector, alongside their other investments in companies like Hawthorne and Choiz, which, while not directly related to hair salons, showcase their diverse investment strategy.

8. 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 focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Glitzi, which raised $2.8M to expand its at-home beauty and spa services, and Clinikally, a digital clinic for skin and hair care that raised $2.6 million. These transactions highlight Goodwater's engagement in the beauty and personal care industry, particularly in areas that intersect with hair care services.

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 founded in 2015, based in Los Angeles, California. 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 financial support but also mentorship and resources to help these founders succeed across various industries. Notably, Backstage Capital has made significant investments in the hair salon context, including ShearShare, which raised a total of $3.4 million in funding to support its platform connecting salon owners with beauty professionals. They also invested in TRIM-IT, which raised $100,000 to enhance services in the grooming industry. These transactions highlight Backstage Capital's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the hair salon and beauty sectors.

10. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has invested in companies like Madison Reed, which raised significant funding in Series C rounds, focusing on hair color and care products, and Crown Affair, which specializes in hair care accessories. These transactions highlight the fund's engagement in the beauty and personal care sector, particularly relevant to hair salons.

11. Maveron

• Website: maveron.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: maveron-llc

Maveron is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investing in transformative consumer businesses, partnering with entrepreneurs to provide capital and strategic support. Maveron focuses on industries such as healthcare, education, and technology, but has also made significant investments in the beauty and personal care sector. Notably, they have invested in Madison Reed, a company that raised multiple funding rounds (Series A, B, and C) to develop its hair color products and services, which cater to consumers seeking high-quality hair care solutions. Additionally, Maveron invested in Prose, a personalized hair care brand that raised funds through a Seed Round and Series A, further showcasing their interest in innovative hair care solutions. This combination of investments highlights Maveron's commitment to enhancing consumer experiences in the beauty industry.

12. 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 primarily in the technology sector. The firm has a global presence with offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. Notably, Accel has made significant investments in companies like Urban Company, which raised a total of $36 million across multiple funding rounds from 2015 to 2017, focusing on home services including beauty and hair services. Additionally, Accel invested $50 million in Zenoti in 2019, a company that provides software solutions for salons and spas, further emphasizing their connection to the hair salon industry. These transactions highlight Accel's interest in the beauty and wellness sector, making them a relevant investor in the hair salon space.

13. 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 several key acquisitions in the hair care sector, including Kenra Professional in 2011, Pureology Research in 2004, Alterna Haircare in 2013, and Pevonia International in 2008. These transactions highlight TSG's strong presence and expertise in the hair salon industry, as they have invested in brands that cater specifically to hair care professionals and consumers alike.

Hair Salon Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
L Catterton	United States (USA)	201-500	1989	23
Lerer Hippeau	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2010	23
Tiger Global	New York, New York, United States (USA)	51-200	2001	25
Gaingels	Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	60
FJ Labs	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	169
Goodwater Capital	Burlingame, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2014	41
Backstage Capital	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2015	3
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
Maveron	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1998	6
Accel	Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)	51-200	1983	101
TSG Consumer Partners	Larkspur, California, United States (USA)	51-200	1986	1

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