The luxury perfume brands industry in the US is a thriving sector, driven by consumer demand for high-quality fragrances. Key players include established international brands and emerging niche houses that create unique scent experiences. Companies often focus on authenticity and storytelling, creating connections between the consumer and the product. Innovations in sustainable packaging and ingredient sourcing are also shaping the market's future. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce has revolutionized distribution channels, making luxury fragrances more accessible. With millennials and Gen Z leading the charge, this industry is expected to continue expanding, adapting to modern trends such as personalization and wellness.


This article examines a select group of investors focusing on the luxury perfume sector in the US. Our list includes prominent private equity firms and venture capitalists, headquartered in key cities like New York and California. Ranging in size from teams of a few to thousands, these investors have played active roles since their founding in the 1970s to 2015. Notably, they engaged in significant deals in 2024, indicating a strong interest in high-potential brands within the luxury fragrance category. A blend of seasoned expertise and fresh perspectives defines their approach, shaping the industry landscape.


Top 14 Luxury Perfume Brands Investors in the US


1. 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 luxury brands, including a recent acquisition of a 36% stake in Tod's SpA, valuing the Italian luxury brand at approximately €1.4 billion. This investment highlights their commitment to the luxury sector. Additionally, their involvement with Baccarat and Gentle Monster further demonstrates their engagement with high-end brands, although these are not directly in the perfume category. Their strategic partnerships and investments in luxury consumer goods position them as a potential investor in the luxury perfume market.


2. Forerunner


Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in consumer technology and innovative businesses, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups. Forerunner has been actively involved in the beauty sector, notably through multiple funding rounds for Glossier, a direct-to-consumer beauty company. They participated in Glossier's Series A, C, D, and E funding rounds, which collectively raised significant capital to scale the brand's online and offline presence. This involvement highlights Forerunner's commitment to the beauty industry, which includes potential opportunities in luxury perfumes. Their focus on emerging consumer demands and technology advancements positions them as a relevant investor in the luxury perfume market.


3. 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 actively involved in the luxury perfume and beauty industry, notably acquiring Coty in December 2020 for $4.3 billion, which significantly expanded its footprint in the luxury fragrance market. KKR also participated in a $750 million post-IPO equity raise for Coty in May 2020, further solidifying its investment in the beauty sector. Additionally, KKR acquired a controlling stake in Vini Cosmetics for $625 million in July 2021, a company that operates in the cosmetics space, indicating its broader interest in beauty and personal care products. These strategic investments highlight KKR's commitment to supporting growth in the luxury and beauty markets.


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 New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments. With a team of 11-50 professionals, they provide essential funding and support to help startups grow. Notably, Lerer Hippeau has invested in several beauty-related companies, including Glossier, a beauty brand that has gained significant traction and recognition in the market, and Birchbox, a subscription service that curates beauty products. Their investments in these companies highlight their focus on the beauty sector, which is closely related to luxury perfume brands. By connecting talented professionals with opportunities in their portfolio companies, Lerer Hippeau plays a crucial role in the growth of businesses that could potentially include luxury fragrance brands.


5. 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. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector. Accel has a global presence with offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. Notably, Accel has participated in funding rounds for M.Gemi, a luxury footwear brand, contributing to its Series B and Series C rounds, which raised significant capital to support its growth. Additionally, Accel was involved in KupiVIP, an online shopping platform that features luxury brands, although this is more focused on fashion and accessories rather than perfumes specifically. These transactions highlight Accel's potential interest in the luxury market, albeit within a broader investment strategy that is predominantly technology-focused.


6. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments. Founded in 1985, the firm has built a reputation for its extensive portfolio and investment strategies that focus on delivering lasting value. Blackstone's investment activities span various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Notably, Blackstone acquired a 20 percent stake in the Italian fashion house Versace in 2014, injecting 150 million euros to help rejuvenate the brand, which is significant as Versace also produces luxury perfumes. This transaction highlights Blackstone's engagement in the luxury market, particularly in brands that intersect with the fragrance industry. Additionally, their diverse investment strategy positions them as a potential investor in other luxury perfume brands in the future.


7. XRC Ventures

  • Website: xrcventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: xrclabs

XRC Ventures is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in New York, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in driving innovation across various sectors, including retail technology, consumer healthtech, and consumer goods. They provide funding and support to early-stage startups, helping them navigate growth challenges and market entry. Notably, XRC Ventures has invested in Scent Lab, which raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Seed round in June 2023, indicating their engagement in the luxury perfume industry. Additionally, they have a history of supporting consumer-focused startups, such as ShopShops, which raised significant funds in multiple rounds, showcasing their commitment to innovative consumer brands.


8. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, providing capital and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth. Advent operates globally, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Notably, Advent has made significant strides in the luxury perfume industry, acquiring INITIO PARFUMS PRIVÉS in June 2023, which highlights their commitment to this market. Additionally, their portfolio includes other lifestyle brands such as Gerard Darel and Skala Cosmetics, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a foothold in the luxury segment.


9. 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, providing both capital and strategic support to drive growth and innovation. Notably, TSG has made significant investments in the beauty sector, including a minority stake in Huda Beauty, a luxury beauty brand founded by beauty influencer Huda Kattan. This investment highlights TSG's engagement in the luxury beauty market. Additionally, their portfolio includes other consumer brands such as Alexis Bittar, ZOEVA, PAIGE, and Kenra Professional, showcasing their diverse investment strategy within the consumer goods space.


10. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on delivering tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle has built a reputation for driving long-term value. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the beauty and cosmetics sector, including the acquisition of ADA Cosmetics International, a provider of hotel cosmetics, which aligns with the luxury personal care market. Additionally, their investment in Yatsen Holding, which raised substantial funding in the beauty sector, highlights their engagement with brands that could intersect with luxury perfumes. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a relevant player in the luxury perfume industry.


11. Silas Capital

  • Website: silascapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: silas-capital

Silas Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in growth equity and venture capital for consumer brands. They focus on partnering with emerging growth stage companies, providing them with capital and strategic support to enhance their market presence and profitability. Their clientele includes entrepreneurs in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. Notably, Silas Capital led a $6 million Series A funding round for Vacation, a skincare-meets-sunscreen brand, and participated in the Series A funding for Oak Essentials. Additionally, they have shown interest in beauty brands like VIOLETTE_FR, which is involved in innovation and international expansion within the beauty industry. These transactions highlight their active role in the beauty sector, which often intersects with luxury perfume brands.


12. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm provides a wide range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley has a global presence and leverages its expertise to offer tailored financial solutions to individuals, families, corporations, and governments. Notably, Morgan Stanley has been active in the luxury sector, participating in significant transactions such as Revlon, where they raised funds through post-IPO equity, and Korres, a Greek beauty brand, which received a substantial cash infusion to expand into Asia. Additionally, their investment in Olivela, a luxury fashion company with a philanthropic model, highlights their commitment to the luxury market. These transactions underscore Morgan Stanley's strategic interest in the beauty and luxury sectors, including luxury perfumes.


13. 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 caters to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services. Notable transactions include investments in Glossier, a beauty brand that raised $100 million in Series D funding, and Yatsen Holding, which raised $240 million in Series D funding. Additionally, they have invested in Beleza na Web, a beauty e-commerce platform, indicating their interest in the beauty sector. These investments suggest a strategic focus on innovative companies within the beauty and personal care industry, which includes luxury perfume brands.


14. Manzanita Capital


Manzanita Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in the beauty sector, focusing on luxury and premium niche beauty brands. Manzanita Capital not only provides financial support but also offers strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively. Notable transactions in their portfolio include the acquisition of the French scent and candle company Diptyque in 2005 and the acquisition of the luxury fragrance brand Byredo in 2013. These investments highlight their active role in the luxury perfume market. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other beauty-related companies, such as Glossier and MALIN+GOETZ, further showcasing their engagement in the broader beauty industry.



Luxury Perfume Brands Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
ForerunnerSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201212
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
XRC VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020153
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
TSG Consumer PartnersLarkspur, California, United States (USA)51-20019861
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Silas CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020125
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
Manzanita CapitalSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)11-5020010


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