The beauty and skincare devices industry in Europe is dynamic and evolving. Companies in this space develop innovative tools and technologies that enhance skincare routines, from advanced facial cleansing brushes to high-tech devices targeting specific skin concerns. Leading brands focus on integrating science with beauty to create skincare devices that are effective and user-friendly. Sustainability is a growing trend, with many brands striving for eco-friendly materials and practices. Rising skin awareness and the demand for personalization drive investment and product development, making this industry ripe for growth. The market is increasingly competitive, attracting startups and established players alike.

The investors listed here are pivotal to the beauty and skincare devices industry. They represent a mix of corporate giants and venture capital firms, primarily headquartered in Paris and London. With a range of sizes, from small firms to large corporations, these investors have been active, making a remarkable number of deals in 2024. Founded over several decades, their diverse portfolios showcase commitment to innovation in beauty, often focusing on emerging brands and advanced technologies. The 2024 deal counts indicate a robust interest in funding growth within this sector, stirring excitement for future developments.

Top 15 Beauty and Skincare Devices Investors in Europe

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website: eic.ec.europa.eu
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: european-innovation-council-eic

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has invested in UVera, a biotech startup that raised over $2.9 million to develop a sustainable sunscreen product derived from cyanobacteria, and S-Biomedic, which received funding for its innovative skincare solutions. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in the beauty and skincare devices industry.

2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several significant transactions within the beauty and skincare devices sector. For instance, they participated in the funding rounds for Beautigloo, which raised €2.7 million to expand its product line, and La Bouche Rouge Paris, which secured over $11 million in Series A funding. Additionally, Bpifrance invested in WAAM Cosmetics, which raised €1.5 million, and Maison Hädenn, which raised nearly $1 million in a seed round. These investments highlight Bpifrance's role in promoting innovation and growth in the beauty and skincare industry.

3. L'Oréal

• Website: loreal.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1909
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: lor%c3%a9al

L'Oréal S.A. is a prominent cosmetics manufacturer based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1909. The company specializes in a wide range of personal care products, including skincare, makeup, hair care, and perfumes. L'Oréal has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability in its operations. In recent years, L'Oréal has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the beauty and skincare market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Skinceuticals, a skincare brand, in 2005; IT Cosmetics for $1.2 billion in 2016, which added over 300 skincare and makeup products to its Luxe division; CeraVe in 2017; and Youth To The People in 2021. These acquisitions reflect L'Oréal's commitment to expanding its influence and offerings in the beauty and skincare devices industry.

4. Unilever Ventures

• Website: unileverventures.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: unileverventures

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. They provide capital and leverage Unilever's extensive network to help startups grow. Notable transactions include investments in TRINNY London, a beauty brand known for its innovative makeup solutions, and Plum, which has raised significant funding across multiple rounds to develop its skincare products. Additionally, Unilever Ventures has supported CyDen, a medical devices company, indicating their interest in technologies that can enhance beauty and skincare applications. Their focus on empowering entrepreneurs with innovative ideas positions them as a key player in the beauty and skincare devices market.

5. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In the beauty and skincare devices context, Crowdcube has facilitated significant equity crowdfunding transactions for companies such as Faith in Nature, which raised $973,163 in July 2023, and War Paint, which raised $604,985 in November 2021. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active involvement in the beauty and skincare sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative brands in this industry.

6. Almi

• Website: almi.se
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in Minolei Cosmetics, which raised an undisclosed amount in a venture round in September 2022. Additionally, they have been involved with NCP Olfactives and NCP Concept, both of which are related to the beauty and fragrance industry. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the beauty and skincare devices sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.

7. Agoranov

• Website: agoranov.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 42
• LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. Agoranov has been active in various innovative sectors, including beauty and skincare devices. Notable transactions include investments in Skintifique, which focuses on skincare solutions, Capsum, known for its innovative cosmetic formulations, and DAMAE Medical, which develops medical devices for skin analysis. These investments highlight Agoranov's commitment to fostering growth in the beauty and skincare industry, alongside their broader focus on technology and science startups.

8. Unilever

• Website: unilever.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1872
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. It offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. Unilever has made significant strides in the beauty and skincare sector through strategic acquisitions of popular brands. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Tatcha for approximately $500 million in 2019, Dermalogica in 2015, Murad in 2015, and Kate Somerville Skincare in 2015. Most recently, Unilever signed a deal to acquire Paula's Choice for around $2 billion, enhancing its portfolio in the premium skincare segment. These investments reflect Unilever's strategy to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers and its commitment to sustainability in the beauty industry.

9. Eurazeo

• Website: eurazeo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a strong presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on tailored investment strategies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made significant strides in the beauty and skincare industry, acquiring a majority stake in the clean skincare company Beekman 1802 for $62 million, aimed at supporting its expansion. Additionally, they invested $60 million in Pat McGrath Labs, enhancing the brand's funding to $88 million. Eurazeo also acquired Aroma-Zone, a leading online retailer of essential oils and natural beauty products, further demonstrating their commitment to the beauty sector. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's strategic focus on growth within the beauty and skincare devices market.

10. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, but has also made notable investments in the beauty industry. Among their most significant transactions is their involvement with Glossier, a direct-to-consumer beauty company, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including Series C, D, and E, helping the company raise substantial capital to expand its operations globally. Additionally, Index Ventures led a seed funding round for Beautystack, a platform designed to support beauty professionals in becoming independent and economically empowered. This focus on beauty-related startups highlights Index Ventures' commitment to the beauty and skincare devices sector.

11. Lvmh

• Website: lvmh.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, founded in 1987 and based in Paris, is a leading luxury goods manufacturer and retailer. The company offers a diverse range of high-quality products across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. LVMH serves affluent consumers and businesses with exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage. In the beauty and skincare devices context, LVMH has made significant acquisitions, including Benefit Cosmetics in 1999, Urban Decay in 2000, and Guerlain in 1994. More recently, in 2021, LVMH acquired Officine Universelle Buly 1803, expanding its portfolio in the cosmetics sector. Additionally, the acquisition of Sephora SA in 1997 has positioned LVMH as a key player in the retail of beauty products, further enhancing its presence in the beauty and skincare market.

12. Thg

• Website: thg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: thehutgroup

THG plc, founded in 2004 and based in Manchester, England, is a digital e-commerce retailer specializing in beauty and nutrition products. The company operates through its divisions, THG Beauty and THG Nutrition, offering a wide range of cosmetics and dietary supplements directly to consumers. THG has made significant strides in the beauty sector through strategic acquisitions, including DermStore, a US beauty retailer acquired for $350 million, and Biossance, known for its sustainable plant-based squalane products, acquired for $20 million in a bankruptcy auction. Additionally, THG acquired Cult Beauty for £275 million, Lookfantastic Group for £19.4 million, and GLOSSYBOX, further solidifying its position in the beauty market. With a focus on innovation and customer engagement, THG leverages its proprietary technology and extensive infrastructure to enhance the shopping experience for beauty consumers.

13. Novo Holdings

• Website: novoholdings.dk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has participated in funding rounds for Biosyntia, a precision fermentation firm that develops natural and sustainable active ingredients, including biobased biotin, which is used in dietary supplements and beauty products. Their investments in Biosyntia, including a Series B funding round in 2022 and earlier rounds in 2015 and 2018, highlight their commitment to supporting innovations that intersect with the beauty and skincare industry. Additionally, their involvement in ESCAPE Bio, while primarily focused on biopharmaceuticals, showcases their broader engagement in life sciences, which can include applications relevant to beauty and skincare.

14. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies within the beauty and skincare sector, including Grace Cole, a manufacturer of bodycare products, which received a multimillion-pound investment to expand into new markets. Additionally, BGF invested £2.8 million in Arran Aromatics to accelerate its growth plans, focusing on brand development and e-commerce capabilities. These investments highlight BGF's commitment to supporting the beauty and skincare industry.

15. Ardian

• Website: ardian.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. Among their notable transactions, Ardian acquired ADA Cosmetics International, a company known for its beauty products, from The Carlyle Group for 500 million euros in 2014. Additionally, in 2022, Ardian acquired Biofarma Group for €1.1 billion, a company that specializes in dietary supplements and cosmetics. These strategic acquisitions highlight Ardian's commitment to investing in the beauty and skincare devices sector, alongside their broader investment portfolio.

Beauty and Skincare Devices Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
L'Oréal	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1909	4
Unilever Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	9
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Agoranov	Paris, Île-De-France, France	11-50	2000	42
Unilever	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1872	0
Eurazeo	Paris, Île-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Thg	Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	2004	1
Novo Holdings	Hellerup, Denmark	51-200	1999	45
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Ardian	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21

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