The fragrance and perfume industry in the US is a vibrant sector that blends art and commerce. It features a wide array of companies, from luxury brands to indie names, offering an assortment of scents from traditional perfumes to modern eau de toilette and niche fragrances. Prominent segments include cosmetics giant collaborations, artisan offerings, and innovative subscription services. With growing consumer demand for personalized and cruelty-free products, the industry is shifting towards sustainability and authenticity, leading to exciting new enterprises focused on clean beauty and individual expression. In an era driven by individualism, fragrances play a central role in personal identity.


This list highlights 16 prominent investors in the fragrance and perfume sector across the US. They range from venture capital firms like Y Combinator to established private equity players such as L Catterton. Many of these investors are based in key metropolitan hubs, including San Francisco and New York, with a mix of size categories from small (1-10) to large (over 10,000) employees. Established mostly in the 2000s and 2010s, these firms made significant strides in 2024, executing investments that showcase their commitment to this aromatic industry. Let’s explore their contributions and strategic interests.


Top 16 Fragrance and Perfume 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 specializing in investment management, focusing on consumer brands across various sectors. Founded in 1989, 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 fragrance and beauty sector, including their involvement with Baccarat, a luxury brand known for its perfumes, where they participated in a post-IPO equity round in 2012. In 2024, they acquired Kiko for $1.5 billion, a brand that includes a variety of beauty products, including fragrances. Additionally, their investment in SUGAR Cosmetics, which raised $50 million in a Series D funding round in 2022, highlights their focus on the beauty market, further establishing their relevance in the fragrance and perfume industry.


2. 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 provides both financial support and strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Notably, they have made significant investments in the fragrance and perfume industry, including the acquisition of the French scent and candle company Diptyque in 2005 and the Swedish fragrance brand Byredo in 2013. These acquisitions highlight their commitment to nurturing brand equity and enhancing the business operations of established fragrance brands. Additionally, their portfolio includes other beauty-related investments, showcasing their broad expertise in the beauty market.


3. 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 through a structured program that aids entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the fragrance and perfume sector is Scentbird, a fragrance-shopping platform that raised $18.6 million in Series A funding in 2018, with Y Combinator participating alongside other investors. Additionally, Y Combinator was involved in earlier funding rounds for Scentbird, including a seed round in 2015. Their investment in Scentbird highlights their engagement in the fragrance industry, showcasing their willingness to support innovative companies in this space.


4. 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 investments in the beauty and fragrance sector, including Scentbird, which raised $1,000,000 in a seed round in 2015, focusing on fragrance subscription services. Additionally, they invested in Source Beauty, a Cairo-based beauty e-commerce startup, which aims to support beauty products made in Egypt, potentially including fragrances. Their investment in Floward, a flower and gifting company, also indicates a broader interest in the beauty and lifestyle market. These transactions highlight 500 Global's engagement with the fragrance and perfume industry, despite their primary focus on technology startups.


5. True Beauty Ventures


True Beauty Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in the beauty and wellness sectors. Founded in 2020, the firm focuses on providing capital and mentorship to emerging beauty brands, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve growth. Their clientele primarily consists of indie brand founders seeking investment and strategic guidance. Notably, True Beauty Ventures has invested in The 7 Virtues Beauty, a clean fragrance brand, which highlights their involvement in the fragrance industry. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for brands like Vacation and Crown Affair, which, while primarily focused on skincare and hair care, demonstrate their broader commitment to beauty and wellness. Their investment in Youthforia also reflects their strategy of supporting innovative beauty brands. Overall, True Beauty Ventures is positioned as a key player in the beauty investment landscape, with specific ties to the fragrance sector.


6. 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. Recently, General Atlantic has made significant investments in the beauty and personal care sector, notably leading funding rounds for Harmay, a Chinese beauty retailer, which raised substantial capital to expand its operations. They also invested in Buff City Soap, a company focused on personal care products, which indicates their interest in the beauty market. These transactions highlight General Atlantic's commitment to enhancing the growth trajectories of companies within the beauty sector, which often includes fragrance and perfume products.


7. 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 Otherland, a DTC candle startup, which highlights their engagement in the fragrance sector. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for beauty brands such as Glossier and VIOLET GREY, which often include fragrance products in their offerings. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to the beauty and lifestyle industries, making them a relevant player in the fragrance and perfume market.


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 investments in the fragrance and perfume industry, including the acquisition of Parfums de Marly and INITIO PARFUMS PRIVÉS on June 22, 2023. These acquisitions highlight Advent's strategic interest in the fragrance market. Additionally, they acquired Arabela in 1998 and have shown a broader interest in the cosmetics sector with the acquisition of Skala Cosmetics in February 2024. These transactions underscore Advent's active role in the beauty and fragrance industries, making them a relevant investor in this space.


9. 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 venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in growth equity and venture capital for consumer brands. Founded in 2012, the firm focuses on partnering with emerging growth stage companies, providing them with capital and strategic support to scale effectively. Their clientele includes entrepreneurs in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle sectors, seeking to enhance their market presence and profitability. Notable transactions include a $40 million minority growth investment in Makeup by Mario, a brand closely associated with beauty products, and a Series A funding round for Vacation, a skin-care-meets-sunscreen brand. These investments highlight Silas Capital's commitment to the beauty industry, which often intersects with the fragrance and perfume market.


10. 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. Notable transactions include acquiring a minority stake in Huda Beauty, a prominent beauty brand known for its cosmetics and fragrances, in December 2017. They also acquired ZOEVA, a cosmetics brand, in March 2018, and Kenra Professional, a hair care brand, in February 2011. Additionally, they invested in Pureology Research, a brand focused on hair care products, in January 2004. These investments highlight TSG's commitment to the beauty sector, which often includes fragrance products, making them a significant player in the consumer goods market.


11. Sandbridge Capital

  • Website: sandbridgecap.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sandbridge-capital

Sandbridge Capital is a private equity investment firm based in San Jose, California, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in high-growth branded consumer companies, providing strategic capital and advisory services to founders in the consumer sector. Sandbridge focuses on luxury, beauty, and health and wellness brands, partnering with innovative companies to help them navigate growth challenges and enhance their market presence. Notably, Sandbridge has made significant investments in the fragrance and beauty sectors, including a Series A investment in Henry Rose, a fragrance brand by Michelle Pfeiffer, aimed at expanding its retail reach and marketing efforts. Additionally, they have invested in R.e.m. Beauty, further demonstrating their commitment to the beauty and fragrance industries. Their portfolio also includes investments in other beauty brands like ILIA Beauty and Peach & Lily, showcasing their expertise and interest in the broader beauty market.


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. Their mission is to support local entrepreneurs by providing accelerator programs, venture capital funding, and a retail platform for local products, with a focus on helping Hawaiian companies scale globally while celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the islands. In recent years, Mana Up has been involved in several transactions relevant to the beauty and personal care industry, including investments in companies like Jules + Gem Hawaii, Ua Body, Body Mint, Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals, and Honua Hawaiian Skincare. These companies are engaged in creating products that may include fragrances and personal care items, highlighting Mana Up's role in promoting local beauty brands that could intersect with the fragrance market.


13. 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 extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in Hawthorne, a personalized fragrance company, through multiple funding rounds, including a Seed Round in December 2017, a Series A in August 2019, and a Convertible Note in November 2021. This involvement highlights their engagement in the fragrance and perfume industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


14. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.


The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is a leading cosmetics manufacturer and retailer based in New York, specializing in makeup, skincare, perfume, and hair care products. Founded in 1946, the company has built a diverse portfolio of prestigious brands and operates globally through both digital commerce and retail channels. Notably, Estée Lauder has made significant investments in the fragrance sector, acquiring brands such as Le Labo, known for its unique candles and fragrances, in 2014 for an estimated $60 million. In 2022, they acquired Aveda, a brand that also emphasizes natural fragrances, and in 2007, they added Origins to their portfolio, which includes fragrance products. These acquisitions highlight Estée Lauder's strategic focus on enhancing their fragrance offerings, making them a key player in the industry.


15. Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures


Fab Co-Creation Studio Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in consulting and supporting startups in the fashion and beauty industries, offering investment, operational support, and strategic consulting to help founders grow their sustainable brands. They focus on building a community of entrepreneurs and providing access to resources and expertise necessary for success. Notably, they have been involved in several seed funding rounds for companies such as BROWN GIRL Jane, which raised $3,150,000, and Thirteen lune, which raised $3,000,000. These companies are part of the beauty sector, indicating Fab Co-Creation Studio's active engagement in industries that often overlap with fragrance and perfume. Their commitment to sustainable practices further aligns them with modern fragrance brands that prioritize eco-friendly approaches.


16. Alliance Consumer Growth (ACG)


Alliance Consumer Growth (ACG) is a growth equity firm based in New York, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic guidance to emerging consumer brands, with a focus on sectors such as Food & Beverage, Beauty, and Apparel. ACG has been involved in several notable transactions within the beauty sector, including investments in Pacifica Beauty and OUAI, both of which are known for their beauty products that may include fragrance lines. Additionally, ACG led an investment round for Half Magic, a color cosmetics brand, and provided growth capital to Nudestix, a minimalist makeup brand. These transactions highlight ACG's commitment to supporting innovative brands in the beauty industry, which often encompasses fragrance products, thereby positioning them as a relevant player in the fragrance and perfume investment landscape.



Fragrance and Perfume Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Manzanita CapitalSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)11-5020010
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
True Beauty VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020203
General AtlanticNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000198032
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
Silas CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020125
TSG Consumer PartnersLarkspur, California, United States (USA)51-20019861
Sandbridge CapitalSan Jose, California, United States (USA)1-1020131
Mana UpHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)1-1020188
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19460
Fab Co-Creation Studio VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-50020200
Alliance Consumer Growth (ACG)New York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020110


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