The hair care products industry in the US is a vibrant market that emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and personalization. Companies range from large, established brands to emerging startups, offering a wide array of products such as shampoos, conditioners, styling tools, and treatments. Recently, there's been a noticeable shift towards specialty and eco-friendly products, as consumers seek solutions tailored to their unique hair types and environmental impact. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has transformed how products reach consumers, making previously niche brands accessible to a broader audience and enhancing competition within the industry.


This compilation features various investors, including venture capital firms and private equity groups, located chiefly in key cities like New York and San Francisco. Established sizes range from small teams to major firms managing significant capital. Founded between the late 1970s to the mid-2010s, these investors recorded impressive deal counts in 2024, aiming to foster growth in the flourishing hair care market.


Top 16 Hair Care Products Investors in the US


1. 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 hair care product companies, including Function of Beauty, which raised $9.5 million in a Series A funding round to refine its brand and expand internationally. They also supported LUS Brands and NaturAll in their early funding stages, indicating a commitment to fostering innovation in the hair care industry alongside their broader technology focus.


2. 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 and provides funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. With a focus on innovative startups, 500 Global has made significant investments in the beauty and hair care sector, including notable transactions such as Mayvenn, which raised $3 million in a seed round in 2013 and specializes in hair extensions. They also invested in Source Beauty, a Cairo-based beauty e-commerce startup, which aims to support beauty products made in Egypt. Other relevant investments include Circulo de Belleza and Althea, which further demonstrate their engagement in the beauty industry. Overall, 500 Global's diverse portfolio and specific investments in hair care-related companies position them as a relevant player in this sector.


3. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. In 2024, SOSV has been particularly active, with 170 investments. Notably, they invested $7 million in OneSkin on November 13, 2024, a company that focuses on skin care and anti-aging, which is closely related to the hair care industry. This investment highlights SOSV's engagement in the beauty and personal care sector, indicating their potential interest in hair care products as well.


4. 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 hair care sector, including a $150 million Series B investment in Function of Beauty, which offers personalized hair products, and the acquisition of a majority stake in Beauty Industry Group, a provider of hair extension products. Additionally, they led a $35 million Series B round for Nutrafol, a company focused on hair wellness. These transactions highlight L Catterton's active role in the hair care products industry.


5. 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. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has invested in hair care-related companies such as Madison Reed, which raised significant funding in Series C rounds in 2015 and 2016, and Crown Affair, which raised funds in seed rounds in 2020 and 2021. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the hair care products industry, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.


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. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, FJ Labs has invested in several companies within the hair care and skincare sectors, such as Hawthorne, which raised funds through multiple rounds including a Series A and a Seed Round, and Proven Skincare, which also received funding through a convertible note. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' active involvement in the personal care market, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in hair care 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 focuses on 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 invested in Prose, a personalized hair care brand, across multiple funding rounds, including a Seed Round in July 2017, a Series A in December 2017, and a Series B in November 2018, totaling over $23 million. Additionally, they have invested in Glossier, a beauty brand that includes hair care products, further showcasing their involvement in the beauty and hair care sectors. Their diverse portfolio reflects a strong interest in innovative beauty solutions, including hair care products.


8. 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. Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions in the hair care and beauty industry, including Madison Reed, a company that raised funds to enhance its hair color products. They also participated in the Seed Round for Thirteen lune, a beauty platform that focuses on inclusive beauty products. Their investment strategy not only emphasizes financial returns but also aims to enhance board diversity and support innovative companies in the beauty sector.


9. 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. Among its notable transactions, Tiger Global has invested in Beleza na Web, a beauty e-commerce platform that raised $10 million in Series B funding in 2013 and $5 million in Series A funding in 2011, both of which are relevant to the hair care products sector. Additionally, they invested $100 million in Glossier during its Series D funding round in 2019, a brand that offers a variety of beauty products, including hair care. These investments highlight Tiger Global's engagement in the hair care products industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.


10. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in buyouts and investments across various sectors. Founded in 1984, Advent focuses on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies by providing capital and strategic guidance. The firm has made significant strides in the hair care products industry, notably acquiring the professional haircare brand Olaplex in November 2019, valued at around £1 billion, driven by its rapid growth and strong customer loyalty. In 2024, Advent further expanded its presence in the hair care market by acquiring Skala Cosmetics, a Brazilian vegan hair care brand, aiming to enhance its manufacturing capacity and international reach. These strategic investments underscore Advent's commitment to the hair care sector, making it a relevant player in this industry.


11. 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. However, their investment portfolio also includes significant players in the beauty and personal care industry. Notably, Accel participated in funding rounds for Innovist, which raised $7 million in a Series A round and $3.47 million in a Seed round, focusing on brands like Bare Anatomy and Chemist at Play that are directly involved in hair care products. Additionally, they invested in MyGlamm, which raised $47.8 million in a Series C round, further showcasing their engagement in the beauty sector. Accel's diverse investment strategy allows them to support growth in various industries, including hair care products.


12. 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 solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has been actively involved in the hair care products industry through significant transactions, including the acquisition of Coty, a major beauty company, for $4.3 billion in December 2020, and the acquisition of Wella AG, a renowned hair care brand, for $2.5 billion on the same date. Additionally, KKR's investment in KDC/ONE, which focuses on beauty and personal care, further highlights its commitment to supporting growth in the hair care sector. With 74 investments in 2024 alone, KKR leverages its extensive expertise and resources to navigate complex investment landscapes and achieve strong financial returns for its clients.


13. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. Notably, IndieBio has invested in hair care-related startups such as Nourie Hair, which produces plant-based braiding hair extensions, and Aja Labs, a firm focused on hair extensions made from plant materials. Both companies received seed funding in 2022, highlighting IndieBio's commitment to supporting innovative hair care solutions that cater to diverse communities and promote sustainability.


14. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has invested in companies like Glamsquad, which provides mobile beauty services, and FabFitFun, a lifestyle subscription box company that includes beauty products. These investments highlight NEA's engagement in the beauty and personal care market, which encompasses hair care products, showcasing their versatility as an investor.


15. 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, they have made significant investments in the beauty and personal care sector, including the acquisition of Alpha-H, a Queensland-based skincare company known for its premium products. This acquisition is aimed at supporting Alpha-H's global expansion. Additionally, Riverside's investment in Bentley Laboratories and Essential Compositions indicates their active role in the beauty industry, which often intersects with hair care products. Their recent acquisition of Frenchies Modern Nail Care further demonstrates their commitment to the beauty and personal care market, making them a versatile investor in this space.


16. 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. They support local entrepreneurs by providing accelerator programs, venture capital funding, and a retail platform for local products. Their mission is to help Hawaiian companies scale globally while celebrating and promoting the unique cultural heritage of the islands. Among their notable transactions, they have provided support to Honua Hawaiian Skincare, which focuses on natural beauty products, including hair care. Other companies they have assisted, such as Ao Organics and Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals, also align with the beauty and personal care industry, indicating a broader interest in sectors that include hair care products.



Hair Care Products Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Mana UpHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)1-1020188


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