The nail salon industry in Europe is vibrant and evolving, encompassing a range of businesses from high-end studios to local nail bars. Offering services such as manicures, pedicures, nail art, and nail enhancement treatments, these establishments cater to a broad clientele seeking beauty and self-care experiences. Recent trends indicate a growing demand for eco-friendly products and services that prioritize health and sustainability. The rise of technology in this sector, such as online booking platforms and product customization, reflects changing consumer behaviors. Industry growth is projected to escalate, driven by increasing consumer expectations and the desire for quality nail care.


The investors featured in this list represent a mix of corporate players and venture capital firms, primarily headquartered in major European cities like London and Paris. With sizes ranging from small startups to multinational corporations, these investors were founded from 1872 to 2015, indicating a broad spectrum of experience. They collectively engaged in numerous deals in 2024, with varying focuses on supporting beauty startups, including several prominent investments in nail care businesses.


Top 17 Nail Salon Investors in Europe


1. 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 leading cosmetics manufacturer based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in a wide range of personal care products, including skin care, make-up, hair care, and perfumes. Founded in 1909, L'Oréal has established itself as a global leader in the beauty industry, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Notably, L'Oréal acquired Essie Cosmetics in 2010 for $28 million, a strategic move to enhance its portfolio in the rapidly growing nail care market in the US. This acquisition reflects L'Oréal's dedication to expanding its influence in the nail salon industry, making it a relevant investor in this sector. Additionally, L'Oréal has made several other acquisitions in the beauty space, such as Matrix Essentials and The Body Shop International, further solidifying its position as a comprehensive beauty provider.


2. 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 venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. They specialize in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. Unilever Ventures supports startups by providing capital and leveraging Unilever's extensive network to help these businesses grow. Notable transactions include investments in Blow, a beauty service platform that raised $4.5 million in Series A funding, and Plum, which has raised significant amounts across multiple funding rounds, indicating a strong interest in beauty-related startups. Their focus on empowering entrepreneurs with innovative ideas positions them as a potential investor in the nail salon industry, as they seek to build strong consumer brands in the beauty space.


3. 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 startups and SMEs to raise capital through equity investments. The platform connects businesses with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the beauty industry, such as My Beauty Squad, which raised $77,737 in October 2020, and TrimCheck, which raised $212,284 in October 2020. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's engagement with businesses that operate within the beauty sector, making them a potential investor for nail salons and related services.


4. 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, with a strong commitment to sustainability. Unilever Ventures has invested in various beauty brands, including Pureplay Skin Sciences Ltd, which focuses on vegan and cruelty-free products, indicating a trend towards ethical beauty solutions. Additionally, Unilever has acquired notable skincare brands such as Kate Somerville and Dermalogica, further solidifying its presence in the beauty sector. These transactions highlight Unilever's strategy to enhance its portfolio in personal care, which is relevant to the nail salon industry, as many nail salons also offer beauty and skincare services.


5. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the beauty industry, including a €1.5 million investment in WAAM Cosmetics, which focuses on cosmetic products, and participation in funding rounds for Planity, a platform that enhances the management of beauty services, including nail salons. These investments highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting businesses that operate within the beauty and personal care sector.


6. 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 corporate investor specializing in digital e-commerce, particularly in the beauty and nutrition sectors. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, THG operates through its divisions THG Beauty and THG Nutrition, offering a wide range of products directly to consumers. Notable transactions include the acquisition of GLOSSYBOX, a beauty subscription service, which enhances their portfolio in the beauty sector. Additionally, THG's acquisition of DermStore, a US beauty retailer, for $350 million, and Cult Beauty for £275 million, further solidifies their commitment to expanding their influence in the beauty market. These strategic moves indicate THG's focus on innovation and customer engagement in the beauty industry, making them a potential investor in nail salon-related businesses.


7. 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. They invest in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, and focus on building long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs. Notably, they led a £4 million seed funding round for Beautystack, a platform aimed at beauty professionals, which aligns closely with the nail salon industry. Additionally, they have invested in other beauty-related companies such as Glossier, which, while primarily focused on skincare and cosmetics, indicates a broader interest in the beauty sector. Their strategic support helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges and drive business growth, making them a valuable partner for startups in the beauty and nail salon space.


8. Coty

  • Website: coty.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1904
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: coty

Coty Inc. is a prominent beauty company founded in 1904, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company specializes in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of a diverse range of beauty products, including fragrances, cosmetics, and skin care. Coty serves both consumers and beauty professionals, emphasizing innovative solutions that celebrate diverse beauty. Notably, Coty has made significant strides in the nail care industry, particularly through its acquisition of OPI Products, which includes OPI Nail Lacquers and Nicole by OPI brands. This acquisition, announced on November 29, 2010, was valued at approximately $1 billion and aimed to enhance Coty's color cosmetic portfolio while expanding its presence in the nail care category through professional salons. This strategic move highlights Coty's commitment to the nail salon sector, making it a key player 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 a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, focusing on growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made strategic investments in the beauty industry, such as its acquisition of Aroma-Zone, a leading online retailer of essential oils and natural beauty products, and its involvement with DESSANGE International, which operates in the beauty services sector. Additionally, Eurazeo Brands has invested in Pat McGrath Labs, a high-profile cosmetics brand, further emphasizing its commitment to the beauty market. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's active role in the beauty and personal care industry, making it a relevant player for potential investments in nail salons.


10. Treatwell

  • Website: treatwell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn:

Treatwell is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 2008. It operates as a digital platform in the beauty industry, allowing consumers to conveniently book various beauty services. Treatwell has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings in the beauty sector. Notably, in 2014, Treatwell acquired Salonmeister for $26 million, a move that likely strengthened its position in the nail salon market. In 2015, Treatwell further expanded its portfolio by acquiring Treatwell Holding BV and ZenSoon, both of which contribute to its mission of connecting customers with beauty service providers. Additionally, the acquisition of Salonium in 2012 highlights Treatwell's commitment to enhancing its service offerings in the beauty industry, including nail salons.


11. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. With over €2.8 billion under management, HV Capital specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit. The firm has a diverse portfolio, including significant investments in the beauty and wellness sector. Notably, they invested in Vaniday, a beauty and wellness startup that provides essential tools for salons, including nail salons, across multiple countries. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in GLOSSYBOX, a beauty subscription service, and Enamora, which also operates in the beauty space. These transactions highlight HV Capital's engagement with companies that are relevant to the nail salon industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting businesses that cater to beauty and wellness.


12. Founders Factory

  • Website: foundersfactory.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: foundersfactory

Founders Factory is a venture studio and startup accelerator based in London, England, founded in 2015. They partner with entrepreneurs to build and fund innovative startups across various sectors, including Fintech, Health, Climate, and Deep Tech. Founders Factory provides operational support, capital investment, and access to a network of corporate partners, helping startups navigate the challenges of growth and development. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Ruuby, a platform that connects users with beauty professionals for on-demand services, which aligns with the nail salon industry. Additionally, they have made investments in other startups like Preemadonna and Slick, although these are not directly related to nail salons, they demonstrate Founders Factory's active role in supporting early-stage companies.


13. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Rush Hair, which raised over $20 million in a venture round, and the investment in Original Additions, a beauty accessories supplier that has expanded into international markets. These transactions highlight LDC's engagement in the beauty sector, which aligns with the interests of nail salons and related businesses.


14. Rocket Internet SE


Rocket Internet SE is a venture builder based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in internet and technology companies globally, providing operational support and capital to entrepreneurs. Among its notable transactions, Rocket Internet invested €15 million in Vaniday, a beauty and wellness startup that operates in multiple countries including Italy, the UK, France, the UAE, and Brazil. Vaniday offers CRM, marketing, and online-booking tools specifically designed for partnered salons, highlighting Rocket Internet's engagement in the beauty sector. Additionally, Rocket Internet has invested in GLOSSYBOX, a beauty subscription service, further demonstrating its interest in the beauty industry.


15. JamJar Investments


JamJar Investments is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2013. They specialize in investing in early-stage consumer tech brands, providing both financial backing and strategic support to help these companies grow. Their investment portfolio includes a variety of consumer-focused companies, such as Townhouse, a nail salon that raised $9 million in a venture round in January 2023. Additionally, they have invested in other beauty-related companies like Josh Wood Colour, a hair color brand, and Skin + Me, a skincare company. While they have shown interest in the beauty sector, their investments span various consumer categories, indicating a broader investment strategy beyond just nail salons.


16. QVentures

  • Website: qventures.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: q-ventures

QVentures is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in providing direct investment opportunities and advisory services for a Pre-Seed Fund, focusing on high-growth start-ups for family offices and institutional investors. Notably, QVentures has invested in companies such as Secret Spa, which raised funds in a Seed Round in 2019, and LeSalon Beauty, which secured a Pre-Seed investment in 2015. These transactions highlight QVentures' engagement in the beauty and wellness sector, particularly in services that are relevant to nail salons, showcasing their capability and interest in this industry.


17. Henkel

  • Website: henkel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1876
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: henkel

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is a prominent chemical manufacturer and consumer goods company based in Düsseldorf, Germany, founded in 1876. The company specializes in adhesive technologies and consumer brands, offering a diverse range of products including adhesives, sealants, and home care items. Henkel emphasizes innovation and sustainability in its operations. In recent years, Henkel has expanded its footprint in the beauty and cosmetics industry through several strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Shiseido in February 2022 and Banana Beauty in July 2020, along with a 75% stake in Invincible Brands, which includes HelloBody and Mermaid+Me. These transactions highlight Henkel's commitment to enhancing its portfolio in the beauty sector, which is relevant to nail salons as it encompasses products that may be used in nail care and aesthetics.



Nail Salon Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
L'OréalParis, Île-De-France, France10001+19094
Unilever VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020029
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
UnileverLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18720
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
ThgManchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500020041
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
CotyAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+19040
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
TreatwellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50020080
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Founders FactoryLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020152
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Rocket Internet SEBerlin, Berlin, Germany201-50020070
JamJar InvestmentsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020136
QVenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020135
HenkelDüsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18763


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