The cosmetic and beauty product stores industry in the US is vibrant and growing. It includes retail brands, e-commerce platforms, and sustainable product lines, offering everything from makeup to skincare and hair products. Consumer preferences are shifting towards personalized and eco-friendly options, driving brands to innovate. The rise of social media influencers has transformed marketing strategies, leading to niche brands gaining rapid traction. By 2025, the industry is expected to adopt more advanced technology, with augmented reality fitting rooms and AI-driven recommendations becoming common, catering to an increasingly tech-savvy audience.


This list features a mix of venture capital and private equity firms invested in the cosmetic and beauty product sector. Headquarters span from San Francisco to New York, reflecting diverse market interests. With firm sizes ranging from as small as 1-10 employees to over 10,000, the investors have different scales of operation. Founded between 1976 and 2023, these firms have initiated numerous funding deals, totaling 802 transactions in 2024 alone. Evidence of their influence is seen through significant financial backing for companies like Glossier and Madison Reed.


Top 18 Cosmetic and Beauty Product Stores 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 beauty-related companies such as Memebox, which raised a total of $29 million in Series B funding and $11.92 million in Series A funding, as well as Function of Beauty, which secured $9.5 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative brands within this industry.


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, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the beauty sector, including Source Beauty, a Cairo-based beauty e-commerce startup, which received pre-seed funding to support its expansion of Egyptian beauty products. Additionally, they have invested in Althea, a South Korean cosmetics e-commerce site, participating in multiple funding rounds including a $3.5 million Series A round aimed at supporting the company's growth in marketing and logistics. Other investments in beauty-related startups, such as Circulo de Belleza, further demonstrate their commitment to the cosmetic and beauty product industry.


3. 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. L Catterton has a strong emphasis on consumer insights, aiming to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies. Notably, L Catterton has made significant investments in the beauty sector, including the acquisition of Kiko for $1.5 billion in April 2024, and a 35.8% minority stake in the US cosmetics brand Il Makiage for $29 million in June 2017. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Sociolla and Kopari Beauty, further solidifying their role as a key investor in the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry.


4. 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 several companies within the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including Evertone Skin, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round in November 2023, and Proven Skincare, which received funding through both a Seed round and a Convertible Note in 2018. Additionally, they invested in Peachy, a beauty-related company that raised over $25 million in a Venture Round in July 2022. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' active engagement in the beauty industry, reinforcing their relevance as an investor in this space.


5. 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 investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector are Glossier, which raised $100 million in a Series D round in 2019, and Beleza na Web, which secured $10 million in a Series B round in 2013, as well as an earlier $5 million in Series A in 2011. Additionally, Tiger Global invested $240 million in Yatsen Holding in 2020, a significant player in the beauty market. Their recent investment in Morado, a wholesale marketplace for beauty salons, further highlights their commitment to the beauty industry. Tiger Global's diverse portfolio includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services.


6. 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 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 several prominent beauty brands, including Glossier, which raised $8.4 million in a Series A round, and VIOLET GREY, which secured $4.7 million in Series A funding. Additionally, they have supported Into The Gloss, a beauty-focused platform, in multiple funding rounds, and Prose, a personalized hair care brand that raised $18 million in Series B funding. These transactions highlight Lerer Hippeau's active role in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, making them a relevant investor in this industry.


7. 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, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, India, and China. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector, but has also made notable investments in the beauty and cosmetic industry. Accel's involvement with Birchbox is particularly significant, as they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $1.4 million Seed round in 2010, a $10.5 million Series A in 2011, a $60 million Series B in 2014, and a $15 million Series C in 2016. These investments highlight Accel's commitment to supporting innovative beauty startups. Additionally, their investment in MyGlamm, which raised approximately $47.8 million in Series C funding in 2021, further showcases their engagement in the beauty sector.


8. 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, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has participated in several transactions within the beauty sector, including a seed round for Yours, a beauty startup, which raised $3.5M in August 2019, and multiple funding rounds for Madison Reed, a hair color company, which raised significant amounts in Series C rounds in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, the fund has invested in Crown Affair, a hair care brand, through seed rounds in 2020 and 2021. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with the cosmetic and beauty product stores industry.


9. 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 leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including the acquisition of Coty for $4.3 billion in December 2020 and Wella AG for $2.5 billion on the same day. Additionally, KKR facilitated a $750 million capital raise for Coty in May 2020 and participated in funding rounds for Wella AG, showcasing their commitment to supporting and growing brands within the beauty industry. KKR's global reach and expertise enable them to navigate complex investment landscapes, making them a valuable investor in the cosmetic and beauty product stores market.


10. 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 cosmetic and beauty product sector, including the acquisition of Douglas Holding, a major German perfume retailer, for approximately 2.0 billion dollars in 2012. More recently, in 2024, Advent acquired Skala Cosmetics, a Brazilian vegan hair care brand, aiming to enhance its manufacturing capacity and expand its international presence. These transactions highlight Advent's active role in the beauty industry, reinforcing its position as a relevant investor in cosmetic and beauty product stores.


11. 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. Notably, General Atlantic has made significant strides in the cosmetic and beauty product industry, acquiring a majority stake in Too Faced Cosmetics in 2015 and a 60% stake in Morphe Cosmetics in 2019, valuing the latter at $2.2 billion. These investments aim to enhance the growth trajectories of these brands, positioning them for expansion in the global beauty market. Additionally, General Atlantic has been involved in funding rounds for Harmay, a Chinese beauty retailer, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative beauty companies. By leveraging its global network and expertise, General Atlantic continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of its portfolio companies within the beauty sector.


12. 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 focuses on providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups, fostering diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including a $3 million seed round for Thirteen lune, a beauty e-commerce platform, and participation in Madison Reed's Series E funding round, which is known for its hair color products. Additionally, they invested in Glitzi, which raised $2.8 million to expand its at-home beauty and spa services in Mexico, and Ever/Body, which raised $38 million in Series B funding for its beauty services. These investments highlight Gaingels' active role in the beauty industry and their commitment to supporting innovative beauty solutions.


13. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm based in New York, founded in 1998. It provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In recent years, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including a $30 million investment in Purplle in December 2019, a $62 million investment in COLORKEY in January 2021, and a $52 million investment in Madison Reed in February 2021. These transactions highlight Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in the beauty industry, positioning them as a significant investor in this space.


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 technology and healthcare sectors. However, they have also made significant investments in the cosmetic and beauty product industry. Notable transactions include their participation in the funding rounds for FabFitFun, a lifestyle subscription box company that includes beauty products, and Goop, a wellness and lifestyle brand founded by Gwyneth Paltrow that offers a range of beauty and personal care products. NEA's collaborative approach emphasizes long-term relationships with founders, providing both funding and strategic guidance to help them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. Their involvement in the beauty sector highlights their versatility as an investor, making them a noteworthy player in the cosmetic and beauty product stores market.


15. 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 a notable track record in the beauty and cosmetics sector, particularly through its investments in Glossier, a direct-to-consumer beauty company. The firm participated in several funding rounds for Glossier, including a Series A round that raised $8.4 million in 2014, a Series C round that raised $52 million in 2018, a Series D round of $100 million in 2019, and a Series E round of $80 million in 2021. These investments highlight Forerunner's focus on emerging consumer demands in the beauty industry, making them a relevant player in the cosmetic and beauty product stores market.


16. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, but it has also made significant investments in the beauty industry. Notably, Goodwater led multiple funding rounds for Memebox, a beauty brand that raised substantial amounts in Series A, B, and C funding, totaling over $100 million. Additionally, Goodwater participated in a funding round for Beaubble, a brand focused on influencer collaborations in the beauty space. These transactions highlight Goodwater's active role in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative brands in this industry.


17. CircleUp

  • Website: circleup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: circleup

CircleUp is a financial services company founded in 2012, based in San Francisco, California. They specialize in providing funding and support to consumer brands, leveraging their Helio technology platform to offer data insights that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. CircleUp has been active in the cosmetic and beauty product industry, with notable investments including Kosas, a US make-up brand, which raised Series A and B funding from CircleUp. Additionally, they invested in Mented Cosmetics, which secured $5 million in Series A funding to expand its distribution with major retailers like Ulta Beauty and Target. CircleUp's focus on consumer packaged goods and their track record of supporting beauty brands positions them as a relevant investor in the cosmetic and beauty product stores sector.


18. 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 several key investments in the cosmetic and beauty product sector, including acquiring minority stakes in Huda Beauty and IT Cosmetics, as well as funding elf Cosmetics, ZOEVA, and Smashbox Cosmetics. These investments highlight TSG's focus on the beauty industry and their role in supporting the growth of prominent beauty brands.



Cosmetic and Beauty Product Stores 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
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
General AtlanticNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000198032
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
ForerunnerSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201212
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441
CircleUpSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-20020120
TSG Consumer PartnersLarkspur, California, United States (USA)51-20019861


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