TLDR:
- Natura Ventures has launched with $9.2m to support Brazilian beauty startups.
- The corporate venture capital fund will focus on seed-stage opportunities in the circularity, beauty, and customer service segments.
Brazilian cosmetics and personal care group Natura has established a new corporate venture capital fund called Natura Ventures, in partnership with impact investment firm Vox Capital. The fund has an initial capital of $9.2m to invest in seed-stage startups over the next three years. Natura Ventures aims to support up to 15 startups, offering funding ranging from $0.37m to $1.8m, with a focus on companies in the circular economy, beauty, and customer service technology sectors, primarily in Brazil. The launch of Natura Ventures marks a strategic move towards enhancing Natura’s innovation strategies and strengthening its position in the market.
The vice president of new business at Natura &Co Latin America, José Manuel Silva, highlighted the company’s longstanding commitment to open innovation and the need for an official venture capital instrument to drive innovation over the next 15 years. Thamara Prado, corporate venturing manager at Natura & Co Latam, was recognized as one of the GCV Rising Stars 2024, further solidifying Natura’s presence in the venture capital landscape. Natura & Co also operates another CVC subsidiary called Fable Investments, focusing on emerging beauty and wellness brands, such as Maude and Eadem.
The launch of Natura Ventures underscores Natura’s dedication to fostering innovation, supporting startup ecosystem development, and driving growth in the Brazilian beauty sector. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and customer service, Natura Ventures is poised to make a significant impact on the beauty and wellness startup ecosystem in Brazil.
