Apothékary secured an $8 million pre-Series A round, including a strategic investment from Japanese beauty giant Shiseido and wholesale distribution in Ulta Beauty.WHO: Founded in 2020 by Shizu Okusa, Apothékary was inspired by her Japanese heritage and her experience with burnout while working on Wall Street. Apothékary is a plant medicine company offering clean, unadulterated herbal alternatives to over-the-counter supplements and quick fixes, which are often riddled with synthetic ingredients and additives. The natural remedies draw from traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kampo, and Ayurveda. All products are made with 100% certified organic ingredients and whole plants that don’t contain GMOs, fillers, artificial chemicals, sweeteners, gums, or additives.Shiseido Long Term Investments for the Future (LIFT) Ventures is a newly formed vehicle for investing in innovative early-stage companies within the beauty wellness space. LIFT Ventures is focused on investing in novel technologies, innovative platforms, high-growth brands, and new business models, among others. The fund will primarily focus on compelling innovation in the Western Hemisphere, while maintaining a global lens.WHY: The capital infusion will support the brand's retail and headcount expansion. LIFT’s investment in Apothékary reflects two objectives for Shiseido: increasing its exposure outside of Asia and in wellness.IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “Ulta Beauty’s partnership with Apothékary speaks to the larger convergence of beauty and wellness that’s happening right now in our industry,” Apothékary founder and CEO Shizu Okusa said.