Emotional well-being brand Selfmade secured more than one million dollars in pre-seed funding, riding a boom in investments in mental health start-ups.
WHO: Led by former Michelle Obama staffer and former MAC Cosmetics product developer Stephanie Lee, Selfmade is a CPG and consumer tech brand focused on building products and resources that promote emotional well-being. Centered in community-powered healing for Gen Z women of color and non-binary individuals, Selfmade is the first Gen Z well-being brand instituting rituals of self-worth by creating emotionally intelligent personal care products. Developed with mental health experts of color, the product ecosystems and digital platform address the cycle of how mental health and emotional state affect skin and body function.
WHY: The announcement comes as funding for mental health technology ballooned to $1.5 billion in 2020, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: "We're grateful for the early and enthusiastic support from these folks, who are experts and pioneers in their fields that recognize the impact that Selfmade can have in terms of democratizing access to conversations, tools, and community focused on mental health," said Selfmade CEO Stephanie Lee. "While way overdue, the groundswell in investment is inspiring and validates what we already knew—that approachable solutions for mental health care are lacking and it will be change makers like Selfmade who ultimately lead the way."
DETAILS: Angel investors in Selfmade, 60% of whom are BIPOC and 60% female, include leading executives, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs at the intersection of e-commerce, beauty, tech, and politics, invested $1 million in pre-seed funding:
