Key Takeaways:Cartesian Capital, a US private equity firm behind the Burger King and Tim Horton chains in China, has invested in Townhouse.UK nail concept Townhouse targets 500 salons after new investment values the business at £130 million ($173 million).Townhouse CEO predicts nail salons are next in line for Starbucks-style expansion after decades of being overlooked by investors.Luxury nail salon chain Townhouse is embarking on a major international expansion and growth drive fueled by fresh capital.WHO: The UK-based manicure concept Townhouse was founded in 2018 by Juanita Huber-Millet and headed up by her husband and Chief Executive Jonathan Millet. Positioned as premium but accessible, Townhouse combines fashion‑led, highly Instagrammable interiors with rigorously standardized protocols to deliver consistent, high‑quality manicures, pedicures, BIAB, and nail art across a rapidly growing network of salons. The business is built around “the Townhouse way”—a service playbook spanning, design, hygiene, and training that guarantees to de‑risk the consumer experience, including hospital‑grade sterilization, “better for you” 3‑free formulas, and one of the industry’s first gel manicures. The brand currently runs 40+ locations, predominantly in London, but has also opened salons in cities including Manchester, Bristol, and Leeds, along with concession locations (including Harrods and H Beauty). Alongside its company‑owned flagship, Townhouse is now rolling out a franchise model to build what it describes as the world’s first truly scaled global nail salon brand in a fragmented, $30 billion‑dollar category.