Australian premium SPF-based skincare brand Ultra Violette closed AUD $15 million ($10 million) in strategic investment from US consumer growth equity firm Aria Growth Partners. The brand has been self-funded to date, and this represents the first outside capital.
WHO: Founded by former Mecca alums Ava Chandler-Matthews and Rebecca Jefferd in 2019, Melbourne-based Ultra Violette is a premium suncare brand. The business has cultivated a dedicated following for its Skinscreens, which are SPF-based skincare products known for their lightweight, nourishing formulations. The brand has expanded to more than 28 international markets across Europe, Australia, the US, Asia, and the Middle East through retail partnerships like Sephora, SpaceNK, Harrods, Liberty London, Adore Beauty, and Cult Beauty.
Aria Growth Partners invests across the consumer sector, taking minority stakes in brands with $10-$50+ million in revenue and writing checks between $10-$30+ million. The firm is currently invested in The Inkey List, and was the investment partner to Hero Cosmetics, which was acquired by Church & Dwight.
WHY: The capital infusion from Aria Growth Partners will help fuel Ultra Violette’s expansion into North America, beginning with the Canadian market in March 2024. The investment will catalyze further product innovation and team development.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Rebecca Jefferd shared, “This investment marks a significant milestone for our business, one we are confident will be remembered as the starting point of something greater than we could have imagined. Aria has shown huge passion and support for our brand from day one, and we are thrilled to work with them. We can’t wait to take our Skinscreen message to North America starting with Sephora Canada in March 2024.”
Jackie Dunklau, co-founder and partner at Aria Growth Partners, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Bec and Ava for Ultra Violette’s next phase of growth. Bec and Ava are impressive entrepreneurs that have created a beautiful brand, with truly amazing, high-performance products. As consumers change their SPF habits from occasion-based to daily usage, Ultra Violette is perfectly positioned to lead the charge.”
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