Kenyan-born skincare brand Uncover recently secured $1.4 million in a Seed II funding round, a significant boost to their mission of empowering women of colour with personalised skincare solutions.
More Than Products: A Community Built on Inclusivity
Founded in 2020 by a trio of passionate women, including Sneha Mehta, Jade Oyateru, and Catherine Lee, Uncover is more than just a brand; it’s a movement.
They believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful in her own skin, regardless of colour or imperfections. Uncover champions inclusivity, specifically addressing the needs of women with melanated skin tones, who have been historically overlooked and underrepresented in the beauty industry.
A Pioneering Approach
Uncover draws on the best of both worlds: the innovative K-Beauty technology known for its cutting-edge advancements, and the power of natural African botanicals.
This unique combination allows them to create highly effective and targeted products specifically formulated for the diverse needs of melanated skin.
Whether it’s concerns about hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, or dryness, Uncover recognises the specific challenges faced by women of colour and tailors their products to address them effectively.
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Impressive Growth Fueled by a Loyal Community
Uncover’s commitment to inclusivity and personalised skincare has resonated deeply with consumers. They’ve built a thriving online community of over 200,000 women across Kenya, Nigeria, and the African diaspora.
This impressive community engagement is matched by their remarkable revenue growth, which has seen a tenfold increase in just two years.
Investing in the Future: Scaling Up and Empowering More Women
The $1.4 million funding round, led by EQ2 Ventures and igniteXL Ventures, with participation from Chui Ventures, Samata Capital, and Altree Capital, empowers Uncover to take their mission to the next level. The investment will fuel several key initiatives:
- Market Expansion: Uncover plans to solidify their presence in Africa by entering new markets like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Building upon their established operations in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Ghana, they aim to become the go-to brand for personalised skincare solutions across the continent.
- Enhanced Product Development: The company is committed to continuous innovation. They will invest in developing even more effective and personalised skincare solutions, catering to the evolving needs of their diverse audience. This could involve expanding their product line to address new concerns or creating customised products based on individual skin types.
- Technological Advancements: Uncover will leverage technology to further enhance the customer experience. This could include developing personalised skincare consultations through AI-powered tools or creating interactive online platforms for building custom routines.
Industry Recognition and Visionary Leadership
Uncover’s success has garnered the attention of prominent investors. Patrick Thiriet from EQ2 Ventures, impressed by the leadership team, stated,
“We’ve been following Uncover since the early days, and I must say we kept on being impressed by Sneha and Jade.As investors, we’ve rarely seen such a combination of clarity in the vision and maturity in the execution.” In 2023, they raised $1 million in a funding round.
Beyond Africa: Empowering Women on a Global Scale
While prioritising Africa, Uncover also has its sights set on global markets. They aim to empower women of colour on a global scale, with a particular focus on diaspora communities in North America.
This demonstrates their commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all women of colour, regardless of location, have access to high-quality, personalised skincare solutions that cater to their unique needs.
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Uncover’s journey is more than just about selling products; it’s about promoting self-love, inclusivity, and empowerment for women of colour.
With their innovative approach, dedicated leadership, and passionate community, Uncover is positioned to change the beauty industry and redefine what it means to prioritise the unique needs of melanated skin.
Their focus on building a community and leveraging technology to personalise the customer journey reflects a deep understanding of their target audience and a commitment to building a brand that truly represents and empowers them.