Scott-Vincent Borba, co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics, walked away from a fortune from the $3 billion beauty brand after saying wealth and success still left him feeling empty. He’s giving up major assets, including a beach house and an Aston Martin, to pursue a calling as a Catholic priest. His decision spotlights burnout and why many chase meaning beyond money.
India’s beauty industry is gaining global momentum with “I-beauty,” blending Ayurvedic roots and modern science. Buoyed by growing exports and high-profile acquisitions by major multinationals, Indian brands are positioning affordable, dermo-focused luxury for international consumers. Yet the path is tough, with a crowded global market and entrenched K-beauty competitors.
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D2C skin and haircare brand CHOSEN has raised $5 million in a Series A led by Fireside Ventures, with support from L’Oréal’s corporate venture fund and dermatologists. Founded in 2020, the Chennai startup says it will use the funding to strengthen R&D, scale its centre of excellence, and expand clinically validated product lines across skincare, haircare, and wellness.
Musely, the DTC brand for skin, hair, and menopause care, has secured $360 million from General Catalyst via non-dilutive capital. The company says it will use the funding to accelerate customer acquisition and growth without giving up equity, highlighting a financing approach designed to scale faster while limiting founder and investor dilution.
Reliance Retail has acquired Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ global haircare brand Anomaly, aiming to expand its beauty and personal care footprint. Known for clean, vegan, and affordable products, Anomaly is set to be scaled in India and internationally, with Priyanka continuing as Creative Director. The deal strengthens Reliance’s push into the beauty market.
Be Clinical has raised Rs 6 crore in seed funding as it builds clinically validated formulations designed specifically for Indian skin. The brand is positioning its science-driven approach to close a perceived market gap, aiming to translate clinical validation into everyday skincare products. The round signals investor interest in evidence-led beauty and dermatology-focused consumer brands.
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