Teen beauty brand indu has secured a $5.1M investment to support its physical retail expansion in the UK

Indu, a UK-based beauty brand focused on teen skincare, has successfully raised £4 million in seed funding to fuel its expansion. This funding round was led by Unilever Ventures, with additional support from V3 Ventures and various angel investors. The investment will enable Indu to scale its retail footprint across the UK, including a significant partnership with Sephora UK. Indu’s unique approach combines safe, effective beauty products tailored specifically for teenagers, addressing the unique skin needs of this demographic while reassuring parents with quality formulations.

Indu’s co-founder and executive chair, Aaron Chatterley, emphasized the significance of this funding. “Bringing in two incredible venture funds with strong experience in backing and scaling iconic beauty brands was really the dream ticket for us,” he said. This funding round is particularly meaningful given the challenging economic climate, underscoring the brand's growth potential. Chatterley, along with co-founders Reena Hammer and Richard Schiessl, aims to make Indu a trusted name in the teen beauty sector.

Indu offers a wide range of products designed to be both teen-approved and parent-trusted. The product line includes skincare essentials like cleansers and moisturisers, as well as a comprehensive makeup range for eyes, lips, cheeks, and face. Indu’s “Colourless” collection stands out, featuring invisible makeup products like lip oil, eyebrow gel, and lash gel—perfect for a school-friendly look. These products align with Indu’s mission to provide safe, microbiome-friendly options that cater to diverse skin tones and types. The packaging is designed sustainably, with recyclable options and refills for various products.

Involving teenagers in product development is central to Indu’s approach. The brand collaborates with a “teen committee” of over 250 young beauty enthusiasts who offer insights and feedback on new products. This community-led model ensures that Indu’s offerings resonate with its target audience while also receiving guidance from a board of 14 industry advisors. This panel includes influential figures in beauty and fashion who help shape Indu’s strategy and maintain its focus on the teen demographic.

Unilever Ventures, known for its investments in beauty brands, sees great potential in Indu. “We are thrilled to partner with Indu as they fill a gap in the market for premium, healthy teen-first beauty,” said Anna Ohlsson-Baskerville, a partner at Unilever Ventures. This sentiment was echoed by Jimmy Dietz, partner at V3 Ventures, who highlighted Indu’s commitment to creating safe, age-appropriate products specifically tailored to teenagers. This investor confidence reinforces Indu’s unique positioning in a market that has seen limited dedicated options for teens.

Indu’s retail strategy also stands out, as it partners with Sephora UK to reach a broader audience. This partnership will bring Indu’s products to Sephora stores across the country, allowing teens and parents easy access to the brand’s offerings. With Sephora’s established reputation in beauty retail, this collaboration provides Indu with a solid platform to reach its target demographic in the UK market. Expanding its retail presence in collaboration with such a well-known retailer will help Indu build brand recognition and trust among British consumers.

This funding round and upcoming retail expansion underscore Indu’s ambition to redefine teen beauty standards in the UK. By focusing on safe, high-quality, and inclusive products, the brand addresses a long-standing gap in the beauty industry for teenage skincare. As Indu builds on its partnership with Sephora and further develops its product line, it aims to create a lasting impact by setting new standards in teen beauty that emphasize health and transparency.

With its community-led approach, dedication to inclusivity, and commitment to sustainability, Indu is poised to become a defining brand in the teen beauty sector. The partnership with Sephora further enhances its reach, setting the stage for significant growth as Indu continues to meet the evolving needs of teens and their families.