Uncover, an innovative skincare brand from Africa, has announced the successful closure of a $1.4 million Seed II funding round. This round, led by EQ2 Ventures and IgniteXL Ventures, saw participation from other prestigious investors including Chui Ventures, Samata Capital, and Altree Capital. Uncover’s funding round was not only fully subscribed but also included a notable secondary transaction to meet overwhelming investor interest.
Expanding Reach and Building Innovations
Founded in Kenya in 2021, Uncover has quickly expanded its operations to Nigeria, Uganda, and recently to Ghana. Plans are already underway to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring the brand’s aggressive growth strategy. The investment will fuel further development of Uncover’s tech platform, launch of innovative new products, and expansion into new markets, particularly focusing on the unique needs of melanin-rich skin.
A Data-Driven Approach to Beauty
What sets Uncover apart is its data-driven approach. The company has cultivated a deeply engaged digital community of over 200,000 women across Kenya, Nigeria, and the global diaspora. This community’s feedback drives the creation of products tailored to their specific skincare needs. “Our data-driven products combined with a tech platform focused on personalisation have fuelled the company’s explosive growth,” said Sneha Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO of Uncover.
Global Investors Show Confidence
The funding round brings together a mix of global and local investors, each bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Patrick Thiriet from EQ2 Ventures praised Uncover’s founders, Sneha and Jade, for their clear vision and mature execution, which he noted is a rarity in consumer tech businesses today. Claire Chang from IgniteXL Ventures highlighted Uncover’s effective use of technology and data analytics to understand and serve their core customers, disrupting the traditional beauty sector landscape in Africa.
Omni-Channel Strategy for Market Penetration
Uncover is not just focusing on online growth but is also making significant strides in offline retail. The company’s omni-channel strategy ensures that it maintains strong visibility and consumer trust through partnerships with top retailers. This approach helps bridge the gap between online engagement and physical product experience, crucial for scaling in diverse African markets.
Pioneering in Personalised Skincare
Uncover’s products are a blend of cutting-edge K-Beauty technology and traditional African botanicals like Baobab, Argan, and Rooibos, providing safe and effective skincare solutions. These products are not only backed by science but are also tested and approved by women with melanated skin, making them one of the first brands to do so comprehensively within Africa.
Vision for the Future
As Uncover prepares for its next growth phase, the focus remains on creating a lasting impact on the wellbeing and self-esteem of women across Africa and globally. The company envisions a future where every woman can access skincare products that are genuinely suited to their needs, promoting better skincare and wellness standards worldwide.
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