Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido has launched Shiseido Long Term Investments for the Future (LIFT) Ventures, a vehicle for investing in innovative early-stage companies within the beauty wellness space.
New York City-based LIFT Ventures is focused on investing behind novel technologies, innovative platforms, high-growth brands, and new business models, among others.
Shiseido said the creation of a dedicated fund aligns with its goal of becoming a personal beauty wellness company.
The fund will primarily focus on compelling innovation in the Western hemisphere, while maintaining a global lens.
Concurrently, the Company also announced the fund’s inaugural investments in Phi Therapeutics (Phyla), a pioneer in bacteriophage technology and in Patrick Kidd Holdings (Patricks), a men’s grooming brand with an elevated lifestyle approach.
Phyla is based in San Francisco, California and was founded by Yug Varma, PhD. Patricks is based in Sydney, Australia and was founded by Patrick and Aimee Kidd.
“The creation of LIFT Ventures represents a new opportunity to partner with organizations focused on creating pioneering beauty wellness solutions and to gain further insights and access for Shiseido’s growth ambitions,” said Masahiko Uotani, Chairman and CEO of Shiseido.
“LIFT Ventures presents a welcome opportunity to build knowledge, create value, and ultimately, achieve meaningful progress for all,” he added.
