The Consummate | 14 April 2024
Welcome to The Consummate! We bring our points of view, updates, news, and curated content to the consumer community in India and Southeast Asia.
In this week’s edition, we look back on our latest episode of Brick by Brick: Building Insurgent Brands on Millennial & Gen Z Beauty & Wellness with Viksita Singh Menon, General Manager, Paula’s Choice. Let’s dive in!
In the Spotlight ✨
In this episode, we heard from Viksita Singh Menon about the ever-evolving landscape of Beauty for Millennials and Gen Zs in Southeast Asia:
The unique dynamics of young consumer needs and behaviours observed in Southeast Asia.
Navigating the competitive landscape and strategies for beauty insurgent brands to thrive.
Adapting to the post-COVID consumer, meeting demands for interactive online experiences and personalized shopping journeys.
The power of online platforms, notably TikTok, for brand discovery and engagement, emphasises the importance of a robust content strategy.
Anticipated future beauty trends include the growing influence of AI and the increasing emphasis on sustainability in product offerings.
Currently Consuming ☕️
The Death of the Detox
Gen-Z is doing wellness differently. While Millennials helped usher in the era of the detox in the 2010s, which was defined by giving up the likes of sugar, wheat or alcohol in the pursuit of improved wellness, Gen-Z — and some younger Millennials — are taking a more balanced approach.
‘People aren’t going to the grocery store for novelty’: Amid inflation, CPG startups go back to basics
As shoppers’ wallets remain squeezed and inflation shows no signs of cooling down, consumers seem more interested in simplicity and familiar messaging. Brands doing well right now are those that cater to what shoppers already know and love. It could mean that they sell a better-for-you version of a comfort food classic. Or, they prioritize stripped-down messaging on a label that highlights what a product is and what it does, rather than touting whatever hot new adaptogen it’s using.
How to Build an Iconic Brand Without Breaking the Bank — This Founder's Formula for Early Marketing
Just ask the founders of Studs sit down with First Round Review to discuss the role of branding in pre-launch strategy, guiding the approach to the product-market fit equation. Post-launch, it provides insightful advice on audience growth, activation, and retention. From crafting compelling TikTok content to selecting the ideal influencers and executing innovative events, this piece offers invaluable insights for maximizing the brand's impact.
Keeping Up With the DSGCP Family 🤝
Rabitat launches the new munchbee! Inspired by bento boxes, the munchbee lunch box features sectional compartments, a front flick lock, and personalization.
Thedieline covers Everiday’s brand refresh in detail. Read more here!
The Indus Valley recently celebrated its 8th anniversary featuring their team, customers, and investors.
Knya shares its brand manifesto through its brand video. Watch it here.
Siddhant Bhalinge, founder, Ugaoo, is featured on BW Retail World’s 40 Under 40 list for his outstanding contribution to the Indian retail world.
Inc42 profiles Sleepycat and its journey as one of the fastest-growing startups!
NDTV Profit interviews Viraj Bahl, Founder and MD, Veeba to discuss their journey so far and plans for future growth.
CNBC TV18 features Alia Bhatt as she reveals why she invested in SuperBottoms and is a proud Brand Advocate.
Market Activity 💸
Community beauty firm Kiki announced its initial funding round from investors, including A16z crypto and The Estée Lauder Companies' New Incubation Ventures
Fable Investments acquired a stake in US-based Eadem, a company specialising in beauty products for individuals of colour, particularly focusing on issues such as hyperpigmentation.
France-based, natural acne care brand Skin and Out, raises 1.5 million euros from Caudalie founders.
Singapore-based skincare brand Allies of Skin has secured a $20 million investment from Meaningful Partners.
India-based Good Glamm Group has raised $30 million from existing investors.
Beauty accelerator The Center has brought on body care brand Cyklar, a brand based around a single product – a moisturizing body cream.
Travel And Lifestyle Startup, Assembly Bags $2.1 Mn.
Ultrahuman, an India-based health monitoring company, based $35M in Series B funding.
Australian women’s health tech startup, Femtek, has raised $1 million to drive the development of its signature product, the Basal Body Ring.
Chiyo, a food-as-medicine startup, raised $3 million to bolster its efforts in providing personalized nutrition support for postpartum mothers.
Amara, an organic baby food brand, recently announced its $20 million Series B funding round.
Full Glass Wine, a brand acquisition and management firm focused on acquiring DTC wine companies, has closed a $14 million Series A funding round and acquired Bright Cellars, a US subscription-based wine service.
UK-based company Nukoko has raised $1.5 million in seed funding to scale up its technology to produce cocoa-free chocolate from fava beans.
UK-based Clean Food Group (CFG) has raised £2.5 million to accelerate the commercial launch of its yeast-derived, non-GMO alternative to palm oil by 2025.
Innocent Meat, a startup pioneering the production of cultivated meat in Germany, announces that it has secured €3 million in financing.
UK startup Shicken has raised £4M in funds from Veg Capital, taking its total injection into the ready meal company to £6M.
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