The Consummate | 26 May 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 celebrate the DSGCP community featured in the Forbes 30U30 edition, welcome our latest investments– FixMyCurls and Aire, and much more. Let’s dive in!
In the Spotlight ✨
Celebrating Forbes’ 30Under30 Class of 2024 from the DSGCP community
Why We Partnered with Aire: Championing the Silver Economy in Southeast Asia
Founded by Nivedita Venkateish, a CPG and marketing veteran, Aire launched its debut product line of Adult Pull-Up Pants in Singapore in mid-2023 with adult pull-up pants which are softer, more absorbent and more effective than traditional players.
We believe that Aire transcends being a mere product or a brand; it's a desire to transform the ageing experience, redefine what it means to be a consumer brand focused on older adults and ultimately offer comfort, security, and a chance for millions of older adults in South East Asia to enjoy their lives fully.
Welcoming Anshita and Fix My Curls to the DSGCP community!
Fix My Curls offers clean, easy-to-use, hair care products formulated to help Indian women embrace their natural texture!
Currently Consuming ☕️
Why big retail names like Target and Lululemon are courting pickleball players
Startups and athletic retailers were among the first to dabble in pickleball. In 2022, Skechers started signing pickleball athletes as brand ambassadors, while Recess, founded in 2021 has become a go-to partner for many brands and retailers looking to experiment with selling pickleball paddles. Now, the sport's continued growth presents an opportunity for larger retailers to gain market share and acquire more customers.
Pickleball is fast gaining popularity in India, already present in at least 18 states, and having grown >30% in the last 3 years. The United Pickleball Association and Global Sports announced a deal last month to bring the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Tour to India next February.
Kapil Chopra, Founder Eazydiner, Postcard Hotels on The Barbershop
As Consumers Shift Away from Pro Applied Lashes, DIY Extensions Gain Traction
Sitting squarely between heavy, often easily detected drugstore “falsies” and more realistic-looking professionally applied lashes, DIY extensions promise a lightweight feel and staying power—minus the trip to the salon and hefty hit to the bank account.
Market Activity 💸
USA-based personal care brand Freaks of Nature, founded by American surfer Kelly Slater, raised a round of $2.5 million from investors.
Canadian skincare brand Three Ships Beauty, synonymous with natural skincare innovation and efficacy has secured a $3.5 million CAD financing round.
Backpack Healthcare, a provider of online pediatric mental healthcare, has closed $14 million in Series A funding.
May Health, a clinical-stage medical device company dedicated to addressing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), has announced the successful closure of a $25 million Series B financing round.
Brooklyn-based startup Mae Health has closed a seed funding round, led by Jumpstart Nova, with a focus on improving Black maternal health outcomes.
Dandi, a platform dedicated to improving the fertility care journey, has raised $1.3 million in funding
CARÁ Health, a startup from Estonia focused on women’s health and wellness throughout the maternity journey, has raised €620,000 in an early seed funding round.
Chip City Cookies, a New York City-based cookie chain, has raised $7.5 million in a Series B investment
Voyage Foods, a maker of peanut-free spread, chocolate without cacao and coffee without coffee beans, has raised $52 million in a Series A round
Ethical pantry company Voyage Foods, famous for its cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads, has secured $52M in a Series A+ funding round
That’s all for this edition, if you enjoyed reading The Consummate, share this with a friend!