Backstage Capital

Trim-It is a mobile barbershop service that allows customers to schedule hair and beauty appointments at their convenience, whether at home, the office, or the gym. The company operates a tech-enabled platform where users can easily book appointments with professional barbers who come to their chosen location. Trim-It offers both on-demand services and a subscription model, which provides customers with a streamlined booking experience while allowing them to save time. The pricing structure reflects the added convenience of mobile services, enabling barbers to earn more than the average in traditional settings.

Afrocenchix is a beauty care brand focused on providing natural hair care products specifically designed for curly and multi-textured hair. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by customers in the $42 billion afro haircare market, Afrocenchix adopts a customer-centric and data-driven approach to formulate and manufacture its products. The brand has successfully sold over 65,000 bottles of its safe and effective products, which are made from natural and organic ingredients. Committed to environmental sustainability and ethical practices, Afrocenchix ensures that its products are cruelty-free and made with ethically sourced raw materials, free from preservatives. The brand's award-winning offerings have received recognition in prominent publications such as Vogue and have garnered an average customer rating of 4.7 stars from thousands of reviews.

Naturalicious, LLC is a manufacturer of natural, vegan hair care products aimed at women, particularly those with curly hair. Founded in 2011 and based in Canton, Michigan, the company offers a range of multi-tasking items including shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and hair serums. These products are designed to simplify hair care routines for busy individuals, helping them achieve healthy and strong hair while minimizing breakage and locking in moisture. Naturalicious distributes its products through both physical retail stores and online channels.

ShearShare, Inc., also known as HAIRbnb, is a mobile platform that connects salon and barbershop owners with licensed beauty professionals, allowing them to rent unused suites and booths on demand. Established in 2015 and based in McKinney, Texas, the company caters to a diverse clientele including cosmetologists, barbers, hairstylists, makeup artists, and various beauty specialists. ShearShare offers a comprehensive database of on-demand salon and barbershop space rentals, providing affordable leasing options and essential business tools to self-employed stylists. In addition to its rental services, the platform includes advertising options, further supporting beauty professionals in their pursuit of flexible working arrangements.

Swivel is a mobile application designed to assist black women in locating the ideal hairdresser. The platform enables users to discover and book stylists based on their unique hair types and desired styles, addressing a specific need for personalized hair care solutions. By providing a tailored resource for finding the right salon or stylist, Swivel empowers women of color to meet their hair care requirements more effectively.

CurlMix Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in haircare products for individuals with curly hair. Founded in 2015 by Kimberly Lewis, it operates a monthly subscription service that delivers five to seven all-natural ingredients directly to customers. These kits allow subscribers to create their own customized hair products by following step-by-step instructions provided with each box. Additionally, CurlMix offers a range of products including flaxseed gel, moisturizers, regrowth serums, and hair and body butter, which can be purchased through their online platform and in retail stores. The company focuses on empowering consumers by promoting toxic-free ingredients and providing effective solutions for maintaining healthy, moisturized, and defined curls.

TresseNoire, LLC is an online platform that specializes in providing on-location beauty services tailored for women of color in New York City and Philadelphia. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Philadelphia, the company enables clients to easily book and pay for various beauty treatments, including styles for natural hair, precision cuts, and custom hair care regimens. TresseNoire caters to a range of events, such as promotions, graduations, and bridal showers, ensuring that customers receive personalized care. The platform also connects users with virtual beauty coaches who analyze their hair, skin, and lifestyle needs, offering customized advice and product recommendations. By focusing on the specific beauty requirements of its clientele, TresseNoire aims to enhance the beauty experience for its customers across the United States.