Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Nigel Walker

Deputy Director, Lending and Investor Partnerships

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Beauty

Brarista

Grant in 2025
Brarista is a technology company specializing in AI-powered solutions for online lingerie retailers, focused on enhancing the customer experience in bra fitting. By utilizing proprietary visual technologies, Brarista enables consumers to accurately determine their bra size from the comfort of their own homes. Users can take photos of their upper bodies using smartphones, laptops, or tablets, which the software analyzes to provide personalized sizing recommendations across various intimate-wear brands. This approach not only alleviates sizing confusion but also empowers women to better understand their bodies and make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, Brarista's innovative solutions have been shown to increase retailers' revenues significantly, creating a win-win scenario for both consumers and businesses in the lingerie market.

Renude

Seed Round in 2024
Renude is a company that offers personalized skincare advice through its artificial intelligence platform. It aims to make reliable and individualized skin consultations accessible to a global audience. The team at Renude comprises dermatologists, formulation chemists, licensed aestheticians, data scientists, and machine learning engineers who collaborate to develop dermatologist-approved AI skin advisors. These advisors facilitate virtual consultations with licensed aestheticians, who craft tailored skincare plans based on users' specific goals, needs, preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Through its innovative approach, Renude seeks to empower individuals to achieve their skincare objectives effectively.

Brarista

Grant in 2023
Brarista is a technology company specializing in AI-powered solutions for online lingerie retailers, focused on enhancing the customer experience in bra fitting. By utilizing proprietary visual technologies, Brarista enables consumers to accurately determine their bra size from the comfort of their own homes. Users can take photos of their upper bodies using smartphones, laptops, or tablets, which the software analyzes to provide personalized sizing recommendations across various intimate-wear brands. This approach not only alleviates sizing confusion but also empowers women to better understand their bodies and make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, Brarista's innovative solutions have been shown to increase retailers' revenues significantly, creating a win-win scenario for both consumers and businesses in the lingerie market.

Human Beauty

Grant in 2023
Human Beauty is on a mission to make cosmetics more accessible, with a particular emphasis on disability inclusion and adapted products.

Cocoon Wellbeing

Grant in 2023
Cocoon Wellbeing offer a range of luxurious treatments using premium products for great results.

Hexis Lab

Grant in 2023
Hexis Lab is a biotechnology company specializing in the research and development of innovative skincare products tailored for diverse skin types. The company focuses on creating ethically targeted solutions aimed at protecting and repairing sun-damaged skin while enhancing overall well-being. Utilizing a discovery platform that incorporates big data cloud computing and in-silico computer modeling, Hexis Lab screens an extensive database of naturally derived plant compounds for their efficacy against specific cellular targets. By leveraging proprietary AI techniques, the company accelerates product research, identifies novel ingredients, and formulates effective products for the beauty, skincare, personal care, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Naturbeads

Grant in 2020
Naturbeads Ltd., established in 2018 and headquartered in Malmesbury, UK, specializes in manufacturing biodegradable cellulose microparticles. These products aim to replace conventional plastic microbeads used in cosmetics, toiletries, and other industries. The company's mission is to mitigate microplastic pollution by offering a sustainable alternative developed through innovative research at the University of Bath.

Naturbeads

Grant in 2019
Naturbeads Ltd., established in 2018 and headquartered in Malmesbury, UK, specializes in manufacturing biodegradable cellulose microparticles. These products aim to replace conventional plastic microbeads used in cosmetics, toiletries, and other industries. The company's mission is to mitigate microplastic pollution by offering a sustainable alternative developed through innovative research at the University of Bath.

Provenance

Grant in 2014
Provenance is a technology company that specializes in promoting sustainability and transparency in the consumer goods industry. It operates a platform that validates and communicates the sustainability credentials of consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands, enabling consumers to make informed, eco-friendly purchasing decisions. The platform tracks products from their origin to the point of sale, providing real-time, verifiable data that enhances brand trust and sales. Over 200 leading CPG businesses, including Cult Beauty, The Ordinary, and Shiseido, use Provenance to showcase their sustainability efforts. As a mission-driven, independent B Corp, Provenance aims to empower consumers to make choices that positively impact both people and the planet.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.