Unilever Ventures

Arata is a company that specializes in high-performance, plant-based hair care and personal care products. Founded in 2017 by Dhruv Madhok and Dhruv Bhasin, the company is headquartered in New Delhi, India. Arata's offerings include a range of unisex products such as hair gel, shampoo, face and body wash, and hair cream. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without harmful chemicals like SLS and parabens, making them suitable for all individuals. The company's commitment to sustainability and the use of clinically proven technology underscores its focus on providing natural, skin-friendly solutions for consumers seeking effective personal care products.

STRAAND is a manufacturer specializing in retail health and personal care products, primarily focusing on hair care. The company produces prebiotic hair care products designed for scalp care, ensuring its formulations are both chemical-free and cruelty-free. STRAAND aims to improve the scalp microbiome, offering customers comprehensive hair care solutions at affordable prices.

WishCare is a manufacturer and online retailer specializing in natural, toxin-free beauty and personal care products. The company provides a diverse selection of beauty kits and wellness items, including haircare and skincare solutions such as bond repair hair treatments, hair growth serums, face serums, sunscreens, and active-based body lotions. By focusing on sustainable and non-toxic formulations, WishCare aims to meet consumer needs while offering a unique and hassle-free shopping experience. The brand's commitment to health and sustainability enables customers to enhance their well-being and achieve a rejuvenated appearance.

STRAAND is a manufacturer specializing in retail health and personal care products, primarily focusing on hair care. The company produces prebiotic hair care products designed for scalp care, ensuring its formulations are both chemical-free and cruelty-free. STRAAND aims to improve the scalp microbiome, offering customers comprehensive hair care solutions at affordable prices.

Plum is a skincare and beauty company that focuses on providing chemical-free and vegan products designed for personal wellness. The company's offerings include a range of skincare items such as night gels, face washes, moisturizing creams, and face oils. Plum emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental responsibility by ensuring its products are free from harmful chemicals, including sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and phytates. Additionally, Plum's haircare line is specifically formulated to be silicone-free and sulfate-free, catering to individuals with damaged hair or dandruff concerns. Overall, Plum aims to deliver effective beauty solutions that prioritize health and sustainability.

Minimalist is a rapidly growing skincare brand known for its commitment to Transparent Beauty and a clean approach to skincare. The company offers an extensive range of products designed to address various skin concerns, including anti-acne solutions, toners, and serums. Minimalist is recognized for its transparency regarding ingredient sourcing and formulation, ensuring that customers are well-informed about what they apply to their skin. Key offerings include popular products featuring ingredients such as Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, and Alpha Arbutin. By focusing on affordability and accessibility, Minimalist aims to provide high-quality skincare options for all consumers.

Grabango is a technology company that specializes in checkout-free shopping solutions for the retail industry, focusing on grocery and convenience stores. Founded in 2016 and based in Berkeley, California, Grabango utilizes advanced computer vision and machine learning to enhance the shopping experience. Its system employs cameras and shelf sensors to track items as customers select them, automatically adding them to a virtual basket. Shoppers can then use a registered payment method through the Grabango app to complete their purchases without waiting in line. After leaving the store, customers receive a digital receipt on their phones. Grabango's technology is designed to retrofit existing retail spaces, allowing large-scale retailers to implement checkout-free shopping while ensuring high accuracy in real-world environments. The company prioritizes customer privacy by anonymizing data and does not use facial recognition technology.

Plum is a skincare and beauty company that focuses on providing chemical-free and vegan products designed for personal wellness. The company's offerings include a range of skincare items such as night gels, face washes, moisturizing creams, and face oils. Plum emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental responsibility by ensuring its products are free from harmful chemicals, including sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and phytates. Additionally, Plum's haircare line is specifically formulated to be silicone-free and sulfate-free, catering to individuals with damaged hair or dandruff concerns. Overall, Plum aims to deliver effective beauty solutions that prioritize health and sustainability.

Peel-Works is a technology and data analytics company that focuses on enhancing eCommerce solutions for corner stores in India. Its flagship platform, Taikee, is an ISO-certified B2B grocery eCommerce service that connects traditional grocery retailers directly with leading FMCG brands. This integration allows retailers to conveniently source a diverse range of products at competitive prices through a single application, eliminating the need for multiple supplier interactions. Taikee addresses critical challenges such as inventory management, stock shortages, and cash flow issues by ensuring next-day delivery, thereby enabling retailers to provide a superior shopping experience for their customers. Additionally, Peel-Works offers inventory analytics services that deliver real-time insights at the store level, helping clients optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer loyalty. Through its tech-driven approach, Peel-Works is dedicated to improving sales and profitability for corner stores across India.

Peel-Works is a technology and data analytics company that focuses on enhancing eCommerce solutions for corner stores in India. Its flagship platform, Taikee, is an ISO-certified B2B grocery eCommerce service that connects traditional grocery retailers directly with leading FMCG brands. This integration allows retailers to conveniently source a diverse range of products at competitive prices through a single application, eliminating the need for multiple supplier interactions. Taikee addresses critical challenges such as inventory management, stock shortages, and cash flow issues by ensuring next-day delivery, thereby enabling retailers to provide a superior shopping experience for their customers. Additionally, Peel-Works offers inventory analytics services that deliver real-time insights at the store level, helping clients optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer loyalty. Through its tech-driven approach, Peel-Works is dedicated to improving sales and profitability for corner stores across India.

Frontier Markets is a company focused on enhancing the quality of life for rural customers in India by providing access to essential products and services. Recognizing that 551 million rural individuals lack sufficient infrastructure for economic improvement, the company utilizes a women-centric model to foster local entrepreneurship. Frontier Markets recruits and trains women, known as Saral Jeevan Sahelis, who leverage a digital platform, the Meri Saheli app, to facilitate door-to-door sales and deliveries. This approach not only empowers women but also enables them to earn a sustainable income while serving their communities. The company has successfully connected over 700,000 rural customers to more than one million quality solutions in sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, and homecare. By collaborating with fintech and FMCG companies, Frontier Markets offers additional services, including doorstep ATM access and essential goods delivery. With a strong emphasis on local distribution and technology, Frontier Markets aims to scale its operations and connect 100 million rural customers with a network of digitally proficient women entrepreneurs, effectively addressing the last-mile delivery challenge in rural India.

Scentials is a beauty brands studio that specializes in the development of skincare and fragrance products, leveraging partnerships with prominent Indian celebrities from sports, film, and entertainment. This unique platform focuses on rapid innovation across various beauty categories, offering an extensive range of fragrances, skincare, makeup, and men's grooming items. By collaborating with well-known personalities, Scentials enhances its brand visibility and outreach through traditional and social media channels, ensuring that customers have access to authentic products at affordable prices.

Peel-Works is a technology and data analytics company that focuses on enhancing eCommerce solutions for corner stores in India. Its flagship platform, Taikee, is an ISO-certified B2B grocery eCommerce service that connects traditional grocery retailers directly with leading FMCG brands. This integration allows retailers to conveniently source a diverse range of products at competitive prices through a single application, eliminating the need for multiple supplier interactions. Taikee addresses critical challenges such as inventory management, stock shortages, and cash flow issues by ensuring next-day delivery, thereby enabling retailers to provide a superior shopping experience for their customers. Additionally, Peel-Works offers inventory analytics services that deliver real-time insights at the store level, helping clients optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer loyalty. Through its tech-driven approach, Peel-Works is dedicated to improving sales and profitability for corner stores across India.

Plum is a skincare and beauty company that focuses on providing chemical-free and vegan products designed for personal wellness. The company's offerings include a range of skincare items such as night gels, face washes, moisturizing creams, and face oils. Plum emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental responsibility by ensuring its products are free from harmful chemicals, including sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and phytates. Additionally, Plum's haircare line is specifically formulated to be silicone-free and sulfate-free, catering to individuals with damaged hair or dandruff concerns. Overall, Plum aims to deliver effective beauty solutions that prioritize health and sustainability.

Beauty Bakerie Cosmetics Brand, Inc. is a cosmetics manufacturer based in San Diego, California, founded in 2011. The company produces a diverse range of beauty products, including liquid lipsticks, lip care items, setting powders, illuminators, glitter, face oils, eyebrow gels, eyeshadows, and eyeliners. Beauty Bakerie sells its products through an online platform as well as in over 1,000 retail locations worldwide, including major retailers like ULTA, Nordstrom, and Target. The brand has gained significant recognition for its unique aesthetic and product offerings, earning accolades from prestigious publications such as Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Forbes. With a growing social media presence boasting over one million followers, Beauty Bakerie has established itself as a rapidly expanding player in the cosmetics industry. The brand is led by its founder, who is instrumental in shaping its vision and product development. As a subsidiary of Unilever N.V., Beauty Bakerie continues to innovate and engage with its customer base effectively.

Trinny London Limited is a cosmetic brand founded in 2017 by Trinny Woodall, based in Saffron Walden, United Kingdom. The company specializes in cream-based makeup products designed for women, emphasizing versatility and personalization. Trinny London's innovative Match2Me online tool analyzes individual characteristics such as eye, hair, and skin color, providing tailored product recommendations. Its product range includes face items like BFF cream, foundation, and highlighters, as well as cheek and eye products such as Lip2cheek and eye shades. Additionally, the brand features a lip collection comprising glosses and colors. Trinny London operates primarily through an online platform, allowing customers to conveniently access and order personalized makeup solutions directly to their homes. The company is a subsidiary of Unilever N.V.

Peel-Works is a technology and data analytics company that focuses on enhancing eCommerce solutions for corner stores in India. Its flagship platform, Taikee, is an ISO-certified B2B grocery eCommerce service that connects traditional grocery retailers directly with leading FMCG brands. This integration allows retailers to conveniently source a diverse range of products at competitive prices through a single application, eliminating the need for multiple supplier interactions. Taikee addresses critical challenges such as inventory management, stock shortages, and cash flow issues by ensuring next-day delivery, thereby enabling retailers to provide a superior shopping experience for their customers. Additionally, Peel-Works offers inventory analytics services that deliver real-time insights at the store level, helping clients optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer loyalty. Through its tech-driven approach, Peel-Works is dedicated to improving sales and profitability for corner stores across India.

Beauty Bakerie Cosmetics Brand, Inc. is a cosmetics manufacturer based in San Diego, California, founded in 2011. The company produces a diverse range of beauty products, including liquid lipsticks, lip care items, setting powders, illuminators, glitter, face oils, eyebrow gels, eyeshadows, and eyeliners. Beauty Bakerie sells its products through an online platform as well as in over 1,000 retail locations worldwide, including major retailers like ULTA, Nordstrom, and Target. The brand has gained significant recognition for its unique aesthetic and product offerings, earning accolades from prestigious publications such as Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Forbes. With a growing social media presence boasting over one million followers, Beauty Bakerie has established itself as a rapidly expanding player in the cosmetics industry. The brand is led by its founder, who is instrumental in shaping its vision and product development. As a subsidiary of Unilever N.V., Beauty Bakerie continues to innovate and engage with its customer base effectively.

MachineVantage is a company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing and applying proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning software to assist marketing professionals, branding and advertising agencies, and product innovators. The company's technologies focus on extracting insights related to product innovations, brand semiotics, creative inspirations, and digital and retail point of sale messaging. MachineVantage serves a diverse range of industries, including packaged goods, retail, financial services, health and beauty, food and beverages, and automotive, providing valuable tools for enhancing marketing strategies and product development.

Instacart is a prominent grocery delivery service operating in the United States and Canada, facilitating rapid deliveries of groceries and home essentials, often within an hour. The company partners with a variety of local and national grocers, including well-known brands such as Safeway, Whole Foods, and Costco, allowing customers to select from over 500,000 items and combine orders from multiple stores. Instacart employs a network of approximately 600,000 independent contractors who pick and deliver items directly to customers' homes. In addition to its delivery services, Instacart generates revenue by charging fees based on order value and by offering advertising opportunities primarily to consumer-packaged goods companies. With nearly 8 million monthly active users, Instacart has established itself as a leading platform in the grocery delivery market.

Hangyo Ice Creams Private Ltd. is a company based in Mangalore, India, specializing in the production of ice creams and milk products. Established in 2002, Hangyo offers a diverse range of ice cream products, including cones, candies, sundaes, and various flavored cups. In addition to ice creams, the company produces milk products such as buttermilk, curd, lassi, cold coffee, and mango lassi. Its products are distributed through retail stores across several regions, including Bengaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttar Kannada, Hubli, and Kerala, as well as through a network of dealers. Hangyo operates as a subsidiary of Srikrishna Milks Pvt. Ltd., and it also spans sectors related to fresh foods, restaurants, and hospitality.

Snog is a producer of frozen flavored yogurts that focuses on providing healthy and delicious dessert options. The company offers a proprietary formula that is fat-free, made with organic yogurt and milk, and sweetened with organic agave nectar, which has a low glycemic index. Snog's product range includes a variety of toppings such as freshly cut fruits, seeds, nuts, jumbo chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free brownies, and crunchy granola, allowing for endless combinations. The yogurts are designed to be low in calories while being packed with beneficial probiotics and other nutritional components, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking enjoyable dessert alternatives.

Clavis Insight is a leading provider of online store analytics, specializing in digital analytics services that help consumer goods brands optimize their presence on the digital shelf. Based in Dublin, Ireland, the company offers solutions that analyze all aspects of what consumers encounter in online retail environments. This analysis enables brands to quickly identify necessary actions to drive profitable eCommerce growth, safeguard their brand integrity, and outpace competitors in the online marketplace. Clavis Insight is utilized by many of the world's foremost Consumer Packaged Goods companies, including major names such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Nestlé, to enhance their online performance and strategy.

Dreamerz Foods, Inc. provides various natural sleep products. It offers natural sleep beverage, a dietary supplement in the form of an all-natural, creamy, and dairy-based functional sleep beverage. The company also provides chocolate pillows, soothing dairy products, and herbal fruit-flavored mix. It offers its products through stores and online shops. Dreamerz Foods, Inc. was founded in 2006 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Attune Foods, Inc. is a producer of organic snacks headquartered in San Francisco, California, with a focus on probiotic wellness products. Founded in 2006, the company offers a diverse range of wellness bars in multiple flavors, including dark chocolate, mint chocolate, blueberry vanilla, and chewy options such as chocolate peanut butter and mango peach. In addition to wellness bars, Attune Foods also provides granolas featuring chocolate or yogurt chips, muesli, cereals, and graham crackers. The company's mission is to support customers in their pursuit of healthy eating through customizable food options.

Dreamerz Foods, Inc. provides various natural sleep products. It offers natural sleep beverage, a dietary supplement in the form of an all-natural, creamy, and dairy-based functional sleep beverage. The company also provides chocolate pillows, soothing dairy products, and herbal fruit-flavored mix. It offers its products through stores and online shops. Dreamerz Foods, Inc. was founded in 2006 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Brand New Brands is a groundbreaking new company that brings together the entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up and the resources of an established corporation to create new foods and beverages that promote health and wellness. Brand New Brands uses a portfolio-based incubator model to develop and market the highest potential new functional food business opportunities for the U.S. marketplace. Core to their approach is the commitment to create food and beverage products that are efficacious (by medical standards), honest and transparent in their claims, and satisfying to eat or drink. By vetting and assessing the potential of scores of new product concepts, they take the most promising opportunities and fuse them with talented, passionate and proven entrepreneurial teams who turn ideas into thriving new ventures. They focus their efforts and resources by innovating “category-creating” brand platforms that are capable of crossing over from niche markets to the mainstream in three to five years. They only pursue opportunities where they can claim distinct competitive advantages over large food companies through IP, brand creation or non-traditional distribution. Their strategy is to take the most promising new nutritional technologies and deliver them to the marketplace through great-tasting products with engaging “lifestyle” brands that educate and attract loyal customers and progressive retail partners. They take opportunities to market that are likely to scale quickly due to the convergence of scientific advances, consumer readiness and media attention.