Beiersdorf invests USD 116M in global skin care start-ups

GERMANY – Beiersdorf has launched a €100 million (USD 115.9 million) Skin Care Innovation Fund, marking the second generation of its corporate venture capital initiative to advance science-driven skin care innovations. 

This move doubles the size of the original 2020 fund and underscores the company’s commitment to leading global innovation in the sector.

The new fund allocates €100 million (USD 115.9 million) to investments and partnerships with startups in key areas such as life sciences, biotechnology, sustainability, AI technologies, and digital health solutions tied to skin care. 

It targets early- to growth-stage companies worldwide, with typical initial investments ranging from €0.5 million (USD 579,655) to €5 million (USD 5.8 million). 

This strategy accelerates Beiersdorf’s venture activities started in 2020, aiming to solidify its position as the top authority in skin care.

Dr. Gitta Neufang, Chief Research & Development Officer at Beiersdorf, stated, “The collaboration between extensive in-house research expertise and the dynamic advancements of external scientific entrepreneurship increasingly drives breakthrough innovation in skin care.” 

“Through our Skin Care Innovation Fund, we connect scientific advances from startups with Beiersdorf’s global R&D capabilities to translate scientific progress into effective skin care solutions for consumers worldwide.”

 Ascan Voswinckel, Head of Beiersdorf Venture Capital, highlighted the fund’s dual role in providing capital and access to Beiersdorf’s R&D and brand resources, spotlighting opportunities in longevity science and AI-driven active ingredient discovery. 

Since 2020, Beiersdorf Venture Capital has assembled a portfolio of over 15 companies across life sciences, sustainability, and digital health, achieving key tech collaborations and financial returns. 

Notable examples include S-Biomedic, whose skin microbiome tech was integrated into Beiersdorf’s platform post-investment and partnership, leading to an acquisition; longevity-focused Vincere Biosciences and AI cell-simulation leader Turbine; and sustainability plays like DePoly’s PET recycling and Melt&Marble’s fermented lipids to cut emissions. 

The expanded fund builds on this success to convert cutting-edge science into practical skin care products.

Beiersdorf Venture Capital, the corporate arm of the skin care giant behind NIVEA, Eucerin, and La Prairie, invests from seed to Series B in aligned fields. 

Beyond funding, it drives joint innovation through collaborations, leveraging Beiersdorf’s expertise and scale alongside startups’ speed to bring lab breakthroughs to market.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.