Unilever Ventures’ Backs Selva Ventures in $34 Million Fund for Early-Stage CPG Brands

Unilever Ventures is investing $34 Million in Selva Ventures. Selva is committed to “invest in brands that make their consumers’ lives better.” Selva’s portfolio includes Crown Affair hair care; Kinship cleansers, moisturizers and toners; Arrae supplements; OneSkin skincare and Cake sexual wellness. Selva has 15 brands under management. 

Selva Ventures previously secured $10 million in funding in 2019. This infusion from Unilever enables Selva to move forward with its investments, according to company executives. Kiva Dickinson, founder and managing partner along with Madeline Kaplan, a principle with the company, are spearheading the operation by vetting possible investments and pinpointing the best brand investment opportunities. 

On average Selva Ventures has been tapping its initial fund, writing $500,000 checks in seed and series A rounds; having been the lead investor for three of their current portfolio brands. Selva Ventures and L Catterton are currently the only two North American investment firms Unilever Ventures is backing, according to the company. 

Selva Ventures focuses on better-for-you brands. Although Selva Ventures lacks presence in the fragrance subsector, Kaplan finds fragrance brands with self-expression, self- care and wellness appealing. Kaplan is currently playing close attention to clinically validated skincare, skincare-oriented makeup, body care, sun protection, and fragrance subsectors of beauty as categories of interest for investments.

Over 50% of Selva Ventures current portfolio companies’ founders are minority or female and several of its companies (such as Kinship and Nowadays) offer environmentally friendly products and reflect preferences of the ever-evolving consumer landscape.

“Health and wellness is a powerful driver of the consumer economy,” said Kiva Dickinson, in a press release. “We believe that by supporting brands that offer new and engaging products we can simplify and enhance the way people lead healthier lives. Our goal and mission is to make healthier living more accessible, affordable and enjoyable.”

Unilever is the world’s largest fast-moving consumer goods company. It is ranked No. 1 in Happi’s The International Top 30.