UK-based skin care brand Pai has secured a £6.4m private investment deal, primarily led by Famille C Venture, an investment firm of the Courtin-Clarins family, the dynasty behind beauty heavyweight Clarins.
The Series B investment deal, according to Pai, will enable the brand to break ground with a new R&D and manufacturing facility in the west London, UK, area.
Sarah Brown, founder and still primary shareholder of Pai, will also use the cash injection to fund a direct-to-consumer platform development, expected to launch in June, as well as what the brand called an ‘ambitious’ line of products.
Speaking to Cosmetics Business, Brown said the brand’s new factory will enable the brand to upscale its production capacity by 900%, and expand its consultation improvements and eco-fulfillments.
Brown was also firm in her belief that Pai will continue to run as an independently owned brand.
“[Pai] will remain entirely led by our in-house R&D team.”
She continued: “Our independence of thought and independence of outlook is what makes Pai what it is, and is what made us interesting to investors and stand out from the crowd.”
Prisca Courtin-Clarins, founder and CEO of Famille C Venture, added: “We are very proud to support Pai Skincare and to be part of this thrilling journey.
“Sarah founded a company with a highly original model and fantastic potential.
“I am convinced Pai has a role to play and a key value proposal, which perfectly fits with new customers’ expectations.”
Brown, who founded her beauty brand 13 years ago, also hinted new products in Pai’s customer-driven line will harness industry-first actives.
Pai’s investment announcement comes eight months after the brand raised £1m in finance, secured from HSBC, following a 25% uptick in sales over the UK’s first lockdown period.
At the time, Brown said the funds would give a cushion to the brand as it navigated the pandemic, and adopted new ways of working.