Ultra Violette, the trailblazing Australian brand specialising in premium SPF-based skincare, has today announced a strategic partnership worth $15 million with Aria Growth Partners, a US consumer growth equity firm. The announcement coincides with the brand’s 5th birthday.
This marks a pivotal moment for Ultra Violette, as it receives external capital for the first time since its inception, having previously been self-funded by co-founders Ava Chandler-Matthews and Rebecca Jefferd. The duo will continue to be the majority owners and operators of the business.
The infusion of capital from Aria Growth Partners is poised to propel Ultra Violette’s expansion into North America, with the Canadian market as the first target in March 2024. Additionally, the investment will catalyse further product innovation and team development for the brand.
Since its debut in 2019, Ultra Violette has achieved an impressive annual growth rate, cultivating a dedicated following for its Skinscreens, which are SPF-based skincare products known for their lightweight, nourishing formulations.
Rebecca Jefferd expressed her enthusiasm for investment.
“This investment marks a significant milestone for our business, one we are confident will be remembered as the starting point of something greater than we could have imagined,” she said.
“Aria has shown huge passion and support for our brand from day one, and we are thrilled to work with them. We can’t wait to take our Skinscreen message to North America starting with Sephora Canada in March 2024.”
Meanwhile, Chandler-Matthews said the two started Ultra Violette “to make sunscreen application easy and fun with the hope that more people would start to wear it every day”.
“As we’ve expanded globally, we have seen a real shift in attitudes towards daily SPF application,” she said.
Jackie Dunklau, co-founder and partner at Aria Growth Partners, expressed her excitement about the partnership.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bec and Ava for Ultra Violette’s next phase of growth,” she said. “Bec and Ava are impressive entrepreneurs that have created a beautiful brand, with truly amazing, high-performance products. As consumers change their SPF habits from occasion-based to daily usage, Ultra Violette is perfectly positioned to lead the charge.”
Aria invests across the consumer sector and is currently a partner to The Inkey List, Lesser Evil and Onda Tequila Seltzer. Aria was previously the investment partner to Hero Cosmetics, subsequently acquired by Church & Dwight.
Ultra Violette’s products are currently available in over 28 international markets, including Europe, Australia, the UK, Asia, and the Middle East, through retail partnerships with Sephora globally, SpaceNK, Harrods, Liberty, Cult Beauty and Adore Beauty.
Read the current issue of our digital magazine below:
- For more news and updates, subscribe to our weekly newsletter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like us on Facebook
- Connect with us on LinkedIn