Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
BrainTrust Fund is a venture capital organization founded in 2023, based in the United States. It focuses on the beauty and wellness sectors, aiming to support inclusive founding teams that develop innovative products and services. The fund has a target size of $25 million and is designed to address the capital gap faced by Black founders in a $500 billion global industry.
Currently, BrainTrust Fund manages a portfolio of 9 companies and operates under the BrainTrust Founders Studio, which has over 120 vetted founders. This unique structure allows the fund to leverage a community that has collectively sold over $100 million in products across 23,000 retail doors and online. The firm emphasizes diversity and innovation, aligning its investments with companies that prioritize these values.
BrainTrust Fund invests primarily in B2B and direct-to-consumer (DTC) products and services within the beauty and wellness sectors. The fund specifically targets companies that have achieved at least $1 million in annual revenues and are seeking funding from seed to Series A stages. This revenue threshold ensures that investments are made in market-tested businesses rather than pre-product ventures.
The fund's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sub-sectors within beauty and wellness, including cosmetics, wellness technology, and AI applications. BrainTrust Fund is particularly focused on supporting companies with at least one Black-identifying co-founder, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial landscape.
BrainTrust Fund's portfolio includes notable companies that exemplify its focus on innovation and inclusivity in the beauty and wellness sectors:
These companies represent a diverse array of products and services that align with BrainTrust Fund's mission to support inclusive innovation.
Lisa Stone: General Partner at BrainTrust Fund, Lisa has a background in media and technology, bringing valuable insights into the intersection of these industries and beauty.
Karla Martin: General Partner, Karla has extensive experience in venture capital and a strong focus on supporting diverse founders in the beauty and wellness sectors.
Kendra Bracken-Ferguson: GP Emeritus, Kendra is an industry operator and entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the beauty and wellness markets.
Chidinma Asonye: Founding Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer at WYN Beauty by Serena Williams, Chidinma brings expertise in commercial strategy and brand development.
Tara Abraham: Chairwoman of Accel Inc., Tara has a wealth of experience in venture capital and strategic growth, contributing to the fund's vision and direction.
To pitch BrainTrust Fund, founders should visit their website at braintrustfund.vc. The fund prefers pitches that include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and team composition. Founders should also highlight any traction or revenue milestones achieved.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their pitch. Warm introductions through the BrainTrust Founders Studio community are encouraged to enhance the chances of securing a meeting.
In January 2023, BrainTrust Fund participated in Thirteen Lune's $8 million seed round, supporting a beauty retail marketplace focused on BIPOC brands.
In June 2023, the fund made a $1 million investment in Listener Brands, the parent company of CurlMix and 4C Only haircare brands, marking its fourth portfolio investment.
BrainTrust Fund continues to build its reputation as a leader in supporting Black founders in the beauty and wellness sectors, with a commitment to addressing the capital gap in this growing industry.
What are the investment criteria for BrainTrust Fund?
BrainTrust Fund invests in companies that have achieved at least $1 million in annual revenues and are in the seed to Series A stages. Additionally, at least one co-founder must identify as Black, and the company should be a member of the BrainTrust Founders Studio.
How can startups apply or pitch to BrainTrust Fund?
Startups interested in pitching to BrainTrust Fund can visit their website at braintrustfund.vc for more information on the application process.
What makes BrainTrust Fund different from other venture capital firms?
BrainTrust Fund is the first dedicated venture fund for Black founders in the beauty and wellness sectors, addressing a significant capital gap in a rapidly growing industry. The fund leverages a unique sourcing funnel through the BrainTrust Founders Studio, ensuring community validation for its investments.
What is the geographic scope of BrainTrust Fund's investments?
The fund primarily invests in companies based in the United States, focusing on the beauty and wellness sectors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
BrainTrust Fund typically invests around $1 million per company, aligning with its strategy to support businesses that have already demonstrated market traction.
What kind of post-investment support does BrainTrust Fund provide?
BrainTrust Fund offers access to a robust network of industry professionals and resources, leveraging the BrainTrust Founders Studio's community to support portfolio companies in their growth and development.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.