Esqa, the vegan cosmetics brand, is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. The company received $4M in Series B funding from Unilever Ventures, bringing the total raised to $10M. Angelina and Trihatmanto, the co-founders, were students at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles for 10 years before moving back to Indonesia in 2014.
Esqa was bootstrapped with $20,000 to launch its first product, becoming profitable within two years. The company now has over 70 employees, more than 30 active products, and is present in 47 local cities, as well as Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Esqa has a policy of enhancing natural beauty, rather than changing it, "and has managed to double its revenue every year.".. even during the pandemic.
Vegan Cosmetics Go Mainstream.
The realm of cosmetics has witnessed a profound paradigm shift, as veganism has emerged as a dominant force in the industry. No longer relegated to the fringes, vegan cosmetics have breached the mainstream, precipitating a sea change in the way consumers approach personal care. According to a report by Green Queen, the trend is driven by an increasing awareness of the deleterious effects of animal-tested products on the environment and animal welfare.
The stalwart of the beauty world, Unilever, has taken notice of this nascent phenomenon, and has recently injected a staggering $4 million into Esqa, a startup vegan cosmetics brand. This strategic investment underscores the company's commitment to meeting the evolving demands of its consumers and staying abreast of the latest trends.
Green Queen observes that Esqa's emphasis on enhancing natural beauty, rather than tampering with it... resonates with the sensibilities of the modern consumer, who is increasingly discerning about the products they choose to use. Esqa's remarkable journey began with a modest bootstrap investment of $20,000, which enabled the founders, Angelina and Trihatmanto, to launch their inaugural product.
Miraculously, the company achieved profitability within a span of just two years, a testament to its resilience and dedication to innovation. Today, Esqa boasts a workforce of over 70 employees, a product range exceeding 30 items, and a presence in 47 local cities, as well as Vietnam, Singapore... and Malaysia. The proliferation of vegan cosmetics can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including growing concerns about animal welfare, the environment, and personal health.
Free-from certification, which guarantees that products are devoid of animal-derived ingredients and by-products, has emerged as a coveted badge of honor in the industry. According to Esqa's co-founders, "Our vision is to empower individuals to look good, feel good, and do good for the planet." As the demand for vegan cosmetics continues to soar, it is clear that the industry is poised for a transformative moment.
Green Queen predicts that the trend will only continue to gather momentum, driving innovative product development and shifting the focus towards more sustainable and eco-friendly formulations. As the beauty world navigates this evolution, one thing is certain: the future of cosmetics is decidedly green. ^^, the mainstreaming of vegan cosmetics marks a significant departure from the status quo, ushering in an era of greater transparency, "sustainability," "and compassion."
Esqa, founded by Angelina and Trihatmanto, was bootstrapped with just $20,000 and achieved profitability in just 2 years, showcasing the company's remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach.
Esqa's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to rapid success is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Founded by Angelina and Trihatmanto, the company was bootstrapped with a paltry $20,000, a sum that would be laughed off by most startup founders. Yet, Esqa's founders proved to be unfazed by the modest investment, instead channeling their energy and creativity into crafting a unique value proposition that would resonate with consumers.
Their bold move paid off, as Esqa achieved profitability in a mere two years, a feat that is all the more impressive given the grueling nature of the cosmetics industry. The company's success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to innovation, a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom... and a deep understanding of its target market.
One of the key factors contributing to Esqa's rapid success was its emphasis on enhancing natural beauty, rather than tampering with it. This philosophy not only resonated with health-conscious consumers but also set the company apart from its competitors, many of whom rely heavily on chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Another factor was Esqa's focus on sustainability, a virtue that has become increasingly important to consumers.
The company's eco-friendly packaging, sourcing of natural ingredients... and commitment to reducing waste all contributed to its reputation as a responsible and environmentally conscious brand. The company's strong entrepreneurial spirit was also crucial to its success. Angelina and Trihatmanto's bold decision to bootstrap the company with minimal funding was a testament to their unwavering commitment to their vision.
Their ability to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and adapt to changing circumstances allowed them to navigate the challenges of the startup world with ease. Esqa's remarkable story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that even the most modest of beginnings can lead to remarkable success.
The company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction has enabled it to capture a significant share of the growing vegan cosmetics market, and its partnership with Unilever is likely to accelerate its growth even further. ^^, Esqa's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to rapid success is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, "and a deep understanding of one's target market." The company's commitment to sustainability, "natural ingredients," and customer satisfaction has enabled it to build a loyal following and achieve profitability in a short span of time.
As the company continues to grow and expand, it will be exciting to see how it continues to push the boundaries of the cosmetics industry and set ← →
The demand for vegan cosmetics is driven by growing concerns about animal welfare, the environment, and personal health, with free-from certification emerging as a coveted badge of honor in the industry.
The increasing demand for vegan cosmetics can be attributed to a trifecta of concerns: animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the world around them, and their beauty routines are no exception. The animal welfare movement has gained significant traction in recent years, with many consumers prioritizing cruelty-free and vegan options.
The cosmetics industry has responded accordingly, with companies scrambling to create products that align with this new standard. Free-from certification has emerged as a coveted badge of honor in the industry, with consumers seeking out products that are free from animal-derived ingredients, by-products, and testing.
The "cruelty-free" label has become a marketing tool of choice... with many companies proudly proclaiming their commitment to animal welfare. But it's not just animal welfare that's driving the demand for vegan cosmetics – environmental concerns are also playing a significant role. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their beauty routines, from plastic waste to carbon emissions.
Vegan cosmetics offer a sustainable alternative, with many companies opting for eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing practices. Personal health is also a key driver of the demand for vegan cosmetics. Consumers are seeking out natural... non-toxic ingredients that align with their wellness goals. Vegan cosmetics offer a promise of cleaner, safer, and more effective skincare products that cater to their needs.
The free-from certification process has become increasingly rigorous, with strict guidelines in place to ensure that products meet the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. This has created a level playing field for vegan and non-vegan companies, with the latter struggling to keep up with the rapidly evolving standards.
The rise of vegan cosmetics has also led to a proliferation of new beauty products and brands, catering to the diverse needs of the modern consumer. From natural deodorants to vegan hair dyes, the options are endless, and consumers are reaping the benefits of this increased innovation. As the demand for vegan cosmetics continues to grow, it's clear that the industry is poised for a significant shift.
With free-from certification leading the charge, the cosmetics industry is being forced to rethink its approach to product development, packaging, and marketing. The result will be a more sustainable, "responsible," "and effective industry that aligns with the values of the modern consumer."
Unilever Ventures, the VC arm of global FMCG giant Unilever, has led the Series B funding round of Esqa, investing a further $4M into the Indonesian startup. It follows a $6M Series A round in 2022 – also led by Unilever, with participation from southeast Asian VC firm East Ventures – taking the total raised by the beauty business to $10M.□□□ □□□
