LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Selva Ventures––a venture capital firm dedicated to partnering with consumer brands that promote healthier living––today announced the successful closing of its second fund of $34 million. The firm has received backing from Unilever Ventures, PagsGroup and Obelysk, highlighting an investor base that includes a number of investors across the consumer products and professional sports industries. The addition of these strategic partners further positions Selva Ventures to accelerate the growth of emerging companies across health, wellness, beauty and personal care.
Launched in 2019 with a $10 million first fund, Selva Ventures has invested in leading better-for-you brands including MUD\WTR (coffee alternative), Native Pet (pet supplements), Mid-Day Squares (functional chocolate) and Cake (sexual wellness). The firm focuses on Seed and Series A startups with proven early momentum, and supports their traction with capital and resources across finance, operations and retail partnerships.
"Health and wellness is a powerful driver of the consumer economy," said Kiva Dickinson, Founder and Managing Partner of Selva Ventures. "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."
Selva takes pride in providing both deep expertise and emotional support to entrepreneurs they work with. Shane Heath from MUD\WTR notes, “Few investors walk the walk like Selva does. The team is a text message away to celebrate wins and work through challenges or opportunities in a way that is thoughtful, thorough, and comforting. Never fazed, they seem to rise to the occasion in a way that stops stress in its tracks and makes room for creative problem solving and authenticity.”
As Selva Ventures expands its capital base, it is diversifying its areas of focus, with a particular emphasis on the beauty and personal care sector. Madeline Kaplan, Principal at Selva Ventures, joined the firm last year to spearhead this effort. Kaplan explained, "Beauty is an incredibly emotional category, where both brand and product innovation are crucial. We aim to support emerging brands that provide innovative products that resonate emotionally with consumers, ultimately making self-care easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable." In line with this strategy, Selva Ventures has led investments in OneSkin (longevity skincare) and Crown Affair (clean, luxury haircare).
Selva Ventures prides itself on supporting a diverse group of entrepreneurs who reflect the preferences and demographics of an evolving consumer landscape. Over 50 percent of the firm's portfolio companies to date have female or minority founders. Moreover, several portfolio companies, including Kinship (sustainable clean skincare) and Nowadays (clean plant-based protein), offer environmentally-friendly products, aligned with the increasing importance of sustainability for health-conscious consumers.
About Selva Ventures
Selva Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in health and wellness-focused consumer brands that promote healthier living. Selva Ventures is headquartered in Los Angeles, and currently manages approximately $50 million in assets. For more information about Selva Ventures, investment opportunities, or becoming a brand partner, please visit www.selvaventures.com. Stay connected with Selva Ventures on Twitter @kivadickinson, Instagram @selvaventures and LinkedIn.
About Unilever Ventures
Unilever Ventures, the venture and growth capital arm of Unilever, empowers a new breed of forward-thinking entrepreneurs with ground-breaking ideas and ambitions to transform the world. Our mission extends beyond mere capital provision; we enable these visionaries to cultivate distinctive brands and innovative technology solutions that resonate on a global scale. Unilever Ventures brings unrivaled expertise and leadership in the consumer goods industry, from the factory to the end user. Our investment focuses on early-stage opportunities that lie at the fascinating crossroads of consumer goods, commerce, and technology, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. For further information, please visit www.unileverventures.com.
