Australian Haircare Brand STRAAND Raises $4M Australian Dollars in Funding

STRAAND, Australia’s first microbiome-focussed scalp care brand has announced they have secured  $4M in funding to support further international expansion, led by Sephora. In just 12 months STRAAND  has proven its science-led, functional line of products are at the forefront of the market which is  estimated to be valued at $102 billion by 2025.  

Following their seed investment in 2022, Unilever Ventures has re-invested in STRAAND alongside the  Harvey Family Office which will be making its first investment within the self-care / consumer goods  space. Gerry Harvey, founder of the leading retailer has long been interested in consumer goods as an  investment opportunity and STRAAND represents his first foray into this category.  

Gerry Harvey, founder of Harvey Norman Family Office commented, “Over the past twelve months I’ve had many, many brands pitch to me for investment. My interest in STRAAND was based on their  progression within their category and to support their upcoming multi-market contracts. I’m excited to  support the STRAAND team with their continued growth globally but also within the Australian market.” 

In 2023 STRAAND entered into a multi-regional deal with Sephora that will see the brand in over 70  stores by early 2024 across Australia, The UK and South East Asia. The brand also soft-launched in the US  market with retail partners Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Amazon.  

STRAAND is a part of a niche but growing category of scalp care, where familiar skincare rituals and  ingredients are showcasing how healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Strong global retail interest  further supports the trend towards the skinification of hair, with STRAAND being the first Australian brand  to be single-mindedly focussed on scalp care. 

“Dandruff and broader scalp concerns are significant and much maligned condition globally. We have  been working with the STRAAND team now for over 12 months and are excited at the continued  prospect of growth,” says Rachel Harris, Partner at Unilever Ventures. 

STRAAND’s range includes four key prebiotic scalp balancing products, including award winning and  triple sell out product The Crown Fix Serum, along with a premium range of accessories. 2024 will see a  strong pipeline of new products launching globally.  

STRAAND co-founder Sarah Hamilton added, “We are excited for this next phase of STRAAND’s growth.  This will help create further global pathways including back home in Australia. The strong support of  partners like Unilever Ventures and Gerry who continue to believe in our values is what has and will be  key to the ongoing success of our brand vision.”