Shiseido Group Unveiled Its New Venture Fund

Shiseido Group recently unveiled its new venture fund, Shiseido Long Term Investments for the Future (LIFT Ventures). Headquartered in New York, this initiative is spearheaded by Ron Gee, the President and CEO of Shiseido Group Americas.

LIFT Ventures is set to target emerging companies in the beauty and health industries, with a keen focus on investing behind novel technologies, innovative platforms, high-growth brands, and new business models, among others. This aligns with Shiseido's strategic goal to evolve into a leading beauty and health company by 2030. While the fund primarily targets enterprises in the Western hemisphere, it maintains a broad, global investment outlook.

In tandem with the launch of LIFT Ventures, Shiseido Group also announced its inaugural investments in Phi Therapeutics, a U.S.-based biotech firm, and Patrick Kidd, an Australian men's grooming brand.

Phi Therapeutics, led by Dr. Yug Varma and located in San Francisco, specializes in developing alternative antibiotic treatments for acne using microbiome technology. Their skincare brand, Phyla, enjoys a strong reputation on social media.

Patrick Kidd, established in 2014 by Patrick and Aimee Kidd, initially began as a luxury men's grooming salon before branching into their own product line. Under Shiseido's guidance, they aim to concentrate on penetrating the Asian market, leveraging the brand's resources and expertise.