🎉 Sephora Celebrates a Decade of Accelerate
Sephora has unveiled its 2025 Accelerate program cohort, marking ten years of empowering beauty entrepreneurs. The program initially launched in 2015 but pivoted in 2021 to focus exclusively on supporting BIPOC founders. This year’s class includes eight brands specializing in hair care, makeup, skincare, and fragrance. Notable participants include Bounce Curl, a curly hair care brand, and Ruhveda, inspired by South Asian Ayurveda. To date, 33 brands have graduated from the program, with more than half featured at Sephora stores.
💡 Comprehensive Support for Early-Stage Brands
Accelerate participants receive six months of mentorship, merchandising expertise, funding, and investor connections. The curriculum addresses key challenges for early-stage brands. Sessions are led by industry leaders like Nancy Twine of Briogeo, who covers financial readiness, and Amy Liu of Tower 28, who focuses on marketing. Additionally, co-founders of Glow Recipe will guide participants on social media strategies. Sephora’s commitment to innovation ensures these brands are set up to succeed in the competitive beauty industry.
🌟 Founders Driving Diversity and Innovation
The 2025 cohort exemplifies innovation and inclusivity. It features diverse founders, including Judy Koloko of The Steam Bar, a scalp-focused hair care brand, and Fatema Raja of Ruhveda. These entrepreneurs bring unique cultural influences and specialized products to the beauty space. Priya Venkatesh, Sephora’s global chief merchandising officer, stated, “This program champions diverse founders, equipping them with tools to thrive and innovate in the evolving beauty market.”
📈 Building Bridges to Big Opportunities
The program also connects founders with investment leaders from Prelude Growth Partners and VMG Partners. Sephora’s legacy partners, like Urban Decay and Ilia, provide additional mentorship. Graduates not only secure a chance to launch at Sephora North America but also gain credibility in the beauty industry. The continued demand for innovative, diverse brands underscores the program’s impact. As Sephora celebrates a decade of Accelerate, it strengthens its role as a leader in fostering inclusive entrepreneurship.
How can more beauty brands embrace inclusivity in their growth?
