Apothékary, a consumer health brand focused on Japanese-inspired plant medicine, has secured an $8 million pre-Series A round, including a strategic investment from Japanese beauty giant Shiseido. The round was oversubscribed by 40% according to the company, bringing the company’s total funding to $15 million in equity and $6 million in debt funding via Walden Mutual Bank.
The funding announcement coincides with Apothékary’s launch on Ulta Beauty’s digital platforms, where it becomes the retailer’s first alcohol-alternative product collection. The company is offering six of its best-selling tinctures through Ulta’s Wellness Shop, including Wine Down and Take the Edge Off.
“Ulta Beauty’s partnership with Apothékary speaks to the larger convergence of beauty and wellness that’s happening right now in our industry,” said Shizu Okusa, CEO and Founder of Apothékary. “For centuries, my Japanese ancestors have used ancient wellness practices to de-stress and enhance beauty from the inside out. Bringing our products into a major retailer like Ulta Beauty confirms there is more to beauty than topicals, and tinctures should be a part of our everyday self-care routines.”
The company reports strong clinical results for its products, with its best-selling red wine alternative, Wine Down, showing reduced alcohol consumption in 86% of study participants and improved sleep quality in over 60% of participants.
“We’re so excited to bring Apothékary to Ulta Beauty, offering our guests a fresh way to embrace wellness as part of their everyday beauty rituals,” said Lisa Tamburello, Vice President of Merchandising at Ulta Beauty. “Apothékary’s plant-based tinctures are a unique addition to The Wellness Shop, especially as more of us are looking for natural ways to support balance and beauty from within.”
Founded in 2020, Apothékary was inspired by Okusa’s Japanese heritage and her experience with burnout while working on Wall Street. The company expects to grow by 40% this year with a revenue goal of $30 million. Recent expansions include partnerships with Disney and Marvel, and distribution in more than 400 Sprouts Farmers Market stores.
