Global beauty giant Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup India to support Indian startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening the local beauty ecosystem, with a special focus on women-founded businesses.
Through this partnership, Estée Lauder aims to expand its BEAUTY&YOU India program, which provides grants, mentorship, and industry access to beauty entrepreneurs. The initiative, originally launched in partnership with Nykaa, has already drawn over 1,500 applicants from 150+ cities, promoting innovation and investment in the Indian beauty sector.
This MoU is the first of its kind between a global beauty company and Startup India, demonstrating Estée Lauder’s commitment to the country’s rapidly growing market. Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies, highlighted India’s potential, particularly in the luxury beauty and perfume segments. “The country’s expanding middle class is increasingly embracing luxury beauty products,” he noted, adding that 14 of Estée Lauder’s brands are already present in the Indian market.
Having established a presence in India over 20 years ago, the company is now exploring local manufacturing across multiple brands to meet the growing domestic demand. During his visit to India in October 2024, de La Faverie also hinted at plans to begin local production for one of Estée Lauder’s brands, aligning with the country’s booming wedding season.
With a portfolio of renowned brands such as M·A·C, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Tom Ford, Jo Malone London, Too Faced, and The Ordinary, Estée Lauder has already built a strong foothold in India, engaging with 19,000 partners nationwide. Now, through this latest initiative, the company is reinforcing its long-term vision for the market—one that empowers women entrepreneurs and drives innovation in the beauty industry.
As India’s beauty and personal care sector continues to thrive, this strategic alliance with Startup India is expected to open new doors for emerging brands, further strengthening the country’s position as a key global player in the industry.
