The Indian beauty market has seen a significant move as CHOSEN, a dermatology-led startup, raised $5 million in a Series A funding round. Fireside Ventures led the investment, which also saw participation from BOLD, the venture capital arm of L’Oréal, and Alkemi Growth Capital. This move highlights a growing interest from investors in specialized, science-backed skincare brands that cater to specific regional demographics. The round also included backing from angel investor Avnish Anand and several practicing dermatologists.
Founded in 2020 by cosmetic dermatologist Dr Renita Rajan, CHOSEN has carved out a niche by developing products specifically for melanin-rich Indian skin. The company plans to use the new capital to strengthen its research and development capabilities and expand its pipeline of clinically validated products. Part of the funding will also go toward scaling its Centre of Excellence and hiring new talent across various business functions. The brand currently offers topical treatments and supplements that target concerns such as pigmentation and skin texture, including its flagship SAFESCREEN NEXGEN sunscreen.
Founder and chief executive Dr Renita Rajan expressed that the funding confirms the value of their clinical approach. “This round is a validation of the science-led, dermatologist-developed approach we’ve built CHOSEN around. It gives us the runway to deepen our R&D, bring more dermatologists into product development, and build the evidence base that holistic antiaging for Indian skin deserves,” she said.
Fireside Ventures noted that the startup’s success comes from its ability to combine medical credibility with strong sales. Varun Varma, a principal at the firm, stated: “What drew us to CHOSEN is the rare combination of deep clinical rigor and a trust-led go-to-market that few consumer brands have cracked.”
The strategic interest from BOLD suggests a long-term future for the brand in India. Samantha Etienne, global general manager at BOLD, said: “In the very dynamic Indian beauty market, we believe CHOSEN has the potential to contribute to shape the future of dermocosmetics in India.” Additionally, Alka Goel, founding partner at Alkemi Growth Capital, noted: “Given its differentiated, dermatology-first and R&D-led positioning in a fast growing dermaceutical market, CHOSEN is well placed to address the unmet needs of skin of colour.”