Naturaz secures $1M funding boost for retail expansion

Naturaz, a trailblazing women’s hair care startup specializing in 100% vegan products for curly hair, has successfully raised $1 million in its seed funding round. Leading the charge in this investment was the Philadelphia Community Impact Fund, contributing $300,000, alongside other impact and angel investors.

Founded by the award-winning chemist Mumbi Dunjwa, Naturaz aims to revolutionize hair care with its innovative product line, known for delivering and maintaining three times more moisture in curly hair. Drawing from her extensive background in chemistry, large pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and technology, Dunjwa has meticulously developed Naturaz to address the specific needs of curly-haired individuals.

In an industry where women, especially Black female founders, face significant funding challenges, this achievement marks a notable milestone. According to PitchBook, companies founded solely by women receive less than 3% of all venture capital investments. Against this backdrop, Dunjwa’s success stands as a testament to perseverance and innovation.

“We are so grateful that the Philadelphia investment ecosystem has been so supportive of Naturaz and our mission,” expressed Mumbi Dunjwa, Founder and CEO of Naturaz. “The funds that have come from the Philadelphia Community Impact Fund, in addition to other investors who have been instrumental in this process, will go a long way in ensuring Naturaz products become available and accessible to curly-haired women and their families across the United States. We’re hopeful that sharing our story serves as an example and an inspiration for female entrepreneurs.”

Over the past six months, Naturaz has garnered over $700,000 in funding, with $500,000 raised in July alone. This success can be attributed to the company’s unique approach to capital raising, focusing on building strong, targeted relationships with investors through one-on-one interactions, which have allowed stakeholders to connect deeply with the company’s vision and strategy.

The newly secured funds will be pivotal in executing Naturaz’s retail expansion strategy, aiming to place their high-quality, efficacious products in 500 to 1,000 stores over the next six months. With a commitment to delivering scientifically formulated, non-GMO, vegan hair care products, Naturaz is poised to meet the growing consumer demand for health-conscious beauty solutions.