When times get tough, lipstick is known as an affordable soothe to the beauty-starved soul. ManiMe’s growth during the COVID-19 pandemic proves that at-home manicures can mollify the make-up-starved as well.
The Los Angeles-based beautytech startup announced it raised $6 million on Thursday, as first reported by Axios. The Series A cash comes on the heels of record growth for ManiMe, with sales of its stick-on nails growing tenfold since the start of the pandemic.
“With salons closing and nail artists unable to see clients, COVID has pushed people to make new choices about their nails,” the company wrote in a blog post announcing the funds.
CEO Jooyeon Song co-founded ManiMe in 2017 with Stanford Business School classmate David Miro Llopis, earning them the nicknames “manicure boy” and “manicure girl.”
The startup uses 3D-scanning technology to create a custom fit for users’ at-home, adhesive gel manicures. Customers submit five pictures of their nails, choose the design they like and ManiMe custom prints the style to their exact nail bed size. The company said its stick-on gels can be either applied or removed in less than five minutes. ManiMe also notes that its cruelty-free products do not contain toxic chemicals.
As the coronavirus continues to keep those seeking manicures home (and masks over lipsticked lips), Song told Axios that, in addition to creating custom nail adhesives, more customers are also purchasing cuticle oil pens and other products to complete the full, at-home manicure and pedicure experience. About 40 percent of ManiMe’s customers repurchase their items, she said.
Going forward, the startup plans to expand its partnership with local artists to design its custom nail art adhesives. ManiMe has already partnered with 11 designers, with whom it splits sales revenue from their creations.
The Series A round brings total investment in ManiMe to at least $8.6 million. Canaan Partners and Trinity Ventures led the round.
