Iris Ventures Makes Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Goddess

Global investment firm Iris Ventures has made a multimillion-dollar minority investment in Goddess Maintenance Co., the biotech haircare brand that launched earlier this year.

The investment will support the brand’s continued product development, expansion of professional partnerships, and international growth strategy.

Founded by Denise Russell, Edward Connaghan, Lauren Vesler, and Manda Mason, Goddess introduced a proprietary concept called bioprotection, a technology designed to protect and strengthen hair using biotechnology. Russell and Connaghan, both early operators behind Olaplex and K18, joined forces with Vesler and Mason to develop a professional system informed by advances in biomaterials science.

“Partnering with Iris felt like a natural next step,” said Vesler, CEO of Goddess. “While we weren’t actively seeking investment, their deep understanding of the beauty industry, unwavering commitment to innovation and belief in our mission to pioneer bioprotection in haircare made them the ideal partner to help us scale our vision globally.”

Central to the brand’s approach is the Goddess Molecule, developed in collaboration with biomaterials company Bolt. Modelled on the structure of spider silk, the molecule forms flexible, scaffold-like chains around hair strands to help reduce damage from chemical and environmental stressors. It also penetrates the hair’s cortex to reinforce internal strength, with the aim of improving manageability, reducing styling time, and maintaining salon finishes for longer.

“Goddess is at the forefront of science-led beauty, pioneering the bioprotection category and redefining what’s possible in professional haircare,” said Montse Suarez, Iris Ventures founder and managing partner. “With its proprietary molecule, deep stylist-first approach and global ambition, Goddess is delivering a true breakthrough that bridges the gap between repair and maintenance, transforming how we think about long-term hair health.”

Iris Ventures’ existing portfolio includes Maurten, Olistic, Healf, and Superlativa. The firm is currently raising its second fund, targeting €200 million, to continue investing in consumer brands led by founders with a focus on innovation and purpose.