Shakira’s Haircare Brand Isima Raises Over $12 Million

Isima, the new haircare brand founded by Shakira, has raised more than $12 million in debut funding to support ambitious growth plans. Backed by a group of high-profile investors, the brand is preparing for a global launch with high-performance formulas developed specifically for Latin hair.

Among its financial supporters are Stelac Capital Partners, WME, northstar.vc, and LMDV Capital, an Italian single-family office led by Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio. Known for investing in brands that merge cultural identity with science and social impact, Del Vecchio said: “We chose to support Isima because it brings together scientific innovation and a deep respect for individual identity. In an industry long dominated by one-size-fits-all solutions, Isima offers something different — products designed to embrace diversity and meet the unique needs of each person.”

At the core of Isima’s approach is its patented TriModal Method. Developed with scientists and trichologists, the method is rooted in biotrichology and treats the scalp, cortex, and cuticle simultaneously. The brand’s debut collection includes eight products designed to work across a wide spectrum of hair types, textures, and conditions, including chemically treated and colour-processed hair.

“We devoted years of exhaustive research and clinical testing to addressing the specific diversity of needs harnessed by this expansive community,” said Chief Science Officer Anthony Potin. “We tapped an elite panel of trichologists and formulators on a global scale to address hair textures from straight to coiled and states from chemically-treated to color-processed. Together, we created formulas that uniquely account for bond breakdown, protein depletion, and moisture deprivation needs in ways the industry has yet to see outside of Isima.”

Isima will launch exclusively in all Ulta Beauty stores across the United States and online at ulta.com on 6 July. The brand will expand to flagship Ulta Beauty locations in Mexico in August. By the time pre-sales opened on 10 June, Isima was already positioned to serve nearly 30 global markets via its ecommerce site, isima.com, with availability across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

“Isima is what the future of beauty looks like — global by design, inclusive by DNA, and built for scale,” said Amir Karimpour, Managing Partner at northstar.vc. “At northstar.vc, we’re proud to co-lead its global expansion, bringing capital, culture and creativity to a brand redefining haircare through identity and innovation.”

Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Andreea Diaconescu added: “In addition to our impactful distribution strategy, we are uniquely poised to support a full funnel marketing strategy that focuses on amplifying voices in the Latin community and takes a digital-first approach to connect with consumers where they are.”