AromeManpo closes ~US$13.8M Series B led by Yingtong Holdings
What's the deal? AromeManpo (馥郁满铺), a Chinese skincare brand built around aromatherapy and "emotional skincare," has closed a Series B round of nearly US$13.8M (roughly $14M). The sole investor is Yingtong HoldingsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (颖通控股), a major fragrance and beauty distributor, which will hold 15% of the parent company post-deal. Mucotton Capital served as exclusive financial adviser.
Founded in 2013 by Jiang Teng, AromeManpo blends European aromatherapy traditions with Eastern botanical ingredients and fermentation technology. It reported full-channel GMV of US$82.5M in 2025.
The funds will go toward offline store expansion, product R&D, and overseas market entry. The brand currently operates five direct stores in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, with six more planned this year in Shenzhen, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu — bringing the total past 10. By 2027, it expects to surpass 20 stores nationwide.
Why now? Yingtong isn't just writing a cheque — it is a strategic partner. Jiang told 36Kr the two companies are closely aligned on brand philosophy, and Yingtong's distribution network will help AromeManpo open physical stores faster, including in Hong Kong, Macau, and eventually Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
The brand is also deepening its science credentials. In October 2024, it set up an aromatherapy research centre with Jiangnan University. It now holds two patents on tuberose-based ingredients and aims to secure four patents and two new-ingredient filings with China's drug regulator by 2028.
What could go wrong? "Emotional skincare" is a novel category that still lacks broad scientific validation in China. AromeManpo says it is running studies — measuring brainwaves and cortisol levels — but peer-reviewed evidence remains thin. Scaling a premium experiential retail concept (flagships of 300–500㎡ with tea bars) across multiple cities is capital-intensive, and the brand's overseas ambitions add another layer of execution risk.
Competition is fierce. China's beauty market is crowded with both domestic upstarts and global incumbents, and consumer loyalty can be fickle in trend-driven segments.
The signal: AromeManpo's raise reflects two converging trends in Chinese consumer markets. First, domestic beauty brands are moving upmarket — choosing premium standalone stores over e-commerce marketplaces and multi-brand retailers. "Unlike past Chinese brands that went overseas via cross-border e-commerce, we want high-end standalone experience stores," Jiang said.
Second, wellness-adjacent positioning is gaining traction across categories. The idea that skincare can address emotional wellbeing resonates with stressed urban consumers willing to pay a premium for sensory experiences. Whether the science catches up with the marketing will determine if "emotional skincare" becomes a lasting category or a passing trend.
AromeManpo had previously raised a combined tens of millions of yuan across angel, Pre-A, and Series A rounds from investors including Cathay CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Inward FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Challenger VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
Read more: 36kr.com
