Capza takes minority stake in French skincare brand Respire
What's the deal? CapzaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a France-based European private investment platform for small and mid-cap companies, has acquired a minority stake in French natural skincare developer RespireDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The startup's founders retain a majority stake.
Who's involved? Capza is part of BNP Paribas Asset ManagementDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → Alts. Respire, founded in 2018 by Justine Hutteau, Thomas Méheut, and Guillaume Duiquet, makes natural skincare products sold online and through pharmacies.
What's the endgame? A leading deodorant brand in pharmacies, Respire is expanding in facial skincare across sun protection, blemish treatment, and radiance. The founders say the deal opens "a new chapter in Respire's growth journey, with the ambition of building a global leader in dermocosmetics."
What's the money for? Capza's capital will support Respire's growth in France and internationally, said Edouard de Beaufort, partner, and Victoire Simon, director, at Capza Flex Equity. The goal is to "further strengthen its position as a reference in its market."
The signal: The deal reflects investor appetite for founder-led consumer brands that pair R&D with an omnichannel model — combining direct online sales and pharmacy distribution — as demand grows for skincare products marketed as effective and gentler on skin health.
Read more: Investors in Healthcare
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