Beauty Without Borders: Building the Next Global Beauty Powerhouse
igniteXL Ventures presents an Exclusive Beauty Insider Brunch with K18 & Breakthru Beauty
What does it take to build a beauty brand that breaks through globally and what can K-beauty founders learn from those who've done it?
Join us for an intimate Sunday brunch and fireside chat with two industry leaders bringing unique perspectives on building, scaling, and expanding beauty brands in the U.S. and beyond.
Meet Our Featured Guests
Suveen Sahib | Co-Founder, K18
The visionary entrepreneur behind K18, the breakthrough biotech haircare brand acquired by Unilever in 2024, just four years after its founding, in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $700 million. Hear firsthand how K18 challenged the haircare industry through science-driven innovation, compelling brand storytelling, and a powerful community-led growth strategy.
Allison Slater Ray | Co-Founder, Breakthru Beauty
Working with leading K-beauty brands including ANUA, Allison and her team at Breakthru Beauty are helping Korean beauty brands successfully navigate and expand in the competitive U.S. market. ANUA's remarkable journey, including its nationwide launch at Ulta Beauty, offers invaluable lessons on retail strategy, market positioning, and building sustainable growth in America.
What We'll Explore
Building a Breakout Brand: What fueled K18's rapid rise from startup to global recognition and acquisition?
Winning in the U.S.: Lessons from ANUA's expansion and what Korean brands need to succeed with American consumers and retailers.
From Momentum to Scale: How to translate product innovation, social buzz, and consumer love into lasting business growth.
The Next Chapter of K-Beauty: Where are the opportunities, challenges, and untapped potential for Korean beauty brands going global?
Beyond the conversation, connect over brunch with fellow beauty founders, investors, and industry insiders who share a passion for building the next generation of global beauty brands.
Real stories. Candid insights. Meaningful connections.
Event Details
📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 CDRI Office, Gangnam, Seoul
🥐 Brunch | Fireside Chat | Networking
Space is limited to keep the conversation intimate. Reserve your spot!
Hosted by igniteXL Ventures
Venue is generously sponsored by CDRI, Korea’s No.1 AI-Powered Beauty SaaS Platform.
About igniteXL Ventures
igniteXL Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based global VC fund investing in early-stage category creators in the $7T+ health, wellness, and longevity market. Our edge is a cross-border network built over 20+ years across Korea, Asia, and Silicon Valley, giving our portfolio companies early access to innovation, manufacturing, and distribution channels that others can't easily replicate.
Since its launch in 2020, igniteXL Ventures Fund I has invested in 43+ companies, including Bubble, Musely, Dame, Arooo, Uncover, Lion Pose, Solarcore, Tabella, and more.