Closing Announced for Aria Growth Partners' $152 Million Fund II

Aria Growth Partners, a venture capital firm focused on investing in values-driven companies in the food, beauty, personal care, supplements, and household products categories, has successfully closed its second fund with $152 million in capital commitments. The firm, launched in 2020 by consumer investment veterans Trevor Nelson and Jackie Dunklau, has attracted new investors, including university endowments, fund-of-funds, and sophisticated family offices.

The firm's first fund has yielded impressive results, with exits by portfolio companies Hero Cosmetics and LesserEvil. Aria Growth Partners provided the capital for these brands, which offer value-based, non-discretionary products that align with consumer values around health, sustainability, and transparency.

One of the standout success stories is Hero Cosmetics, a company behind popular acne treatment products, which was acquired by CPG giant Church & Dwight for $630 million. Aria Growth Partners coached Hero Cosmetics as they scaled and set them up for a successful acquisition. Trevor Nelson and Jackie Dunklau, co-founders of Aria Growth Partners, were a true thought partner to Ju Rhyu, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics, providing deep consumer expertise, strategic clarity, and unwavering support as they scaled Hero.

Another notable exit is the sale of fast-growing organic snack maker LesserEvil to The Hershey Company, revealed in April. Aria Growth Partners' investments tend to remain resilient even in downturns, as purchases from brands they invest in continue to thrive.

Aria Growth Partners is not just a traditional investor; they partner with founders who are not actively seeking capital but are looking for a dedicated and insightful partner. The firm provides $10 million to $30+ million to companies and helps founders make the right moves between now and an eventual exit, providing a roadmap based on their experience of what makes companies attractive to strategic acquirers.

The firm's second capital fund project was supported by university endowments including the University of Michigan, and sophisticated family offices such as the Pritzker Group, with investments made around 2023. Fund-I investors have shown strong support for Fund-II, with nearly all of them increasing their commitment size.

Aria sees opportunity in the continued market share shifts across consumer categories. For founders looking for values-driven investors who understand today's modern consumer landscape, Aria Growth Partners is the kind of partner they would want by their side. The firm is focused on finding founders with a clear product vision who often solve personal pain points, and they are committed to helping these founders build successful and impactful businesses.