In a significant development driving the internationalization of K-beauty, Signature Label, a K-beauty global distribution startup, has secured seed investment. The investment, led by prominent investors CJ Investment and Atinum Partners, signals a new chapter in the internationalization of Korean beauty products.
Founded in March 2023 by CEO Jeong-min Lee and COO Kim Yun-jin, both industry veterans, Signature Label aims to introduce Korean beauty brands to global markets, leveraging its expertise and extensive network. Lee is a former K-beauty commerce company B2Link member, who succeeded in advancing domestic cosmetics brands ‘Skin 1004’ and ‘Nine Wishes’ into Southeast Asia. Kim is a former member of startup accelerator Blue Point Partners.
Currently, ‘Signature Label’ is carrying out an overseas distribution business of about 30 Korean beauty brands and is collaborating with major distribution partners in over 10 countries, including Beauty Haul in Indonesia, TDIC in Vietnam, TJX in the US, and Wellness Beaute in Japan.
The seed investment will fuel the company’s efforts to expand its distribution network and develop its own skincare brand, ZIGTAG, tailored to meet the evolving needs of global consumers. ‘ZIGTAG,’ a fashionable derma brand launched targeting global consumers in August 2023, is a new K-skincare brand with excellent functionality, a unique concept, and price competitiveness.
Reflecting on the investment, a representative from CJ Investment said, “We judged that Signature Label would be able to quickly advance into the global market and achieve results based on its solid network in the distribution market and expertise in product planning and production. We expect ZIGTAG, created by understanding the market’s needs, to grow into a K-skincare brand loved worldwide quickly.”
Signature Label stated, “The current trend in which K-beauty is taking the world by storm through word of mouth, especially among the MZ generation, is a good opportunity for domestic indie brands and ZIGTAG to advance into overseas markets successfully. We will bring excellent K-beauty products to the market and provide all the know-how and networks to achieve results in overseas expansion. We will be creating a success story for a K-beauty brand loved by people worldwide.”
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