Yesterday, Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has announced a strategic partnership with Startup India, a government initiative under India’s Department of Commerce and Industry, to strengthen the country’s innovation pipeline in the beauty and personal care sector. The collaboration marks a significant step in ELC’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and advancing beauty innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Through this partnership, ELC will expand its Beauty&You initiative, a program launched in 2022 to support emerging India-focused beauty brands. The initiative offers grants and mentorship opportunities, having already attracted over 1,500 applicants since its inception. In addition to scaling its existing program, the company is introducing a dedicated segment for female founders, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.
“India is a key strategic market for ELC, with a rapidly evolving prestige beauty industry and a vibrant, tech-driven startup ecosystem redefining innovation,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies. “ELC remains deeply committed to shaping the future of beauty in this dynamic landscape.”
