Ursa Major

Ursa Major operates in the personal care sector, specifically focusing on the clean, gender-neutral skincare market. The company was founded in 2010 by Oliver Sweatman and Emily Doyle. Both founders brought significant experience from the beauty and business sectors to their new venture. Sweatman began his career in corporate finance before co-founding Sharps, a men's grooming brand, while Doyle had leadership roles at established beauty companies like Bumble and Bumble and Jurlique. Their journey began after they relocated from New York City to Vermont, seeking a lifestyle more connected to nature. This move inspired the creation of a skincare line formulated with powerful natural ingredients, as they were dissatisfied with the existing options on the market.

The company's business model is centered on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) approach, with approximately 60% of its revenue generated through its own website, 30% from Amazon, and the remaining 10% from wholesale partnerships. These partnerships include specialty retailers like Credo, Goop, and REI. Ursa Major also has a growing amenities program, supplying boutique fitness studios and hotels. The company's target clientele consists of health-conscious consumers, described as "everyday explorers," who are typically affluent, educated, and value holistic wellness over fleeting beauty trends. Initially launched with a single shave cream, the product line has expanded to a curated collection of approximately 18 core products for the face, hair, and body. Popular products include the Fantastic Face Wash, Golden Hour Recovery Cream, and Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant.

Ursa Major's products are distinguished by their use of plant-powered, forest-infused ingredients and a commitment to avoiding harmful chemicals like petrochemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. The brand was an early adopter of the gender-neutral positioning, with earthy and citrus scents designed to appeal across the gender spectrum. As a certified B Corporation, Ursa Major emphasizes sustainability through actions like being certified plastic-negative and using recycled packaging materials. The company secured its first institutional capital in October 2019 with a $5 million financing round led by Fenwick Brands. This was followed by a $2.5 million convertible note in May 2023. Keywords: natural skincare, gender-neutral beauty, clean beauty, Oliver Sweatman, Emily Doyle, Vermont-based company, direct-to-consumer, B Corporation, sustainable skincare, outdoor lifestyle brand, plant-based ingredients, forest-infused formulas, face wash, deodorant, recovery cream, wellness brand, e-commerce beauty, skincare amenities, Credo beauty, REI partner