Yepoda is a technology company.
Yepoda has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round.
Key people at Yepoda.
Yepoda has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Key people at Yepoda.
Yepoda is a Berlin-based skincare startup founded in 2020 that specializes in K-beauty products made in Korea, emphasizing natural, effective, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients like cleansers, serums, creams, and masks.[1][2][3] It serves environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable skincare routines that prioritize skin health without harmful chemicals such as parabens, silicones, or microplastics, solving accessibility issues for high-quality K-beauty in Europe and beyond.[1][3][4] Now at Series B funding stage with investors including JamJar Investments and Verlinvest, Yepoda has expanded to a US presence and earned B Corp certification, donating 1% of sales to environmental causes while building momentum through sold-out bestsellers and positive customer reviews.[1][4][5]
Yepoda was co-founded in 2020 by Sander Joonyoung and Veronika in Berlin, Germany, after they noticed strong demand for K-beauty products among European friends during visits to Sander's family in Korea.[3] The idea emerged from the challenge of sourcing authentic, effective Korean skincare—known for its innovative routines—and making it accessible without compromising on quality, sustainability, or clean beauty standards.[2][3] Early traction came from launching in spring 2020 with mindfully produced, vegan products crafted by Korean experts, quickly gaining a foothold in e-commerce and beauty markets, as evidenced by inclusion in CB Insights' E-Commerce and Beauty & Personal Care expert collections.[1][2]
Yepoda rides the explosive growth of clean beauty and K-beauty trends, fueled by consumer shifts toward natural, sustainable products amid rising e-commerce (included in CB Insights' 11,250-company E-Commerce collection).[1] Timing aligns with post-2020 demand for vegan/cruelty-free skincare in Europe and the US, where K-beauty's multi-step efficacy meets sustainability mandates—exemplified by their B Corp status and environmental donations.[3][4] Market forces like premiumization in the $2,255-company Beauty & Personal Care space favor them, as they bridge Asian innovation with Western values, influencing the ecosystem by normalizing ethical DTC brands and expanding K-beauty accessibility beyond niche markets.[1]
Yepoda is poised for accelerated US and global expansion post-Series B, leveraging its US office and e-commerce strength to capture more of the clean K-beauty wave amid trends like personalization and biotech ingredients.[1][5] Regulatory pushes for sustainability and AI-driven skincare customization will shape their path, potentially amplifying influence through partnerships or product tech integrations. As a profitability-focused scaler in a crowded beauty field, their commitment to "Korean effectiveness meets sustainable solutions" positions them to redefine accessible premium skincare for eco-aware millennials and Gen Z.[2][3]
Yepoda has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Yepoda's investors include 9Yards Capital, L Catterton Growth, Team8, V3 Ventures, Vertex Ventures Israel, XT Hi-Tech, David Giampaolo, Georgina Smallwood, Philippe Teixeira da Mota, Ron Zuckerman.
Yepoda has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Seed in November 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2021 | $2.0M Seed | 9Yards Capital, L Catterton Growth, Team8, V3 Ventures, Vertex Ventures Israel, XT Hi-Tech, David Giampaolo, Georgina Smallwood, Philippe Teixeira da Mota, Ron Zuckerman |
