FaceGym has landed fresh investment from India’s largest retailer, Reliance Retail Ventures, to fuel its global expansion plans.
The value of the minority investment in the “facial fitness”-focused brand has not been disclosed.
Founded by Inge Theron in 2014, FaceGym takes a workout-inspired approach to facials, and now has 15 studios in London and the US and a range of skin care and tools.
With the new backing, the brand plans to open 25 locations across India, where Reliance Retail Ventures will lead local operations and development.
Further studios are also set to open in major cities around the world, including London, Manchester, New York and Los Angeles.
FaceGym will also pursue a new franchising strategy, initially in the UK, to “extend the brand’s presence beyond its current hubs and enable local partners to bring the FaceGym concept to new territories”, the company said in a statement.
Expansion plans also include Europe, where Italy will be the first FaceGym market beyond the UK.
“I could not have dreamed of a better partner and look forward to taking India by storm,” said Theron.
“I am certain FaceGym will prove a huge success in the Indian Market.
“This strategic partnership is a key enabler to keep bringing our pioneering approach to facial fitness to ever more people across the globe while strengthening our leading position in our core markets.”
FaceGym CEO Angelo Castello called it “an incredibly exciting moment for the brand”.
He continued: “With Reliance’s global expertise and [existing investor] Three Hills’ strategic partnership, we are in a powerful position to turn Facegym into one of the only beauty services that exists with this size of global footprint – launching in new markets, and sculpting more people than ever before with our unique approach to facial fitness and skin health.
“Unlocking the franchise model will enable us to accelerate our footprint expansion in both our domestic markets and internationally.”
Bhakti Modi, co-founder and CEO Tira, part of Reliance Retail Ventures, said: “At Reliance Retail Ventures, our commitment is to introduce world-class brands and innovative concepts and experiences to the Indian consumer.
“FaceGym sits at the unique intersection of beauty, wellness and fitness – creating a category of its own.
“This aligns perfectly with the discerning beauty consumer in India who is experience-oriented and increasingly drawn to science-backed, innovative concepts.
“We welcome FaceGym to our portfolio and India, and are excited to unlock its immense growth potential in this dynamic market.”