#USA #Los Angeles #Helios Partners #Thirteen Lune #Studio 13

Thirteen Lune Launches Studio 13

In a bold move to enhance the beauty industry's diversity and accessibility, Thirteen Lune, the prominent retail platform dedicated to discovering global beauty, has introduced the Studio 13 accelerator program. Collaborating with the investment firm Helios Partners, this initiative aims to amplify support for emerging beauty brands by offering crucial resources and exposure needed for sustained growth.

What is Studio 13?

Studio 13 is a semi-annual accelerator program that spans 13 weeks per cohort—the first starting in January—to select a total of 13 promising beauty brands each cycle. Applicants, who should already be generating annual revenues of at least $1.5 million, can receive up to $100,000 in funding per each million in revenue.

Thirteen Lune’s objective is to establish an ecosystem that facilitates retail success for emerging founders. Nyakio Grieco, the founder and CEO of Thirteen Lune, has emphasized that the partnership with Helios Partners significantly extends their outreach, providing new or emerging businesses with direct access to capital, mentorship, and essential market scaling opportunities.

What Does the Program Offer?

Participants in Studio 13 will benefit greatly from a multitude of services including:

1. Retail & Digital Support: Each brand will gain dedicated shelf space both online and in Thirteen Lune's flagship store, along with resources to ensure their retail readiness.
2. Funding and Advisory: Brands will receive seed funding, personalized mentorship sessions aimed at enhancing executives' leadership skills, and a comprehensive audit of their media and marketing strategies.
3. Marketing Enhancement: The program includes participation in Thirteen Lune's loyalty program and promotional support across social media channels, boosting brand visibility and recognition.
4. Trade Event Participation: Brands will co-exhibit at major industry fairs under the Thirteen Lune Pavilion, gain access to travel retail opportunities, and host events at the flagship store for direct consumer engagement.

According to Humphrey Ho, President and Managing Partner at Helios Partners, both companies understand the structural challenges faced by emerging beauty brands transitioning from digital platforms to brick-and-mortar retail spaces. He believes that the combined expertise of Thirteen Lune and Helios Partners will allow participants to establish a pathway toward profitability and recognition in the long term.

Standout Brands and Future Prospects

Each cohort of Studio 13 is designed to spotlight three brands that will receive exclusive press features in significant industry publications, further enhancing their market presence. The application process for the inaugural session is currently open and free, welcoming aspiring beauty entrepreneurs to submit their profiles until November 13, anticipating interviews for final selections in late November. The program is set to commence on January 11, 2027.

With its commitment to fostering inclusive beauty and celebrating diverse narratives, Thirteen Lune continues to champion underrepresented voices and brands in the industry. The new Studio 13 initiative represents a crucial step forward in empowering founders with the tools and platforms necessary to thrive and resonate within a competitive market.

About the Partners

Founded in 2020, Thirteen Lune emphasizes inclusivity by curating a range of products that cater to a diverse customer base, while Helios Partners brings a wealth of experience in consumer-focused investments to the table, ensuring that selected brands have both the innovative design and capital needed for success.

For further details or to apply for Studio 13, visit thirteenlune.com/studio-13.

This initiative not only aims at supporting upcoming brands but also reflects a growing trend within the beauty industry to prioritize diversity, equity, and sustainability, setting a new standard for how beauty brands operate in an increasingly competitive landscape.