Christchurch-based solid cosmetics company Sorbet is launching an equity crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMe today.
Ethique, trading as Sorbet, makes healthy products with sustainable and safe ingredients.
According to its founder, Brianne West, the company is looking to make a solid impact on the New Zealand and international cosmetics markets.
“Sorbet is crowdfunding to begin global expansion starting in NZ,” said West.
“We’ve chosen to turn to our existing supporters first to see if they want to come into our crowd and come along for the ride.
“We are currently developing a new brand platform so when that is finished we will use the raise to produce our new packaging, which is still water soluble, and new website.”
Thereafter West plans to start further expansion into Australia and begin more research into other international options, especially growth markets like Asia.
To fund this expansion, Sorbet is expecting to raise a minimum of $150,000 up to $200,000, which makes up 12.5 per cent to 16 per cent of the company. Shares are a dollar each.
West said they have a strong crowd of customers and supporters who have been with them since Sorbet began.
“Our crowd has helped us develop products, and even named a few of them,” said West.
“They vary from young to old, with and without children, but they all believe in our values and back us 100 per cent.
“Our supporters are ecoconscious and have a significant interest in the environment and natural safe ingredients.
“We have put together conservative, fair forecasts based on tangible, achievable goals that I wholeheartedly believe we will achieve. Investors will see the potential and want to come with us.”
West added that investors will come on board because they share Sorbet’s passion for removing some of the unnecessary waste from the beauty industry.
PledgeMe founder and CEO, Anna Guenther, said it was inspiring to have another female founder seek funding on PledgeMe.
“Equity crowdfunding has seen many female founders successfully crowdfund. PledgeMe is proud we’re diversifying not only the kinds of companies getting funding, but the people who run them too,” she said.
“We’re also excited to see more companies focused on sustainability coming through, trying to do good and do business at the same time.”
