Squared Circles
Overview
Squared Circles is a venture studio founded in 2020, focusing on creating science-backed consumer products in the food, beverage, and health and wellness sectors. The company was co-founded by Alexander Gilkes, Osman Khan, and Lukas Derksen, who bring over 60 collective years of experience in building successful brands. Based in Los Angeles, Squared Circles has raised $40 million in a Series A funding round led by L Catterton, with earlier investments from Wildcat Capital Management and Regeneration VC.
Recent Developments
- October 2024: Squared Circles continues to expand its portfolio of health and wellness brands, strategically focusing on science-backed consumer needs aligned with sustainability goals.
- June 2024: The company completed a $40 million Series A funding round led by L Catterton. The funds intend to support the launch of five new brands over the following three years.
- This funding round follows a previous seed investment round spearheaded by Wildcat Capital Management and Regeneration VC.
- November 2023: Squared Circles launched the "Conscious Maximalist™ Report," which identifies a shift in consumer behavior towards products that combine personal well-being with environmental sustainability.
- September 2023: The studio's newly established brand "Freaks of Nature," targeting outdoor sports enthusiasts with high-performance skin products, gained significant traction, co-founded by surf legend Kelly Slater.
- July 2023: Magic Molecule and Algae Cooking Club, two of the companies launched under Squared Circles, continue to show strong market performance, emphasizing bioscience-driven consumer goods.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
| Founders | Alexander Gilkes, Osman Khan, Lukas Derksen |
| Revenue | Not available |
| Profits | Not available |
| Key Investors | L Catterton, Wildcat Capital Management, Regeneration VC |
| Industry | Consumer Goods, Venture Studio |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 10 |
Early History
Squared Circles was conceived during a period when consumer goods were seeing diminished investor interest. Recognizing emerging trends in consumer behavior and societal shifts post-pandemic, the founders saw an opportunity to innovate within the consumables sector. The vision was to leverage science to create products that fulfill both personal and planetary needs. Early projects included the Magic Molecule, which redefined skin health solutions, and Algae Cooking Club, which tackled the edible oils market with sustainable alternatives.
Company Profile and Achievements
Squared Circles operates at the unique intersection of science, innovation, and culture, striving to produce consumer goods that are sustainable and effective. Their business model involves:
- Venture Studio Approach: Utilizing a collective of experts in branding, operations, and science to incubate and scale new brands.
- Science-Backed Products: Emphasizing products that are rooted in bioscience and utilize innovative IP licensing.
- Generative AI: Incorporating AI technologies to refine its product development processes for greater efficiency.
- Notable Achievements:
- Successfully launched brands like Magic Molecule and Algae Cooking Club.
- Developed Freaks of Nature, a high-performance skincare brand with Kelly Slater.
- Recognized by industry leaders for its unique consumer-centric and science-driven approach.
Current Operations and Market Position
Squared Circles is actively looking to redefine the health and wellness sector using its innovative venture studio approach. It targets the burgeoning conscious consumer market, a trend identified in its "Conscious Maximalist™ Report." The company is well-positioned to impact the wellness industry significantly, riding on strategic funding and a clear vision for sustainability. The infusion of fresh capital aims to push Squared Circles into new consumer markets by developing additional brands and maintaining its innovative edge.
Conclusion
Squared Circles plays a pivotal role in the venture incubation landscape, synthesizing science with consumerism to address both individual and environmental wellness. Its strategic investment partnerships and commitment to forward-thinking innovation position it uniquely to influence the future of consumer products. As it continues to launch and scale brands, the company demonstrates the potential to drive meaningful change in the wellness sector and broader consumer goods market, with strong foundations for sustained growth.