Haut.AI channels €2M into globally developing multimodal generative AI for skin analysis

15 Nov 2023 --- Haut.AI has announced it raised €2 million (US$2.17 million) in seed funding from LongeVC, a biotech and longevity venture capital firm, and the VC arm of Grupo Boticário shareholders.

The Estonia-based European generative AI start-up creates intelligence tools for beauty and skin care, such as Skin and Hair SaaS and SkinGPT. Its platforms include “easy-to-integrate” software, allowing retailers, brands and clinics to provide precise digital skin analysis and personalized product recommendations in-store and online. 

This ultimately provides consumers with realistic expectations of skin care products and procedures.

The new fundraising will support Haut.AI in expanding and scaling its no-code skin care e-commerce personalization software. Its R&D activities will focus on multimodal generative AI for skin analysis.

Anastasia Georgievskaya, Haut.AI CEO and co-founder describes the company’s R&D as “going beyond technology, encompassing a deep understanding of skin care as a concept.”

This trend highlights the industry’s dedication to utilizing AI to fill in gaps in data, enhance datasets and offer consumers a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of skin care treatments.

Haut.AI will use its seed funding to expand its no-code skin care e-commerce personalization software.“Our strategy involves leveraging cutting-edge AI trained on a vast dataset comprising three million images and millions of synthetic data points generated with our SkinGPT tool. This enables our system to accurately identify skin features and conditions, providing customers with tailored guidance and insights that meet their specific requirements,” she tells Personal Care Insights.

“The integration of AI not only enhances the accuracy of skin care recommendations but also empowers customers with the tools to monitor their progress, promoting a more scientific and comprehensive approach to skin care.”

Broad dimensions of skin diagnosis
The company is focused on expanding its impact in the personal care industry. Haut.AI says its ambition and potential have garnered attention from major stakeholders in the industry. 

“The recent funding round of €2 million from LongeVC and Grupo Boticario shareholders’ VC arm will play a crucial role in expanding our reach,” says Georgievskaya. 

“We plan to use the funds to strengthen our sales and customer success teams and continue building strong partnerships with global resellers and distributors to reach more customers and offer them a holistic and scientifically-backed approach to skin care that considers not only topical treatments but also factors such as UV exposure, pollutants, aging patterns and individual preferences.”

Haut.AI has partners such as Beiersdorf and Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the US.

“We are committed to developing a scientifically-backed approach that ensures consistency, understanding and tailored skin care solutions. Thanks to the announced raise and our backers (LongeVC and Grupo Boticario), we will be able to expand our R&D team to work on new exciting projects like conversational Skin AI and our sales and customer success teams to scale our software and reach new customers,” explains Georgievskaya.Haut.AI’s SkinGPT evaluates users’ skin by using AI.

Beauty fuses with AI
Georgievskaya acknowledges that using AI in the beauty industry is becoming increasingly common and is expected to continue growing. It is not only being applied in end-user platforms like skin diagnosis services, but also in the formulation of new skin care recipes.

For instance, at In-Cosmetics Asia, Ashland recently debuted its new range of AI-crafted personal care solutions, including “high-tech” chamomile extract and cosmetics for gum care.

“The personal and skin care sectors are going through a transformative shift, with AI playing a crucial role in providing precise guidance and personalized solutions. As technology advances and consumers become more accustomed to the benefits of AI-driven insights, the widespread adoption of these technologies will likely improve the quality of skin care products and the overall customer experience,” maintains Georgievskaya.

Earlier this month, Revieve published a report that serves as a roadmap for businesses looking to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven retail.

By Sabine Waldeck