BACKGROUND

We partnered with the corporate venture capital arm of a global cosmetics and consumer goods company to address a crucial knowledge gap in the rapidly evolving hair loss treatment market. Although the client had a broad overview of existing solutions, they lacked in-depth intelligence on emerging scientific and technological approaches, particularly those suitable for early-stage investments and R&D collaborations. In the course of the engagement, our mandate was to provide a global analysis of novel therapies and pinpoint promising startups poised to disrupt the field.

ACTION

To accomplish this, we combined rigorous secondary research with extensive primary research. We tapped into our industry network, interviewed key opinion leaders and founders of innovative startups, and analyzed clinical trials, patent databases, and academic collaborations. Drawing on these insights, we performed competitive benchmarking to evaluate novel technologies, such as stem cell regeneration and AI-driven diagnostics, against conventional treatments. We then organized a series of interactive workshops with the client to align our findings with their strategic R&D roadmap, ensuring that all insights were directly relevant to their long-term objectives. Throughout the process, we collaborated closely with the client and the founders of selected ventures to plan next steps—whether pilot programs, co-development initiatives, or direct investments.

RESULTS

This holistic approach enabled the client to identify a focused pipeline of high-potential opportunities in both investment and collaborative R&D. By spotlighting early-stage ventures that met stringent feasibility and strategic-fit criteria, we equipped them with actionable intelligence for immediate follow-ups. As a result, the client engaged in discussions for future partnerships, strengthened its foothold in the hair loss and regenerative medicine space, and positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader eager to shape the next wave of therapeutic innovations.