Cleverman
About this raise
Cleverman, with a valuation of $15 million, is raising funds on Republic. The company makes innovative male hair and beard grooming products. Cleverman uses innovative technology and natural ingredients to make its products that help make male hair and beards youthful, full, and healthy and cater to scalp health, hair regrowth, and other areas of concern. The business is at a $4 million revenue run rate and gets 85% of the business from existing customers. Carlos Barreto founded Cleverman in January 2020. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $1.24 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for sales, marketing, and inventory.
Investment Overview
$798,235 - Total
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2020
- Industry
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B/B2C
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
- Revenue +57% YoY
-
$1,220,915
as of FY2023
- Monthly Burn
-
$15,243
as of Oct '24
-
Runway
-
9 months
as of Oct '24
- Gross Margin
-
38%
as of FY2023
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Synopsis
Cleverman is a personal care company specializing in male hair and beard grooming products. Cleverman's offerings aim to address common concerns such as scalp health and hair regrowth. The primary customers are men seeking to maintain youthful and healthy hair and beards, with a significant portion of sales coming from returning customers.
The problem Cleverman addresses is the challenge many men face in maintaining healthy hair and beards, which are often seen as central to their confidence. Issues such as thinning hair, scalp health, and the desire for fuller beards are common concerns. These issues can affect self-esteem and personal presentation.
In everyday scenarios, men often experience frustration with hair and beard maintenance. The desire for a full, healthy appearance can lead to the use of various products, some of which may not deliver the desired results. Cleverman's approach offers a straightforward solution: products that address the root causes of common hair and beard issues, making grooming a more efficient and satisfying experience.
Price
Cleverman is raising funds through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a valuation cap set at $15 million. There is no discount offered on this SAFE, which means investors will convert their investment into equity at the valuation cap or the next priced round valuation, whichever is lower.
The valuation cap of $15 million implies that the company is valued at a high revenue multiple of 12.3x, considering its current revenue run rate. This high multiple suggests that the deal may be overvalued, particularly when compared to industry norms and growth rates. Such a multiple can indicate that the terms offered may not be as favorable to investors, especially if the company's growth does not align with these high expectations.
For investors to achieve a 10X return on their investment, Cleverman would need to reach a valuation of approximately $150 million at the time of exit. This calculation does not account for any potential dilution that may occur in future fundraising rounds. Achieving such a return would likely require significant revenue growth and market penetration beyond current levels.
Market
The U.S. men's grooming products market, which Cleverman targets, is valued at approximately $50.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 8.3%. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer awareness regarding personal grooming and a rising trend of male consumers investing in specialized grooming products. Additionally, the demand for natural ingredients and technologically advanced products is influencing purchasing decisions, aligning well with Cleverman's offerings.
Key market drivers include the shift towards personalized grooming solutions and the growing importance of appearance in professional and social contexts. These trends can positively impact Cleverman's growth, as its product line is designed to cater to men seeking effective and tailored grooming solutions.
Cleverman's products are positioned to target a broad segment within the men's grooming market. While the focus on hair and beard health might suggest a niche appeal, the universal importance of grooming across diverse demographics allows Cleverman to address a wide audience. The company's use of natural ingredients and technology positions it to capitalize on these broader market trends.
The expansion of the market offers opportunities for Cleverman to increase its market share. However, the extremely competitive landscape necessitates continued innovation and effective marketing strategies to stand out among numerous competitors. The success of Cleverman's products in attracting repeat customers suggests a strong market fit, but expanding beyond the current customer base will be essential for sustaining growth in this dynamic market.
Team
Cleverman is led by CEO Carlos Barreto, who brings 13 years of relevant industry experience to the company. His background provides a solid foundation for understanding the nuances of the beauty and personal care market. As a full-time, dedicated leader, Barreto's high-level managerial skills are crucial for steering Cleverman towards its strategic objectives.
The team comprises three members, all of whom contribute to the company's growth and operational efficiency. While specific roles of the other team members are not detailed, their collective efforts support the company's mission to enhance male grooming through technology and natural ingredients.
Barreto's experience and leadership are directly aligned with Cleverman's goals of expanding its product offerings and increasing market penetration. His industry knowledge aids in navigating the competitive landscape and adapting to market trends. However, as Cleverman aims to scale, there may be a need to expand the team to include experts in areas such as marketing and sales. This expansion could be critical for achieving future milestones and ensuring sustained growth.
Differentiation
Cleverman competes in the men's grooming market alongside established brands such as Just For Men and Beardbrand. Just For Men is a larger company with a well-known product line focusing on hair and beard coloring solutions. Beardbrand, on the other hand, offers a range of grooming products aimed at enhancing beard care and styling, positioning itself as a lifestyle brand for the modern man.
In terms of company size, Cleverman is smaller compared to these competitors but leverages its focus on natural ingredients and technology to differentiate its product offerings. The quality of Cleverman's products is emphasized through its use of natural ingredients, catering to a growing consumer preference for health-conscious grooming solutions. Pricing for Cleverman's products may be positioned at a premium compared to mass-market brands like Just For Men but aligns with niche-focused brands like Beardbrand, which often command higher price points due to their specialized appeal.
The customer demographics targeted by Cleverman include men who are conscious about their appearance and seek effective grooming solutions that address specific concerns such as hair regrowth and scalp health. These customers are typically looking for products that not only enhance their grooming routine but also align with their values, such as the use of natural ingredients. This demographic spans a wide age range, from younger men focused on maintaining a youthful look to older individuals seeking solutions for hair thinning and scalp care.
Performance
Cleverman has demonstrated notable growth, with an annual revenue increase of 56.6%. The company's revenue rose from $779k in the prior fiscal year to $1.22 million in the most recent fiscal year. This growth indicates a positive trajectory in customer acquisition and sales performance.
Despite the revenue growth, Cleverman is operating at a loss. The net income for the most recent fiscal year was a negative $1.22 million, compared to a negative $560k in the previous year. This widening loss highlights the need for strategic financial management to achieve profitability.
The company's most recent monthly burn rate is approximately $15.2k, with cash on hand totaling $137k. These figures suggest a limited runway, emphasizing the importance of managing expenses and potentially securing additional funding to sustain operations and support growth initiatives.
Cleverman's ability to generate 85% of its business from existing customers is a positive indicator of customer satisfaction and product effectiveness. However, maintaining this customer retention while expanding its customer base will be crucial for long-term success and financial stability.
Risk
Cleverman presents several specific risks that investors should consider. One key risk is the company's significant burn rate relative to its cash on hand. With a monthly burn of approximately $15.2k and cash reserves of $137k, Cleverman has a runway of less than ten months, which may necessitate further funding or operational adjustments to maintain financial health.
The competitive landscape in the beauty and personal care industry is extremely competitive, with low barriers to entry and numerous established players. This environment presents a risk of market saturation, making it challenging for Cleverman to differentiate itself and capture significant market share.
The company is not at the early-to-market phase, which reduces adoption risk. However, its valuation is considered high, with a revenue multiple of 12.3x, indicating a potential overvaluation risk. This high multiple might not align with typical industry valuations, which could pose challenges in meeting investor expectations for growth and return on investment.
Bullish Outlook
The bullish outlook for Cleverman is driven by several positive factors. The U.S. men's grooming market, valued at $50.6 billion and growing at 8.3% annually, presents significant opportunities for Cleverman to capture a larger share. The company's focus on natural ingredients and technology aligns with emerging consumer preferences for health-conscious and effective grooming solutions.
The company's strengths include its ability to generate a high percentage of sales from repeat customers, indicating product satisfaction and strong customer retention. This loyalty can be leveraged to expand Cleverman's customer base and increase market penetration.
Growth drivers include the increasing demand for personalized grooming products and the company's potential to expand its product line to address broader grooming needs. Cleverman's emphasis on technology and natural ingredients positions it well to attract a growing demographic of health-conscious consumers.
Financially, Cleverman has demonstrated strong revenue growth, with a 56.6% increase to $1.22 million. While the company currently operates at a loss, the high customer retention and revenue growth suggest potential for future profitability as the company scales and optimizes its operational efficiency.
Bearish Outlook
The bearish outlook for Cleverman is shaped by several key factors. Firstly, the men's grooming market is extremely competitive, with low barriers to entry allowing numerous brands to vie for market share. This saturation poses a significant challenge for Cleverman in differentiating itself and maintaining customer loyalty beyond its current base.
Compared to larger, established competitors, Cleverman may struggle with brand recognition and market penetration. These competitors often have greater resources for marketing and product development, potentially overshadowing Cleverman's offerings despite its focus on natural ingredients and technology.
Concerns regarding the company's financial health also contribute to a negative outlook. With a high revenue multiple of 12.3x and a valuation cap of $15 million, the investment terms appear unfavorable relative to industry benchmarks. This high valuation may not be justified by current revenue levels, which could deter potential investors.
Financially, the limited runway due to a monthly burn rate of $15.2k and cash reserves of $137k raises concerns about sustaining operations without additional funding. Negative cash flow, if not addressed through increased revenue or cost management, could further constrain growth and impede long-term sustainability.
Executive Summary
Cleverman operates in the beauty and personal care industry, focusing on male hair and beard grooming products. Its core customers are men who prioritize grooming and seek products that enhance hair and beard health using natural ingredients and technology.
The company is raising funds through a SAFE with a valuation cap of $15 million, reflecting a high revenue multiple of 12.3x. Despite a revenue growth of 56.6% to $1.22 million, Cleverman operates at a loss, with a monthly burn rate of $15.2k and cash reserves of $137k. These financial metrics suggest a limited runway and the need for strategic financial management.
The U.S. men's grooming market, valued at $50.6 billion and growing at 8.3% annually, offers growth opportunities for Cleverman. The company's differentiation lies in its use of natural ingredients and technology, appealing to a broad demographic of health-conscious consumers. However, the competitive landscape is intense, requiring Cleverman to continually innovate and effectively market its offerings.
The bullish outlook highlights Cleverman's alignment with market trends favoring natural and technologically advanced grooming solutions, supported by strong customer retention. Conversely, the bearish outlook focuses on financial constraints, competitive pressures, and the challenge of achieving the high valuation cap.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $3,764,218
- VC Backed?
- Yes
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
05/02/2025 | Republic | $15,000,000 | $798,235 | SAFE | Withdrawn | RegCF |