British deodorant brand AKT London has raised $10 million to accelerate its growth. The funding, led by London’s Felix Capital*, will be used to expand product lines, enter new markets, including within the United States, and forge retail partnerships.
AKT has disclosed that one main facet of the strategy is to establish retail partnerships with Barneys New York, Bloomingdales and Credo Beauty, with goals to launch into more international markets like Europe and Australia in the near future.
This latest investment aligns with AKT London's goal to become “The Personal Performance Company,” a global leader in personal and body care and drive significant expansion in the U.K. and U.S. markets.
Founded by West End performers Andy Coxon and Ed Currie in 2020, AKT London has quickly gained a loyal following in the U.K. for its gender-neutral deodorant balms. AKT, which, according to the brand, was born out of a desire to create a deodorant that could withstand the demands of life on stage, has garnered praise for its commitment to sustainability, efficacy, and luxurious scents.
By 2024, the brand had sold more than 500,000 units worldwide, gained more than 8,000 five star reviews and 21 award wins, and has just launched in the United States, which now makes up a third of the business.
In total, AKT London has raised $10 million and crossed the $10 million run-rate revenue threshold. Since 2021, the brand has achieved a 7.3x growth and expects to continue its current run of 3x year-over-year growth.
*Felix Capital is a London-based venture capital firm whose mission is “to be a partner of choice for entrepreneurs with big ideas, and help them build category-defining brands and platforms that shape our culture and have a positive impact on the world.”