Context, a unisex health & beauty brand based in NYC, secured a growth equity investment from Volta Global, a private investment group active in transformational private equity and venture capital.

Context was founded as a direct-to-consumer beauty startup in September 2015 by fashion industry veteran, David Arbuthnot. Prior to launching Context, he held executive posts at iconic fashion and beauty brands, including Christian Dior, Gucci, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.

David Arbuthnot, Context founder and CEO, says, “While Context built its brand recognition through our unisex skincare, Volta Global understood my vision to take the brand to the next level. Our partnership will allow me to focus on building brand awareness, product development, domestic and international distribution and expansion of the direct-to-consumer site.”

Context plans to use the new investment to accelerate its growth beyond unisex skincare into lifestyle beauty categories including color cosmetics, wellness, and home. Several new product launches are scheduled for 2017. Following recent successful retail launches into Anthropologie and Revolve, Context will execute a skincare and color rollout this summer with a key US department store partner, and discussions are underway for expansion beyond the US market into Europe and Asia.

Marko Dimitrijevic, Chairman of Volta Global, says, “Volta Global is proud to be providing growth capital and excited to be a part of the innovative approach that Context is bringing to both skin care and cosmetics. Our private equity investment philosophy focused on finding business partners for the long term aligns perfectly with David’s vision for Context.”

“Context is a business with two of the most important qualities we look for in our e-commerce portfolio,” Volta Global Partner Jeff Evans adds, “a visionary entrepreneur with deep experience in consumer products, and a brand that brings a new and disruptive appeal to the market.”

Context becomes the latest addition to Volta Global’s expanding e-commerce portfolio of innovative, direct-to-consumer digital brands. This investment marks the sixth e-commerce or digital brand investment or majority acquisition Volta Global has made over the last 12 months.

About Context
Context offers simple beauty and vitamin skin care products that are derived from natural ingredients like herbal extracts and rich botanical oils. We focus on developing pure, natural anti-aging solutions that work. Our mission is to become a go-to source for healthy beauty products for men and women. For more information, please visit https://www.contextskin.com/

About Volta Global

Volta Global is a private investment firm with a global, multi-faceted investment strategy across private equity, real estate, and public markets. Learn more about our unique approach and investments at www.voltaglobal.com.