Ruka Hair secures investment to fuel global growth

London-based Ruka Hair has secured $4.5 million in new funding to expand access to its lab-grown hair products.

The funding round was co-led by Freedom Trail Capital and Henkel Ventures, with participation from Big Issue Invest, Backed VC and strategic angel investors including Knut Alicke, Sophia Dennis and Didier Morais.

The round also included backing from Dina Asher-Smith, who supports the brand's focus on innovation and consumer choice.

Founded by Tendai Moyo and Ugo Agbai, Ruka has built a strong customer base by addressing longstanding concerns around the quality, safety and sourcing of hair extensions.

In response, the company developed Synths 2, a patent-pending, lab-grown fibre made from collagen that is designed to replicate the look, feel and performance of natural hair.

It also stocks a range of haircare products, from gels to hair perfumes, each designed to balance performance and care when styling.

With the new funding, the business plans to scale production of its lab-grown fibre, expand into international markets and continue developing products across different textures and styles.

Ruka products are already stocked at Selfridges, with the company preparing for broader international retail expansion.

Samyr Laine, co-founder and Managing Partner of Freedom Trail Capital, said: "Ruka Hair exemplifies what we look for: founders solving a real problem with genuine commitment, building through community rather than hype.

"Tendai and Ugo built this brand during one of the most challenging periods for consumer businesses, scaled through an authentic community and are now pioneering biotech innovation that could reshape an entire category.

"At Freedom Trail, we back founders building enduring brands - not chasing viral moments. Ruka is on track to become a category-defining brand and a future household name for textured hair care products."