Meet Danielle Washington and Ciara Imani May, the founders of Rebundle, a St. Louis-based Black-owned startup that creates and sells plant-based hair extensions. They have recently raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed round and the funds will be used to invest in the startup’s supply chain to meet the high demand for the products.
Several investors participated in Rebundle’s funding event led by M25, a Chicago-based venture firm with a geographic focus on the Midwest. Prior to that, the startup also secured approximately six-figures worth of grant money and other capital.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Rebundle as they deliver amazing products that are healthier for people and the environment,” said Mike Asem, a partner at M25, according to The Business Journals. “Getting to know the amazing team, and seeing how much their audience truly loves them and their products — we see a clear opportunity for this company to build a category-defining brand.”
Rebundle was started based on Imani May’s own experience with the usual hair extensions that were made with plastic. Aside from causing her irritations, she also realized that the plastic used for the extensions could potentially harm the environment.
“In 2019, I was looking for a solution to the itchiness as well as the waste associated with hair extension,” she said. “I got a lab sample on a couple of brands to find what they were made out of and learned they were made out of core materials that didn’t belong on our bodies nor in the environment.”
Rebundle launched in 2021 featuring hair products that are sustainably made using naturally extracted banana fibers. With its latest funding, Rebundle plans to expand its operations, including its sales channels, team, and local manufacturing facility.
For more information about, visit their official web site Rebundle.co
