Backing Baresop. The much-loved Monash startup set for global growth and impact
In a world where beauty trends refresh as quickly as TikTok feeds, there’s a quiet revolution taking place fuelled by longevity and sustainability, without compromising on aesthetics. That’s what entrepreneur and Monash Arts Alumni Prisca Ongonga-Daehn saw as an opportunity, launching waste-free personal care brand Baresop as a response to our throw-away culture.
The fast growing brand is now set for global expansion, opening up their first ever equity crowdfunding campaign on Birchal to allow their community to be part of their expansion.
It’s early 2020 and the world is heading into turmoil. Supermarket shelves are being emptied and handwash is flying out the door. Amidst all the panic, Prisca was reflecting on how she could leave a positive impact on the world. Not one to shy away from a challenge (launching a startup is tough, but doing it in a pandemic deserves a medal) Prisca took the opportunity to apply to the Monash Generator’s Validator program to seek the support and mentoring she would need get her idea off the ground - a zero-waste hand wash that’s good for your hands, looks beautiful and is kind to the planet. Baresop products are made up of a novel powder solution; simply add water to your choice of hand or body wash to produce a wonderful, foamy soap from your Baresop dispenser.
Prisca reflects “going into a pandemic was a real wake up call for me. As a mother and an entrepreneur, it’s not in my nature to stand still. I didn’t want to be part of the waste problem, I wanted to help solve it. I came up with the idea of Baresop and reached out to the Monash Generator for support to get my idea off the ground”.
Fast forward to February 2024 and Baresop is fast becoming a household brand for the eco-conscious who also have an eye for good design. Stocked across over 700+ pharmacies and wellness stores across Australia and with an active and growing community, they are now moving into their next growth phase, looking to expand into the US as well as innovate new products in travel and festival personal care as well as haircare. In addition, they will be rolling out to 500+ more stores with an Australian Pharmacy chain that is expected to be announced in March.
“It’s been a wild four years of growing the Baresop brand” says Prisca. “We have some exciting opportunities to really grow and innovate our offering, so it felt like the right time to open up the brand to our community to be part of the journey”.
The Birchal campaign will allow Baresop’s community to invest in the growth of the company into the US market and product diversification. Interested investors are asked to register their interest by the 11th March 2024 to be able to invest into this opportunity.
If you want to find out more about Baresop’s vision for growth, you can head to the Baresop company page on Birchal, or visit their website to find out more about their product.
If you have a bold idea you want to turn into reality, sign up to the Monash Generator’s newsletter to hear more about their programs for innovators and startups.