Emerging Opportunities: AI-Driven Perfumes, Plant-Based Proteins, Beard Growth, and Perimenopause Testing

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Navigating the dynamic landscape of startup fundraising can be challenging, but staying ahead of the curve can give you the edge you need. In today’s fast-paced world, trending topics can significantly influence investor interest and funding opportunities.

In this edition, we explore four Trending Topics for Fundraising. These emerging trends have the potential to create fundraising momentum, attract investors, and propel your startup to new heights. Leveraging these trends showcases your adaptability and positions your startup as a forward-thinking player in the industry.

Let's explore these trending opportunities and how to harness their power to secure the funding you need to thrive.

Trend #1 AI Perfume

AI-Driven Perfume: The Future of Fragrance Creation

AI perfumes are fragrances crafted with artificial intelligence. AI can analyze extensive datasets that include fragrance compositions, customer preferences, and market trends by utilizing advanced algorithms to create unique and personalized scent combinations.

For instance, the startup EveryHuman offers a service called “algorithmic perfumery.” Users respond to a series of questions, and EveryHuman’s AI processes this information to formulate a custom perfume tailored to their preferences.

Moreover, Google’s Cloud team is pioneering efforts to “digitize smell” using AI. Although an estimated 40 billion odor-causing molecules exist, only about 100 million have been identified so far. Google’s AI model aims to sift through vast data to uncover and identify these unknown scents.

The Future of Sensory AI

AI-generated perfumes are a part of the growing Sensory AI trend. Over the past 24 months, the search volume for “sensory AI” has surged by 380%. Sensory AI refers to AI systems that can learn and adapt through multiple sensory inputs, including smell, hearing, and vision.

For example, Meta is developing the ImageBind AI model, which can learn from six different types of sensory data. Although still in the research phase, Meta envisions this technology eventually being able to create multisensory content.

Trend #2 Pumpkin Seed Protein

Pumpkin Seed Protein: A Rising Star in Plant-Based Nutrition

Pumpkin seed protein is a plant-based protein containing all nine essential amino acids, like hemp protein. Interest in this protein source is on the rise, largely driven by the success of the DTC supplement brand Sprout Living.

Sprout Living has gained significant traction, particularly on TikTok, where content featuring the brand has amassed around 400 million views. Their pumpkin seed protein powder, in particular, has become a hit, generating approximately $58K monthly sales on Amazon.

What’s on the Horizon

Pumpkin seed protein is part of the broader Legume-based Protein trend. This category is gaining popularity among vegans, vegetarians, and those looking to replace whey protein with plant-based alternatives.

Beyond protein, legumes offer additional health benefits, including dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Other trending legume-based protein powders include sesame protein, peanut protein, and chickpea protein.

Trend #3 Beard Growth Serum

Beard Growth Serums: Boosting Facial Hair Thickness

Beard growth serums are formulated to enhance hair growth and thickness, typically available as an oil-based solution applied directly to the face and beard. When used consistently, these serums penetrate the hair follicles, improve blood circulation in the facial area, and deliver nutrients that encourage healthier and thicker beard growth over time.

One top-rated beard serum on Amazon generates approximately $104K per month in sales.

What’s on the Horizon

Beard growth serums are part of the larger Beard Growth Kit trend. Here are some trending products often found in these kits:

• Beard Rollers: These tools feature a cylinder-shaped head covered in microneedles. Rolling the tool over the beard creates tiny punctures in the skin, which, according to some studies, may stimulate collagen production and promote beard growth.

• Beard Gummies: Typically infused with Biotin and B12, these supplements help strengthen hair follicles, supporting healthier beard growth.

• Beard Pens: These are used to fill in sparse or patchy areas in a beard or mustache, providing a fuller appearance.

Trend #4 Perimenopause Test

Perimenopause Tests: Shining a Light on an Overlooked Phase

Perimenopause tests assess hormone levels and other biomarkers that are affected during the perimenopausal phase. Traditionally, perimenopause has been an often overlooked aspect of menopause, but this is starting to change.

With over 115,000 videos tagged with #perimenopause on TikTok, awareness is on the rise. Several companies have begun offering at-home perimenopause testing kits, recognizing this growing interest.

What’s on the Horizon

Perimenopause tests are part of the broader At-home Lab Testing trend. The popularity of at-home testing surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a wave of new at-home lab testing kits for various health conditions.

Blood tests, STI tests, and vitamin tests are among the trending at-home lab tests. The overall market for at-home lab testing is expected to reach $2 billion by 2025. For instance, one at-home food intolerance test kit generates about $91K per month on Amazon.

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Last Week’s Poll Results 📈

Tell Us Which Trend You Like The Most?

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Bacne Spray (10)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Pyrite Bracelet (8)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Semantic Layer (15)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Psilocybin Gummies (4)

37 Votes