Ulta Beauty Invests $410K in 2026 MUSE Accelerator Cohort
Event summary
- Ulta Beauty selected 8 beauty and wellness brands for its 2026 MUSE Accelerator Program, starting September 14, 2026.
- Each brand receives $50,000 in financial support, with an additional $10,000 award for one brand based on sales growth and community impact.
- Total funding for the cohort is $410,000.
- The program includes a 10-week curriculum, mentorship, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- Alumni brands like OCOA have successfully scaled after participating in the program, launching in over 460 Ulta Beauty stores.
The big picture
Ulta Beauty's MUSE Accelerator Program is a strategic initiative to support and scale underrepresented voices in the beauty industry. By investing in early-stage brands, Ulta Beauty aims to curate an inclusive assortment that resonates with a diverse customer base. The program's success, as evidenced by alumni brands like OCOA, underscores its role in identifying and nurturing founders with strong vision and scalable potential. This investment aligns with broader industry trends towards inclusivity and innovation in beauty retail.
What we're watching
- Brand Scaling
- How the MUSE Accelerator will impact the growth and retail readiness of the selected brands.
- Industry Trends
- Whether Ulta Beauty's investment in emerging brands will influence broader beauty and wellness market dynamics.
- Program Impact
- The pace at which alumni brands from the MUSE Accelerator achieve significant retail distribution and sales growth.