Jessica DeLuca founded Cult Beauty in 2007, creating the UK’s largest multi-brand beauty retailer. In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, Jessica reveals the path that led her to selling the business for £275 million to The Hut Group (THG).
DeLuca’s background in tech shaped the business, with her love for data and precision leading to a meticulously curated platform. Frustrated by the lack of unbiased information in the beauty industry, she built a database of expert advice, allowing customers to search products tailored to their needs—an approach that set Cult Beauty apart from the competition.
In this episode, you discover how to:
- Use niche expertise to build credibility and trust in a saturated market.
- Navigate early funding rounds and avoid common pitfalls.
- Structure a business for acquisition from the start.
- Keep competitive tension alive during the acquisition process to maximize valuation.
DeLuca’s journey offers invaluable insights into transforming frustration into a unique value proposition, building a niche brand, and securing a life-changing exit for her and her team.