Key Takeaways
- Nopalera has secured $4 million in Series A funding to expand retail partnerships, including a launch at Costco.
- Founded by Sandra Velasquez, the brand’s revenue doubled from 2024 to 2025 and fragrances now represent half its sales.
- Nopalera is increasing its international presence and has launched new products, with future collaborations planned for major events.
Funding and Growth Ambitions
Nopalera, a premium lifestyle brand founded by Sandra Velasquez, has raised $4 million in a Series A funding round led by Morgan Stanley’s Next Level Fund. Existing investor L’Attitude Ventures co-led the round, which included contributions from various other venture firms and private investors. The funding aims to enhance retail expansion, including a significant upcoming launch at Costco.
The company has experienced rapid growth, doubling its revenue from 2024 to 2025, and Velasquez expressed that this new capital will enable Nopalera to scale operations to meet increasing consumer demand. “Launching into any retail is an enormous lift,” she noted, emphasizing the necessity for internal support to sustain growth.
Velasquez highlighted the challenges faced during fundraising, indicating that the current investment landscape is heavily focused on artificial intelligence, making it harder for consumer brands to attract attention. Nonetheless, she remains optimistic about connecting with the right investors who share her vision.
Product Line and Market Performance
Initially launched in 2020 with five nopal-based products, Nopalera has expanded its lineup to include solid haircare items, candles, and fragrances, with fragrances accounting for 50% of its revenue. Upcoming product plans involve further development of its scent collection, which features items priced between $30 and $78.
Nopalera’s business model has diversified, with retail sales contributing 39% of revenue, direct-to-consumer sales at 55%, and Amazon making up 6%. The upcoming launch at Costco will introduce the brand to 150 locations, providing an exciting opportunity for both national and international market growth.
International Expansion and Strategic Collaborations
Nopalera has begun to establish itself in international markets, including launches at Ulta Beauty in Mexico and the Middle East, as well as availability at Mecca in Australia. Velasquez aims to strengthen these international ties through partnerships, including a collaboration linked to the upcoming World Cup and a unique sports partnership centered on women’s soccer.
In the U.S., Nopalera is currently stocked in hundreds of small retailers as well as on Amazon and Ulta’s online platform, with aspirations for future access to Ulta’s physical stores. Velasquez expressed satisfaction with their online performance, positioning it as a strategic move to build brand recognition before committing to larger retail partnerships.
Through innovative marketing and product offerings, Nopalera has set its sights on becoming a prominent player in the beauty industry while celebrating and elevating Mexican culture within the marketplace. Velasquez’s leadership continues to challenge the disparities faced by Latina founders in the venture capital landscape, aiming to normalize the success of culture-forward brands on a global scale.
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