Freaks of Nature Raises $2.5M Seed to Expand High-Performance Skincare for Outdoor Athletes
Freaks of Nature, the New York–based skincare brand co‑founded by surfing legend and ocean conservationist Kelly Slater, has successfully raised $2.5 million in seed funding to expand its high‑performance skincare line designed specifically for outdoor athletes. This latest round marks a major step forward for the brand, which launched its first product lineup in 2024 to meet the unique demands of individuals who spend extensive time in harsh environmental conditions. Freaks of Nature’s products combine science‑based formulations with bio‑engineered ingredients that protect the skin from wind, sun, heat, sweat, and pollution while nurturing a healthy and balanced skin microbiome.
The oversubscribed funding round was backed by investors including the venture studio Squared Circles, which incubated Freaks of Nature as one of its early portfolio brands. Squared Circles focuses on consumer‑first companies at the intersection of science and culture and played a strategic role in guiding Freaks of Nature from concept to commercial launch. The capital raised will be used to accelerate product development, strengthen the brand’s market presence, and support expanded marketing efforts that amplify the company’s mission of creating clean and effective skincare solutions tailored for performance‑driven lifestyles.
In addition to Squared Circles, high‑profile individual backers participated in the seed round, bringing not only financial support but also brand credibility and cultural cachet. Among these are Mike Meldman, co‑founder of Casamigos Tequila and founder of Discovery Land Company, whose investment signals confidence in Freaks of Nature’s potential to disrupt the skincare category. Also involved was actor and filmmaker Jonah Hill, whose participation adds further visibility to the brand’s vision of empowering outdoor athletes with products that perform under real‑world conditions. These strategic investors are expected to help deepen the company’s reach into new communities of consumers who value both performance and sustainability.
Freaks of Nature’s founders have emphasized that the brand was created from their own experiences of needing skincare that could withstand the elements without compromising on health or environmental responsibility. The company’s flagship offerings include the Deeper Dive Moisturizer, a natural moisturizing serum designed to strengthen the skin barrier and balance the microbiome, and the Daily Defender Sunscreen, a mineral SPF30 formulation that incorporates innovative vegan spider silk‑derived biofilm technology for enhanced protection. Both products are 100 % vegan, cruelty‑free and dermatologist tested, reflecting the company’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Freaks of Nature’s development of sustainable packaging also underscores its environmental focus. In collaboration with Oceanworks, the brand launched the first airless pump made from 100 % upcycled ocean‑bound plastic, aligning with its mission to protect both skin and planet. This initiative resonates with the values of outdoor athletes and environmentally conscious consumers, reinforcing the brand’s unique positioning in the competitive skincare landscape.
Since its launch, the brand has gained traction among users seeking skincare that performs under extreme conditions — from surfs at dawn to mountain ultramarathons — and has been building a community of engaged customers through direct‑to‑consumer channels. The infusion of new funding is expected to help Freaks of Nature scale its operations, expand distribution channels, and innovate on future product offerings that address broader aspects of skin health for active lifestyles.
For Kelly Slater, Freaks of Nature represents a convergence of his passions for performance, environmental stewardship, and wellness. Slater’s involvement as co‑founder has brought authenticity to the brand’s narrative, drawing on his experiences as one of the world’s most accomplished surfers and a vocal advocate for ocean health. Under his and the leadership team’s guidance, Freaks of Nature aims to redefine what high‑performance skincare looks like for athletes and adventurers alike.
As the company gears up for its next phase of growth, the $2.5 million seed funding round positions Freaks of Nature to deepen its impact in the skincare industry while staying true to its roots in performance and sustainability. With strong backing from strategic investors and a product line that resonates with a growing segment of active consumers, the brand is poised for continued expansion and innovation.
