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The Venture Codex

Imaginary Ventures

1151 Broadway #4s, New York, NY, 10001, United States

Overview

Founded by Natalie Massenet and Nick Brown, Imaginary Ventures is venture capital firm that invests in early–stage opportunities at the intersection of retail and technology in Europe and the US. The firm seeks to make investments in companies with a focus on the e-commerce space, including retail, fashion, lifestyle and beauty sectors in Europe. Imaginary Ventures is based in New York, New York. Investments include Farfetch, Reformation, Everlane, Necessaire, Daily Harvest, Glossier, Good American, Universal Standard and others.

Total investments
40
Lead investments
16
Investments · 12mo
5
Active investors
8

Sector focus

  • Business Development
  • Financial Services
  • Venture Capital
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Investment portfolio

  • Genius AI

    Participated · Series D · Jul 2026

    Genius AI (formerly GlossGenius) is a New York-based technology platform for in-person service businesses, building software that automates the administrative work of running a business. Its flagship product, GlossGenius, handles booking, payments, marketing, staff management and client management for salons, spas and studios, and includes branded card-reader hardware alongside back-office tools for bookkeeping, inventory and expenses. The platform serves more than 125,000 service businesses across roughly half of all US ZIP codes. Following a July 2026 rebrand from GlossGenius, the company is extending beyond beauty and wellness into the wider in-person service economy, including health, with agentic AI products intended to run end-to-end workflows autonomously. Genius AI is approaching a $200 million annual revenue run rate and is headquartered in New York. Financially, the company states it has raised more than $125 million to date, most recently a $44 million Series D at a $1.15 billion valuation led by Lux Capital.

  • Sweet Chemistry

    Led · Equity · Apr 2026

    Sweet Chemistry develops science-driven bioactive skincare centered on Matrikynes, a patent-pending concentrate of over 315 bioactive matrikine peptides extracted from upcycled bovine bone. The company positions these peptides to improve barrier function, skin density, hydration, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. Sweet Chemistry was founded in collaboration with Xylyx Bio, which acts as its R&D liaison and parent company, providing biomedical technology expertise. The brand highlights sustainability through zero-waste upcycling of bovine bone and allocates 1% of sales to organizations such as YoungArts and iResearch. Following organic traction in the market, the company raised $1.5 million to increase production capacity, resolve out-of-stock challenges, and expand distribution so products reach more consumers. Founders Alec Batis and Joel Maza are named co-CEOs and are quoted in the funding announcement. The article did not provide revenue, user, or valuation figures.

  • Nordic Knots

    Led · Equity · Mar 2026

    Nordic Knots designs products in its Stockholm atelier and has its rugs handwoven in India, positioning itself as a design-forward brand blending Scandinavian aesthetics with broader fashion influences. Founded in 2016, the company began with a strong focus on the US e-commerce market and has expanded beyond rugs into a home textiles collection launched in 2025 as part of a move toward a broader interiors offering. The business reports significant recent growth: turnover of €34 million in the most recently reported year and profit of €6.9 million, with investor-shared revenue of €61 million over the past twelve months and an EBIT margin of 20%. Sales grew 85% year-on-year in 2025 versus 2024, and the company is targeting revenues above €86 million in 2026. Nordic Knots is scaling both digitally and via physical retail, having opened a New York store and planning a Los Angeles opening and additional flagship stores internationally. The company also partners with the GoodWeave initiative to promote fair working conditions in its supply chain.

  • Hook

    Participated · Series A · Feb 2026

    Hook operates an artist-first, AI-driven platform that turns passive listeners into active creators by enabling one-tap remixes and social sharing of licensed music. Launched in 2025, the company works directly with rights holders so that artists keep control and earn from every fan-generated remix. Hook has partnered with major labels such as Universal Music Group and secured catalog access to more than 20 million licensed tracks through deals with Downtown Music’s FUGA, Too Lost, Primary Wave and Avex. Campaigns on the platform have amassed over 250 million social views, and the active user base grew more than 45× in the past year. The open API integrates with leading social and streaming services to maximize distribution while tracking attribution and royalties. Newly raised funds will fuel user-growth initiatives, brand building, and an expanded product roadmap that includes an Android app, richer creation formats, native video recording, and deeper ecosystem integrations. Simmi Singh, formerly Spotify’s podcast strategy lead, has been promoted to COO and CPO to support this expansion. To date, Hook has secured $16 million in total funding.

  • Alec’s Ice Cream

    Led · Series A · Oct 2025

    Founded in 2020, Alec’s Ice Cream is the first ice-cream brand to pair third-party-verified regenerative, USDA-organic practices with A2 dairy, which is promoted as easier to digest than conventional milk proteins. The company’s portfolio spans award-winning pint flavors such as Peanut Butter Fudge Honeycomb, Palm Springs Banana Chocolate Date Shake, and Tahitian Vanilla Bean. In 2025 it introduced Culture Cup, a pre- and probiotic single-serve line that sold out virally and is now stocked nationwide at Whole Foods Market, Wegmans, and Target. Alec’s products are currently available in 3,000 retail locations and the business is on pace to double year-over-year sales. The brand positions itself at the intersection of indulgence and functional nutrition, targeting consumers seeking “permissible indulgence.” With fresh capital, the team plans to expand distribution, invest in marketing, grow headcount, and accelerate new product innovation. Ultimately, Alec’s aims to shift consumer behavior toward regenerative food systems while scaling a national ice-cream franchise.

Team