Nopalera, a San Antonio-based beauty and lifestyle brand, has raised $4 million in funding to accelerate its retail expansion and product development.
The round was led by Morgan Stanley’s Next Level Fund and co-led by L’ATTITUDE Ventures, with participation from Sixty8 Capital, Siddhi Capital, Portfolia, Wealthing Club, Alamo Angels, Juniper Growth, Black and Latino Angel Fund, and additional private investors.
Founded by Sandra Velasquez, Nopalera is a modern Mexican lifestyle brand that offers a range of bath, body, fragrance, and hair care products inspired by Mexican culture. Since launching in 2020, the company has expanded distribution across major retail and e-commerce platforms including Ulta Beauty, Credo Beauty, Mecca, Amazon, and its own direct-to-consumer channels.
The new capital will be used to expand Nopalera’s retail footprint and broaden its product offerings as it continues to scale its presence in the global beauty market.
The company was created with a mission to redefine how Latino culture is represented in the beauty industry, positioning itself as a culturally rooted yet globally relevant brand.
L’ATTITUDE Ventures, a Latino-focused early-stage venture capital firm, has been an early backer of the company and continues to support its growth trajectory. The firm invests in Latino-led businesses and aims to increase representation within venture capital.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are thrilled to welcome Morgan Stanley to the cap table and board of directors and are grateful to L’ATTITUDE both our existing and new investors for their belief in what we are building at Nopalera. This new round will allow us to meet the expansion opportunities in front of us.”
Sandra Velasquez, Founder of Nopalera
“Her achievement stands as a powerful reminder that success is possible—even in an ecosystem where the odds are often stacked against diverse founders. Women-led startups receive only about 2 % of U.S. venture capital funding, and Latina founders receive even less. Sandra’s success shows the growing impact and potential of outperforming founders.”
Laura Moreno Lucas, General Partner at L’ATTITUDE Ventures
