Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Minimalist's Future Questioned After HUL Acquisition, Founder Predicts
Imagine a successful skincare company called Minimalist that was bought by a big company called HUL.
The person who started a different company thinks that Minimalist might not do well now because the people who made it successful left.
HUL bought Minimalist for a lot of money.
Some people think HUL can make it even better, while others worry that it might not stay as good without the original founders.
Also, the CEO of HUL recently left, which makes things even more unsure.
Bombay Shaving Company's founder predicts Minimalist skincare brand may not survive after its acquisition by HUL.
Hindustan Unilever (HUL) acquired Minimalist in April for ₹2,706 crore, gaining a 90.5% stake.
The founder suggests founder-driven momentum might not succeed within a large FMCG structure.
Some LinkedIn users defended Minimalist's valuation, while others agreed with the skepticism.
Recent leadership changes at HUL, including the departure of CEO Rohit Jawa, add to uncertainty.
- Who
- Shantanu Deshpande, founder of Bombay Shaving Company, and Minimalist skincare brand, along with its parent company, Uprising Science, and HUL.
- What
- Shantanu Deshpande predicts Minimalist, a skincare brand acquired by HUL, may struggle.
- When
- The prediction was made after HUL acquired Minimalist in April.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Deshpande questions if founder-driven success can continue within a legacy FMCG structure.
Skeptical Viewpoint
Optimistic Viewpoint
Post-Acquisition Viability
Skeptical Viewpoint
Minimalist may not thrive after acquisition due to changes in leadership and business structure.
Optimistic Viewpoint
HUL's resources could support Minimalist's growth.
- Acquisition Company
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
- Acquired Brand
- Minimalist
- Acquisition Price
- ₹2,706 crore
- HUL Stake
- 90.5%
- Predictor
- Shantanu Deshpande
- Deshpande's Company
- Bombay Shaving Company
- New HUL CEO
- Priya Nair