Great Many is on the way to greatness.
The hair growth clinic and platform announced $3.6 million in pre-seed funding on Wednesday, its CPG line of growth-focused hair care products and a telemedicine platform. The raise, which was oversubscribed by $400,000, was led by Brand Project with participation from Midnight Venture Partners and Tonic Ventures. Additionally, angel investors included several like-minded founders known for building brick-and-mortar companies, including Lukas Keindl of BondVet, Andy Grover of Tend Dental, Elizabeth Cutler of SoulCycle and Peoplehood, and Megan Maupin of Atolla Skincare.
Great Many co-founders Steve Klebanow and Michael Pollak.
Courtesy of Great Many
Great Many was founded by Heyday co-founder Michael Pollak and former Estée Lauder executive Steve Klebanow. The first flagship studio, which offers a range of hair growth treatments based on a thorough scalp health assessment by a clinician, opened in NoHo in New York City in June. Both Pollak and Klebanow, who is also co-founder of Haar & Co Barbershop, recognized the ongoing scalp health trend and saw an opportunity to enter the category, much like quick facial ointments have done with skin care.
“Hair growth and scalp care is an incredible trend and reminds me of where skin care was 10 (to) 12 years ago,” Pollak said. “Hair growth and scalp care is the next area of focus in this Venn diagram of wellness and health.”
While hair growth has boomed in recent years thanks to products like Nutrafol and Virtue, the team at Great Many is committed to doing more and breaking the notion that one product is all you need, so the studio’s products and services include its hero, platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
“Often it’s a combination of things that actually produces results in hair,” Pollak said. “It’s a little-told story that consumers need to hear, but most brands are busy selling their own products.”
“Everyone gets a really thorough consultation with a doctor where the doctor talks about your medical history and your goals and looks at your scalp. We have this cool camera that actually goes down to the follicle where we can actually see what’s going on. Then the doctor basically creates a personalized plan for you with everything you need to grow,” Klebanow said, adding that this could include prescriptions, supplements and PRP.
Additionally, the team has taken a very gender-neutral approach to the space and its message, as hair loss is usually a topic aimed at men. So far, it’s working, as the company is seeing a good split between men and women.
Great entrance to Many NoHo clinic.
Courtesy of Great Many
“Our New York City location is our flagship location, but we plan to expand our studios nationwide over the next few years, in 15 key cities,” Klebanow said.
To expand its reach, the company is also launching a telemedicine space where guests across the country can enjoy a similar experience, as well as a product line to discuss hair growth at home.
“We want to offer all the digital experiences that involve identifying if you have growth opportunities, articulating your goals and your medical background, and then, if medically appropriate, prescribing you a medication that can help you grow,” Klebanow said. “We also offer unique formularies, so prescriptions that you can’t necessarily get at CVS or Walgreens.”
Pollak noted that the telemedicine industry will shed light on where Great Many should open clinics.
Great, many product lines.
Que Duong
Additionally, the team is launching its drug-free product line in-store and online, which includes GreaterThan Shampoo ($34), GreaterThan Conditioner ($34), RootSupport Densifying Serum ($48), and RootReset Scalp Treatment ($48).
“All four products are based on our Growth Factor formula, a combination of six ingredients that activate growth, optimize the scalp and prevent hair loss,” Pollak said. “The goal is to bring more products to market over time that fit into the realm of general hair and scalp health.”
While Great Many is still in its early stages, the ultimate goal is to provide the same level of support for hair loss that has been achieved in skin care over the years.
“People feel very helpless and alone when (hair loss) starts. They don’t know who to turn to. Skin care seems so oversaturated… There are so many places to try different things,” Pollak said, pointing to facial bars, medical spas, doctors and beauty supply stores. “Hair still remains this great mystery that also comes with a lot of skepticism… That’s why the medical rooting of our brand is so important.”
