Investor in Female Entrepreneurs, Next Act Fund Announces Investments in Joylux and Pomp and Whimsy

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Sept. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Investor in Female Entrepreneurs, Next Act Fund (NAF) is pleased to announce its recent investments in Joylux and Pomp and Whimsy. Pomp & Whimsy is an award-winning gin liqueur, and Joylux is a global women's health technology company focusing on the postpartum and menopausal market.

Joylux creates home-use devices and intimate care products for postpartum and menopausal women that are solving common pelvic floor and vaginal health concerns. They first met with NAF at the Angel Capital Association annual conference in April, 2019, where they received the Luis Villalobos award for "Most Innovative Company". As a company that faces unique challenges pitching a device for a very personal female health issue, attracting capital from male investors has been more challenging. Founder of Joylux, Colette Courtion commented "during my pitch session to a male-dominated investor audience, I was speaking to blank stares. But my message was resonating with the Next Act Fund women." Joylux has raised $3.7M in this round of financing and plans to use the funds to scale their existing revenue generating commercial products. They also plan to hire and invest in marketing to grow brand awareness and topline revenues. Joylux products can be purchased online or through a professional.

Pomp and Whimsy makes traditionally distilled gin, which has been updated for a contemporary palate. They are the first and only gin that is inspired by women, made by women, for women. Founder Nicola Nice added "I was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the NAF due diligence process and the quality of its members. They bring a broad range of professional experience to the table and this combined with a real approachableness gives me confidence that they will be great partners to work with on this journey." Pomp and Whimsy is raising a $2M in this seed round. The capital will be applied directly to production, sales support and marketing to grow the business to the next level. Pomp and Whimsy Gin can be purchased at Total Wine in CA, NV and NJ, at numerous other bars and restaurants across the US and online.

Yvonne Campos, CEO of NAF added "We are so excited to be adding both Joylux and Pomp and Whimsy to our portfolio. Joylux is an innovative company competing in a rapidly growing market. Menopause in particular is the next generation for femtech, and Colette brings an insight to this business that is truly valued. We are also thrilled to be adding Pomp and Whimsy to our growing list of specialty food and beverage companies. Their gin is really special, and they are poised to become a national sensation. Nicola and her team are an excellent match for us, and we are excited to help them grow. "

About Next Act Fund
Next Act Fund was founded in 2017 with the intent of investing in early-stage, women-owned/led companies, thereby positively impacting women, the region, and the nation. Next Act Fund, which is the first of its kind in Southwestern Pennsylvania, is also focused on member education, hosting monthly educational sessions open to its members and the public, as well as a series of educational sessions targeting "future investors".

SOURCE Next Act Fund