Global Afrobeats star Rema and American basketball standout and cultural force Angel Reese have joined the latest investment round for Topicals, the Black-owned skincare brand founded by entrepreneur and beauty disruptor Olamide Olowe.
Founded in 2020 by Olowe, Topicals emerged as a response to a long-standing gap in the beauty industry, where chronic skin conditions affecting people of color were often under-researched, under-discussed, and poorly marketed. Under her leadership, the brand has evolved into one of the most culturally resonant names in modern skincare, renowned for combining clinical efficacy with bold storytelling and community-driven engagement.
The inclusion of Rema and Reese reflects Olowe’s broader vision for Topicals: building a brand powered not only by capital, but by cultural intelligence. Rather than relying solely on traditional venture pathways, the founder has deliberately aligned Topicals with creative and athletic figures whose influence extends beyond endorsement into genuine cultural participation.
For Rema, one of Afrobeats’ most globally recognised voices, the investment marks another step in his expanding presence within global lifestyle and consumer industries. His involvement positions Topicals to deepen its connection with Gen-Z audiences across Africa and the diaspora, while also challenging entrenched ideas around skincare, masculinity, and self-care.
Angel Reese brings a parallel form of cultural authority. A WNBA star whose impact spans sports, fashion, and digital culture, Reese has become emblematic of a new generation of athletes asserting ownership beyond the court. Her decision to invest in Topicals aligns with Olowe’s mission to normalise visibility, wellness, and equity in spaces historically closed off to Black women.
Topicals’ latest funding round arrives amid a broader shift in how Black-founded consumer brands scale, prioritising investors who contribute cultural reach, lived experience, and long-term alignment. With Olowe at the helm, and figures like Rema and Reese joining her table, Topicals continues to redefine what sustainable, culturally grounded growth looks like in the global beauty industry.
