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September 30, 2025

Today, traditional marketing in the beauty industry is facing a pitfall, but let’s start with how low fintech funding will not cause its downfall…

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Fintech Funding In Africa Is Down, But Not Out

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At the forefront of Africa’s startup ecosystem, fintech has consistently snatched up the top spots because of the large population of unbanked people bringing in the convenience of mobile payments and setting up a much-needed financial infrastructure. However, it seems the light is slowly dimming on the fintech side and funds are either drying up from VCs or being diverted elsewhere. Global fintech funding has seen a three-year downturn with 2024 the worst performing year yet at $95.6 billion.  

In AI’s Playbook, Data Is the New Glamour in Beauty Marketing

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The beauty industry is pivoting. Traditional marketing like glossy billboards, celebrity endorsements, magazine spreads are being upended by algorithmically powered strategies. Brands are increasingly relying on AI personalization, big consumer data analysis, and retail experimentation to build precision campaigns that resonate and better meet the sophisticated needs of clients. With AI expected to power up to 70% of customer interactions by 2027, and the market already valued at $4.4 billion in 2025, the industry is entering an era where technology and culture intersect more tightly than ever before.  

Startups Are Thriving & It's Thanks to AI

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The economy feels shaky, but founders aren’t flinching. In fact, most are more confident in their business's financial future than they were a year ago and the boldest optimism comes from those leaning hardest into AI. Mercury’s survey of 1,500 U.S. entrepreneurs running companies less than six years old found that 60% of businesses that had significantly adopted AI reported their confidence in financial prospects had “significantly improved” compared to 2024 where more than double the 28% of businesses that hadn’t adopted AI tools. This connection between innovation and sentiment underscores a broader shift: resilience today is powered by both mindset and technology.  

Ulta Beauty Taps Latino Market to Strengthen Growth

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Ulta Beauty (ULTA -0.22%) is proving that representation and revenue go hand-in-hand. The beauty retailer reported $2.7 billion in revenue for its most recent quarter, with comparable store sales up 6.7% year-over-year, driven in part by its robust multicultural marketing strategies and partnerships with diverse owned brands. From bilingual ad campaigns and inclusive product lines to workforce development and supplier equity, Ulta’s approach is helping it win over the fastest-growing beauty segment in the U.S., Latina consumers.  

Unpack Which Emotional Stage Of Crypto Trading You Are In Now

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When you punch your ticket for the rollercoaster ride known as the crypto market, it’s important to keep your emotions in check. What goes up must come down, and what goes low typically finds a higher low. This at least rings true for the stock market, and much of Bitcoin’s young trading life has followed suit. The crypto market can swing up or down by 10% to 20% in a day’s time.  

Vibes of the Week

Funding “Don't Do Too Much” for fintech, but it's still standing, as told by Cardi B in our CBX Vibes!