Last year almost 300 startups and scaleups from the fast-growing and ever-evolving world of social commerce applied to get involved in the Platform's first challenge. A panel of Unilever's leaders and experts shortlisted 33 candidates: seed-stage to billion-dollar businesses from Silicon Valley to Singapore. Many are now kicking off pilot projects with Unilever's leading Beauty & Personal Care brands, helping to deliver business solutions and pioneer consumer experiences in new spaces. Unilever's Chief Research and Development Officer, Richard Slater said: "We're creating the next generation of technologies and ingredients for our beauty and personal care products that are not only highly effective, but also natural and sustainable. "Collaborating with disruptive new players in this space is going to lead to even more breakthroughs as we grow our business and portfolio for a future where people and planet can thrive together."