With a confidential US$3.5 million funding round, PulpoAR expands augmented reality case studies

PulpoAR, a U.S. augmented reality start-up active in e-commerce and beauty stores, is taking a new step forward by positioning on Google search and retail media. This strategic diversification comes as the company has completed a US$3.5 million funding round led by Leap VC, Migros, Pastel Cosmetics, Qangels, Hub VC, and Teknasyon, mind Retail has learned. According to C.E.O Onur Candan, a Series A round is already in the works for 2026.

Through Morgane Monteiro. Published on 30 June 2025 à 8h45 - Update on 23 July 2025 à 18h15

The genesis

PulpoAR was founded in May 2020 by Brazilian Rayan Godoi and Turkish entrepreneurs Onur Candan and Buğrahan Bayat. Headquartered in San Francisco, the start-up specialises in augmented reality applied to cosmetics, a market worth US$20.15 billion by the end of 2024, according to Horizon Grand View Research. As cosmetics brands seek to personalise a customer journey to enhance sales conversion, PulpoAR offers a virtual try-on solution to drive engagement and add-to-cart. The technology allows consumers to try makeup products in augmented reality or perform cosmetic diagnostics using AI, from their mobile devices, on e-commerce sites and in stores using connected mirrors.

Key figures

In June 2025, PulpoAR had 31 full-time staff compared to 28 at the end of December 2024.

For the year ended June 2024, PulpoAR generated revenue of US$70,000 (down 86% year-on-year) according to the financial report consulted by mind Retail,…

Morgane Monteiro

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