A $4M Boost for Calidora Skin Clinic Launches Expansion Plans

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Calidora Skin Clinic, the premier destination for advanced anti-aging and rejuvenating skin care treatments and products, announced today it has raised $4 million to expand its Pacific Northwest chain of medical-aesthetic skin clinics into additional markets, beginning with Southern California.

“The medical-aesthetic industry is exploding as men and women look for non-invasive ways to turn back the aging clock, and Calidora has a proven model that’s been enthusiastically received in the Northwest,” said Calidora Chief Executive Officer, Colette Courtion. ”This round of financing enables us to expand swiftly and strategically into new markets.”

A little more than half of the $4 million raised was contributed by Calidora’s existing angel investors and insiders, with the remaining funds coming from Fluke Venture Partners of Seattle. Fluke has a long tradition of assisting Pacific Northwest entrepreneurs by investing in high-growth technology, healthcare and consumer-oriented opportunities.

“We saw in Calidora a dynamic management team which, coupled with their relentless pursuit of a highly satisfying customer experience, could make Calidora the trusted brand leader in its space. This is just the kind of investment opportunity we seek because of the potential for a highly successful, long-term partnership,” said Dennis Weston, senior managing director of Fluke Venture Partners, and new member to Calidora’s board of directors. “The concept touches on a combination of health and beauty, technology and consumer interests, and the Fund is delighted to help contribute to Calidora’s strong impact in this emerging medical-aesthetic industry.”

Courtion said the funding enables the completion of expansion plans underway in Manhattan Beach, Marina Del Ray, and Glendale, Calif., and other real estate and partnership opportunities on the near horizon. The company is working with Southern California based Caruso Affiliated, a leading retail developer, on two of the three properties, including the Americana at Brand, which is slated to open in downtown Glendale in Spring of 2008.

Due to its early success, Calidora doubled from two to four locations in the Northwest in 2006. Within its skin clinics, medical practitioners work under Calidora’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard A. Baxter, a renowned plastic surgeon, to administer procedures, such as BOTOX^® Cosmetic and Restylane, non-ablative skin resurfacing treatments, and laser and light therapies. Additionally, highly-skilled aestheticians perform microdermabrasion, peels, and facials to complement the medical skin treatments. Recognized early on as a leader in medical-aesthetics, Calidora has received numerous accolades from local and national consumer and trade publications, including InStyle and American Spa magazines. Courtion said she intends to make Calidora Skin Clinic a national brand within the next five years, known for delivering high-quality, efficacious and safe treatments together with extraordinary customer service.

Calidora Skin Clinic is a privately-held company that brings together the best in medical technology and cosmetic applications for visible results. Calidora currently operates four locations in the Pacific Northwest: Downtown Seattle, Seattle’s University Village, Redmond and Bellevue. To learn more, please visit www.calidora.com.