Clockwork (acquired by 10Beauty)

We envision a future where everyday beauty routines are effortlessly transformed through intelligent automation, liberating people from mundane tasks with precision and care. Clockwork is dedicated to advancing this vision by turning cutting-edge AI, computer vision, and robotics into accessible, personalized nail care experiences that redefine convenience and quality.

Our journey began with the world's first fully autonomous manicure robot, designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the beauty industry and accelerate the transformation of personal care. By painting over half a million nails with unparalleled accuracy and speed, we have laid the foundation for smarter, more efficient beauty services that adapt to modern lifestyles.

As part of 10Beauty, we are building toward a broader future where intelligent, automated beauty platforms bring innovation and ease to millions, creating a new standard for how beauty services are delivered and experienced worldwide.

When we first heard about a robot that could paint your nails in 10 minutes, we'll admit we were skeptical. But Clockwork proved us wrong — and then some. This AI-powered manicure machine didn't just work; it worked really well, painting over 500,000 nails before its recent acquisition by 10Beauty.

What started as a clever idea from founders Renuka Apte and Aaron Feldstein became something genuinely impressive. The concept was simple: use computer vision and robotics to eliminate the hassle of traditional manicures for busy people who still want polished nails.

The Tech That Actually Delivered

Here's what impressed us most about Clockwork's approach. Instead of trying to replicate everything a human nail technician does, they focused on one thing and perfected it: applying polish flawlessly.

The machine scanned your nails, mapped them precisely, then delivered a coat that rivaled what you'd get at a salon. With about 30 color options and non-toxic polishes, it struck the right balance between choice and simplicity. The learning interface meant even first-timers could figure it out quickly.

Smart Placement Strategy

Clockwork didn't just build cool tech — they were smart about where to put it. You'd find their machines in airports, luxury offices, and high-traffic retail spots like Rockefeller Center. These weren't random locations; they were places where time-pressed people would actually pay for a 10-minute manicure.

The strategy worked. Half a million painted nails don't lie, and the buzz from major beauty publications like Vogue and Allure showed they'd tapped into something real.

Why the 10Beauty Acquisition Makes Sense

Earlier this year, 10Beauty snapped up Clockwork, and we think it's a smart move for both sides. Clockwork had proven the market demand and refined the core technology, but scaling robotic beauty services takes serious resources.

10Beauty gets battle-tested AI algorithms, real customer data, and a team that already solved the hardest problems in automated nail care. For Clockwork, it means their innovation gets to live on in what promises to be a more comprehensive beauty platform. Sometimes the best exit is the one that lets your tech reach its full potential.