How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to sell an idea to Unilever
Has a submission portal
Unilever posts technical challenges and takes answers through its Open Innovation submission portal, with no confidentiality or reward at first. It has bought Dollar Shave Club, Seventh Generation and Ben & Jerry’s.
“When submitting a technical solution, you will be taken to Unilever’s Open Innovation submission portal.”
What you agree to by sending something
“As clearly stated in the submission conditions, it is a strict condition of your use of the site that Unilever will not be obliged to keep confidential anything you send us at this stage of the discussions.”
“There will be no reward for submissions on technical challenges in the initial stages.”
What it says it looks for
“Please focus on what it can do, the level of development and information that is available and how it is better than currently available solutions.”
What it has bought from outside
2016
Dollar Shave Club from Mark Levine and Michael Dubin (founders) and investors a reported $1 billion in cash
“On July 19, 2016, one year after securing $75 million in series D funding, [ 14 ] DSC was acquired by Unilever for a reported $1 billion in cash.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Seventh Generation from Seventh Generation Inc. an estimated $700 million
“In 2016, Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever acquired Seventh Generation for an estimated $700 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2000
Ben & Jerry's from Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield and shareholders $326 million
“In April 2000, Ben & Jerry's sold itself to British multinational food giant Unilever for $326 million ($607 million in 2025 accounting for inflation).” en.wikipedia.org
2019
Graze (snack boxes) from Graze
“In February 2019, Graze was acquired by Unilever for an undisclosed sum.” en.wikipedia.org
Other companies that take an invention or product idea
