Neutonic Raises $3.7M as Nootropic Drinks Hit Mainstream

Neutonic has closed a $3.7 million funding round that values the nootropic beverage company at $20 million, marking a significant milestone for the UK startup that's betting big on brain-boosting energy drinks.

The zero-sugar beverage brand launched in November 2023 and has already generated $10 million in sales while moving over three million cans. Co-founded by fitness influencer James Smith and "Modern Wisdom" podcast host Chris Williamson, Neutonic positions itself as a coffee alternative powered by cognitive enhancers like Cognizin, Rhodiola rosea, and Panax ginseng.

The funding round attracted notable investors from the fitness and nutrition space, including Sweat co-founder Kayla Itsines, Contrarian Thinking's Codie Sanchez, and Alan Barratt, whose Grenade nutrition brand sold to Mondelez for £200 million in 2021. The investor lineup also includes SaaS leader Dan Martell and Gym King's Jay Parker.

Beyond its flagship canned beverages, Neutonic has expanded into powder packets and daily "Focus Blend" brain capsules, building a comprehensive nootropics lineup that targets the growing market of consumers seeking cognitive enhancement without traditional stimulants.

"This investment provides the momentum needed to bring our ambitions for Neutonic to life," Smith said. "We've had a clear vision from the outset, and closing this funding round marks a significant milestone in reaching the next phase of our growth."

The timing aligns with broader shifts in the functional beverage market, where consumers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional energy drinks and coffee. The nootropics category has gained traction as wellness-focused consumers look for sustained cognitive benefits without the crash associated with high-caffeine products.

Neutonic's success reflects the power of creator-led brands in the health and fitness space. Smith's established following in the fitness community provided initial distribution channels, while Williamson's podcast audience offered access to health-conscious consumers interested in optimization and performance enhancement.

The fresh capital will fund retail expansion across the UK and US markets, with plans to hire regional leads and launch new powder and canned flavors this summer. The company aims to strengthen its retail presence while building out its team with strategic hires across key functions.

For Neutonic, the funding represents validation of its approach to functional beverages at a time when the nootropics market continues to heat up globally. The company's ability to generate significant revenue and move millions of units in its first 18 months suggests strong product-market fit in the cognitive enhancement space.