We all know the feeling of one too many Red Bulls. Or just one Red Bull at all.
That post-buzz crash is exactly what entrepreneur-brothers Max, 28, and Graham Fortgang, 26, are setting out to remedy with their matcha-infused energy drinks.
Their big idea? MatchaBar, which contains as much caffeine as Red Bull without all the added detriment like sugar or plutonium (there is also a with-sugar version).
“We’re on a war path to become next great American energy drink,” says Graham, a path with big-name backing. MatchaBar has the blessing of Drake as an investor and recently closed a Series A of $8 million that includes Diplo, NFL MVP Von Miller, pop star Billie Eilish, and actor Ansel Elgort as financial backers.
For those unfamiliar, matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves that can be traced back to China’s Tang Dynasty from 618–907. It packs a powerful punch of caffeine and is loaded with a host of other benefits like aiding in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as encouraging weight loss and getting you through the post-lunch slog.
Of course, it has to be said that social media has played a part in fuelling MatchaBar’s success. Look how damn pretty these drinks are:
With a Whole Foods partnership in full swing, there’s no reason to believe there’s a shakeup looming for the multi-billion-dollar energy drink market.