BrewDog Founder & FMCG Heavyweights Invest in COMMON Functional Drinks for Innovative Mushroom Range

COMMON Functional Drinks (“COMMON”), an innovative UK-based beverage company, is proud to announce a meaningful six-figure seed investment round from renowned pioneers in the food and beverage industry, bringing in partners including; James Watt (BrewDog co-founder), Neel Nagrecha (Rubicon Drinks family and Managing Director at Rubicon Exotic), Ryan Kohn (Proper Snacks co-founder), and Alex Carlton (Funkin' Cocktails and Strykk Drinks founder).

The new partners are all advocates for healthier drinks and this recent funding round underscores the confidence in COMMON's strategic vision and the booming functional drinks market as consumers increasingly turn towards health-focused beverages. The nootropic mushroom-based range is one of the first RTDs on the market specifically formulated towards mental performance whilst remaining caffeine-free.

"COMMON is here to deliver the highest-quality functional drinks on the UK market and we are delighted by the backing of such highly regarded partners," says Julian Liban, founder of COMMON. "Fundraising in the F&B sector in today's environment is challenging but we stand out because of our range of both CBD and nootropic (mushroom) products, that serve multiple consumer needs. We uniquely cater for both brain focus and mindfulness. We describe this as people wanting to Dial In as well as needing to Step Back, whilst juggling their busy lives. We have a clear sales strategy including upcoming national listings and our fantastic products are already receiving high acclaim. We are grateful to our partners who have incredible networks and expertise which we are excited to leverage."

“COMMON is leading the way with developing premium functional drinks - their new range has blended fantastic and sophisticated flavours in eye-catching bold cans. I have used their CBD products for a while and they truly work for me unlike other brands. The new mushroom range is extremely innovative and I already use it to replace morning coffees.”

Alex Carlton (Funkin’ Cocktails and Strykk Drinks Founder)

Julian Liban founded COMMON having developing a keen interest in natural medicines while studying Cellular & Molecular Medicine at Bristol University. "We are here to innovate and to bring to market drinks that are truly functional and health-focused," he explains. “We have spent a long time in R&D to guarantee the quality of our functional ingredients and have focused on our flavours to ensure we have a range of drinks that taste seriously good, as well as do good.”

The latest funding will drive the launch of COMMON's newest range: two Lion's Mane mushroom-based nootropic drinks, designed for enhanced mental performance, and two CBD drinks made with cold-pressed hemp, formulated for enhanced recovery and immunity. "It was very important to develop drinks with clearly defined functions and usage. I do not drink coffee, so it was important for me to develop a mushroom drink as a worthy replacement to help me focus in the mornings" Julian adds.

The new range takes advantage of an ever growing CBD drinks market and the new exploding market for functional mushrooms. COMMON's products stand out against other functional drinks that are typically packed full of unhealthy ingredients, sugars and sweeteners.

The New Range:

COMMON’s Nootropic range has an effective 500mg dose of Lion’s Mane mushroom in each can along with Chaga mushroom and a Vitamin B Complex. The range is bursting with berry flavours whilst remaining zero sugar and zero sweeteners - Raspberry & Ginger is sweet and fiery whereas Blackcurrant & Basil is succulent and aromatic. The range is also caffeine-free so perfect for those looking to avoid the coffee jitters.

COMMON’s CBD range champions CBD from cold-pressed hemp, the most natural and cleanest form of the ingredient, at a dosage of 20mg CBD per can. The drinks are fortified with a Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C. The citrus flavours deliver a fresh and fruity taste, all with zero sugar and zero sweeteners, and natural flavours. Enjoy crisp and zesty Lime & Mint or vibrant and tangy Pink Grapefruit.

All the products are vegan and preservative free. Each can is BPA-free and 100% recyclable and there is zero plastic in the packaging.

COMMON Functional Drinks are available immediately, D2C and are launching nationally at retailers including WHSmith. Each can is 330ml with a RRP of £2.49.