Former Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel has led a £1.2 million seed funding round for British plant-based performance drink brand BACX.
Vettel says he used BACX exclusively during his final F1 season last year. He will now become a global brand advocate for the company.
“BACX is the first in my 15-year F1 career to have kept me energised right until the end of a Grand Prix, without any stomach problems. This inspired me to get involved,” said Vettel.
The brand also boasts other high-profile athletes as ambassadors, such as Team GB track cyclist and Commonwealth medallist Joe Truman.
Healthier alternative
BACX was founded in 2020 with the aim of providing a healthier and higher-performance sports drink. The brand’s first product, Performance Fuel, is fully plant-based with no caffeine, maltodextrin, or artificial ingredients.
Sold in powder form, Performance Fuel is available in two flavours — orange and berry — and can be mixed with water to create a sports drink. It is a source of vegan aminos, electrolytes, and carbohydrates, and is free of all 14 major allergens.
Vegan sports nutrition
Research indicates that the use of plant-based ingredients in sports supplements is rapidly growing in popularity in Europe. A 2021 study found that 71% of consumers who are interested in sports nutrition are also interested in plant proteins.
The market for vegan supplements is expected to be worth $13,598.7 billion by 2028, with sports nutrition as a key driver.
“BACX is the most convenient, natural way to get your body the nutrition it needs, to be at your best,” said Jason Baits-Tomlin, founder and CEO of the brand. “Packed full of beneficial nutrients from plants, it’s designed to optimize your vascular and muscle function. Constant energy. Efficient hydration. Better performance. No side effects! Come join us.”
