More than one million Swiss francs to boost KA-EX global expansion

Launched in 2017, KA-EX is a powder-based drink nutritional supplement containing 25 ingredients. The clinically tested substances shield the body from toxic damage, preventing micro-inflammations after intensive sports or alcohol consumption. Further, the ingredients reduce hyper-acidity, normalize the stress hormone level, and improve sleep quality. The optimized recovery overnight mitigates mental and physical fatigue and maintains a normal level of well-being the next day.

Despite having no marketing budget, the powder-based drink became a best-selling dietary supplement in Switzerland, sold in all pharmacies, supermarkets (coop Migros, Spar), and convenience stores.

With the mainstream popularity of the product, professional sports teams started providing KA-EX to their athletes. Today, KA-EX is used by some of the best European soccer teams and over 1000 professional athletes, including boxers and cyclers. In addition to endorsements from Formula 1 Team Alfa-Romeo Sauber, german soccer club Union Berlin has obliged players to use KA-EX, as endurance coach Martin Krüger explained in an interview with RTL. As of this year, KA-EX supplies its product to the "House of Athletes" in Florida, a training facility famous for preparing Football Players for their NFL drafts.

Global market expansion
Building on this success, KA-EX plans to accelerate international expansion by collaborating with local distribution partners. The proceeds from its convertible loan will flow into this project and the launch of a "ready-to-drink" version of KA-EX later this year. The startup initially sought to raise between CHF 500k - 850k, but it has raised CHF 1.12M after only six weeks.

"Thanks to the profitability of our business, we will, from now on fund growth primarily through debt financing. Artemon Capital Partners made a significant equity investment and will support us in acquiring debt loans in the future. For our plans to expand through distribution partners, we gained a considerable investment from an investors group that is specialized in the distribution of health products in Asia", said Pedro Schmidt, founder and CEO of Ph. AG, the company behind KA-EX. Regarding the expansion he added: "Jan Herweijer is joining the company as an investor and Director. Jan Herweijer built and sold his Consumer Health company after expanding to over 55 countries and selling over 20 million SKUs annually. Andreas Pfluger, the former CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli North Amerika, invested in our startup. He will support the market development in the US."

In April, Ph. AG will launch a crowdfunding campaign on CONDA.ch seeking CHF 500’000.

(Press release/RAN)