Bacx backed by Vettel in £1.2m seed funding round

Racing driver Sebastian Vettel has led a £1.2 million seed funding round for plant-based performance drink brand, Bacx.

Founded in 2020, Bacx has developed a vegan concentrate, Performance Fuel, to keep professional and amateur athletes hydrated throughout endurance activities.

The concentrate – which is designed to be mixed with water – is made solely from plant-based ingredients. Aiming to offer a healthier alternative to other energy and hydration offerings, it is free from artificial preservatives, colours and flavours, as well as caffeine and maltodextrin.

According to Bacx, Vettel used Performance Fuel when competing for Aston Martin during the 2022 Formula One season. 

Jason Baits-Tomlin, the brand’s founder and CEO, said: “I created Bacx because I no longer wanted to endure poor-performing, synthetic sports nutrition on my endurance adventures and challenges, and I was convinced there had to be a way to create a high-performing and healthier alternative”. 

“I was thrilled when Sebastian decided to use Bacx and put it to the test on the track, ultimately leading to our partnership…[based on] shared values in [terms of] making a positive impact in people’s lives, while doing our best from the start to limit environmental harm.” 

In tandem with the funding news, the brand has also announced that current Fever-Tree chairman Bill Ronald will head up the Bacx board.