Bootstrapped functional beverage startup (UK) SEIS/EIS approved, pre-revenue, looking for investment.

Hi everyone 👋

I’m Akshay, co-founder of a London-based functional beverage startup.

We’re building NIKO a clean, targeted alternative to traditional energy drinks. We’re focused on everyday performance: sustained energy, cognitive support, and better ingredient transparency.

We’ve developed three SKUs, each built around a specific function:

What we’ve done so far:

• Completed 14 formulation iterations

• Conducted pilot production runs (taste + stability validated)

• Gathered structured consumer feedback with strong purchase intent

• Secured interest from 15+ London retail stores

• Signed agreements with manufacturing and 3PL partners

• Received SEIS & EIS advance assurance

We’re currently pre-revenue and preparing for our first full commercial production run and retail launch in London.

We’re raising £480k pre-seed to fund:

• Initial large-scale manufacturing

• Launch marketing

• Early hires

• Retail rollout

First £200k qualifies under SEIS, remainder under EIS.

If you actively invest or advise in UK consumer brands, wellness, or premium FMCG, I’d be happy to connect and share more detail over DM.

Thanks for reading