Virtue Drinks Secures £2 Million Investment from BrewDog Co-Founder and England Footballer

Virtue Drinks, the UK’s fastest growing clean energy drinks brand, has announced the successful closing of a £2 million investment round.

This latest financing brings the company’s total investment to more than £5 million. Notable investors in this round include James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog – the largest craft beer brand in Europe – and Eberechi Eze, a Premier League footballer and England national team player.

James Watt will take on the role of strategic advisor, providing guidance to Virtue’s founder and CEO, Rahi Daneshmand, on expanding the business globally. Eberechi Eze will be actively involved in Virtue’s marketing strategy, with the aim of amplifying the brand’s presence following the investment. They join existing investor Chris Smalling, the former England and Manchester United footballer, along with a group of strategic angel investors.

The capital infusion will support Virtue’s strategic marketing efforts, global distribution expansion, and team growth. The company plans to enhance brand awareness in the UK, Europe and beyond, leveraging its current presence in more than 5,000 stores in 20 countries. Key stockists include Waitrose, Whole Foods Market, Ocado, Morrisons, Motor Fuel Group, Casino, Carrefour and Spinneys.

Founded in 2016, Virtue offers clean energy drinks made with all-natural ingredients, free of sugar and calories. The drinks are powered by Yerba Mate, an adaptogen rich in essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Available in three flavors – Tropical, Peach & Raspberry, and Strawberry & Lemonade – each contains 80 milligrams of natural caffeine, the equivalent of a cup of coffee or a traditional energy drink.

Virtue products aim to provide a sustained boost of energy that enhances mental focus and physical performance without the crash or jitters associated with traditional energy drinks and coffee. The brand is certified carbon neutral and vegan, in line with growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options.

“We are really excited to partner with Eberechi Eze and James Watt to build the leading clean energy drink brand globally,” said Rahi Daneshmand, Founder and CEO of Virtue. Their belief in our vision and commitment to our growth underscores the positive impact we plan to achieve together. As the first all-natural energy drink free of sugar and calories, Virtue is well-positioned to lead the way toward clean energy. These partnerships mark the beginning of an exciting next chapter for Virtue, and we can’t wait for more people to enjoy our clean energy drinks.

James Watt added: “It’s not often that I see a drinks brand that truly excites me. At Virtue, I’ve found a great product led by a brilliant entrepreneur. I’m now thrilled to be helping them on their growth journey.”

“Virtue is more than just an energy drink to me,” Eberechi Eze concluded. It’s a brand I really believe in. Its clean energy matches my lifestyle on and off the field. I’m excited to be part of a brand that’s all about a natural, healthy way to be active.
With the UK energy drinks market worth £3.4 billion and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, Virtue aims to establish clean energy drinks as a key category in the industry.