About the Company

KA-EX was founded in 2016 by ETH graduate Pedro Schmidt with the idea of solving insufficient regeneration caused, among other things, by stress-related cortisol increases. Pedro had previously spent five years researching this topic, resulting in a patented combination of active ingredients that has been proven to improve regeneration and sleep quality, which has established itself not only in nightlife but also in competitive and professional sports in particular. KA-EX was initially launched in selected pharmacies and quickly became one of the best-selling dietary supplements in Switzerland, widely available at Coop, Migros, Denner, Spar, and in thousands of gyms and vending machines.

Successful KA-EX poster campaign in Manhattan in summer 2025

Today, KA-EX is much more than a supplement brand. With its patented VICAP dual-chamber technology, which was fully acquired in 2025, the company is enabling the stable integration of highly effective ingredients that were previously impossible to incorporate in liquid form into ready-to-drink beverages for the first time. In addition to the international expansion of its own products—including the world's first genuine ready-to-drink creatine beverage—KA-EX is positioning itself as a technology platform for the next generation of functional beverages. Following its successful market entry in the US, the company is now pushing ahead with national scaling and opening its final round of financing.

Company at a Glance

• Market leadership in Switzerland – KA-EX is one of the best-selling dietary supplements in Switzerland and is widely available at Coop, Migros, Denner, Spar, and in thousands of gyms and vending machines.
• Dynamic growth – Sales tripled in 2025 compared to the previous year; the current annualized run rate is around USD 7.5 million.
• Successful US launch – Amazon's Choice and top seller in the “Post-Workout & Recovery” category, as well as listings in hundreds of gyms, including EQUINOX.
• Technological moat – KA-EX owns and controls the patented VICAP dual-chamber technology as the basis for an additional, scalable business model.
• Strong confidence – Investors and brand ambassadors such as Lara Gut-Behrami, as well as strategic partners, have committed their own capital, underscoring the credibility of the product, brand, and growth path.

Benefits for Co-Owners and Investors

KA-EX is aimed at private investors who want to invest not in an idea, but in an already established company with clear growth prospects. Pre-Series B offers the opportunity to invest in a company that has already successfully validated its products, markets, and technology before the final growth phase.

A key argument for investing in KA-EX is the significantly reduced early-stage uncertainty. The company is one of the best-selling dietary supplements in Switzerland, generates recurring revenues, and has successfully mastered its market entry in the US. High repurchase rates and strong demand for the products show that KA-EX solves a real problem and is not dependent on short-term trends.

In addition, investors benefit from a clear technological advantage. With its patent-protected VICAP technology, KA-EX has a sustainable competitive advantage that extends far beyond its own brand. This technology opens up additional sales potential and increases the company's attractiveness to strategic buyers.

After several years as a secret user, Lara contacted KA-EX to ask if she could invest.

The Pre-Series B round is deliberately designed as the last opportunity to invest before the Series B scaling phase. The aim of this round is to provide the necessary growth capital to prepare for national scaling in the US market. For investors, this means an attractive risk-reward ratio with limited dilution and a clear perspective on the company's next level of value.

KA-EX also pursues a transparent financing strategy: Series B is planned as the final equity round, with further growth to be financed primarily from operating cash flow from 2027 onwards. This gives co-owners a clear view of the further financing path and a realistic exit perspective in the period 2027/28.

Milestones

• 2011–2016 – Research and development of the patented combination of active ingredients; founding of KA-EX after several years of scientific preparatory work
• 2017 – Market launch in 15 pharmacies in Switzerland
• 2018–2019 – National scaling with listings at Coop and Migros; transition to the mass market
• 2023 – Launch of the KA-EX ready-to-drink format based on VICAP dual-chamber technology
• 2025 – Complete acquisition of VICAP, including IP, production lines, and patents
• Summer 2025 – Successful market entry in the US (Los Angeles & New York) with listings in hundreds of gyms and Amazon top seller status
• 2025 – Tripling of sales compared to the previous year; achievement of an annualized run rate of approximately USD 7.5 million
• 2025 – Strategic investments by Lara Gut-Behrami, ProSiebenSat.1, Hijos de Rivera, and others
• 2026 (planned) – National US scaling, completion of Series B as the final equity round

Testimonials

"Throughout my career, it has always been important to me to remain authentic. At KAEX, I found exactly that: high-quality products, a clear vision, and an impressive scientific track record that I am happy to be a part of."

Lara Gut-Behrami, Olympic champion, 2x world champion

"As a holistic regeneration product, KA-EX is the perfect addition to offer our drivers the best possible conditions for peak performance."

Fabian Cancellara, 2x Olympic champion, CEO of Tudor Pro Cycling Team

"I was very pleased to be able to invest as part of the ”Höhle der Löwen“ program, and I think it was a very good investment. So I look forward to continuing to work with KAEX."

Tobias Reichmuth, Entrepreneur and Investor „Höhle der Löwen“

Our Vision - Why invest in KA-EX?

KA-EX was founded with the vision of fundamentally redefining functional nutrition: away from marketing promises and toward verifiable, measurable effects. In a world where millions of people track their health, performance, and recovery using data-based wearables, there is a clear need for products that not only taste good but also deliver real physiological effects.

KA-EX addresses this need with scientifically based products and patented technology that, for the first time, makes it possible to effectively offer previously unstable active ingredients in beverage form. This positions the company not only as a strong consumer goods brand, but also as a technological platform for the next generation of functional beverages. This combination of brand and technology creates a sustainable competitive advantage and increases strategic relevance for global players in the beverage, nutrition, and health industries.

Investing in KA-EX means becoming part of a growth phase in which the product, market, and technology have already been validated and are now being scaled internationally. The successful establishment in Switzerland, the market entry in the US that exceeded expectations, and the trust of renowned investors and professional athletes underscore the substance of the business model.

The vision is clear: KA-EX wants to establish itself as the leading provider of genuine functional beverages in the global mainstream while building a technology platform that sets new standards in the industry. This opens up the opportunity for investors to participate in a company that solves real market problems, addresses structural growth, and pursues a clear exit strategy.

Fabian Cancellara's TUDOR Pro Cycling Team has been relying on KA-EX as an important element in the recovery phase since 2023. © Tudor Pro Cycling

FAQ

What exactly does KA-EX do?

KA-EX develops, produces, and distributes functional dietary supplements and ready-to-drink products with scientifically proven effects on regeneration, stress, and sleep. In addition, KA-EX owns and commercializes its own technology platform, the patented VICAP dual-chamber technology, which enables previously unstable active ingredients to be effectively used in beverage form.

How does KA-EX make money?

KA-EX generates revenue through the sale of its own products via retail, e-commerce, gyms, and international distributors. In addition, the company generates income through the commercialization of VICAP technology in the context of contract manufacturing for third parties. This second pillar is highly profitable and scales independently of the company's own brand.

Why did you decide to use crowd investing as a financing method?

Crowd investing makes it possible to open up the final growth phase before Series B to private investors as well. Like Lara Gut-Behrami, many customers and supporters have expressed a desire to participate financially. At the same time, the model allows the round to be structured efficiently without restricting strategic flexibility.

Why is now the right time to invest?

KA-EX has already validated its product, market, and technology. The company is the market leader in Switzerland, the US launch was successful, and scaling is now on the agenda. The pre-Series B offers entry before the national US expansion and before the final Series B valuation.

How did you arrive at the company valuation?

The valuation is based on a combination of current revenue development, growth prospects, market position, technological assets (VICAP patents), comparable transactions, and discussions with institutional and strategic investors. It reflects the current stage of development prior to the next scaling phase.

What do I get as an investor?

Investors participate financially in the company and share in any potential increase in value in the event of an exit. Details of the structure (e.g., investment instrument, conversion, terms and conditions) are clearly defined in the investor document.

Will I receive voting rights?

No. Crowd investing is structured as an economic investment. Voting rights remain with the existing shareholders to ensure quick and professional decision-making.

Will I receive dividends?

In the short to medium term, the focus is clearly on growth and reinvestment. Dividends are not currently planned. The primary return lever for investors is an increase in value in the context of an exit.

Is an exit planned?

Yes. The goal is an exit through acquisition in the period 2027–2028. Due to the strong market position, the technology platform, and the strategic interest from the beverage and nutrition industry, there is a realistic prospect of an exit.

Register now and participate in KA-EX's Pre-Series B round—the round is limited and may close early.