Cognitive tech, functional energy, and social connection are reshaping how people focus, fuel, and interact.
Neutonic is scaling nootropics
The functional beverage company raised $6M at a $60M valuation, expanding across the UK and US as it pushes further into retail and fitness channels.
- Founded by podcaster Chris Williamson, the brand leverages content and distribution for growth.
- Selling 7.5M cans so far across 10K locations, it aims to surpass $25M in revenue this year.
- Positioning itself in the fast-growing cognitive enhancement category, Neutonic is targeting focus, clarity, and sustained energy.
Its growth reflects a broader shift: founder-led brands are using audience ownership to drive distribution, turning content into demand and retail into scale.
Neurable is making BCIs mainstream
The neurotech company is shifting to a licensing model, allowing hardware brands to embed its AI-powered brain-sensing technology into products like headphones, glasses, and headwear.
Already working with partners across consumer tech, defense, and research, the move accelerates distribution without requiring Neurable to build hardware itself.
Building momentum, it joins startups and incumbents in the emerging brain-sensing category as wearables evolve from tracking physical signals to interpreting cognitive states.
Phone-free experiences gain traction
According to Eventbrite, global attendance at phone-free events is increasing, spanning activities from live music and dance parties to low-key gaming, cooking, and meditation hangs.
- Global attendance jumped 567% last year, with participation up more than 900% in the US and over 1,400% in the UK.
- Nearly half of consumers say their phones limit social connection, while venues are adopting tools like locking pouches and camera restrictions to reduce distraction.
As more people turn to analog lifestyles to combat digital fatigue, formats that prioritize presence will shape the next iteration of social wellness.
