From energy drinks to emerging sports leagues, investors are doubling down on performance.
Nutrabolt Eyes the Public Markets
According to Reuters, the maker of C4 Energy is exploring an IPO that could raise as much as $1B.
- Following a 30% equity deal with Keurig Dr Pepper in 2022, C4 became a top-five US energy drink, while Bloom continues to gain traction from Gen-Z.
- Energy drinks continue to outpace much of the beverage industry, with better-for-you brands reshaping the category.
As supplements, functional beverages, and lifestyle brands converge, Nutrabolt is expanding its portfolio to shape daily habits and attract public investors.
PLL Raises $100M
The Premier Lacrosse League closed a $100M Series E, marking the largest capital raise in professional lacrosse history.
- Funding will support media expansion, sponsorships, youth participation, and growth of its Women’s League ahead of lacrosse’s return to the 2028 Olympics.
- Co-founder Paul Rabil said the PLL plans to transition from a single-entity league to independently owned franchises by 2028.
Scaling up, PLL is trying to create an asset fans want to watch and investors want to own.
Gymshark’s Founder Wants More Control
Gymshark founder Ben Francis is reportedly in talks to buy back part of the stake General Atlantic purchased in 2020, increasing his ownership beyond 70%.
- The move comes six years after the private equity firm invested $260M, valuing the company at more than $1B.
- Since then, growth has slowed while competition intensified.
- In response, the company restructured operations, expanded retail, and shifted from pure DTC to an omnichannel strategy.
As Gymshark adapts to a more mature market, Francis is betting on founder-led influence over institutional control.
