The founders of Canadian RTD brand Nütrl Vodka Soda have led the seed financing round for Vancouver-based nootropic beverage company Pono Wellness.
According to a statement, the investment was made through the family office of , Paul and Melissa Meehan.
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However, the size of the investment was not disclosed.
Paul Meehan said: “Pono has a great name, a simple promise, and a founder who sweats every detail. That’s the kind of brand we like to build with, and we’re proud to lead this round.”
As part of the deal, Meehan Family Investments will take a seat on Pono’s board of directors, while the Meehans will act as “strategic advisors” ahead of the company’s debut commercial rollout.
Pono was founded by serial entrepreneur Richard Pollock, who previously built and exited Vitamin C supplement brands Emergen-C and Ener-C.
The company’s debut product, Pono Energy Focus, is a nootropic drink mix packaged in single-serve stick packs. According to the business, the formula is designed to target “brain fog and cognition.”
The company is preparing to launch the product online in Canada and the US in early 2027.
Pollock said: “I’ve known Paul and Melissa for more than 20 years, and I worked alongside Paul designing the Ener-C brand.
“I haven’t met anyone who understands marketing and brand building better. Having both of them on the Pono journey puts us on the path to our goal: making PONO the number-one brand for mental clarity, energy, and focus.”
The move marks the latest in a string of beverage deals by the Meehans this year across both alcoholic and functional drinks.
In June, the pair made a “significant strategic investment” in US Tequila brand Los Sundays through their dedicated alcoholic drinks investment vehicle Me&brands.
The Meehans also acquired a stake in Canadian low- and no-alcohol beer maker ChillyOnes Beverages in March. Backed by National Hockey League player Tyson Barrie, ChillyOnes produces a 3% ABV lager and a 0.3% non-alcoholic variant.
