NEURO: The Gum That Defied Shark Tank Is Now An 8-Figure Empire

Despite declining the offers, Neuro continued to grow and gain national exposure, with sales projections of up to $8 million in 2023, including $3.5 to $5 million on Amazon alone.

Developed by college friends Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen, Neuro gum is the first-ever sugar-free, chemical-free gum that offers a sustained energy boost. Made with natural green tea, caffeine, and vitamins B12 and B6, it is also vegan, gluten-free, and aspartame-free.

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But the story behind the product is just as compelling as its success. Yoshimura and Chen met at the University of California San Diego, bonding over their shared love of sports. Yoshimura was competing internationally in Muay Thai, while Chen was training with the US Paralympic team after a snowboarding accident left him paraplegic.

Yoshimura told Business Insider, “We didn’t want to drink coffee, we didn’t want the energy drinks, and we didn’t want to take caffeine pills.” The two friends came up with the idea of Neuro gum in 2013 and spent two years developing the product before launching it to the public.

Yoshimura began mixing his own supplements in his dorm room, testing them on himself and Chen. It started off as supplements in a pill form until it eventually ended up as gum.

Neuro Gum and Neuro Mint

Neuro gum stormed the energy supplement market after its launch in September 2015, providing a healthy and budget-friendly substitute to coffee, energy drinks, and caffeine pills. It exceeded its crowdfunding goal of $20,000 on Indiegogo within three days.

As of February 2023, the company has sold over 50 million pieces of gum and mints, with a pack of gum costing around $4 and including nine pieces. The product’s popularity can be attributed to its natural ingredients, absence of harmful chemicals and preservatives, and affordability.

With Neuro’s continued growth and innovative product offerings, it’s safe to say that the company’s future is looking bright.