Bonbuz
Bonbuz, with a valuation of $6.2 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. It is a non-alcoholic beverage brand that makes beverages using new and novel ingredients. Bonbuz’s products give a natural buzz that feels good without impacting the health of the consumers with toxins and hangovers. The portfolio of Bonbuz products includes energizing alcohol-free functional spirits, calming wind-down aperitivos, and sparkling tonics. Fay Behbehani and Jaime Patel founded Bonbuz in May 2020. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $124,000. The campaign proceeds will be used for marketing, R&D, production, and inventory.
Investment Overview
Raised: $52,450
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2020
- Industry
- Food, Beverage, & Restaurants
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B/B2C
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
- Revenue +115% YoY
- $379,889
- Monthly Burn
- $9,056
-
Runway
- 3.3 months
- Gross Margin
- 59%
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Synopsis
Bonbuz is a non-alcoholic beverage company based in California. It specializes in creating beverages that provide a natural buzz without the negative health impacts associated with alcohol. The company offers a range of products, including energizing alcohol-free functional spirits, calming wind-down aperitivos, and sparkling tonics. Bonbuz targets health-conscious consumers, particularly Gen-Z, who seek enjoyable drinking experiences without the downsides of toxins and hangovers.
The primary problem Bonbuz addresses is the health risks and undesirable effects of alcohol consumption, such as hangovers and long-term health issues. Traditional alcoholic beverages can lead to a variety of health problems and are not suitable for everyone. Additionally, there is a growing demand for healthier, non-alcoholic alternatives that still offer a social and enjoyable experience.
Bonbuz provides a solution through its range of non-alcoholic beverages made with adaptogenic science and mind-boosting nootropics. These ingredients aim to deliver a feel-good buzz without the negative consequences of alcohol. The company's products cater to consumers looking for healthier alternatives that still allow them to enjoy social drinking occasions. By offering a variety of flavors and functional benefits, Bonbuz meets the needs of those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still participating in social activities.
Price
Bonbuz is raising funds through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a valuation cap of $6.2 million and a 10% discount. This means that future equity will be issued to investors at a 10% discount to the valuation cap, offering an opportunity to invest at a lower valuation than future financing rounds.
The valuation cap of $6.2 million suggests that the company is valued at a multiple of 16.3x its most recent annual revenue of $379.9k. This multiple indicates that investors are paying a premium based on the company's growth potential rather than its current financial performance.
For investors to achieve a 10X return, Bonbuz would need to reach an exit valuation of at least $62 million (not accounting for dilution). This would require significant growth in sales and market penetration, both within its current market and through expansion into new markets. Given the company's annual revenue growth rate of 115%, reaching such a valuation would necessitate sustained high growth and successful scaling of operations.
High revenue multiples generally indicate that a deal may be overvalued, depending on the industry and growth rate. In the case of Bonbuz, the high multiple reflects the company's early-stage status and the market's potential for non-alcoholic beverages. However, this also means that investors are taking on higher risk, with returns highly dependent on the company's ability to execute its growth strategy effectively.
Market
Bonbuz operates within the U.S. non-alcoholic beverage market, which is valued at approximately $3.76 billion. This market is experiencing a growth rate of 7.4% annually, driven by several key factors. Increasing health awareness among consumers is a significant driver, as more individuals seek healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards mindful drinking, where consumers are more conscious of the impacts of alcohol on their health and lifestyle.
Another important market driver is the rising popularity of functional beverages. These drinks offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as enhanced mental focus or relaxation, which aligns well with Bonbuz's product offerings that incorporate adaptogenic ingredients and nootropics. This trend can positively impact Bonbuz by attracting a consumer base that values both health benefits and enjoyable drinking experiences.
While the overall market is substantial, Bonbuz's products may primarily appeal to a niche within this market. The company targets health-conscious consumers and younger demographics, particularly Gen-Z, who prioritize wellness and are open to experimenting with new beverage options. This focused target market is beneficial for brand loyalty but may limit the broader market reach.
Team
Bonbuz is led by a small but dedicated team comprising two key members: Fay Behbehani and Jaime Patel. Fay Behbehani serves as the CEO, bringing seven years of relevant industry experience to the role. She previously served as Co-Founder & Head of Marketing at Uncle Ed's D*mn Good, a premium spirits company.
Jaime Patel, the CFO, has over ten years of relevant industry experience having spent over 6 years at Nestle, leading Brand Finance. Although Patel works part-time, her expertise in financial management supports the company's strategic financial planning and resource allocation. She works full time as a consultant at Deloitte.
Differentiation
Bonbuz differentiates itself in the non-alcoholic beverage market through its unique product formulations that incorporate adaptogenic science and nootropics. These ingredients are designed to provide a natural buzz without the negative health impacts of alcohol. This sets Bonbuz apart from its competitors, who may focus on more traditional non-alcoholic beverage formulations.
Competitors in the non-alcoholic beverage space include Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof. Seedlip is a well-established brand that offers distilled non-alcoholic spirits. It is larger in size compared to Bonbuz and has a broader market reach. Seedlip's products are priced at a premium, reflecting their high-quality ingredients and sophisticated branding. Ritual Zero Proof also offers non-alcoholic spirits and targets health-conscious consumers. It is comparable in size to Bonbuz but focuses on replicating the taste of traditional alcoholic beverages without the alcohol content. Ritual's pricing is competitive, aiming to attract a wide range of consumers looking for alcohol alternatives.
In terms of product quality, Bonbuz emphasizes the use of functional ingredients that provide additional health benefits, which may appeal to a specific segment of health-conscious consumers. While Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof also offer high-quality products, they do not focus as heavily on the functional benefits that Bonbuz promotes. This focus on adaptogens and nootropics gives Bonbuz a unique selling proposition in the market.
Bonbuz targets a demographic that includes health-conscious individuals, particularly within the Gen-Z and millennial age groups. These consumers prioritize wellness and are more likely to seek out products that offer health benefits alongside enjoyment. They are also more open to trying new and unconventional products, making them an ideal target market for Bonbuz's unique beverage offerings.
Performance
Bonbuz has demonstrated significant growth in its early stages. The company's annual revenue grew from $176.7k in the prior fiscal year to $379.9k in the most recent fiscal year, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 115%. This substantial increase indicates strong market traction and demand for its non-alcoholic beverage products.
Despite this impressive revenue growth, Bonbuz is not yet profitable. The company reported a net loss of $164k for the most recent fiscal year, an improvement from a net loss of $222k in the previous fiscal year. While the reduction in losses is a positive sign, the company still faces challenges in achieving profitability.
Bonbuz's financial health is further highlighted by its monthly burn rate and cash on hand. The most recent monthly burn was $9,056, and the company had $30k in cash on hand as of the latest update. This limited cash runway could pose risks if the company does not secure additional funding or significantly increase its revenue soon.
Operationally, Bonbuz has managed to maintain a medium margin level, which is crucial for sustaining growth and managing costs. The company's ability to balance revenue growth with cost management will be critical as it scales its operations and seeks to achieve profitability.
Risk
Bonbuz faces several specific risks that investors should consider. One of the prominent risks is the company's high revenue multiple of 16.3x. This suggests that the company is valued at a significant premium relative to its current revenue, which may indicate overvaluation. High multiples often imply that future growth is priced in, increasing the pressure on the company to deliver substantial growth to justify the valuation.
Another risk factor is the company's relatively low cash runway. With $30,000 in cash on hand and a recent monthly burn rate of $9,056, Bonbuz has limited runway. This short runway could lead to liquidity issues if the company doesn't secure additional funding or achieve significant revenue growth quickly. Investors need to be aware that additional financing rounds may be necessary, potentially leading to dilution.
Bonbuz also operates in a competitive market with low barriers to entry. The non-alcoholic beverage market has numerous players, and new entrants can easily join the space. This competitive landscape could pressure Bonbuz's market share and pricing power, making it essential for the company to continuously innovate and differentiate its products.
Finally, Bonbuz's financial performance, while showing impressive growth, also reveals ongoing net losses. The most recent fiscal year-end showed a net loss of $164k, which underscores the company's current unprofitability. Sustained losses could strain resources and make the path to profitability challenging, especially in a competitive market.
Bullish Outlook
Bonbuz has several positive factors that contribute to a bullish outlook. The growing U.S. non-alcoholic beverage market, valued at $3.76 billion and expanding at 7.4% annually, presents significant opportunities for the company. This market growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness, which aligns well with Bonbuz's product offerings that focus on providing a natural buzz without the negative impacts of alcohol.
The company's unique strengths lie in its product formulations that incorporate adaptogens and nootropics. These ingredients cater to the rising demand for functional beverages, which offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This focus on functional benefits differentiates Bonbuz from its competitors and positions it to capture a specific segment of health-conscious consumers, particularly within the Gen-Z demographic.
Bonbuz's strong revenue growth, increasing from $176.7k to $379.9k year-over-year, demonstrates robust market traction. This growth rate of 115% is a positive indicator of the company's ability to scale its operations and meet consumer demand. The medium margin level suggests that the company is managing its costs effectively, which is crucial for sustaining growth.
The leadership team, led by CEO Fay Behbehani and CFO Jaime Patel, brings valuable industry experience and managerial skills to the company. Their combined expertise supports the company's strategic initiatives and financial planning, which are essential for achieving long-term success.
Emerging trends in the beverage industry, such as the shift towards healthier and more mindful drinking habits, further support Bonbuz's growth potential. The company's expansion plans could include targeting new markets and broadening its product line to meet diverse consumer needs. Additionally, securing notable partnerships or retail placements could enhance brand visibility and drive sales growth.
In terms of financial health, the company's strong revenue growth and effective cost management provide a solid foundation for future expansion. While the current cash runway is limited, securing additional funding could support operational scaling and market penetration. Favorable investment terms, such as the 10% discount on the SAFE, offer potential for significant upside for investors as the company continues to grow.
Bearish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for Bonbuz. One of the primary concerns is the competitive landscape of the non-alcoholic beverage market. While the market is growing, it remains highly competitive, with established brands like Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof already commanding significant market share. Bonbuz's reliance on niche targeting may limit its broader market appeal and scalability.
The company's valuation, with a revenue multiple of 16.3x, suggests potential overvaluation. Investors are paying a premium based on expected future growth, which is not guaranteed. If Bonbuz fails to meet its growth projections, the high valuation could lead to disappointing returns for investors.
Financially, Bonbuz faces challenges with its limited cash runway. With only $30k in cash on hand and a monthly burn rate of $9,056, the company may need to secure additional funding soon to sustain operations. This situation could lead to further dilution for existing investors or unfavorable financing terms in future rounds.
The small size of the team is another critical concern. While the founders have relevant industry experience, the lack of a broader team with expertise in areas like marketing, product development, and supply chain management could hinder the company's ability to scale efficiently. Additionally, the part-time status of the CFO raises questions about the company's financial oversight and strategic planning capabilities.
Bonbuz also operates in a market with low barriers to entry, increasing the risk of new competitors emerging. This dynamic could pressure the company's pricing power and market share, making it difficult for Bonbuz to maintain its growth trajectory and achieve profitability.
Executive Summary
Bonbuz is a non-alcoholic beverage company targeting health-conscious consumers, particularly Gen-Z. It offers a range of products that provide a natural buzz without the negative health impacts of alcohol. The company leverages adaptogenic science and nootropics to deliver functional beverages that cater to the growing demand for healthier drinking options.
Bonbuz is raising funds through a SAFE with a valuation cap of $6.2 million and a 10% discount. The company has shown impressive revenue growth, with annual revenue increasing from $176.7k to $379.9k, a growth rate of 115%. However, it remains unprofitable, with a net loss of $164k in the most recent fiscal year. The company's financial health is highlighted by a monthly burn rate of $9,056 and $30k in cash on hand, indicating a limited runway.
The U.S. non-alcoholic beverage market, valued at $3.76 billion and growing at 7.4% annually, presents a favorable environment for Bonbuz. The company differentiates itself through its unique product formulations that incorporate adaptogens and nootropics, appealing to a niche market of health-conscious consumers. Competitors like Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof offer high-quality non-alcoholic beverages, but Bonbuz's focus on functional benefits sets it apart.
On the bullish side, Bonbuz's strong revenue growth, market positioning, and unique product offerings align well with current health and wellness trends, providing a solid foundation for future expansion. The company's ability to capture a niche market within the growing non-alcoholic beverage industry positions it for potential success.
Conversely, the bearish outlook highlights several risks, including the high revenue multiple suggesting potential overvaluation, a limited cash runway, and the competitive market dynamics. Additionally, the small team size and ongoing net losses underscore the challenges of achieving profitability and scaling effectively.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $548,500
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/15/2025 | Wefunder | $6,200,000 | $52,450 | SAFE | Active | RegCF |