Developed by a molecular biologist, Graymatter’s supplement brings advances for brain health that current products are missing, and has the mission to make it a daily ritual in people’s lives.
Graymatter Labs, based in Chicago, has secured a $1.3 million seed round led by Venrex and APEX to scale its flagship nootropic drink mix, Bright Mind.
Investors from consumer, sports, and wellness sectors see brain performance as a key area for future health innovation.
A noticeable boost without jitters
Bright Mind was developed over 18 months by a PhD molecular biologist. It combines clinically researched nootropics and adaptogens to improve focus, mental clarity, and brain energy within minutes, without the spikes and crashes of stimulants or energy drinks.
Graymatter differentiates itself by using ingredients not commonly found in mass-market products.
“I started Graymatter to solve my own struggles as a serial entrepreneur searching for sustainable focus,” said Jim Phillips, Co-Founder and CEO. “Now, we’re helping thousands of people think clearer, feel sharper, and perform better—all without jitters, crashes, or trade-offs.”
Co-Founder and CFO Novisa Petrusich underscored the company’s core thesis: while consumers routinely supplement for physical health, the mind is often neglected—even though it’s the most deterministic factor in how we perform physically and emotionally.
Key investors on board
Lead investor Venrex, known for supporting high-growth consumer and wellness brands, was the first to commit. Founder Tom Fleming described Graymatter as a “category-defining opportunity,” noting early success in cognitive health and plans to expand into related categories.
APEX, focused on sports, sees strong potential in athletics, where mental sharpness is as important as physical strength and endurance.
“In elite sports, the brain is everything,” said Koen Bosma, Partner at APEX. He noted that while physical training is highly optimized, proactive brain care is still emerging, creating opportunities for natural cognitive products with measurable results.
Palette Ventures brings a broader consumer perspective, noting a shift from reactive, pharmaceutical approaches to preventative, better-for-you alternatives. Partner Nina Faulhaber highlighted the increased demand in areas such as ADHD support and praised Graymatter’s alignment with market needs, positive customer feedback, and strong unit economics, indicating high consumer retention rates.
The market moment for cognitive wellness
Cognitive supplementation is moving into mainstream wellness, largely due to professionals, students, creators, and athletes seeking sustainable performance without dependency.
Historically, the category has faced trust issues due to overpromising or underdelivering on its promises. Graymatter aims to address this by combining clinically researched ingredients with noticeable, near-term benefits, while supporting long-term brain health.
Bright Mind is positioned as a simple daily ritual, as easy to adopt as a cup of coffee, but designed to avoid the jittery highs and energy crashes that reduce productivity. For those seeking alternatives to stimulants or energy drinks, the product offers a quick lift, sustained focus, and no crash.
What the funding unlocks
With $1.3 million in new funding, Graymatter will expand its team, intensify marketing efforts, and continue its research and development of effective and accessible brain health formulations. The company also plans to broaden its product line by exploring new use cases and formats, building a comprehensive ecosystem for daily cognitive care.
If successful, cognitive supplementation could become a standard habit, similar to hydration, nutrition, sleep tracking, and physical activity, which are now considered essential.
The takeaway
Graymatter’s funding round reflects a convergence of consumer demand for clean, noticeable performance that has gained investor interest in brands that combine science, design, and habit formation.
Bright Mind aims to distinguish itself by delivering immediate benefits and promoting long-term brain health.
With new funding and support from consumer and sports investors, Graymatter aims to establish brain health as the next daily ritual.
