Breaking Barriers: The Journey of VAE Labs
VAE Labs: Revolutionizing Supplement Intake
Name: Orri Bogdan
Company: VAE Labs
Year Founded: 2019
Website: www.vaelabs.com
Social: @vaelabs
Introduction
My name is Orri. I’m the founder and CEO of VAE Labs.
VAE is a team of neuroscientists developing the most convenient and effective way to take supplements.
Our first product, VAE Energy, uses our patent-pending HyperSoluble caffeine technology to increase the concentration of caffeine in liquids. This is how we’re able to deliver a coffee in just 3 sprays (20mg per spray). Without our tech, you’d need 30 sprays to get an equivalent amount of caffeine - a 10x increase.
The Inspiration Behind VAE Labs
We were tired and unable to focus during early morning classes. We wanted to find a way to get energized quicker and easier than what was currently available.
From Idea to Reality
It took nearly two years of research to develop our technology. Then we launched on Indiegogo in 2020. That got delayed by a year, and when we got our product in summer of 2021, we quickly learned that most of it leaked. I then went to fundraise solo in 2022. I met the right people after hustling on LinkedIn, discord, and anywhere I could find, and was able to raise over $3M from strategic VCs.
The year-long manufacturing delay sucked. We got part-time work and had to wait for them to finally deliver - because we pushed it faster, we ended up with a high failure rate, and it was an overall disaster. I think if you believe in your vision, you will continue forward regardless of setbacks. This continued into 2022, when I was effectively solo and had to try to fundraise without any network or background in VC or finance. If you see the end-goal, and are able to articulate it (with some key metrics/tech that gives you a real moat), then I think your success is only a matter of time.
Resilience Rewarded
The best VCs loved that we went through that. It shows that we were committed enough to not only put our own money at risk, but to continue on the same project despite setbacks that would deter most. It shows grit, and that's a quality that good VCs hunt for.
I can't give specifics, but we've established some very strong and important relationships with several partners, and we can reasonably project at least $5M in sales next year.
Attracting Customers
We’re doing a combo of strong trade marketing assets (combined with great distribution), and treat our online funnel as a way to get quicker feedback from our customers.
Challenges Along the Way
There were many. The biggest was the year long day in manufacturing our first product, followed by it all leaking when it got to our customers and us running out of money.
Primary Operational Costs
Combo of inventory and R&D.
A Day in the Life
Lots of calls, high level management. I’m the CEO, so ultimately I’m responsible for everything, and am the person who goes to pitch/fundraise/find new partners.
The Vision for VAE Labs Future
We will release a second gen device that will allow us to enter the THC, CBD, vitamin, melatonin, and other adjacent markets. We’ll do this by creating the ultimate spray device.
Guiding Principles for Entrepreneurial Success
Only work on something you’re passionate about, and make sure to find a co-founder that covers your weaknesses.