Recess, the New York-based functional beverage brand founded by Ben Witte in 2018, has raised $30 million in a Series B funding round led by CAVU Consumer Partners. The round also saw participation from existing investors, marking a strong vote of confidence in the brand’s rapid growth and evolving product strategy.
CAVU, known for backing breakout consumer brands like Poppi, first invested in Recess in 2021. Its decision to double down underscores growing investor appetite for functional and wellness-oriented beverage companies.
Recess started out as a CBD-infused sparkling water brand, tapping into the early wellness trend. But as regulations and consumer preferences shifted, the company smartly diversified in 2021, expanding into broader functional beverage categories. Today, Recess offers a range of magnesium- and adaptogen-infused drinks designed to promote calm, focus, and mood balance, alongside several drink mix variants.
The funding will help Recess scale production, expand distribution, and strengthen its marketing presence across the U.S. The company has also brought on a major industry hire — Kyle Thomas, former CRO and COO at Nutrabolt, who joins as President and Co-CEO. His experience in scaling consumer brands is expected to play a key role in driving Recess’s next phase of growth.
As consumers increasingly seek beverages that offer both refreshment and functional benefits, Recess aims to cement its place among the leading players in the wellness drink category — one that continues to grow rapidly with investor interest and consumer demand.
