FluidLogic has closed on a Series A Extension financing round of $15 million led by Solyco Capital, a private equity firm delivering capital solutions for late-stage startups and growth companies.
FluidLogic, the manufacturer of in-vehicle hydration solutions, said Solyco Capital’s investment will fund new product development and innovation for consumer products in the adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories it expects will be ready for market in early 2025.
“Studies show that a 1 percent drop in hydration can lead to a 12 percent drop in performance, and a 3 to 4 percent hydration loss could mean a 25 to 50 percent loss in performance and productivity (Source: PubMed),” the company wrote in a media release announcing the new investment. “A study of 20 elite professional race car drivers done by Dr. David Ferguson, Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University, found that, on average, lap time speeds decreased by 5 seconds for each driver using one of FluidLogic’s in-vehicle system (Source: PubMed).”
Sara Blackmer, CEO of FluidLogic and senior partner at Solyco Capital, acknowledged that hydration is a key driver to peak performance.
“It improves reaction times, sustains focus, increases endurance, and prevents overheating by improving heat tolerance,” Blackmer said. “Solyco is one of the most respected private equity firms in the world and they share our vision to innovate around Active Hydration™ solutions for high-performers. This additional cash infusion allows us to bring our hydration expertise to a broader consumer base.”
In addition to new product development, this investment is expected to expand roles in R&D, sales and marketing, and operations and contribute to product enhancements for FluidLogic’s existing in-vehicle systems. The company said the investment will also fund research to improve the accuracy and reliability of FluidLogic’s proprietary sweat-loss algorithm across all consumer applications.
Since Solyco’s original investment in 2021, FluidLogic reported its valuation has increased by 1,000 percent.
Other FluidLogic investors include NBA All-Star and 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist Jrue Holiday, NFL Pro Bowler Kyle Rudolph, U.S. Soccer pro and Olympic gold medalist Lauren Holiday, and pro drivers Jimmie Johnson, Colton Herta and Ryan Arciero.
“FluidLogic has been a staple of mine since Day 1 and is a critical element of my success,” said Jimmie Johnson, FluidLogic user and investor. “As a longtime user and proud investor, I have been a part of the hydration system’s evolution from its early days in off-road racing to its integration into NASCAR and IndyCar. It’s incredible to see FluidLogic incorporate my feedback for product improvements, and I can’t wait to continue my involvement with the company as they expand and offer new products.”
This Series A Extension investment follows a $1.9 million Tactical Funds Increase (TACFI) from the U.S. Air Force to “develop an ecosystem of intelligent wearable and in-vehicle hydration systems to optimize water intake and improve the performance of Air Force personnel.” This builds on an initial contract of $750,000 with the Department of Defense in 2022.
Image courtesy Fluidlogic
