Mata Mate
UK’s First Social Energy Drink
Lower caffeine yerba maté soda built for connection, not crash.
Alcohol consumption is falling while energy drinks are booming — yet no brand owns energy for social occasions.
Mata Mate is building the UK’s first social energy drink: a lower-caffeine yerba maté soda designed for connection, not crash.
After a 1,000-unit London venue pilot with a 90% reorder rate, the company is now preparing to scale across hospitality, retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
Brewed from real, unsmoked yerba maté leaves, Mata Mate delivers smooth, sustained energy without the crash or synthetic ingredients associated with traditional energy drinks. With 20mg caffeine per 100ml — roughly equivalent to one espresso per can — it provides a clean lift with a slow release, suited to evenings, socialising and alcohol moderation.
Rooted in South American maté traditions but designed for modern lifestyles, the drink sits between energy drinks and alcohol, offering a more balanced way to stay energised in social settings.
Mata Mate has also secured a direct regenerative supply partnership with Guyra Paraguay, protecting rainforest ecosystems while ensuring traceable, long-term maté supply.
Early Traction
The concept has already been validated through a London hospitality pilot.
- 1000-unit run across 20+ London venues
- 90% repeat-order rate achieved
- Product and flavour validated through real-world trials
- Format change following feedback - switching from glass to can
- 20k founder investment developed the commercial formula and brand
- 5k crowdfunding funded the first production run
- Confirmed interest from Selfridges, Ozone Coffee, and major UK festivals
- Distribution partnerships in place with Mr Lemonade, DELLI, Stores Supply
Market Opportunity
The UK energy drink market is worth £4.01B and growing at 13.6% annually, yet the category remains dominated by high-caffeine, synthetic products.
At the same time, drinking culture is changing as consumers moderate alcohol consumption while still seeking social connection.
Research shows:
- 62% of energy drink users would consider lower-energy drinks in the evening
- 57% want lower-caffeine options but cannot currently find them.
If just 5% of regular UK energy drink consumers adopted a lower-energy drink once per week, this represents a £140M opportunity.
We believe energy drinks will follow the same shift alcohol is undergoing — moving from intensity toward social moderation.
Mata Mate is designed to lead this transition.
Why Mata Mate
- First mover in the UK yerba maté soda category
- Yerba maté is a growing global behaviour, already mainstream in Europe and the US
- Direct regenerative supply partnership in South America
- Distinct social positioning no one owns yet
Who We’re Looking For
Mata Mate is seeking Investing Non-Executive Director(s) to support the next phase of growth.
Ideal candidates will bring experience in:
- Scaling consumer brands or early-stage ventures
- Food & beverage or consumer packaged goods
- Expansion into European markets
The role will require approximately 2–3 days per month, potentially more during the early stages.
Investment participation of £25k–£50k is encouraged to align interests with the founders. No remuneration will be paid during the first 12 months while the business focuses resources on growth.
Application Process
Candidates who feel they meet the above criteria are invited to apply after registering their CV with First Flight Non-Executive Directors via the “Apply for Role” tab for Role No: 1328.
Shortlisted candidates will receive an NDA followed by the pitch deck and business plan prior to meeting with the founder and board.
Closing date for applications: 4 weeks from posting
