Since launching Neutonic in late 2023, creator duo James Smith and Chris Williamson have enjoyed some incredible highs.
The fast-growing focus brand has closed two successful funding rounds, most recently raising $6m (£4.4m) at a $60m (£44m) valuation.
Grenade founder Alan Barratt, Kayla Itsines, Mike Thurston and Ross Edgley can all be counted among an investor panel littered with stars.
Over the past year, Neutonic has expanded into several fresh territories, launching its nootropics-powered Productivity Drink and wider range of supplements into the UAE, USA, Australia and beyond, securing major retail listings along the way.
All of this might lead you to assume that Smith has earned a tidy sum from the venture. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
How Much Has James Smith Made From Neutonic?
In a typically up-front post to fans on social media, James Smith lifted the lid on what he and his fellow co-founders have actually enjoyed from the fruits of their labour.
“You’ve seen the helicopters, jets and business class flights, so I think it’s only fair to give you guys an indication of what I actually take home from the business,” he wrote.
Staggeringly, Smith revealed he’s earned a grand total of $0 in salary, dividends or benefits since debuting Neutonic. In fact, he says his total balance is negative $800,000.
“Maybe more actually,” he continued.
“We launched Neutonic with our own money. We actually had to put in several more times to keep up with stock supply and demand.
“None of us take salaries, I have to work all my other jobs to support myself as a founder. I pay for the majority of travel off my own back, as do the others.
“Our incentive isn’t cash, it’s to build. Nearly three years of work without a payslip, yet I love every minute.”
Smith admitted he’s so passionate about the project that he actually pays for the product a lot of the time.
“If I see it (Neutonic) in supermarkets, I buy it,” he added. “I bought 30 cans for a guy who worked in Gelsons in LA.
“I subscribe in Australia and the UK, my parents keep receiving parcels and my dad drinks it.
“I want to make the founder journey look fun, sexy and enjoyable. That’s a part of brand and marketing, right? Neutonic fuels me in my other ventures, so I can pay it to grow the brand.”
So, Where Does the Money Go?
Explaining why neither he nor Chris Williamson pay themselves a wage, James Smith said any money the brand makes goes to three key places: hiring “incredible” staff and talent, being bullish with gifting to grow Neutonic’s customer base, and reinvesting profits into producing more stock for new territories.
“So when will I get paid? The truth is I don’t know and I don’t mind either,” he finished.
“If you said to me I’d not earn another $1 from Neutonic for another 3-5 years, that’s completely cool. Just thought some fiscal transparency might be inspiring for any founders or start-ups feeling the pinch in the early days.
“Business is a gamble, not many have the stomach to play the game.”
SEE ALSO: James Smith Just Made a Stranger Quit Her Job in Front of 407 People
