Business

Toronto Startup “Duma Energy Drink” Revolutionizes How You Feel About Energy Drinks

Published

3 years ago

February 22, 2022

It’s no secret that the energy drink business is massive, and the list of brands emerging into this industry is constantly growing. Every year, the sales volume increases, and there is an increasing demand for safer alternatives. As the founders of Duma, Andrew Zoka and his business partners, Leslie Wiafe Seth VanDaele and Maxim Nechaev have created an energy drink that isn’t just less sugar and caffeine, it actually promotes health and vitality.

Andrew remembers that there were times when he and his team would buy energy drinks to keep themselves going throughout the day. But he always had concerns over what these drinks could do to a person’s health. An idea sprang to life, and he immersed himself in information about the human body and the many different things that can affect it, where he learnt about the work of experts that showed how our energy can be subject to changes due to circadian rhythm, sunlight, sleep, and a multitude of other things.

This charismatic individual began experimenting, searching for the most effective mixture of these ingredients that could provide a boost of energy as well as promote psychological and physical health. One of their goals is to promote health and well-being in a market that is full of arguably dangerous alternatives. “I don’t think there should be unhealthy food products on the market at all in this day and age,” Andrew says.

Duma is so much more than just energy drinks. In fact, it’s their true, underlying purpose that sets them apart from the many other companies that are also putting out health based energy drinks. The real mission is to generate income that can be donated to cutting edge medical research, specifically, for sickle-cell anemia.

This is something that matters very much to Andrew and his business partners, because approximately 300,000 babies per year are born with sickle-cell anemia, and it is a disease that plagues Andrew Zoka himself. This has given Andrew a unique awareness of the fact of how many people around the world, many of them children, suffer from this incurable disease, and he doesn’t believe it is necessary. Thanks to the advancement of medical research and technology, Andrew feels that, with proper funding, a cure could be developed, and sooner rather than later.

Duma hopes to change health both personally through the product, as well as globally through

the research their proceeds can facilitate. Their energy drink is getting set to launch in 10 pilot stores throughout Los Angeles, California, and more than 10 in the Toronto area. The future looks bright for these entrepreneurs, who are excited to be able to make a difference in such a big way, both for now, and possibly for many generations to come.

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.