ZenWTR is a technology company.
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M across 1 funding round.
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M in total across 1 funding round.
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M in total across 1 funding round.
ZenWTR's investors include 8090 Industries, Neotribe Ventures, Prime Movers Lab, Revolution, SeedInvest, Bill Gates.
ZenWTR is a beverage company, not a technology company, specializing in premium alkaline water packaged in sustainable bottles made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. It produces ultra-pure, vapor-distilled water with a pH of 9.5 or higher, enhanced with electrolytes for taste, solving the dual problems of consumer demand for healthy hydration and environmental concerns over plastic pollution by diverting ocean-bound waste.[1][2][5][6] The brand serves health-conscious consumers, retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Safeway, and online platforms, with growth including nationwide distribution since its 2020 launch, expansion to aluminum and glass bottles, and a direct-to-consumer subscription model driving expansion toward 50,000 store locations by late 2021.[1][2][4]
ZenWTR was founded by serial beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins, whose prior successes include brands like CORE, NOS, FUZE, and BodyArmor, bringing deep CPG expertise to the venture.[2][4] The idea emerged from Collins' passion for sustainability, inspired by surfing and ocean conservation—investor Kelly Slater, an 11-time world surfing champion, echoed this ethos, noting surfers' obligation to protect the environment.[3] Launched in 2020 (with some sources citing 2021 availability) at Whole Foods with three sizes of rPET bottles, ZenWTR quickly gained traction through its novel ocean-bound plastic supply chain, attracting celebrity investors and reaching thousands of stores amid pandemic-driven plastic waste concerns.[1][2][3][4]
ZenWTR rides the wave of sustainability trends in consumer packaged goods (CPG), particularly circular economy innovations in plastics recycling, accelerated by pandemic-related waste surges and consumer demand for eco-friendly premium beverages.[3][4] Its timing aligns with rising awareness of ocean plastic pollution—sourcing from high-risk areas like Indonesia, Thailand, Ecuador, and the Philippines—positioning it amid market forces favoring "plastic negative" brands and regulations pushing recyclability.[1][3] By disrupting bottled water norms (typically virgin plastic), ZenWTR influences the ecosystem, inspiring CPG peers to rethink supply chains and proving sustainability can drive premium pricing and distribution growth in a crowded $300B+ global water market.[2][4]
ZenWTR's momentum—fueled by packaging diversification, certifications, and a $25M funding war chest—positions it to capture more shelf space and DTC share as alkaline/sustainable hydration surges. Next steps likely include full rollout of aluminum/glass lines, hitting the 50M-pound diversion goal (potentially surpassed by now), and deeper global recycling investments amid evolving ESG mandates.[1][2][4] Trends like infinite recyclability demands and wellness-focused CPG will shape its path, evolving its influence from niche innovator to category leader in "purpose-driven" beverages—proving sustainability isn't just packaging, but the core product promise that launched it.[3][5]
ZenWTR has raised $23.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $23.0M Seed in March 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2020 | $23.0M Seed | 8090 Industries, Neotribe Ventures, Prime Movers Lab, Revolution, SeedInvest, Bill Gates |