SugarCap Recap: How I Lost 40 Pounds and Changed My Life, Portfolio Companies in the News
Brian Sugar lost 40 pounds, and it opened his eyes to new investment opportunities. Other highlights: Rave reviews for Grüns, Starface launches new lip balm flavors and more portfolio news.
“I am Iron Man” - Tony Stark, Iron Man (2008)
I can predict exactly how the conversation will go.
Someone notices I have dropped 40 pounds, that my face appears sharper, that I require an entirely new wardrobe. They ask what happened.
"I went on a health journey," I tell them. "Stopped drinking, began eating healthy, started exercising consistently."
Their response is enthusiastic. "That's incredible! How'd you finally get the discipline?"
Then I add: "Oh, and I micro-dose Ozempic."
The reaction is immediate. Suddenly, I have "cheated" or "taken the easy way out." The identical transformation they were celebrating becomes illegitimate.
This response reveals something profound: we have discovered how to modify human motivation at the chemical level, but we are collectively pretending it is cheating because it threatens our most sacred mythology about willpower and character.
Read more on AirSugar, Brian's blog.
To hear more, check out Brian’s interview with The Information, “Why Silicon Valley Believes GLP-1s Are All-Purpose Wonder Drugs” and accompanying YouTube video.
Sugar Capital Portfolio News
🧸 Three recent reviews all landed on the same conclusion: Grüns Gummies make getting your daily nutrients actually enjoyable. Reviewers raved about how satisfying they are to chew, with just the right mix of fruity sweetness and nostalgia—like gummy bears, but “grown-up.” Many noticed perks like smoother digestion, less bloating, and a little boost in energy, while praising how easy they are to actually remember to take. The verdict? Grüns turn a mundane health habit into a treat you actually look forward to. NY Post + Bon Appétit + Glamour
🧖♀️ Exponent Takes the Crown! SHAPE’s 2025 Beauty Awards just named Exponent’s Clear Comeback Probiotic Enzyme Power Serum the Best Serum, and for good reason. Packed with probiotics and fruit enzymes, it gently exfoliates, balances your skin, and leaves your complexion glowing, basically turning your skincare routine into a mini spa day. SHAPE
🌟 Starface is back with another viral sugar rush, this time in lip balm form. The new Sweets ‘n Treats trio: Lucky Lemonade, Candy Cloud, and Cheeky Churro, brings nostalgic fairground flavors to your pocket, wrapped in Starface’s signature smiley tubs. Beyond the cute factor, these shea- and cocoa-butter packed balms are already proving to be the brand’s next blockbuster, with over a million Star Balms sold since launch. HypeBae + The Strategist + Business of Fashion
🤳 Locket, the photo-sharing app that posts images directly to friends’ home screens, is rolling out Celebrity Lockets. This feature allows music artists to engage with fans by sharing photos about upcoming shows, new album releases, and other news. Celebrities can share a link on their social media platforms or fans can look them up in the app to add them, enabling direct photo sharing to their home screens. TechCrunch
🪩 Gopuff has partnered with Disco to supercharge its retail media with AI-driven personalization. Now, users see tailored post-purchase offers right on their order status page, featuring deals from over 1,000 direct-to-consumer brands. Beyond just promotions, Disco manages ad decisioning to ensure relevance, helping Gopuff blend monetization with a seamless, user-friendly shopping experience while pushing the boundaries of retail media. Retail Tech Innovation Hub + Disco
👀 Kinship’s Brightwave Vitamin C Energizing & Brightening Eye Cream is making waves in the beauty world. This eye cream is praised for its cooling, hydrating formula that helps reduce dark circles and puffiness. Its natural yellow tint brightens the under-eye area, while ingredients like vitamin C and chaga mushroom work to depuff and smooth. Plus, it's fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The Cut + WhoWhatWear
💆♀️ Jupiter's Restoring Serum is the go-to solution for dandruff woes. This lightweight, leave-in treatment combines zinc pyrithione, niacinamide, green tea extract, and aloe vera to soothe irritation, reduce dandruff, and balance oil, without any greasy residue. It's the behind-the-scenes hero your scalp deserves. Vogue
🧼 Packed with salicylic acid and charcoal, Black Wolf’s Charcoal Acne Control Body Wash cleans deep, soothes skin, and keeps you fresh from head to toe. Trainer David Pegram swears by it after sweaty sessions: “If you want a serious clean with natural ingredients, a fresh scent, and acne-fighting power, go for Black Wolf.” Men’s Health
🕯️On the hunt for a new fall scent? Snif teamed up with Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest for a limited-edition collection of autumn favorites. Highlights include the Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Candle and Apple Cider Smash Candle, plus new home and body scents like laundry detergent, scent booster, and whipped body cream, all infused with rich, cozy pumpkin-spiced aromas. From creamy vanilla to cheeky cherry twists, Snif’s fragrances make sweater-weather vibes unavoidable. Fashionista + The Pioneer Woman + Glamour
🍳 Caraway’s new Blue Lagoon colorway, created in collaboration with Crate & Barrel, introduces a calming wash of baby blue to the kitchen, paired with sleek gold handles. The ceramic cookware is non-toxic and simple to clean, while the matching meal prep containers effortlessly transition from fridge to table. With airtight storage solutions that keep food fresh without a hint of plastic, Caraway blends functionality with understated style, turning everyday kitchen tasks into a moment of design-forward ease. Better Homes & Gardens + Food & Wine + The Strategist + TODAY
🎂 Founded in 2018 by Hunter Morris and Mitch Orkis, Cake makes sexual wellness shame-free and chemical-free. From lubes and kits to condoms and toys for all bodies, they even have a sex-ed blog and a quiz to help you discover the products you didn’t know you needed. Cosmopolitan
📺 Chptr and Tribute Technology launched Tribute Spotlights, the nation’s largest broadcast memorial platform. It turns obituaries into video tributes that air on local TV and news websites, helping families honor loved ones while boosting funeral home visibility and community connection. PR Newswire + LinkedIn
🍫 Feastables is taking snack time to the next level. The brand, co-founded by MrBeast, just launched a new protein line, including protein bars and snacks designed to pack more nutrition into their famously delicious treats. These protein-packed goodies are perfect for anyone looking to fuel their day without sacrificing flavor. And if you’re craving something indulgent, their Hazelnut Cups - rich milk chocolate filled with creamy hazelnut goodness - are now available at Five Below for a limited time. BevNet + Parade
💎 Nostra AI partnered with Moon Magic, a jewelry brand known for its meaningful designs, to enhance its website performance. By reducing Time to First Byte (TTFB), Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), and First Contentful Paint (FCP), the collaboration has saved customers approximately 230 hours per month. These improvements lead to faster shopping experiences, smoother checkouts, and fewer cart abandonments. LinkedIn + Nostra