Michael Brandt
CEO & Co-Founder at Ketone-IQ
About
Michael Brandt launched Ketone-IQ in 2022 and built it into an eight-figure revenue business that created an entirely new category: drinkable ketones. He went from selling a $30 shot that "tasted like gasoline" to launching in Target nationwide and securing Jon Jones—the greatest UFC fighter of all time—as Chief Performance Officer and co-owner. In 2019, Michael secured a $6 million Department of Defense contract to develop ketones for Navy SEALs. He used this elite credibility to build mass market trust, then systematically removed friction by improving taste, dropping price 67%, and scaling manufacturing. The company is now the top-selling energy supplement in the Natural Channel. Michael has a B.S. in Computer Science from Stanford and is a 2:35 marathoner. He has brought on Jon Jones UFC legend, Steven Bartlett host of Diary of a CEO, and a number of other notable athletes and thought leaders as co-owners. Ketone-IQ is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Chris Hemsworth, Jake Paul, Family Fund, Bochi Investments, and more. Michael has built the product and go-to-market strategy he teaches. How Michael Can Help: 1. Build a new category – How to spot emerging trends early, then scale to mass market 2. Celebrity partnerships – Turn athlete credibility into retail leverage and consumer trust 3. Navigate retail expansion – Move from DTC to nationwide distribution while maintaining margin 4. Raise capital strategically – How to think about fundraising depending on the phase of your business 5. Founder branding - How to build and leverage your personal social media platforms as a creator to grow your brand
Experience
Retail Strategy & Distribution – DTC to National Expansion
Built Ketone-IQ's retail presence from zero to the top-selling energy supplement brand in the Natural Channel. He secured distribution in major retailers including Target, Wegmans, HEB, and Vitamin Shoppe.
Fundraising & Investor Relations – Backed by Top Investors
Raised capital from Andreessen Horowitz, Chris Hemsworth, Jake Paul's Antifund, Steven Bartlett, Jon Jones, Marissa Mayer, and Joe Montana. He uses funding strategically to scale proven channels rather than experiment.
Ketone-IQ – Co-Founder & CEO
Launched Ketone-IQ in 2022 and built it into an eight-figure business. He created the world's first drinkable ketones and scaled from a $6 million Department of Defense contract to nationwide retail in Target, Sprouts, and Wegmans.
Elite Partnerships & Brand Building – Jon Jones Partnership
Secured Jon Jones, the greatest UFC fighter of all time, as Chief Performance Officer and co-owner of Ketone-IQ. This partnership delivers direct conversions, retail negotiating leverage, and establishes the brand's credibility at the highest level of athletic performance.
Product Innovation & Category Creation – First Drinkable Ketones
Pioneered the world's first ketone drink. He took a product that initially cost $30 per shot and reduced the cost per gram by 67% while improving performance and taste. Developed an efficient go-to-market strategy to build the category and efficiently acquire customers, rapidly scaling the business to eight-figures and breakout national retail brand.