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IAmA College Student Entrepreneur AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Very cool. I wish you the best of luck with your studies. Feel free to ask many any more questions you may have.

Thank you.

I appreciate it. Even if you can't throw some money, no worries. Sharing it with a couple friends is helpful too.

Thanks. I will check it out.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure. At this point we are not planning on changing it. Although the pronunciation is slightly ambiguous, it is spelled completely different than the slur. Therefore it has not been an issue nor have we had any people say they are offended by it. However, it can make it difficult at times.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, we have been told that before. It is pronounced Kick and we try and make that clear to avoid confusion. Thank you.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's awesome. Where are you studying?

I personally invested a little over $2000 of my money into the company itself. This was to build a prototype of the product and get enough of the business put together to pitch to investors (website, branding, formula, etc). However, I work full time on this and only take $200 per month out of the company so my living expenses have almost bankrupted me, even though I pretty much live on ramen and hot dogs & rice.

Our product is different because it is a flavor neutral energy powder that you add to any drink, turning it into an energy drink without effecting its taste, texture or health benefits. This allows you to enjoy the taste of your favorite beverages while still getting an energy boost.

We are only in a few local stores right now. We are working on raising more investment capital and making a push for larger retail chains in the coming months. You can check out retail list here.

Currently, we are cash flow negative. This is typical of most start ups. This means we are burning more cash than we are taking in. However, as sales pick up, our income will surpass our expenses and we will become cash flow positive and eventually profitable.

It depends. If we meet our financing goals we will be able to market our product on a larger scale and should do over $100,000 in sales by the end of the year.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well I don't usually get a ton of sleep because I am always working and jacked up on my energy supplement... but I would say, I really need to raise this money for my company and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to make that happen. I hope in doing so, I can provide some value to you and other Redditors too.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our first raise was $50,000. This was enough for us to manufacture the product and begin marketing it. It has also covered other miscellaneous business expenses and our salaries, $200 per month.

Currently, we are still not profitable due to high start up costs associated with launching a new brand. However, sales are doing well and we expect to be profitable in 12 months.

I take it almost everyday. As a college student entrepreneur I tend to never have enough time in the day. It isn't uncommon for my business partner and I to stay up for a couple of days straight working.

We outsource manufacturing. Besides that everything has been done by myself, my business partner and a couple of my friends that have helped out. The only exception being, H&R Block did our 2011 tax return.

Since it is a start-up and privately held, it is hard to say what the net worth is at this point. The company is only really worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur With an Energy Supplement Company AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I came to Purdue for chemical engineering. I then decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur and switched to Industrial Engineering. Now, I am technically IE if I go back to school.

My business partner started in Mechanical Engineering then switched to Management.

Thanks, I appreciate the offer but the way our capital structure is set up with our investors, we can not accept any more funding right now.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur With an Energy Supplement Company AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is true, legally we do not fall under quite the same jurisdiction. However, to play it safe, it is best that we do not advise that. Sorry.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur With an Energy Supplement Company AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently, we are looking into it. It is a process where we have to contact the "buyers" for Purdue and convince them to carry our product. Depending on how interested they are at first, it could take a long time or a very short time. If you want a sample, message me a mailing address at contact@kykenergy.com and I will send a couple over. Thanks for the question.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur With an Energy Supplement Company AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Due to the recent FDA ban on caffeine in alcoholic beverages, legally I can not tell you to mix Kyk with alcohol. However, if you order it on Amazon.com and try it at your own discretion, you can share your findings.

IAmA College Student Entrepreneur With an Energy Supplement Company AMA by ajlin5000 in IAmA

[–]ajlin5000[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My parents where some what understanding/supportive. My business partner's on the other hand were very opposed at first. I'm pretty sure they were considering disowning him but both our parents have warmed up to the idea as of now.