Castore backers join scrum to back Scottish rugby stars’ wellness brand

A Glasgow-founded wellness brand founded by two former Scotland rugby internationals has raised £3.6 million in fresh funding to strengthen its UK presence, lay the foundations for global expansion, and invest in new product development.

Puresport, launched in 2018 by Scottish rugby stars Adam Ashe and Grayson Hart, first gained recognition as a trailblazer in the CBD space – developing pioneering professional sport-safe products – before pivoting into performance nutrition. Its product line now includes hydration blends, adaptogenic mushrooms, and creatine, with further science-backed supplements in the pipeline aimed at supporting endurance, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Redrice Ventures, early backers of premium consumer brands including Castore and Ocean Bottle, teamed up with fellow consumer-focused venture capital firm Five Seasons Ventures (FSV), which has invested in multiple companies that scaled to the $200m revenue mark in less than five years on the investment, alongside a follow-on round from existing shareholders, including British and Irish Lion Finn Russell and England rugby international Ben Earl.

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The raise brings total investment in the brand to more than £5m and marks the start of a new chapter under CEO Daniel Temm, a former Newcastle Falcons rugby player and England Sevens international, who joined Puresport as COO in 2020 before taking the top job earlier this year. The New Zealander originally moved to the UK to play cricket before switching to rugby and, later, entrepreneurship.

He said: “This investment provides the muscle we need to build a category-defining brand that people feel like they belong to.

“We have a plan to scale – in the UK, the US, and beyond – while staying profitable and true to our purpose. But our real goal is to build something that lasts – a brand that shapes the future of performance nutrition, one that people wear proudly, shout about, and feel connected to.”

Redrice, a London-based consumer-focused fund, said Puresport aligned with its strategy of backing brands built for the next generation of conscious consumers.

Robert Senior, founding partner at Redrice and former global CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, said: “We look for brands with the potential to redefine their category. That’s what we saw with Castore in performance wear, and what we now see in Puresport for performance wellness. With a clear philosophy, strong leadership, and real momentum behind it, this brand is well placed to lead the way for a new generation of wellness

“We’re backing Puresport because it’s building an authentic brand for the long run rather than just chasing trends. In a market crowded with quick fixes and short-term hacks, Puresport stands out to us for its integrity, ambition, and community-led approach.”

FSV, which has previously backed successful health-focused scaleups such as Dash Water, yfood, and Butternut Box, cited Puresport’s commitment to accessible, high-integrity nutrition as a key reason for investing.

Niccolò Manzoni, founding partner at Five Seasons Ventures, added: “As more people look to elevate their performance through smarter, cleaner choices, Puresport stands out with its science-led, high-integrity formulations. Their commitment to helping all types of athletes show up as their best – whether through everyday wellness or elite ambition – is what makes this partnership so exciting.“We’re proud to back Dan and the team as they expand their impact on the diverse community they’ve built and continue to grow.”

Community is central to Puresport’s model. The brand has built an international following through weekly run clubs, pop-up events, and wellness activations — engaging more than 50,000 people across London, Paris, New York, Auckland, Boston, Berlin and beyond.

Puresport co-founder Adam Ashe, a former Glasgow Warriors and LA Giltinis back row forward, commented: “Brands talk about community, but Puresport has built a movement. From day one, we’ve rejected quick fixes and surface-level health hacks. I’m so proud of what the brand has achieved in such a short space of time, but I can see it’s really just the beginning. I am incredibly excited about where Dan and the team will take it – with this investment the potential is limitless, I truly believe it will be a global brand.”

This investment arrives amid wider market growth. Globally, the wellness category is forecast to surpass £60 billion by 2032, driven by demand for functional health, natural performance aids, and sustainable wellness routines.

Meanwhile, participation in recreational running is growing. Strava, which Puresport is partnering with on a nationwide run tour this summer, reported a 9% increase in races logged last year.

Puresport is now embarking on its next wave of product development as it builds what Temm describes as a full-service “running partner before, during and after the workout.”

He added: “Supplements are just the beginning. We’ve already become a fashion brand almost by accident, a reflection of how deeply people connect with what we stand for. Our ambition is to support people around the world across every part of their health journey, and to do it in a way that lasts. We’re not here for the hype. We’re here For the Long Run.”

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