"In the modern world, we chase the thing that will make us more productive, the hit of coffee, thinking - ‘this time, it’ll be different.’ Instead, take a breath, a moment. Once you integrate the ancient wisdom into your morning rituals, you will achieve more than you ever did with coffee."
Felix Reade, Co-Founder
Our story
Founders Tess and Felix first crossed paths in Mexico city, where Felix was cooking in some of the city’s best restaurants.
They met at a party and fell in love, a love that was driven by a shared question - What if there was a better way to wake up?
Not really.
A shared suspicion of coffee is not enough common ground for love. But they did both realise that drinking coffee wasn’t making them feel good. They had long battled the crashes, the anxiety that a second espresso can induce, and Felix had terrible tension in his jaw that was causing migraines.
But most of all, how hard it was to give up even after they realised that it made them feel wretched.
When you’re controlled by a substance that doesn’t make you feel good - you’re addicted.
They knew there had to be a better way. Something delicious, that made them feel better every single day, that brought the ritual back to their mornings but without the downsides.
They started sampling coffee alternatives, matcha and all the branded blends. But nothing tasted that good, or delivered the boost they wanted. Soon they were exploring the cacao vendors and distributors of Mexico City.
Cacao was different. Rich and delicious, it had the complexity and nuance of coffee, but delivered smoother and more sustainable energy.
They tasted dozens of cacaos from different producers all over South America, and eventually started blending their favourite Peruvian varietal with high-quality, organic adaptogens.
When they had their perfect blend, they quit coffee. For good.
Everyone who tried it said it was a gamechanger. And so they realised that the world needed their concoction.
Kurio was born: a natural blend inspired by ancient wisdom, effected by modern science.
For people who want to feel good and do good, everyday.
Felix Reade
Felix is a chef and writer. Having run some of the world’s greatest restaurants, he decided that cooking tiny food for the elites was not meaningful work. He wanted to make a product that used his expertise but improved everyone’s lives.
Tess Kuramoto
Tess Kuramoto is a designer. She’s co-founded nonprofits and studios, led initiatives empowering women in tech, and partnered with global organizations on award-winning work recognized by UNESCO.