Description

Based in Porto, MAI Kombucha is a company that produces and sells kombucha, a drink of Chinese origin with more than 2000 years, made through the fermentation of the green tea herb (Camellia sinensis). The consumption of kombucha has been associated with beneficial effects on the health of its consumers, namely in the improvement of the intestinal microbiota and of the immune system. This may be due to the presence of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12), vitamin C, and probiotics.

MAI Kombucha was conceived by Gonçalo Campos, who had the dream of creating a company that would contribute to the positive transformation of the beverage industry, which was developed thinking about the health of the planet and the consumer. This is how, in 2020, MAI was born, with the dream of contributing to a world with fewer soft drinks and more kombuchas, less preservatives and more life, less plastic and more nature, a more natural and less artificial world. The brand was born in Gonçalo's kitchen and, since then, has gone through an intense process of evolution and growth.

The funds raised through this campaign will be used for:

• Working capital support - investment to increase production and sales.
• Acquisition of equipment
  • 1 cold store
  • 4 fermentation tanks
  • 1 capsulator
  • 1 reconditioned electric stacker

This is the promoter's fifth campaign following four successful ones: the first (9.000€) to finance the purchase of a 25m2 refrigeration chamber, increasing its storage capacity; the second (11.000€) to increase production capacity; the third (25.000€) to enable the production of canned Kombuchas for the biggest festivals in Portugal; and the fourth one (30.000€) for the acquisition of equipment and consolidation of new clients.

Production has been taking place, since 2023, in a 300m2 factory located in Vila do Conde (Porto District). MAI Kombucha needs to be stored cold because it is a live (unpasteurized) beverage, with natural fermentation and without industrial techniques that would alter its benefits. After natural gas is produced inside the bottle, cold stabilizes fermentation and maintains its quality and flavor.

The Impact

Direct

Promoting Circular Consumption: MAI Kombucha is deeply committed to sustainability and actively engages with its community to minimize environmental impact. A key initiative is its reverse logistics system, which encourages customers to return used bottles for reuse. This program is clearly outlined on the company's website and rewards loyal customers with discounts on future purchases. Thanks to this initiative, MAI Kombucha has successfully prevented the disposal of 6,000 bottles.

Responsible Production: Sustainability is embedded in MAI Kombucha’s production practices. 98% of the ingredients used are organic, and 70% are sourced regionally—highlighting the company’s support for local, eco-friendly agriculture. Waste management is equally thoughtful, with packaging materials repurposed, biodegradable waste composted, and all remaining materials sorted for recycling.

Encouraging Sustainable Consumption Habits: At the core of MAI Kombucha’s mission is educating and inspiring more conscious consumption. The company offers Kombucha DIY kits, providing customers with an engaging hands-on experience that demystifies the fermentation process. Additionally, an online forum connects enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a space to ask questions, share tips, and explore the many benefits of this ancient beverage.

Indirect

Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle: MAI Kombucha offers a naturally carbonated, preservative-free drink that serves as a wholesome alternative to sugary soft drinks—known contributors to obesity and diabetes. Rich in probiotics, kombucha supports gut health and strengthens the immune system, making it a smart choice for health-conscious consumers.

Contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Financial viability

Download the Financial Statements for the promoter here

Download Key Investment Information Sheet

Guarantees

The loans granted to the promoter PAUSA ÉPICA - LDA by the investors will be guaranteed by the following, as set out in the loan agreements associated with the campaign:

• Personal guarantee ("letra com aval"), under Portuguese law, from the quota-holder, Gonçalo Ribeiro de Almeida Campos with the following NIF 279966415, for the total amount of the debt.

The Promoter

About PAUSA ÉPICA - LDA

The name behind MAI Kombucha is Gonçalo Campos. Gonçalo is 31 years old, was born in Portugal, but grew up in Rio de Janeiro. It was in Rio that he started working after finishing his degree in Business Management. He worked for more than 4 years in a Brazilian communication company, always with the dream of one day traveling around the world.

It was during this three-year trip that he discovered the Kombucha Universe and gained inspiration for another dream: to return to the country where he was born and spread "the drink for good". In September 2019 he returned to Portugal with the challenge of turning that dream into a reality. MAI now has over 100 regular clients. 

After 6 months of a lot of testing and a lot of feedback, he created a special Kombucha. Some time later, he also developed the Kombucha Kit. So far, he has helped nearly 1,100 people start their own production at home.

At the start of 2025, MAI Kombucha launched shots made from the ingredients already used to flavour kombucha in order to maximise their use and create an intense, health-boosting drink.

The company has its operations in Leça da Palmeira, in the Porto metropolitan area, but delivers throughout Portugal and Spain and has two more full-time employees, in addition to Gonçalo.

Some of Goparity's board members are indirect and minority shareholders of MAI Kombucha (24%).

The team

Gonçalo Campos

Founder

Born in Portugal but raised in Rio de Janeiro. After completing a degree in Business Management, he worked for over 4 years at a Brazilian communication company. He dreamed of creating a company that would contribute to the positive transformation of the beverage industry, and in 2020, MAI Kombucha was born.

Paula Galvanini

Fermentation Specialist

A natural chef and nutritionist, specialized in healthy cuisine for events and retreats. With experience in renowned vegan and vegetarian restaurants, she has become an enthusiast of fermented foods. Over the past 4 years, she has dedicated herself to creating a kombucha brand in Lisbon and is now joining forces with MAI Kombucha with the same mission of spreading the culture of the wellness beverage!

Francina Tini

Production Manager

Fran is with the company since the beginning and managed to increase production from 100 bottles/month to 20,000 in 3 years.

Business Model

Updates