FlightStory Backed Matcha Brand PerfectTed Becomes UK's Fastest Growing Company
PerfectTed tops 2025 FEBE Growth 100 as UK’s fastest-growing founder-led brand
PerfectTed, the bright-green matcha energy drink first seen on Dragons’ Den, has raced to No. 1 in the 2025 FEBE Growth 100 – the league table that celebrates Britain’s fastest-growing founder-led companies. Backed by entrepreneur-investor Steven Bartlett, the London start-up secured the top spot thanks to sky-high revenue growth and solid profitability.
From student side hustle to 500 % year-on-year growth
Co-founders Marisa Poster, Edward Metcalfe and Teddie Levenfiche created PerfectTed in 2021 after realising that ceremonial-grade matcha delivers sustained energy without coffee jitters. In just four years the trio have turned a kitchen experiment into a national brand now stocked by Tesco, WH Smith and Holland & Barrett. FEBE judges called out PerfectTed’s 500 % annual growth as a key factor behind its No. 1 ranking.
The Dragons’ Den inflection point
PerfectTed’s trajectory accelerated in February 2023 when the founders entered the Dragons’ Den studio with their vibrant matcha cans. They secured investment from Steven Bartlett, who later injected a further £1 million. To date Steven Bartlett is PerfectTed's only investor. The capital funded large-scale production and a bold digital launch campaign. Bartlett continues to mentor the team and amplify the brand to his 25 million-strong social audience. PerfectTed now operates from Bartlett’s headquarters in Shoreditch, London.
How PerfectTed unlocked hyper-growth
- Health-first positioning – Each can contains premium Japanese matcha rich in L-theanine, appealing to Gen Z consumers cutting back on coffee and sugary sodas.
- Omni-channel playbook – Viral social content plus disciplined retail roll-outs. Limited-edition flavours launch online first, then migrate to national listings.
- Community-led brand – User recipes,content and stories turn customers into advocates, slashing paid-media spend.
About PerfectTed
Founded in London in 2021 and backed by Steven Bartlett, PerfectTed produces plant-powered matcha energy drinks and powders that offer a clean caffeine alternative. The company employs 30 people and is headquartered in Shoreditch at FlightStory's Headquarters.
