Pioneering Longevity for a Healthier Future

Pascal Rode, Co-Founder and COO of Avea began his journey with Avea in a rather unconventional way. “I’m not a scientist or a doctor – I’m a tech entrepreneur,” he says. As he approached middle age, Pascal found himself deeply interested in optimizing his health and extending his youthfulness, dabbling in biohacking and studying the latest advancements in longevity science. What struck him was the gap between ground-breaking research and public awareness. “There’s so much incredible science out there, but it’s often inaccessible or not understood by the broader mass. That’s where Avea comes in: we wanted to create a brand for the masses, not just for biohackers or an elite.”

From Idea to Scaling Success

Avea was born out of Maximon, a company builder focused on longevity ventures. With its backing, Pascal and his co-founders started from scratch, developing a product that would be simple, accessible, and lifestyle oriented. “Eighty percent of longevity is about lifestyle – nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, social connections, and sleep – while the other 20 percent can be enhanced with supplements like collagen or NMN,” Pascal explains. “We take action within these 20 percent.”

Their first product launch in March 2022 marked a major milestone. Operating globally but initially targeting the UK market, Avea structured its supply chain, starting in Switzerland, accordingly. “The research is based in our HQ in Switzerland; we own the formulations, and production is outsourced to Swiss manufacturers,” he notes. Remarkably, the company achieved break-even within only two years, an achievement Pascal describes as a testament to Avea’s unique positioning as a lifestyle brand.

Three Ways of Expanding the Product Portfolio

Developing the product portfolio has been a mix of science, marketing, and collaboration. “We take weekly insights from research and translate them into products for everyday use,” Pascal says. Marketing plays a pivotal role, identifying what consumers understand and actively search for. Partnerships have also been key. Avea collaborates with longevity retreats and clinics to co-develop offerings that fit their clients and patient’s needs.

“I learn something new about longevity every day through this work. It’s a privilege to have access to the latest knowledge and incorporate it into my life.” This first-hand knowledge also compensates for the intensity of his role and the journey with Avea that doesn’t always allow a balanced life.

Secret Sauce: Seizing Opportunities and Using Momentum

One of Avea’s strengths has been its ability to adapt quickly. An unexpected opportunity arose when German television host Nina Ruge, a longevity advocate, invited Avea to participate in a home-shopping feature tied to her book release. “We had just ten days to prepare, which was intense for the team,” Pascal recalls. Yet, the agility and enthusiasm of a start-up allowed them to deliver, turning a challenging situation into a success story.

Also, timing has been crucial to Avea’s rapid growth. As awareness of health and longevity grows, Avea’s decision to embrace the term "longevity" has proven strategic. They would want to use it even in language regions and population classes where the term is less familiar. Why? “The media has started using this terminology more frequently, which works in our favour,” Pascal explains. Although the company’s customer base averages 45 years and older, this terminology is not considered a hurdle. Health consciousness is increasing across all age groups and - with the help of media - longevity will become widely known.

Leading a Fundamental Change in Aging

In the upcoming months, the company focuses on strengthening its market position and implementing an omnichannel strategy to expand beyond e-commerce into retail. Also: “Supplements as a field is very easy to copy, so we’re building defensibility into our brand,” Pascal adds. By 2025, Avea aims to secure Series A funding to accelerate its growth further.

For Pascal and his team, Avea is more than just a business – it’s a mission to make longevity accessible to all. Through innovation, adaptability, and a clear focus on customer needs, Avea has become a testament to the growing importance of living longer, healthier lives. As Pascal puts it, “Longevity isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach aging. At Avea, we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change.”