ChugaChaga's fungus iced tea exceeds Kickstarter goal
ChugaChaga, a startup from Albany, NY, successfully completed a Kickstarter campaign in a bid to raise awareness about their project of making iced tea from a fungus. The company raised well over the goal of $15,000 in a campaign that was aimed at gauging the public's interest for a tea made with chaga, a fungus that grows on birch trees and has multiple health benefits, including antioxidants and prebiotics. The total cost of launching the brand will be close to $500,000, with funding coming from various sources, including venture capital. ChugaChaga plans to offer three versions of the drink: classic, peach and sugar-free. The drinks are expected to hit store shelves in March for $5 per bottle.