College grad’s focus mint startup sells out first run after $10K launch day

LSC100, a nicotine-free focus mint founded by 23-year-old Chris Magee, says it made $10,000 on day one and sold through its first production run after launching in September 2026. The Los Angeles-based brand is betting on a growing market for portable alternatives to coffee, energy drinks and nicotine pouches.

Why it matters: - LSC100 is trying to carve out a new niche in the stimulant market with a nicotine-free, pocket-sized focus mint. - The brand targets students, creators, travelers and entrepreneurs who want a cheaper and more portable alternative to coffee, energy drinks and nicotine pouches. - The launch taps into broader interest in so-called “Zyn-ternatives” as younger consumers look for substitutes for nicotine pouches. - Magee says the opportunity is big enough to compete in a stimulant market estimated at more than $10 billion.

What happened: - LSC100, founded by University of Colorado Boulder graduate Chris Magee, launched in September 2026. - The company generated $10,000 in sales on its first day, then sold out its first manufacturing run. - LSC100 is now available nationwide through takeLSC.com and Amazon.

The details: - Each tin includes ten focus mints and sells for about $5. - LSC100 comes in Cold Brew Coffee and Crystal Fresh Mint. - Each mint contains 100mg of caffeine from green coffee beans and 100mg of L-theanine. - The company says each mint delivers roughly the caffeine of an 8 oz cup of coffee. - The 1:1 caffeine-to-L-theanine ratio is designed to provide steady energy while softening caffeine’s edge. - The mint dissolves on the tongue in under five minutes and requires no water or prep. - The slim tin can attach to the back of a variety of smartphone cases for easier carry. - LSC100 is based in Los Angeles. - The company describes itself as a performance candy brand.

Between the lines: - Magee built the product around his own experience with severe ADHD. - During college, Magee says he launched businesses, created content and spoke on stages including TEDx while consuming five energy drinks a day and using nicotine pouches. - The brand’s story leans on a founder-problem narrative that can resonate with consumers in crowded wellness and performance categories. - Magee was introduced to the idea after running into a former boss at Palm Tree Festival in Aspen and receiving samples of a caffeine product. - Instead of sending a quick review, Magee spent three weeks building a business plan and pitched the broader vision on what was supposed to be a feedback call. - LSC100 has already drawn media attention from BroBible and Popdust.

What’s next: - LSC100 is focused on scaling production after selling out its first run. - The company wants to make a convenient focus option easier to reach for people studying, working, training, creating or getting through a long day. - The brand is positioned to expand if demand for portable, nicotine-free stimulation continues to grow.

The bottom line: - LSC100 is betting that consumers will trade in bulky caffeine fixes and nicotine pouches for a cheaper mint-sized alternative with a cleaner feel.