Intake Breathing Gets $62M for Magnetic Nasal Strips

Camino Partners, the investment firm founded by Kind Snacks creator Daniel Lubetzky, is backing the nasal breathing brand as it looks to expand into mainstream retail

Intake Breathing has received a $62 million investment from Camino Partners, the investment firm founded by Kind Snacks creator Daniel Lubetzky, as the nasal breathing brand looks to capitalize on growing consumer interest in sleep, recovery and performance optimization.

The investment marks Intake’s first significant outside capital infusion, taking the family-run business into its next phase of growth with a partner experienced in building consumer brands.

Founded by inventor and medical device engineer Jim Castillo and led by his son-in-law, co-founder and CEO Alex Hauck, Intake makes a magnetic nasal dilator designed to open the nasal passages and improve airflow.

Unlike traditional adhesive nasal strips, Intake’s system uses a reusable magnetic band and adhesive tabs to mechanically open the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway.

“Intake started as a solution to a problem in my father-in-law’s own garage, and it’s become something bigger than we ever imagined,” Hauck said. “We’re not just gaining capital, we’re gaining a partner who knows exactly what it takes to help get us there.”

The company has built its business primarily through direct-to-consumer sales, but says it plans to use the new funding to expand into physical retail and specialty channels, while making key hires to support its growth.

A Bigger Bet on Breathing

The investment comes as breathing optimization gains traction in the fitness and wellness industry. Intake has attracted a following among professional athletes, including Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski and Belgian soccer player Amadou Onana.

Camino sees an opportunity to turn nasal breathing products from a niche offering into an everyday wellness essential, similar to how Kind helped popularize healthier snack options.

“When we introduced Kind to the market, consumers were just starting to make the connection between whole foods and their health,” Lubetzky said. “We see a similar opportunity for Intake Breathing to be at the forefront of a massive consumer shift to breathing through your nose.”

Camino president Elle Lanning said the firm believes Intake can help reposition nasal strips from a traditional drugstore product into a regular part of consumers’ health and wellness routines.

The investment also adds another wellness-focused company to Camino’s portfolio, which includes boutique fitness brand Barry’s, nonalcoholic beer maker Athletic Brewing and other health-oriented businesses.