Skoka, an Austin, Texas-based nicotine pouch company, has raised $21.5 million in funding from a group of investors that includes professional athletes, business executives and sports team owners.
The investors include Darren Throop, PSG Equity founder Mark Hastings, professional golfer Anthony Kim, former hockey player Sam Gagner, former NFL player Beau Allen, hockey players Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin, and former professional hockey player Scottie Upshall, among others.
According to the company, the participating athletes invested their own capital in their individual capacities, rather than through endorsement or sponsorship agreements.
Founded in 2024 by Dan Aziz, who serves as CEO, Skoka develops nicotine pouches for adult nicotine consumers. The company has created proprietary formulations and flavor systems incorporating plant-based sweeteners and other plant-derived ingredients.
Skoka manufactures its products in the United States at FDA-registered facilities using globally sourced ingredients. It has also filed two patent applications covering its formulations and ingredient-blending processes.
The company has committed $15 million to its regulatory program, which includes three completed pharmacokinetic studies and scientific documentation addressing product stability, toxicology, actual use and label comprehension.
On October 1, 2026, Skoka submitted a bundled Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) to the US Food and Drug Administration covering 55 nicotine pouch products across 11 varieties and five strengths.
The products remain subject to FDA review and marketing authorization. Submitting a PMTA does not constitute regulatory approval.
The funding has supported regulatory preparation, manufacturing scale-up and team expansion. Skoka plans to seek additional funding for commercialization and anticipates beginning US retail distribution in 2027, subject to applicable FDA regulatory requirements.
Before founding Skoka, Aziz established the dietary supplement company Premama, which was acquired by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories in 2023. He subsequently worked in innovation and business development within the pharmaceutical company’s US self-care division.
Skoka also introduced its brand to retailers, distributors and buyers at the NACS Show in Las Vegas in October 2026 as part of its preparations for commercial distribution.
