Arina Kuzmina & Daria Medvedev at RawQ: “The Only Energy Bar Designed To Provide Fuel Without Crashes”

Tell us about RawQ

 

RawQ was founded in 2023 by Daria Medvedev and me, with a clear mission: to fuel those with big goals and dreams. Born from the need to support tennis champion Daniil Medvedev’s performance, our energy bars are made with buckwheat, a naturally gluten-free superfood that stabilises blood sugar and contains 70% less sugar than traditional bars.

We’re the only energy bar designed to provide steady fuel without crashes, using clean, high-quality ingredients. Our bars are vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free, with no added sugars or protein. Sold online and shipped to 43 countries, we ensure freshness with three-layer packaging and a 12-month shelf life.

At RawQ, we believe in fuelling ambition—whether you’re an athlete or anyone striving for more.

How did you come up with the idea for the company?

 

The idea for RawQ came from Daria Medvedev’s desire to support her husband, Daniil, in his high-performance career. As a top tennis player, Daniil needed a natural snack that would fuel him without causing energy crashes. When we couldn’t find a product that met his strict requirements, we created one ourselves.

What makes RawQ unique is our focus on quality and performance. Our energy bars provide a steady release of energy with no sugar spikes, using whole-food ingredients like buckwheat to stabilise blood sugar and support lasting energy. Despite the lengthy development process, our commitment to creating a truly functional snack has set us apart.

 

What is your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

 

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: never give up. Building a business is full of challenges, but persistence leads to success.

Secondly, never compromise on your standards. It may take time—our journey took 2.5 years—but staying true to quality pays off.

Finally, stay focused on your vision. At RawQ, our commitment to perfecting our buckwheat-based recipe, despite setbacks, was key to our success. Stick with what you believe in, even when it’s tough.

 

What most excites you about RawQ?

 

What excites me most about RawQ is the impact we’re having on people’s daily lives. Every time I receive a message thanking us for improving their energy, it reminds me why we started this journey.

We’re not just selling energy bars—we’re helping people feel better, perform better, and live better. When energy is steady, people can show up as their best selves, whether it’s pushing through a workout or simply having more energy for loved ones.

Making a real difference, no matter how small, is incredibly rewarding. If better energy helps people achieve more, then we’re contributing to a better world—one bite at a time.

 

How has the company evolved over the last couple of years?

 

Since launching in summer 2023, RawQ has seen incredible growth. After 2.5 years of meticulous development, we’ve hit key milestones:

• Sellout success – Our stock has sold out twice, proving strong demand and customer loyalty.
• Doubling turnover – Our annual revenue has more than doubled.
• Expanded distribution – Now stocked in top gyms, tennis clubs, and health food stores across London and select locations in Miami, New York, and Ibiza.
• Global reach – Shipping to 43 countries.
• Brand recognition – The first energy bar designed for sustained energy without sugar spikes.
• Uncompromising quality – Buckwheat-based, free from added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary protein.

 

What can we hope to see from RawQ in the future?

 

We have ambitious plans for the future, with one clear goal: to become the go-to brand for sustained energy.

Our priorities include expanding into offline retail, growing our online presence, and refining our product range—all while maintaining our uncompromising quality standards. We rejected 87 factories and endured 11 failed trials to get it right.

We’re also focused on strategic partnerships, particularly in the US, ensuring they align with our values. Ultimately, we want to make RawQ accessible worldwide, helping more people live healthier, more energised lives.