Built for Performance, Backed by Athletes: Casey Toohill on Investing in Hytro

When NFL Defensive End Casey Toohill was in London during the off-season, Hytro Founder and CEO Raj Thiruchelvarajah made sure to carve out some time with him. More than just a catch-up, it was an opportunity to go deeper into Casey’s journey with Hytro, from discovering the product mid-season to integrating it into his recovery routine, to eventually becoming an investor and strategic advisor in the business. 

Their conversation offered an inside look at what happens when a high-performance athlete backs a high-performance start-up, not just with capital, but with insight, time, and belief in the mission. 

At Hytro, we’re not interested in surface-level partnerships. We prioritise alignment between product and purpose, science and story, performance and people. 

So, when Casey first used Hytro during the NFL season – on the road, in the cold tub, in the weight room – we weren’t just gaining another high-performing user. We were building a relationship with someone who saw the bigger picture. Someone who wasn’t just willing to post on social media, but to partner. 

From trial to trust 

Casey first came across Hytro through a strength coach at the Washington Commanders. “It was the middle of the season, and I remember thinking, this is the only thing that’s actually working for me right now,” he said. “I didn’t want to share the shorts with anyone else in the locker room. That’s when I knew I needed my own.” 

Even after the NFL season ended, Hytro didn’t leave Casey’s side. He packed the shorts for his honeymoon in Bali, knowing they’d help him stay on top of recovery and training without access to a gym. “We were in the middle of nowhere at times,” he said. “Some of the weights weren’t heavy enough, but with BFR I could still get a full session in. That’s when I really understood the versatility. This wasn’t just for pro sport – it was something I could take anywhere.” 

That spark, performance backed by real impact, anywhere, anytime, is where many of our athlete relationships begin. But it’s how we build from there that makes the difference. 

Beyond influence to insight 

When Casey reached out to request more product, we didn’t ask for a post. We asked for his time. “Most companies say, ‘Here’s a discount code. Post on Instagram.’ But Raj and the team said, ‘Can we hear your feedback? Can you tell us how you’re using the product?’ That was a green flag,” Casey recalled. 

From that conversation came product insights, ideas for new protocols, and eventually, an investor deck walkthrough. There was no pressure, no pitch, just mutual alignment. “It was never: 'How does the deck look, are you ready to invest?’” Casey shared. “It was: ‘Let’s go through this together. Ask us anything.’ That changed how I think about investing.” 

 

An evolving model for athlete investment 

For Raj, Hytro’s Founder and CEO, this is exactly how athlete partnerships should work. “We’re not looking for endorsements. We’re building a company with people who believe in what we’re doing and who want to be part of it. The goal is long-term collaboration, not short-term promotion.” 

That approach has led to a growing group of athlete-investors, coaches, and practitioners, each of whom not only uses the product but helps shape its development. 

From training camps to space missions, athlete feedback fuels the Hytro roadmap. In Casey’s case, it’s helped guide performance education, product innovation and investor strategy in the US. “We talk a lot about mutual value,” said Raj. “If we’re asking for your capital or your time, we want to make sure you grow with us. And if you’re an athlete or coach using the product, we want your feedback to help us shape what comes next.” 

For Raj, the goal isn’t just to raise capital. It’s to build a company alongside people who live and breathe performance, and who want to shape what comes next. “Athletes like Casey bring so much more than investment. They bring lived experience, insight, credibility, and connection,” he said. “We want to work with people who push us to improve. That’s the real value of athlete-investors – they’re not on the sidelines. They’re part of the team.” 

Why it matters 

At a time when many brands still chase celebrity endorsements, Hytro is doubling down on credibility and community. On building the world’s leading BFR brand with people who genuinely believe in it and are willing to back that belief with time, energy, and capital. 

“If an athlete’s promoting something they don’t use, it’s game over for me,” said Casey. “What excites me is being part of something real. Helping it grow. And seeing just how far we can take it, on earth or off it.” 

 

Interested in investing in Hytro? 

Hytro’s unique BFR wearables are trusted by over 250 elite teams worldwide, spanning the Premier League, Premiership Rugby, NFL, NBA, and even extending to NASA and SpaceX missions. Building on our recent investment from leading performance-driven groups Joyned Capital and Skin In The Game, we’re proud to have elite athletes like Casey Toohill and Jurrien Timber also backing our mission. To stay updated on Hytro’s athlete-led journey, follow Raj on LinkedIn or Instagram.