Alex Cooper’s Unwell shuts down beverage brand after $500 million media valuation

Unwell’s beverage brand has ceased operations, with the shutdown announced one day after Alex Cooper’s media business received investment at a $500 million valuation.

The timing is being viewed as a possible sign of new funding and a strategic shift toward Unwell’s media operations. The analysis points to podcasts, television, potential film projects and additional shows as areas that may fit the company’s strengths.

One challenge identified for the beverage business was the limited advertising inventory on Call Her Daddy: promoting an in-house product can displace sponsorships that might generate higher CPMs. The Unwell name was also described as a potentially unfavorable association for a drink, while the reasons for the closure—team, strategy, branding or customer-acquisition economics—remain unclear.