Red Bull GmbH was founded in 1984 by Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz and Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya, launching the world's first mainstream energy drink. The company took inspiration from the Thai tonic Krating Daeng.
Red Bull sells over 12 billion cans annually across more than 175 countries, making it the top-selling energy drink brand globally by volume.
The company is headquartered in Fuschl am See, Austria, and operates as a privately held entity with no stock exchange listing.
About Red Bull
Sector
Consumer Staples
Industry
Energy Drinks / Beverages
CEO
AlexanderEmberg
Website
Headquarters
Fuschl am See, Austria
Founded
1984
Status
Private
Red Bull Founders
Dietrich Mateschitz
Co-Founder & Former CEO (1984–2022)
Chaleo Yoovidhya
Co-Founder & Thai Partner (1984–2012)
Red Bull History
1984
Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya co-founded Red Bull GmbH in Austria, adapting the Thai drink Krating Daeng for Western markets.
1987
Red Bull Energy Drink launched in Austria on April 1, becoming the first commercially sold energy drink in Europe.
1997
Red Bull entered the United States market, beginning its expansion into North America and laying the groundwork for global dominance in the energy drink category.
2005
Red Bull Racing entered Formula 1 after acquiring the Jaguar Racing team, turning motorsport sponsorship into full team ownership.
2022
Founder Dietrich Mateschitz passed away in October; the company reported a record 11.58 billion cans sold that year, its highest annual volume to that point.
FAQs
Who owns Red Bull?
Red Bull GmbH is privately owned. The Yoovidhya family of Thailand holds 51% following Chaleo Yoovidhya's death in 2012. The Mateschitz family retains the remaining 49% after Dietrich Mateschitz passed away in 2022.
When did Red Bull come out?
Red Bull Energy Drink launched in Austria on April 1, 1987. It entered the US market in 1997. The brand was founded in 1984 when Dietrich Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya established Red Bull GmbH.
Is Red Bull an American company?
No. Red Bull is an Austrian company, founded and headquartered in Fuschl am See, Austria. It was co-created by Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz and Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya, adapting a Thai energy formula for global markets.
Who made the Red Bull logo?
The Red Bull logo — two red bulls charging toward a yellow sun — was designed in-house during the brand's founding in the mid-1980s. The design draws from the original Thai Krating Daeng branding created before Mateschitz's involvement.