red bull is an energy drink. it is based on the thai soda krating daeng, which translates as "red bull". red bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, based on its share of sales. the company was founded by thai national chaleo yoovidhya and austrian national dietrich mateschitz. chaleo yoovidhya and his son own 51 percent interest in the company. mateschitz is responsible for the company's operations through the austrian company red bull gmbh.