Distill Ventures, the world’s first independent drinks accelerator dedicated to building and scaling innovative drink brands, has recently unveiled the newest additions to its award-winning Pre-Accelerator program. Beginning this May, the selected start-ups will receive up to $500,000 (£350,000) in investment and nine to twelve months of tailored acceleration and support.
During the Pre-Accelerator program, the brands will receive comprehensive guidance from Distill Ventures on various aspects of brand-building, ranging from crafting compelling narratives to testing and enhancing their products. The brands will also benefit from Distill Ventures’ extensive network, enabling them to learn and grow with the other founders. Upon graduation, the brands will be eligible to seek additional funding from Diageo or other investment sources as well.
The Spring Cohort comprises five thriving and exciting brands, including CASA J, a luxurious and female-owned Mexican tequila blanco that aims to empower artisanal communities while creating a contemporary, feminine perspective on tequila. Lodestar, founded by cousins and entertainment industry veterans Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, offers a pre-launch American whiskey that is approachable and community-focused, inviting more women to enjoy the category.
Pimentae, meanwhile, is a London-based, female-founded, premium tequila cocktail brand that seeks to celebrate the complexity and beauty of tequila. Tanica, founded by Adriane McDermott and Kate Napier, is an Australian woman-owned brand that blends native Australian botanicals with 25% less alcohol to create their flavored spirits. Lastly, Idle Hands, a pre-launch, super-premium, Black-owned flavored tequila, seeks to cater to a new generation of tequila drinkers through innovative new flavors.
Ara Carvallo, Portfolio and I&D Director at Distill Ventures, stated, “We believe the best method for us to offer bespoke, hands-on guidance along with funding at all stages of growth is by moving to a cohort system, ensuring that the founders lead their brands through the journey supportive of each other.” She further added, “We are always looking for ambitious, innovative founders with clear visions for their brands and quality liquid products. We are incredibly excited to be working with these five brands.”
In 2021, since launching its Pre-Accelerator, Distill Ventures has already received over 400 applications, and its first-year investment in entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities reached almost $5 million (£4.1 million). The accelerator is committed to investing the same amount in 2022. Furthermore, the brands that Distill Ventures has supported through its Pre-Accelerator have already won a total of 10 category medals at the Spirits Business Masters and World Rum Awards.
Kamuti Kiteme, Managing Director of Inclusive Investments, Distill Ventures, affirmed, “We look forward to supporting and working with the Spring Cohort brands, helping them to grow and achieve their vision.”
Distill Venture’s forthcoming pre-accelerator program is open for applications until June 30th, and ambitious entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply through their website.
