Crowdcube Limited is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Exeter, United Kingdom, with an additional office in London. Founded in 2009, the company allows entrepreneurs of start-ups and growing businesses to raise funds from a diverse network of investors, including friends, family, and the general public. Through Crowdcube, individuals can invest in small companies in exchange for equity or an annual return, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities that were once primarily available to corporate investors. Since pioneering equity crowdfunding in 2011, Crowdcube has facilitated over £300 million in investments from more than 390,000 investors, supporting over 520 successful fundraising campaigns. Notable businesses that have utilized the platform include Monzo, River Cottage, and the Eden Project, among others.
Pernod Ricard SA is a leading global producer and seller of wines and spirits, headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1805, the company ranks as the world's second-largest spirits maker by volume. Its extensive portfolio features renowned brands such as Absolut vodka, Beefeater gin, Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, and Havana Club rum. Additionally, Pernod Ricard offers a selection of premium wines, including Jacob's Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Mumm, and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. The company operates primarily in key markets such as Europe, the United States, and Asia, focusing on both high-end and luxury alcoholic beverages to meet diverse consumer preferences.
InvestBev is a private equity firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm focuses on growth-oriented investments primarily in the adult beverage sector, including brands, technology, and raw distillate aging programs. Additionally, InvestBev is exploring strategic investment opportunities in the cannabis industry. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm aims to leverage its expertise to identify and nurture promising ventures within these sectors.
Distill Ventures, established in 2013 and based in London, specializes in providing investment and support for entrepreneurs in the spirits and non-alcoholic beverage sectors. As an independent venture, it aims to empower founder-led brands that are poised to innovate within the drinks industry. Distill Ventures offers acceleration programs and financial backing to assist startups in launching and expanding their businesses. With a team that possesses extensive experience and a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by these entrepreneurial ventures, Distill Ventures is dedicated to fostering the growth of brands that have the potential to become global leaders in the market.
Diageo is a prominent global beverage alcohol company known for its extensive portfolio of premium brands in spirits, beer, and wine. Formed from the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness in 1997, it ranks as one of the leading producers of branded premium spirits. Diageo's diverse array of brands includes well-known names such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, Baileys, and Guinness. The company is also involved in the production and marketing of beer and wine, and it holds a significant stake in Moet Hennessy, a subsidiary of LVMH, as well as a majority interest in India's United Spirits. This strategic positioning allows Diageo to maintain a strong presence in the global beverage market.
Whiterock Finance is an investment lending firm located in Belfast, United Kingdom, specializing in providing loans, growth capital, and unsecured debt solutions to small and medium enterprises in Northern Ireland. Established in 2012, the firm primarily focuses on supporting companies in the manufacturing, engineering, and tradable services sectors with export potential. Whiterock Finance aims to foster business growth by offering tailored financial solutions to its clients. The firm is part of a consortium that includes NEL Fund Managers and Clarendon Fund Managers, enhancing its capacity to serve the regional economy.
Stock Spirits Group is a producer and distributor of branded spirits primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. Founded in 1884 and headquartered in Wooburn Green, United Kingdom, the company offers a diverse portfolio of alcoholic beverages, including vodka, flavored liqueurs, rum, brandy, wines, whisky, gin, herbal bitters, and limoncello. Stock Spirits Group is committed to providing naturally made drinks, avoiding the use of colorants and artificial flavors. In addition to its regional focus, the company exports its products to approximately 50 countries worldwide, enhancing drinking occasions for consumers and retailers alike.
Gruppo Campari is a distributor and retailer of beverages like wines, spirits, and soft drinks. The company offers a portfolio of its products that includes its signature product, Campari Bitter and over 50 brands, including Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Dreher, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka, and Wild Turkey. Campari Group was founded in 1860 by Gaspare Campari.
Constellation Brands, Inc. is a prominent producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, headquartered in Victor, New York. Founded in 1945, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of over 80 premium brands, including well-known beer labels such as Corona and Modelo, as well as popular wines like Robert Mondavi and Kim Crawford. Constellation generates a significant portion of its revenue from Mexican beer imports, particularly in the United States, where it holds exclusive rights to several top-selling brands. The company also offers a range of spirits, including SVEDKA Vodka and High West Whiskey. With operations spanning across the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy, Constellation Brands serves various distribution channels, including wholesale distributors, retailers, and on-premise locations. The company has approximately 10,000 employees and operates around 40 facilities, making it a key player in the global alcoholic beverage market.
Officially, they're known as Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits. But ask any of our customers, suppliers or team members, and they'll tell you we're not just a company—they're a group of people who enjoy each other's company. Especially when they're working toward the common goal of helping you grow your business. They seek to provide more than supply chain solutions or an unparalleled selection of world-class wines and spirits. They strive to provide superior service for customers and suppliers like you at every step. Because each of us understands that the best way to do business is with people you trust. And beyond that, with people you like.
Inflection Point Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Gurgaon, India, is a prominent angel network dedicated to investing in early-to-mid stage startups across various sectors, including healthcare, software, clean technology, and fintech, among others. With a community of over 3,300 CXOs, professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices, IPV not only provides capital but also leverages its extensive network to assist entrepreneurs in accessing new markets, customers, and mentorship. The firm aims to democratize angel investing by offering a low membership fee, minimal investment ticket size, and a transparent investment process, all underpinned by thorough due diligence conducted by industry experts. IPV is committed to supporting dedicated and capable founders, fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
Development Bank of Wales is an independent venture capital firm established in 2001, headquartered in Cardiff, with additional offices across Europe. The organization focuses on providing commercial funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales, investing both private and public funds, including EU resources. It specializes in various forms of financing, such as bridge financing, succession funding, project finance, and micro loans, catering to a diverse range of sectors including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and services. The firm aims to support startups and established businesses alike, offering investments from £0.001 million to £2 million, with potential follow-on funding up to £5 million. Development Bank of Wales targets companies with a turnover of up to €50 million and a workforce of no more than 250 employees, fostering growth and innovation within the Welsh economy.
Enhanced Capital Partners, established in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm focused on providing tailored investment solutions to small and mid-size companies. The firm specializes in various sectors, including small businesses, renewable energy projects, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing, leveraging federal and state incentive programs. Enhanced Capital employs a versatile approach to investment, offering equity and debt financing options such as tax credit lending and impact lending, aimed at maximizing growth potential for businesses in the lower middle market. With over $400 million under management, the firm is committed to supporting the expansion and development of enterprises positioned for rapid growth.
Uncle Nearest is a producer and retailer of handcrafted whiskey, specializing in single-barrel products made in small batches. The company employs traditional distilling methods to create high-quality aged whiskey, which is bottled and hand-labeled for consumers. By focusing on micro-distillation, Uncle Nearest aims to deliver exceptional beverages, catering to the preferences of whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike.
E&J Gallo Winery, headquartered in Modesto, California, is a leading producer and distributor of a diverse range of wines and spirits. The company's product offerings include table and sparkling wines, malt beverages, dessert wines, distilled spirits, and imported wines. By focusing on affordability and quality, E&J Gallo Winery aims to provide consumers with natural and organic wine options. With an extensive distribution network, the company serves a wide array of markets, reinforcing its position as a significant player in the wine industry.
Breakthru Beverage Group is transforming the identity and execution standards of beverage distribution, earning distinction by embracing innovation and aggressively driving top-line growth. Quality and integrity are company hallmarks while its financial stability is unrivaled.
Multi-Color Corporation is a manufacturer of label solutions with operations in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company produces a diverse range of labels, including pressure-sensitive, in-mold, heat transfer, shrink sleeve, and cut and stack labels. Additionally, it offers promotional products such as scratch-off coupons and static-clings. Multi-Color provides graphic and pre-press services, using various printing methods including flexographic, lithographic, rotogravure, and digital printing. Its clientele includes producers in the home and personal care, food and beverage, wine and spirits, healthcare, and specialty industries. Founded in 1916 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Multi-Color operates as a subsidiary of WS Packaging Group, Inc.
MGP Ingredients is a supplier of premium distilled spirits and producer of specialty wheat proteins and starches. MGP Ingredients partner with small startups and global brands alike to innovate in the food science industry and create some of the finest whiskeys, ryes, bourbons, gins and vodkas in the world.
United Spirits Ltd manufactures and sells spirits, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. The company is engaged in the business of manufacture, purchase, and sale of beverage alcohol and other allied spirits, including through tie-up manufacturing units and strategic franchising of some of its brands. Its brand portfolio consists of McDowell's No.1, Royal Challenge, Black Dog, Signature, Antiquity, Director's Special Black, McDowell's Rum, McDowell's Brandy, Bagpiper, Old Tavern, and Haywards among others. Geographically, the firm generates a majority of its revenue from India.
Drizly is an online marketplace specializing in the delivery of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Drizly operates in 235 markets, providing consumers of legal drinking age with a convenient and personalized shopping experience. The platform offers a diverse selection of products, allowing customers to order not only alcoholic drinks but also accompanying items like mixers and garnishes, all from the comfort of their homes. By partnering with local retailers, Drizly helps these businesses expand their reach and gain valuable market insights, ultimately aiding them in increasing sales and diversifying their offerings.
HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm with a global focus on technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. Established in 2005, HSG operates offices in key international cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, managing over $55 billion in assets for leading institutional investors. The firm has supported over 1,500 companies, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through investments in transformative technologies and high-growth business models. HSG has a track record of success, with more than 160 portfolio companies having gone public and over 140 achieving unicorn status. It has developed a comprehensive investment platform that encompasses seed, venture, growth, buyout, and infrastructure investing, as well as public equities. HSG is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and companies to create enduring enterprises while delivering strong returns to its limited partners. Through its extensive resources and industry expertise, HSG provides significant advantages to the companies it partners with.
Vice Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York that focuses on investing in early-stage startups within non-traditional sectors often considered stigmatized. The firm targets industries such as alcohol, cannabis, harm-reducing nicotine, psychedelics, sex technology, wellness, and skill-based betting, among others. By engaging with these "bad" industries, Vice Ventures aims to challenge societal perceptions while pursuing superior financial returns. The firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative companies that operate in these unique markets.
Solera Beverage Group is one of the largest beverage companies in the Nordics, focusing on the import and distribution of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including wine, spirits, beer, cider, mineral water, and soft drinks. The company primarily serves the state retail alcohol monopolies in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, while also providing products to the HORECA sector and travel retail in the Nordic and Baltic regions, as well as grocery and convenience chains in Norway. Headquartered in Oslo, Solera employs approximately 140 people and has a long history dating back to 1924 with the establishment of Einar A. Engelstad in Norway. Over the years, Solera has successfully represented numerous major international brand owners, contributing to its significant turnover, which was around €160.1 million in 2013.
Thirstie, Inc. is a technology company based in New York that specializes in e-commerce solutions for the beverage alcohol industry. Established in 2015, Thirstie's platform integrates directly with liquor brands' websites, allowing for seamless online ordering without redirecting customers to third-party sites. By partnering with numerous licensed retailers, Thirstie facilitates rapid delivery of alcoholic products to consumers in 20 markets within an hour and offers shipping across most locations in the United States within three days. The company's enterprise solution empowers liquor brands to provide direct-to-consumer experiences while ensuring compliance with the three-tier system, enhancing visibility into consumer insights and analytics. Thirstie has gained recognition from major media outlets as a leading alcohol delivery platform in the United States and Canada.
AngelList is a U.S.-based platform founded in 2010 that connects startups, angel investors, and job-seekers. It serves as a comprehensive resource for startups to fundraise, recruit talent, and launch products, with a portfolio that includes over 20 unicorns. The platform encompasses AngelList Venture, which focuses on venture fundraising, and AngelList Talent, which aids job-seekers in finding opportunities within startups. Additionally, AngelList has facilitated the launch of more than 100,000 products, contributing to the future of technology. The firm provides essential tools for legal formation, capital management, and fund administration, streamlining the fundraising process for both startups and investors.
THG Holdings plc is an online retailer and technology company based in Manchester, United Kingdom, specializing in fast-moving consumer goods, particularly in the health and beauty sectors. The company provides a comprehensive direct-to-consumer e-commerce solution for brand owners through Software as a Service licenses. THG is engaged in the manufacture and retail of nutrition, wellbeing, skincare, haircare, and cosmetics products, operating over 100 high-profit websites that cater to the global market. Additionally, THG offers a range of services including website development, online advertising, marketing, and procurement. The company also has ventures in luxury fashion, hairdressing salons, hotels, and health clubs. Founded in 2004, THG was formerly known as The Hut Group Limited before rebranding in 2020.
Ballistic Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in San Mateo, California. Specializing in the cybersecurity sector, the firm leverages the extensive experience and connections of its team to support entrepreneurs in this field. Ballistic Ventures is dedicated to fostering innovation in cybersecurity by providing not only capital but also a robust network and shared expertise to help develop and scale emerging companies.
ah! Ventures is India’s only curated, sector agnostic and the largest fundraising platform for early stage startups raising funds up to 10 MN USD. Very strong network of 3000+ Investors including 2000+ angel investors and 1000+ institutional investors & fund/family houses, Robust deal pipeline of more than 600 business plans/month and Well-established brand as one of India’s premier aggregators with a cornucopia of offerings to catalyze startup growth.
Kane Logistics, Inc. is a provider of integrated logistics and supply chain services in the United States, headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Established in 1930, the company specializes in a range of solutions including warehousing, distribution and fulfillment, transportation management, contract packaging, and cross-docking. Kane Logistics serves various industries, notably food and beverage, wine and spirits, consumer goods, and retail, helping manufacturers streamline their logistics operations and enhance product distribution. The company's comprehensive approach to logistics ensures that clients can effectively meet their supply chain demands.
Wells Fargo is a prominent American multinational banking and financial services holding company that operates globally. It provides a wide range of services including home mortgage servicing, deposits, and debit card services. The company also offers specialized financial solutions through its subsidiaries, such as Wells Fargo Global Fund Services, which delivers comprehensive fund administration and middle-office operations for hedge funds and private equity funds. Additionally, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital focuses on structured financing for small and mid-cap companies, offering project financing, mezzanine financing, and equity financing. The firm also has a Startup Accelerator program that supports startups developing solutions for financial institutions. Its Corporate & Investment Banking division provides corporate banking, capital markets, and investment banking services, catering to diverse client needs across various sectors.
Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. The company believes that it’s important to support entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in any way we can. Scottish EDGE also recognizes that supporting businesses isn’t a one-off thing. From providing prize funding of up to £150,000 to a quick catch-up, we’re here for the long haul. Are you in? Let’s get down to business.
&vest is a consumer brand investment and creative operations platform founded by Doug Jacob and Michael Lastoria, two entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled and exited numerous businesses We leverage our financial, branding, operational, partnership capabilities in high growth verticals to create high-upside, de-risked investment opportunities We cross pollinate brands we own and are invested in and look to create high- impact extension opportunities that are accretive to all parties We invest in the following sectors that we have critical strategic advantages and deep industry connections: FAST CASUAL | RETAIL | CPG | FASHION | SPIRITS | BEAUTY We leverage our experience in creating special, purpose-driven companies along with our operational know-how to create “one of one” brands We are VC meets creative agency
Collaborative Fund is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 2010 by Craig Shapiro. The firm focuses on funding companies that prioritize creativity and collaborative consumption, aligning its investments with emerging trends in the creative class and sustainable business practices. Collaborative Fund targets various sectors, including climate, consumer products, industrial solutions, precision health, children's products, food, health, and financial services. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm aims to support innovative businesses that contribute to positive societal and environmental change.
Heineken is an international premium beer and cider manufacturer established in 1864 by the Heineken family. It is recognized as the world's second-largest brewer, following Anheuser-Busch InBev, and holds a leading position in various European markets, including the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Italy. Heineken distributes a diverse portfolio that consists of its flagship Heineken lager, the world’s leading international premium lager by volume, as well as brand extensions like Heineken 0.0 and Heineken Silver. The company also boasts a significant presence in the cider market, making it the largest cider producer globally. Additionally, Heineken markets around 40 national and regional brands across approximately 60 countries, emphasizing a commitment to quality through the use of natural ingredients such as malt, barley, hops, and a proprietary yeast strain. Recent acquisitions in emerging markets across Africa, India, Asia, and Latin America are expected to further drive the company's growth.
25Madison, LLC is a venture platform founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Miami, Atlanta, and Tel Aviv. The firm specializes in incubation and early-stage investments, focusing on building companies from the ground up. Its operations are divided into four key segments: the General Studio, which develops companies across various sectors; 25M Health, dedicated to health technology startups in collaboration with LifePoint Health; the Ventures Fund, which invests in pre-seed to Series A startups with an emphasis on B2B SaaS, fintech, and healthtech; and 25M Create, a brand and experience agency that offers services like brand strategy, visual identity, experience design, and digital marketing. Through these initiatives, 25Madison aims to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey.
At Blue Equity, LLC, their focus is on helping businesses achieve their true potential. They are an independent, private equity firm that invests in enterprises with solid developmental prospects. They form strategic partnerships with existing management teams to help them stabilize, strengthen and expand their offerings through the investment of both growth capital and their unmatched business expertise. Their proven, disciplined approach fosters the success of new ventures, while improving profits and the outlook for the future.
Blue Sage Capital, L.P. is a private equity firm founded in 2003 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The firm specializes in investing in smaller middle-market companies across various industries, including industrial, distribution, business services, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, consumer, and media. Blue Sage typically targets established, profitable businesses with revenues ranging from $20 million to $125 million and cash flows between $3 million and $12 million. The firm generally invests between $20 million and $40 million per transaction, often co-investing with other investors for larger deals. Blue Sage Capital seeks opportunities to take minority, majority, or control positions in its portfolio companies and aims for board representation. The firm usually holds its investments for five to eight years, focusing on growth, recapitalization, and buyout financings.
Cambridge Savings Bank is a full-service financial institution with $2.2 billion in assets. As one of the oldest and largest community banks in Massachusetts, the Bank offers a full line of individual and business banking services and has 16 banking centers located in Cambridge, Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Concord, Lexington, Newton and Watertown.
Endeavor Miami, established in 2013 as the first U.S. affiliate of the global organization Endeavor, is an accelerator firm located in Miami, Florida. Supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the organization aims to foster entrepreneurship by identifying and supporting high-impact entrepreneurs. As of 2023, Endeavor Miami backs 35 companies led by 60 high-impact entrepreneurs, collectively generating over $900 million in revenues and employing more than 6,000 individuals. The firm focuses on early-stage companies with significant growth potential, providing them with the resources and network needed to scale their businesses effectively.
Notion Capital is a London-based venture capital firm established in 2009 that specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, particularly within the Cloud Computing and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) sectors. The firm aims to support high-potential businesses across various industries, including ad tech, enterprise technology, fintech, cybersecurity, and health tech. By investing early, Notion Capital seeks to foster strong relationships with its portfolio companies, helping them achieve significant growth and scale. The firm focuses on European markets, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing the development of innovative tech solutions.
Semapa Next is a venture capital firm that invests in teams of exceptional founders from Series A to late-stage funding. We support today the leaders of tomorrow. From Lisbon to Europe. We want to be a long-term partner of exceptional teams that are positively changing the world we live in. Besides investing with patient capital, we bring a mix of entrepreneurial, operational, and financial experience to our investments. Our team and network of advisors has direct experience in Sales & Marketing, Talent Management, Finance, and M&A with businesses across all stages of development. We provide access to Semapa’s Group and its international network of partners to leverage opportunities of business development, technology piloting and world-class expertise in managing and growing global businesses.
Shapers is a venture capital firm established in 2023 and located in Lisbon, Portugal. The company focuses on investing in the fintech sector, targeting innovative founders and startups across Europe. Backed by experienced operators in the global fintech landscape, Shapers aims to support the growth of emerging fintech businesses, contributing to the development and evolution of the financial technology ecosystem in the region.
Beringea is an international venture capital and private equity firm dedicated to finding, funding and nurturing exceptional companies in growth industries. Founded in 1988, the firm currently has more than 60 portfolio companies in a range of emerging sectors, including media, health care and life sciences, Internet technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean tech and specialized consumer goods. With capital, experience and offices in the U.S. and U.K., Beringea is in a unique position to offer entrepreneurs and their management teams the resources to develop strategy, evaluate growth opportunities, solve problems and build value. Beringea is the co-manager of the Michigan Growth Capital Partners Funds in the U.S., as well as the ProVen VCT family of funds in the UK, among others.
FreshTracks Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Shelburne, Vermont. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including consumer products, energy, business software, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. The firm primarily targets investments in the United States, particularly in Vermont and surrounding regions in Northern New York State, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. FreshTracks Capital typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million in companies with sales between $1 million and $5 million, often partnering with Village Ventures for equity investments. The firm aims to exit its investments through sales to acquirers, recapitalizations, or public offerings, and seeks board representation in its portfolio companies.
TricorBraun Holdings Inc. is a leading distributor of rigid packaging solutions, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The company offers a diverse range of packaging products, including plastic and glass containers, closures, dispensers, tubes, and flexible packaging, serving various customer end markets across North America. In addition to its distribution capabilities, TricorBraun operates a fully integrated design studio that specializes in package design, development, and custom mold building. The company has received numerous industry accolades, including WorldStar, AmeriStar, and American Packaging Design Awards, highlighting its commitment to innovation and quality in packaging solutions.