LOS ANGELES, CA, July 30, 2025 – Yoju, the leading Soju ready-to-drink (RTD) brand, is pleased to announce the closing of a $1.4 million round of funding. The round was led by BevAlc focused funds Top Shelf Ventures and No Sleep Beverage.
Yoju is inspired by a classic Korean soju cocktail that blends fruit juices, soda, and a splash of drinkable yogurt. Long a staple amongst Asian American home mixologists and Korean restaurants, the so-called Yogurt Soju cocktail tastes like a juicy and refreshing creamsicle.
“We crafted Yoju to taste like the Soju cocktails we used to make for our friends”, says Yoju co-founder Steven Tang. “Growth trends for Soju look exactly like tequila 20 years ago, and we want to play a part in pushing it into the cultural mainstream. We couldn't be more excited to add these two amazing partners to our team who share that belief”.
The investment will help Yoju expand distribution and hire key personnel to fuel sales and marketing efforts.
"At Top Shelf, we’re in the business of finding and funding the next generation of iconic alcohol businesses,” said Noah Friedman, Co-founder of Top Shelf Ventures. “We believe Yoju has the potential to be that and more. The product, team, and early metrics are outstanding. We’re proud to add Yoju to the Top Shelf portfolio and be part of their journey."
When asked about why they chose to invest in Yoju, David No, No Sleep Beverage's CFO and Chief Investment Officer said "Yoju is a rare combination of product innovation, cultural relevance, and whitespace opportunity. In an oversaturated RTD market, it offers a fresh format and flavor rooted in Asian inspiration that’s already resonating with an underserved audience and has clear potential to break out and lead a new cultural wave in beverages."
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