Daily Briefing (Insiders Only): Big Weed Bets on Bevs
If beverage entrepreneurs somehow thought the THC drink business would be more “chill” than the non-infused side, they might soon learn a hard lesson.
Investment
Dive into the latest stories, interviews, and discussions relating to investment, funding, and mergers and acquisitions throughout the beverage industry. Explore what the financial future looks like for beverage entrepreneurs in terms of capital availability, deal terms, lending, and the strategic marketplace in order to help shape your planning strategy for the short and medium term.
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Featured Investment Content
Uncle Arnie’s Raises $7.5M, Targets ‘Category Leadership’ in THC Drinks
Cannabis beverage brand Uncle Arnie’s is planning to nearly double its team from 40 to 75 employees after closing a $7.5 million investment round co-led by Mindset Capital and Delta Emerald Ventures.
The Pathfinder Lands $3.6M to Fuel National Expansion
A spirits group known for its vodka is pouring more money into its adult non-alc (ANA) business. The Pathfinder, a fermented and distilled non-alcoholic amaro, closed a $3.6 million raise this month led by the Stoli Group, aimed at fueling expanded distribution.
Additional Content
Pinhook Bourbon Pulls in Fresh Funding, Names New CEO
Pinhook Bourbon has pulled in $10.5 million from undisclosed private equity and family office investors to support the expansion of its sales and marketing teams and strengthen consumer engagement through experiential marketing.
Feelin’ Free: Botanic Tonics Adds Capital, Invests In Supply Chain
Botanic Tonics, makers of Feel Free herbal supplement shot, has secured a $25 million internal investment to support its testing efforts and to secure its kava supply chain.
Riding The RTD Wave: Hiyo Secures Nearly $20M In Funding
Los Angeles-based adult non-alc brand Hiyo has announced a new $19 million investment which included Series A funds, prior convertibles and a “recapitalization."
ZICO Rising Closes Series B Round
Coconut water maker Zico Rising confirmed the closing of a Series B round that raised $9.1 million of an anticipated $9.5 million. The brand would not comment on the details of the investment round.
Via Carota Lands Investment To Scale Brand
Via Carota Craft Cocktails is on its way to closing a $17.5 million investment round with the goal of becoming a "category-defining" premium RTD mixed drink.
Spindrift Agrees Sale to PE Firm Gryphon Investors; Dave Burwick Named CEO
Spindrift Beverage Company has reached an agreement for San Francisco-based private investment group Gryphon Investors to acquire a majority stake in the sparkling water brand, and is tapping experienced CPG executive Dave Burwick as its new CEO.
Emma Watson’s Renais Gin Conjures $6M Investment
Renais Gin, the spirits brand co-founded by Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, has charmed investors into a $6.18 million raise, the company announced today.
Funding Lookback 2024: Defining Success at Year End
Over the past year-plus, we’ve written repeatedly about the slowdown in venture funding and strategic transactions, and panelists on our stages continue to point out that they’d rather see brands with high margins and profitability.
Patco Brands, Producer of Rancho La Gloria, Invests in California Bottler
Patco Brands, the manufacturer of one of the leading wine-based ready-to-drink products and other private label brands, has made a strategic investment in Farfield, California-based Frank-Lin Distillers Products, the companies announced today.
Plant-Based Milk Startup Nutcase Goes All-In on Pro Poker Connections
Flavored cashew milk brand Nutcase is utilizing its ties to professional poker and celebrity streamers to build brand momentum as it opens a $2.5 million seed funding round.
No Deal (Yet): Kroger-Albertsons Merger Denied
The proposed $24.6 billion Kroger/Albertsons mega-merger was temporarily blocked today by a federal judge, who ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suing to block the deal.
BevNET Live Day One: Emotional Innovation and TikTok Shop 101
BevNET Live Day One brought discussions on the true meaning of category disrupting innovations, a temperature check on the investment and M&A market, a lesson for emerging brands on how to utilize TikTok Shop and more.
Shaka Tea Shuts Down Two Years After Acquisition
Hawaiian beverage brand Shaka Tea is shutting down, according to a message the company posted to its website and sent out to email list subscribers this afternoon.
A Drink With…Asheville Tea Co. Founder Jessie Dean
After Hurricane Helene pulled its production facility off its foundation, Asheville Tea Co. has used "unbridled optimism" as it rebuilds amid a challenging climate for raising new capital.