Distill Ventures

What is Distill Ventures?

Distill Ventures is a corporate venture capital initiative based in London, England, United Kingdom, focused on investing in and supporting startup drinks brands.

A collaboration between Diageo, a premium spirits company, and London-based Independents United, it was founded in 2013 with the aim to invest in innovative non-alcoholic and spirits brands. They offer accelerator programs and cash investments designed to assist startups in launching and growing their businesses. Alongside funding, they provide unrivalled know-how and a global network, positioning themselves not just as investors but also as partners to visionary founders looking to either start or scale iconic drinks brands.

With over $300 million invested across 35 founder-led brands, their approach is tailored to each business's unique challenges, steering new ventures through seed investment, rapid global scaling, brand launches, and DEI consultation. They especially seek to partner with founders determined to cater to the consumers of today and tomorrow with spirited or non-alcoholic brands. Their team claims diverse expertise, united by a commitment to the drinks industry, and strives to make each brand the best it can be.

Distill Ventures views partnership as their number one superpower, signaling a deep commitment to collaborative growth. They have a comprehensive offering that promises to help drinks brands go further, faster by solving challenges together.

Despite their finance-focused mission, they extend their support beyond simple capital investment, recognizing the nuanced needs of entrepreneurial endeavors in the drinks segment.