Distill Ventures Accelerator
by Startacus Admin
Earlier in the week we featured the Oxygen Accelerator (closing date fast approaching!) and now we have a little something for all those 
budding premium spirit brands out there. The Distill Ventures Accelerator is the world’s first such programme specifically designed to assist new and growing premium spirit brands. It sounds like a great opportunity and here's a few of the basics.
Born from a partnership between spirits manufacturer Diageo (the company behind some of the world’s best known drink brands including Guinness, Smirnoff and Baileys) and innovations specialist Independents United, the programme couldn't be better placed to give a leg-up to spirit brand start-ups!
As part of the first seed programme 5 successful new spirit brands will have the opportunity to undertake a 6 month placement within the Distill Ventures offices, giving them access to a vast team of mentors and advisers to help refine their brand and bring it to market. It is a truly comprehensive programme which aims to address all aspects of bringing a spirit brand to life and covers everything you would require - from legal and financial planning to branding and sales. As if such expertise and experience wasn't incentive enough, the seed programme will also provide a minority equity investment of between £150,000 and £200,000 to help get them up and running.
But it doesn't stop there. Afterwards, the seed programme participants will have the opportunity to enrol in the accelerator's new growth programme which will build further on the progress made and focus on rapid scaling of the brand!
So what's the catch? Well technically there isn't one, but as with any such programme there is a lot of small print which needs to be considered including a potential exit strategy agreement. This might put some startups off but for others the programme will remain an outstanding opportunity that could really boost and develop their brand.
All in all it’s very refreshing to see his kind of accelerator being brought to the drinks market, and we are looking forward to lots more delicious spirits emerging in the near future as a result!
Interested in applying? The closing date for applications is 14th October so don't forget to get yours in! The lucky applicants will be selected in November with the seed programme scheduled to begin in January 2014.
If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
London-based StateZero Labs, the world’s first dedicated Blockchain Lab for startups, will be opening its doors to six selected startups as part of its first cohort in January 2019.
Twigdoo offers a lead management service for businesses - a service which engages and converts leads whilst providing a high quality sales experience
Artomatix - The Dublin based startup that's using AI to help 3D artists create...
The startup that helps media companies to leverage user context data without exposing personal data...
IGO Adventures organise a series of multi-disciplined, physical challenges in some of the world’s most spectacular & remote wildernesses. Now they are looking to raise investment.
The no-bullshit-business coach and founder of consultancy firm RenOC, Karen Kwong, shares her top tips for getting your business back on track in 2019.
SpareFare - The online platform and marketplace which enables people to sell their non refundable flights, holidays or hotels.
Bidooh, the world’s first facial analysis, digital billboard software platform on the blockchain, agrees contract to roll out 10k real-time digital advertising screens in South Korea
Currently in private beta, Claimer wants to be app for R&D tax credits helping businesses to easily get money back from their R&D spend.
Launchpad, the innovative, post-graduate incubation and acceleration programme developed by Falmouth University in Cornwall, are on the hunt for their next cohort...
Published on: 19th August 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Blockchain lab for startups StateZero Labs to offer £50k equity-free 15th Nov 2018 London-based StateZero Labs, the world’s first dedicated Blockchain Lab for startups, will be opening its doors to six selected startups as part of its first cohort in January 2019.
- UK scaling startups sort for Upscale Tech Nation programme 5th Nov 2018 UK-wide scaling startups take note! This free programme, care of Tech Nation is aimed at further accelerating the growth of your business.
- Chancellor’s ‘little extras’ will not undo 8 years of cuts to public services, says TUC 29th Oct 2018 Commenting on the 2018 Budget Statement, which set out the government’s spending plans up to 2024, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady had this to say...
- NI Propel Pre-Accelerator countdown begins 26th Oct 2018 If you are an early-stage startup or entrepreneur based in Northern Ireland, you better be quick if you want to apply for the next IGNITE lead Propel Pre-Accelerator programme.
