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.
Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
.jpg)
With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.
The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.
The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.
Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.
.jpg)
Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.
The lowdown on Manchester-based Arctic Shores and its innovative recruitment solution to help candidate potential count as much as skills and experience.
With the demand for tattoo removal now greater than ever, specialist NAAMA Studios makes a bid for a further £11m in funding.
Published on: 19th August 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.
- OpenSponsorship making its move into the music sector 16th Mar 2023 Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.
