Distill Ventures

Through funding, unrivalled know-how and a global network of industry expertise, we partner with next-gen founders seeking to start or scale the drinks brands of the future. To date, Distill Ventures has invested +$300M in 35 founder-led brands. Our current public portfolio includes:*New World Whisky* 🥃 Stauning Whisky, one of Europe’s standout new whiskies from Denmark. 🥃 Starward Whisky, a distinctive Australian whisky, exclusively matured in Australian wine barrels. 🥃 Westward Whiskey, a leading American single malt whiskey inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer traditions. 🥃 Kanosuke Distillery, makers of Japanese single malt and blended whisky.*No & Low* Ritual Zero Proof, the first spirit alternative distilled in America.*Acquisitions by Diageo to date* Kikori Whiskey exited our accelerator programme and entered the Diageo portfolio in 2018. Belsazar, a German aperitif, integrated into the Diageo portfolio in 2018. Seedlip, the world’s first non-alcohol distilled spirits brand, exited into the Diageo portfolio in 2019. — THE PRE-ACCELERATOR In 2021, Distill Venture committed to increasing diversity within the industry by launching the Pre-Accelerator, an initiative dedicated to early-stage founders from underrepresented communities. Our recent Pre-Accelerator cohort introduced Jackson McCrea Whiskey and Ume Plum Liqueur to the portfolio — WORKING ALONGSIDE DIAGEO We operate independently with backing from Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks company. Diageo provides investment funding, as well as resources and access through its network of experts. If you're building a drinks brand of the future and want to know how acceleration works for drinks brands, visit