Beer-focused fund Optmistic Capital makes maiden investment in 33&Brew

Optimistic Capital, a beer-focused fund, has made its maiden, undisclosed investment in a vinyl-themed microbrewery, 33&Brew.

Optimistic is a Rs 200 crore beer-focused fund, which, according to the firm, is the only investment vehicle dedicated to making investments in the microbrewery sector. The VC firm added that it plans to invest in two additional microbreweries in central Bengaluru.

The fund has deployed Rs 30 crore across initial commitments with the remaining Rs 170 crore earmarked for rollout over the next three years, it said in a statement.

The VC works on an owner-operator approach, whereby it not only invests capital but takes an active role in operating and growing the company. It gets involved in the daily operations of its portfolio companies, which include operational efficiencies, sales and marketing, product development, and executive management.

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Optimistic Capital launches Rs 200 Cr fund targeting microbreweries

Optimistic Capital aims to invest in high-margin growth companies in India’s craft beer sector and has drawn in investors from MEA, Africa, and India.

According to the company’s website, its projects include a new microbrewery in Koramangala, which will feature collaborations with MasterChef winners and renowned brewers.

It has also invested in a vinyl-music themed nano brewery, Record Room, which was featured in The Rolling Stone magazine.

"Structuring this unique fixed-interval financial product in the microbrewery space has been incredibly exciting. By enabling small ticket sizes as a CAT-1 Angel fund, we're democratising access to high-potential investments, allowing everyday investors to participate in India's booming craft beer revolution. The investors also get a unique financial product which gives out periodic payouts to hedge returns compared to other products,” said Edwin Daniel, Founder of Optimistic Capital.