Hello!
Welcome to Ace of Cups, the niche angel syndicate founded in April 2024 by former tech entrepreneur Roman Sydorenko.
Our mission is to bring together angel investors who are passionate about a health-focused and sustainable approach in the gourmet no- and low-alcohol specialty beverages sector.
Based in Miami Beach, USA, and Lisbon, Portugal, we focus on early-stage North American and European brands innovating in the premium NoLo beverage sector. We are looking for beverages that are delicious and sophisticated.
Our favorite categories
Wine alternatives and proxies.
Cold-brew, sparkling and fermented tea-based beverages.
Aperitifs.
Mood-enhancing functional drinks.
Our investment portfolio
Proxies: Known for their innovative blends that capture the essence of wine without the alcohol, Proxies offers a sophisticated alternative for wine enthusiasts. Each blend is crafted through meticulous fermentation and a curated selection of ingredients, resulting in complex, layered flavors that mimic the acidity, body, and tannins of traditional wines. Proxies stands out for its high-profile collaborations with renowned chefs and sommeliers, pushing the boundaries of what non-alcoholic beverages can achieve.
De Soi: Co-founded by musician Katy Perry, De Soi produces non-alcoholic aperitifs made from natural botanicals. Designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable drinking experience without the effects of alcohol, De Soi's unique feature is its focus on mood-enhancing properties. The drinks are crafted to offer both a sensory and emotional uplift, positioning De Soi as a wellness-oriented brand in the no-alcohol space.
Ghia: Inspired by Mediterranean traditions, Ghia offers an alcohol-free aperitif that combines a blend of herbs, fruits, and botanicals. Ghia’s unique feature is its commitment to creating a drink that is both delicious and functional, promoting relaxation and social enjoyment. The brand positions itself as a chic, health-conscious alternative to traditional aperitifs, with a focus on sophisticated, clean ingredients and flavors that evoke a sense of place and tradition.
We are eager to hear your story. A compelling brand narrative that captures hearts and minds is halfway to winning our support.
We target businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue and company valuations under $10 million, but we can adjust these criteria as needed.
Self-sufficiency is key. We prefer businesses that aim to sustain themselves through their cash flows and reach break-even without relying on constant capital injections.
At Ace of Cups, our goal is to be more than just investors. We are partners to visionaries crafting drinks that excite and inspire, helping them build profitable, sustainable businesses. Our investment thesis emphasizes transparency about ingredients and practices, ensuring our supported brands uphold a commitment to quality and minimal environmental impact.
Apply to pitch here.
Discover the story behind Ace of Cups and Roman Sydorenko’s vision for reshaping the NoLo beverage industry in his interview with Dry Atlas.
Are you an angel investor? If you're interested in the deals we're working on and want to connect with founders redefining premium, conscious drinking, we'd love to have you on board. Join us!