Bootleggers Cocktail Partners with FasterCapital to Accelerate AR-Driven RTD Craft Cocktail Growth

Vancouver, Canada & Dubai, UAE - Aug 11, 2025

Bootleggers Cocktail, the innovative ready-to-drink (RTD) craft cocktail brand known for its premium, AR-enabled canned beverages, today announced a strategic partnership with FasterCapital through its LaunchUp accelerator program. This collaboration aims to accelerate Bootleggers' expansion across Canada and the United States by leveraging FasterCapital's global network, mentorship, and capital-raising infrastructure to capitalize on the rapidly growing RTD market opportunity.

Market Opportunity & Problem Statement
The global RTD cocktail market is projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 12% through 2028, fueled by consumer demand for premium, convenient, and authentic beverage experiences. Despite this surge, many RTD offerings rely on artificial ingredients, carbonation, or lack meaningful consumer engagement. Bootleggers Cocktail addresses these gaps by delivering non-carbonated, vegan, gluten-free canned cocktails crafted with real spirits and fresh juices. In a competitive landscape dominated by mass-market brands, Bootleggers differentiates itself with immersive augmented reality (AR) technology and speakeasy-inspired branding, carving out a unique niche in the craft RTD segment.

Startup Solution & Differentiation
Bootleggers Cocktail offers "real craft cocktails in a can" combining premium ingredients with cutting-edge AR and NFT-powered packaging. Their lineup features four signature flavors-tequila and vodka bases infused with bold, fresh flavors-each with 9.6% ABV in sleek 250 ml cans. Beyond exceptional taste, each can unlocks interactive digital art and experiences via QR codes, creating an engaging, tech-savvy consumer journey. Early traction includes a strong retail presence in Vancouver and sold-out pop-up speakeasy events, validating consumer enthusiasm for their blend of craftsmanship, convenience, and digital innovation. This multi-sensory approach sets Bootleggers apart in an increasingly crowded RTD marketplace.

FasterCapital Partnership Value
Through the LaunchUp program, Bootleggers Cocktail gains access to FasterCapital's global mentorship, strategic guidance, and capital-raising resources tailored for high-potential startups. FasterCapital's rigorous selection criteria ensure alignment with startups demonstrating market fit and innovation. This partnership will accelerate Bootleggers' product development, market entry, and scaling efforts, targeting key North American markets including British Columbia, Florida, and California. Additionally, the collaboration enhances Bootleggers' investor visibility and operational capabilities, positioning the company for rapid growth and leadership in the tech-enabled RTD space.

Executive Quotes
Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, stated:
"Bootleggers Cocktail exemplifies the future of beverage innovation by seamlessly integrating craft quality with immersive technology. Their unique AR-powered packaging and speakeasy-inspired brand resonate strongly with today's consumers seeking both authenticity and experience. We are excited to support their journey through our LaunchUp program and help accelerate their expansion across North America."
Kam Tabarraee, CEO of Bootleggers Cocktail, commented:
"Our partnership with FasterCapital is a pivotal milestone that validates our vision to redefine the RTD cocktail experience. With FasterCapital's resources and expertise, we can scale our innovative AR-driven product and exclusive pop-up events to new markets, connecting with consumers who crave premium, convenient, and culturally rich beverages. Together, we're crafting not just cocktails, but a movement."

Growth Trajectory & Future Plans
Bootleggers Cocktail plans to expand distribution beyond British Columbia into key U.S. markets such as Florida and California by late 2024. Near-term priorities include launching seasonal flavor collections, enhancing AR content, and scaling experiential marketing through pop-up speakeasy events. The company is actively raising $1 million USD to fuel production capacity, marketing, and technology development. Long-term, Bootleggers aims to become a category leader in premium, tech-enabled RTD cocktails, driving cultural engagement and innovation in beverage consumption.

About Bootleggers Cocktail
Founded in Vancouver, Bootleggers Cocktail crafts premium ready-to-drink canned cocktails inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies. Featuring real spirits, fresh juices, and innovative AR packaging, the brand offers a stylish, vegan, and gluten-free alternative for discerning consumers. Bootleggers blends craftsmanship, technology, and culture to deliver a unique on-the-go cocktail experience.

About FasterCapital
FasterCapital is a global startup accelerator and venture capital firm that empowers early-stage technology companies through its LaunchUp program. Providing mentorship, funding, and strategic resources, FasterCapital has supported hundreds of startups worldwide, focusing on innovation-driven ventures with scalable business models. The LaunchUp program emphasizes selective partnerships to maximize growth and market impact.

About FasterCapital
FasterCapital is a global venture builder and online incubator dedicated to co-funding and co-founding innovative startups. Established in 2014, we are now #1 venture builder in terms of number of startups that we have helped, money invested and money raised. It supports startups worldwide through various programs, including funding assistance, business development, and technical support. The LaunchUp program is designed to help early-stage startups build scalable solutions with mentorship, strategic guidance, and network support.

Media Contact:
Rasha Almasri
rasha.almasri@fastercapital.com
+1 (512) 400-0256‬

1288 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Unit 2901
V6C3R3, BC, Canada

Media Contact:
Rasha Almasri
rasha.almasri@fastercapital.com
+1 (512) 400-0256‬

Bootleggers Cocktail - Company Overview

Bootleggers Cocktail, owned by The Volatile Project Ltd., is a premium ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage brand dedicated to elevating the cocktail and elixir experience. Founded by three visionaries - an engineer, a chef, and an artist - Bootleggers was born from the belief that world-class cocktails should be as accessible as they are exceptional. Each can is meticulously crafted using proprietary food science, award-winning recipes, and natural ingredients, delivering the quality of a craft cocktail bar with the convenience of ready-to-drink packaging.

Our portfolio includes both alcoholic cocktails and functional elixirs, designed to meet the demands of today's diverse consumer base. Every product is vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives, appealing to modern health-conscious lifestyles without sacrificing flavor, creativity, or authenticity.

Growth and Market Presence

Bootleggers has rapidly scaled across Canada and the United States, building distribution in key hospitality venues, retail outlets, and high-profile events. Our beverages have been served and sold at some of North America's most vibrant cultural spaces, festivals, and nightlife experiences. We have successfully placed our products into liquor retail, premium bars, and restaurants, while also activating large-scale experiential events that drive awareness and loyalty for the brand.

Highlights of our journey include:

Over 100,000 units sold across Canada and the U.S. during our early distribution pilot phase.

Award-winning recognition, including multiple medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for our flagship Espresso Martini.

Partnerships with major venues such as Harbour Events & Convention Centre, Subculture LA, and Les Couleurs Gallery.

Expanding distribution footprint across Southern California, Southern Florida, British Columbia, and beyond.

Launch of Bootleggers Elixirs, a non-alcoholic line enhanced with electrolytes and probiotics, designed for wellness-oriented consumers and inclusive social occasions.

Brand Philosophy and Differentiation

Bootleggers is more than just a beverage company. We are a lifestyle brand that merges hospitality, creativity, and community. Rooted in the speakeasy spirit of the Prohibition era but reimagined for today's culture, our branding connects vintage elegance with modern underground artistry. From limited-edition packaging featuring custom illustrations to immersive event activations that combine music, art, and mixology, Bootleggers builds experiences that resonate emotionally with consumers.

Our marketing is driven by a 360° activation approach:

Collaborative events and festivals where Bootleggers is the featured cocktail sponsor.

Strategic partnerships with music, art, and hospitality communities.

Influencer and social media campaigns designed to connect authentically with both nightlife enthusiasts and health-conscious professionals.

Retail sampling, custom activations, and experiential marketing to convert curiosity into long-term loyalty.

Commitment to Innovation

Innovation sits at the core of Bootleggers Cocktail. From developing proprietary recipes that balance stability, flavor, and shelf life, to experimenting with functional non-alcoholic elixirs, our team continually pushes boundaries. Every product is built on extensive R&D, market testing, and feedback from our growing community of fans. Our focus is not just on creating beverages, but on shaping a new category of elevated, premium RTD drinks that blur the line between craft cocktail artistry and modern convenience.

Looking Ahead

As Bootleggers continues to grow, our mission is clear: to become the leading premium RTD cocktail and elixir brand across North America. With production already established in Miami and distribution expanding across the U.S. and Canada, we are actively raising capital to scale operations, marketing, and partnerships. Our near-term goals include:

National expansion across retail chains and hospitality groups in the U.S. and Canada.

Increased production capacity to meet growing demand for both cocktails and elixirs.

Creative collaborations with artists, chefs, and venues that align with our brand ethos.

Sustainability initiatives in packaging and sourcing, ensuring our growth aligns with responsible business practices.

Conclusion

Bootleggers Cocktail is rewriting the future of social beverages by combining craft quality, health-conscious innovation, and unforgettable experiences. Whether it's a perfectly balanced Espresso Martini at a festival, a refreshing Tropical Margarita enjoyed at home, or a functional elixir at a wellness-driven event, Bootleggers delivers on its promise:

"Meticulously Crafted. Effortlessly Enjoyed. Anywhere."

This release was published on openPR.