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GET A PIECE OF COCKTAIL SQUAD
Pinkies Up, Investors. It's Classy O'Clock.
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TEAM
Lauren Maggio • Co-Founder, CEO, President, and Director
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John Maggio • Co-Founder, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director,
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Reasons to Invest
Cocktail Squad is one of the first to market leader in the premixed canned cocktail category which is experiencing exponential growth. The Squad is an authentic choice for premium canned cocktails. Global canned cocktail sales are expected to surpass $146 billion by 2030 and the premixed cocktails category is worth $1.6 billion in 2021, a sales increase of 42.3% from 2020.
Achieved proof of concept and traction: product sales surpassing industry expectations of total cases, and distribution of 9 different items in 15 markets (states) with best-in-class passionate distributors in each market. Our growth trajectory will be supported by manufacturing capabilities that our team has secured throughout the U.S. enabling significant scale.
New investment dollars will be hyper-focused on sales and marketing support. Cocktail Squad has received press features from major media outlets such as the New York Times, Bloomberg, Good Housekeeping, and Forbes.
Overview
Squad Story
Lauren and John Maggio here. We’re parents, entrepreneurs, and expert at-home bartenders. Seven years ago, while in the weeds wrangling our four mini-mes, we stole away for a drink at a new restaurant in Boulder. Had a great cocktail and a good time. Wanting this vibe at home, Lauren asked the bartender for the recipe...Three liquor stores and $103 later, the duo had the makings for some complicated at-home bartending. After a stint mixing and muddling, fatigue set in and the bottles grew dust. A lightning bolt struck - Let’s can us some cocktails.
Cocktail Squad is on a mission to merge the New Orleans culture of celebration and enjoyment with the better-for-you Boulder, Colorado lifestyle. We are a female-founded company and one of the pioneer in the premixed canned cocktail category. Our experienced team is made up of professionals with over 100 years of combined experience in food and beverage consumables. When we’re not focused on producing amazing cocktails, our “Squad” enjoys climbing mountains, riding the Rockies, and playing at the beach, rewarding our pursuits with great-tasting, clean, canned creations at the summit, peak, or in a beach chair.
Our cocktails read like the menu of your favorite bar
Our high-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails come in sleek and elevated 12 ounce recyclable cans, making them portable and excellent for consistency and cost control.
Since our inception in late 2018, Cocktail Squad has collected 20 tasting and design awards across all eight of our cocktails. We have built a wonderful community around our product and have great momentum, but our growth and market timing requires capital to continue on this current trajectory. We hope you’ll become a part of our success!
THE PROBLEM
As they say, "timing is everything," and we believe the time is now!
The seltzer category, a.k.a. flavored malt drinks, has experienced unique growth in the last few years, however many of those products on the market are low quality or sacrifice taste for cheaper ingredients. Cocktail Squad creates quality cocktails with real spirits that consumers can enjoy on their next adventure, whether it be taking a Sunday sail, after a day on the slopes, or simply enjoying a happy hour with friends at a barbecue. Cocktail Squad is the solution for modern luxury in today’s spirits industry, and we prioritize premiumization, ease, and portability in every batch.
THE MARKET
Cocktail Squad has a unique edge in the growing multibillion-dollar market
Global canned cocktail sales are expected to surpass $146 billion by 2030.
In 2021, the premixed cocktails category was worth $1.6 billion, an increase of 42.3% from 2020.
Cocktail Squad has an advantage over most new startups, having worked out solutions to the significant barriers to entry in the liquor industry, such as 3-tier distribution and specific laws dating back as far as the Prohibition Era. Our other key differentiators include being a 20-time award winner featuring real vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila across the full lineup.
The solution
A touch of class in a can
Cocktail Squad offers a complete 10% ABV cocktail line, covering 4 spirit categories, as well as a new 5% ABV first-to-market, zero sugar, zero carbs, 90 calorie line. Our 5% ABV Classy Casuals includes Vodka Lemon Soda and Whiskey Ginger Soda, while our 10% ABV Classy Classics consist of Margarita, Vodka Soda, Greyhound, Gin & Tonic, Blackberry Bourbon Smash, and Whiskey Sour. Unlike many other brands on the market, we use no malt and no sugar alcohols in our drinks.
We produce our cocktails at a large co-packing facility within 20 minutes of our downtown Boulder, Colorado location. Cocktail Squad is responsible for procuring all of its raw materials including can labels, unique ingredients and final packaging. We keep our operating costs low by relying on a third-party contractor to forecast and purchase our cans in small minimum quantities, as compared to full printed can labels.
Our revenue comes from a defined mix of:
- Off-premise sales (retail and liquor stores), which makes up about 90% of sales
- On-premise sales (restaurants, bars, and event centers)
- Online sales, through the company website and our other two online sellers, ReserveBar and Drizly
Our primary focus at this time is investing in sales and marketing to grow our revenue in each state.
Because of liquor laws, online sales are only in 30 states, but we aspire to bring Cocktail Squad to any home, anywhere.
our traction
Major press darling & significant, strategic partnerships
Cocktail Squad has received press features from major media outlets, such as the New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Good Housekeeping. Since our launch, we have worked to find the optimal price point and consumer demographic to expand into 15 markets with 9 different products. It has been critical for us to partner with best-in-class wholesalers in each state to distribute our products. Our compliance partner has helped us cut through the myriad of liquor laws and solidify our base for more efficient growth, while our public relations and digital marketing partners have allowed us to achieve impressive results for a company of our size.
In addition, we have a partnership with a New York-based lending group that looks at our monthly inventory, invoices, and purchase orders, and lends us capital for the majority of our inventory and production costs. Most companies that receive this kind of growth capital option are much larger than we are, but our lender's confidence in our highly skilled team was what secured the partnership.
Meet the Squadtenders
Launched in late 2018 by husband and wife team Lauren and John Maggio, Cocktail Squad® is driven by a team of food and beverage industry veterans and marketers with broad experiences. John Maggio is Co-Founder of the national snack brand, Boulder Canyon Chips®, with nearly 26 years of experience in the natural products industry founding and leading innovative companies. He is also involved with the New York based venture capital fund, AF Ventures, as an Operating Partner. Lauren started her career in New York in Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley and later began a thriving business in Boulder as an Interior Designer. Among other things, she leads the strategic efforts, aesthetic vision and marketing for the company. She’s also a busy mother to their four children. Headquarters for Cocktail Squad® is located in downtown Boulder, Colorado, and the cocktails are produced just a short distance away.
WHY INVEST
Cocktail Squad is highly scalable as one of the pioneers in today’s fastest-growing food and beverage sector
We believe that the combination of our seasoned team and the experience we've had to date will propel Cocktail Squad into other states, reaching full US distribution within 3 years. We plan to add on new and exciting products to complement our existing items, as we continue to own our home market in Colorado, supporting music and sports venues.
Not only are we one of the category pioneers in today’s fastest-growing food and beverage category, but Cocktail Squad has also achieved significant traction, launching 9 products in 15 different US markets, with online sales in 30 markets, and receiving recognition from the New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Good Housekeeping. With a deeply experienced and passionate team, and some incredible partners on our side, we are already making a name for ourselves in the canned cocktail world! Now, that’s something to drink to. Pinkies up, investors. It's Classy O'Clock!
Join us and invest in our vision to build a national shareable, premium beverage brand.
ABOUT
HEADQUARTERS
885 Arapahoe Avenue
Boulder, CO 80302
WEBSITE
View Site
TERMS
Cocktail Squad
Overview
PRICE PER SHARE
$0.93
DEADLINE
Jul. 1, 2022 at 6:59 AM UTC
VALUATION
$10M
FUNDING GOAL
$10K - $1M
Breakdown
MIN INVESTMENT
$465
MAX INVESTMENT
$999,999.24
MIN NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
10,752
MAX NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
1,075,268
OFFERING TYPE
Equity
SHARES OFFERED
Class B Common Stock
Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares
*Maximum number of shares offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares. See Bonus info below.
Investment Incentives and Bonuses*
Time-Based:
Friends and Family Early to the Squad
Invest within the first 48 hours and receive 11% bonus shares.
Super Early Bird Bonus
Invest within the first week and receive 8% bonus shares.
Early Bird Bonus
Invest within the first two weeks and receive 5% bonus shares.
Amount-Based:
Join the Squad
Invest $500 or more and receive 10% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for 6 months.
Squad Member
Invest $1,000 or more and receive two branded koozies and a 15% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for 6 months.
Squad Ambassador
Invest $2,500 or more and receive two hats and two koozies, and a 20% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for one year.
Squad Insider
Invest $5,000 or more and receive 5% bonus shares, two hats and two koozies, and a 20% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for one year.
Squad Leader
Invest $10,000 or more and receive 8% bonus shares, two hats and two koozies, and a 20% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for one year. Elect to be included on new item innovation discussions for the next great drink from Cocktail Squad.
Squad Round Table
Invest $25,000 or more and receive 11% bonus shares, two hats, shirts, koozies, and a lifetime 25% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad. Come to sunny Boulder, Colorado! Cocktail Squad will offer airfare and hotel costs for a two-night trip for two people to Boulder, CO to meet the company's founders and spend a day exploring on your own. Elect to be included on new item innovation discussions for the next great drink from Cocktail Squad.
*All perks occur when the offering is completed.
The 10% StartEngine Owners' Bonus
Cocktail Squad, Inc. will offer 10% additional bonus shares for all investments that are committed by investors that are eligible for the StartEngine Crowdfunding Inc. OWNer's bonus.
This means eligible StartEngine shareholders will receive a 10% bonus for any shares they purchase in this offering. For example, if you buy 100 shares of Class B Common Stock at $0.93 / share, you will receive 110 shares of Class B Common Stock, meaning you'll own 110 shares for $93. Fractional shares will not be distributed and share bonuses will be determined by rounding down to the nearest whole share.
This 10% Bonus is only valid during the investor's eligibility period. Investors eligible for this bonus will also have priority if they are on a waitlist to invest and the company surpasses its maximum funding goal. They will have the first opportunity to invest should room in the offering become available if prior investments are canceled or fail.
Investors will only receive a single bonus, which will be the highest bonus rate they are eligible for.
Insider Investment Notice
Officers, directors, executives, and existing owners with a controlling stake in the company (or their immediate family members) may make investments in this offering. Any such investments will be included in the raised amount reflected on the campaign page.
Irregular Use of Proceeds
ALL UPDATES
06.27.22
Another Notable Press Hit!
Happy Monday Squad!
Cocktail Squad was one of 11 companies featured in last week's Men's Journal article Best Canned Cocktails to Drink this Summer. We completely agree that "Whiskey lovers will dig this smoky, smooth, and sour cocktail inspired by the classic concoction." Take a peek:
https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/best-canned-cocktails/
Cheers,
Cocktail Squad
06.27.22
Campaign closing in 3 days!
Hello Cocktail Squad Community!
The end of our raise is right around the corner, with 3 days left to invest! Don't miss out on the opportunity to own shares in the early pioneers of the premixed canned cocktail market.
Why Invest?
Cocktail Squad has become the talk of the town, with features in the New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, and USA Today.
Global canned cocktail sales are projected to reach $146B by 2030! (Source: Wine Industry Advisor)
Product sales have surpassed industry expectations of total cases sold.
9 different items are distributed in 15 markets (states).
Time is running out, so be sure to let your friends, family and network in on the investment opportunity!
Warmly,
Lauren & John Maggio
Co-Founders
06.20.22
Cocktail Squad: Less Than 2 Weeks to Invest!
Hello Cocktail Squad Community! 👋
Hello Cocktail Squad Community!
We wanted to keep the squad updated about our equity crowdfunding raise on StartEngine!
There are less than two weeks left to get in on the action. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own shares in the early pioneers of the premixed canned cocktail market!
Why Invest?
Cocktail Squad has become the talk of the town, with features in the New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, and the USA Today.
Global canned cocktail sales are projected to reach $146B by 2030! (Source: Wine Industry Advisor)
Product sales have surpassed industry expectations of total cases sold.
9 different items are distributed in 15 markets (states).
Time is running out so be sure to let your friends, family and network in on the investment opportunity!
Warmly,
Lauren & John Maggio
Co-founders
Cocktail Squad
06.02.22
New Market Announcement!
Squad,
Exciting News! We are launching in the great state of Illinois and will be available in retailers very soon.
Illinois is a critical midwestern state as we continue on our path to roll out nationally and is already a top 5 state for ready-to-drink cocktail sales in addition to being one of the top 10 states with regard to population.
Cheers,
Cocktail Squad
05.31.22
There’s Still Time to Invest!
Last month, in light of the annual reporting season, we updated our SEC filing to include our most recent financial statements and to extend our campaign. Given this material change, the SEC requires all outstanding investors (i.e. investors who have not been vested) to reconfirm their investment. For those of you who re-confirmed, thank you. We appreciate your continued support.
For any investor who missed the reconfirmation deadline and had their investment subsequently canceled, you can still submit a new investment by visiting our campaign page here: https://www.startengine.com/cocktail-squad
05.27.22
Notice of Material Change in Offering
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello! Recently, a change was made to the Cocktail Squad offering. Here's an excerpt describing the specifics of the change:
Offering has extended their end date by 30 days
When live offerings undergo changes like these on StartEngine, the SEC requires that certain investments be reconfirmed. If your investment requires reconfirmation, you will be contacted by StartEngine via email with further instructions.
05.05.22
Cinco De Mayo feature in FORBES // 8 RTD Margaritas For Stress-Free Cinco De Mayo Celebrations
Squad,
We are pleased to share with you that we were featured in Forbes for the third time! Invest Now in our growing premium canned cocktail company for as little as $465 and celebrate with us on Cinco De Mayo. Link to full article in Image below.
And check out more Press Hits at Cocktail Squad.
Cheers,
Cocktail Squad
04.27.22
Notice of Material Change in Offering
[The following is an automated notice from the StartEngine team].
Hello! Recently, a change was made to the Cocktail Squad offering. Here's an excerpt describing the specifics of the change:
Issuer is extending campaign end date and updating financial information.
When live offerings undergo changes like these on StartEngine, the SEC requires that certain investments be reconfirmed. If your investment requires reconfirmation, you will be contacted by StartEngine via email with further instructions.
04.01.22
Insider Investment Notice
Cocktail Squad has an investment update. Insiders made investments for $1,000 in the Company’s current Reg CF offering. Please refer to the offering materials for further information and refer to the Company’s Risk Factors.
04.01.22
$25,000 Surpassed // Hot off the Press // Spread the Word
Squad,
We are here for you to keep you up to date on the exciting happenings with our business and equity crowdfunding raise:
- We are pleased to report that we have quickly surpassed the $25,000 mark.
- Hot of the Press // source: USA Trade Tasting // Article linked below:
- Please help us spread the word that for as little as $465, you can become an owner in Cocktail Squad!
Cheers,
Cocktail Squad
REWARDS
Venture Club
Venture Club Members earn 10% bonus shares on top of this and all eligible investments for an entire year. Not a member? Sign up at checkout ($275/year).
$500
Join the Squad
Receive 10% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for 6 months
$1,000
Squad Member
Receive two branded koozies and a 15% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for 6 months
$2,500
Squad Ambassador
Receive two hats and two koozies, and a 20% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for one year
$5,000
Squad Insider
Receive 5% bonus shares, two hats and two koozies, and a 20% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for one year.
$10,000
Squad Leader
Receive 8% bonus shares, two hats and two koozies, and a 20% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad for one year. Elect to be included on new item innovation discussions for the next great drink from Cocktail Squad.
$25,000
Squad Round Table
Receive 11% bonus shares, two hats, shirts, koozies, and a lifetime 25% discount code for online orders of Cocktail Squad. Come to sunny Boulder, Colorado! Cocktail Squad will offer airfare and hotel costs for a two-night trip for two people to CO.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
0/2500
Ice breaker! What brought you to this investment?
HOW INVESTING WORKS
Cancel anytime before 48 hours before a rolling close or the offering end date.
WHY STARTENGINE?
REWARDS
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SECURE
Your info is your info. We take pride in keeping it that way!
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FAQS
With Regulation A+, a non-accredited investor can only invest a maximum of 10% of their annual income or 10% of their net worth per year, whichever is greater. There are no restrictions for accredited investors.
With Regulation Crowdfunding, non-accredited investors with an annual income or net worth less than $124,000 are limited to invest a maximum of 5% of the greater of those two amounts. For those with an annual income and net worth greater than $124,000, they are limited to investing 10% of the greater of the two amounts.
At the close of an offering, all investors whose funds have “cleared” by this time will be included in the disbursement. At this time, each investor will receive an email from StartEngine with their Countersigned Subscription Agreement, which will serve as their proof of purchase moving forward.
Please keep in mind that a company can conduct a series of “closes” or withdrawals of funds throughout the duration of the campaign. If you are included in that withdrawal period, you will be emailed your countersigned subscription agreement and proof of purchase immediately following that withdrawal.
StartEngine assists companies in raising capital, and once the offering is closed, we are no longer involved with whether the company chooses to list shares on a secondary market or what occurs thereafter. Therefore, StartEngine has no control or insight into your investment after the close of the live offering. In addition, we are not permitted to provide financial advice. You may want to contact a financial professional to discuss possible investment outcomes.
For Regulation Crowdfunding, investors are able to cancel their investment at any point throughout the campaign up until 48 hours before the closing of the offering. Note: If the company does a rolling close, they will post an update to their current investors, giving them the opportunity to cancel during this timeframe. If you do not cancel within this 5-day timeframe, your funds will be invested in the company, and you will no longer be able to cancel the investment. If your funds show as ‘Invested’ on your account dashboard, your investment can no longer be canceled.
For Regulation A+, StartEngine allows for a four-hour cancellation period. Once the four-hour window has passed, it is up to each company to set their own cancellation policy. You may find the company’s cancellation policy in the company’s offering circular.
Once your investment is canceled, there is a 10-day clearing period (from the date your investment was submitted). After your funds have cleared the bank, you will receive your refund within 10 business days.
Refunds that are made through ACH payments can take up to 10 business days to clear. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the bank, but we will do everything we can to get you your refund as soon as possible. However, every investment needs to go through the clearing process in order to be sent back to the account associated with the investment.
Both Title III (Regulation Crowdfunding) and Title IV (Reg A+) help entrepreneurs crowdfund capital investments from unaccredited and accredited investors. The differences between these regulations are related to the investor limitations, the differing amounts of money companies are permitted to raise, and differing disclosure and filing requirements. To learn more about Regulation Crowdfunding, click here, and for Regulation A+, click here.
