Known for his time with Distill Ventures, Dan Gasper now has a new business stateside. He shares his vision for the company with Shay Waterworth.

In September, Diageo acquired Australian cold brew coffee liqueur brand Mr Black from accelerator programme, Distill Ventures. Drinks International caught up with Frank Lampen, chief executive and co-founder of Distill Ventures to talk about the purchase and what’s next for the programme.

Distill Ventures has committed to increasing diversity within the drinks industry through the launch of a new pre-accelerator programme dedicated to early stage founders from underrepresented groups.

Diageo will invest £10m in Danish whisky brand Stauning through its Distill Ventures programme. 

Distill Ventures - set up with investment from Diageo – will give up to 10 new and growing spirits brands the opportunity to take part in its Seed Programme 2015.  

Diageo has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first accelerator programme, set up to encourage, nurture and mentor new and growing spirits brands.