Celebrity DJ seeks £300k for 8O8 Whisky growth

03-May-2017 - Last updated on 04-May-2017 at 08:20 GMT

Tuned in: famous DJ launches crowdfunding campaign for 808 Whisky

8O8 Whisky is seeking to raise £300,000 from its first equity crowdfunding push on Seedrs as it eyes global expansion.

Investors are being given the option of owning part of the blended-grain Scotch whisky brand – which launched in the UK last spring – with shares priced at 80p each.

If successful, the funds will be used to help distribute the tipple to 200 UK venues and the same number of Spanish sites this year, as well as clubs in Croatia, France and Germany.

Support from DJ Pete Tong

There are also wider plans to expand the drink into the United States and Asia.
8O8 was founded by DJ and music producer Tommy Danvers, entrepreneur Paul Pullinger and whisky stalwart Jonathan Driver, and has the support of legendary DJ Pete Tong MBE among others.

It is produced at Edinburgh-based North British Distillery and described as a subtle "smooth tasting and versatile" spirit.

"I think one of the interesting things about 8O8 is that you’re getting people trying it that would never see themselves as whisky drinkers,” Tong said. “With this whisky, once people start drinking it, there is universal praise and appeal so I think there’s huge potential."

'Sociable drink'

Danvers, known as TommyD in the music world, added: “It's a sociable drink that inspires conversation. Like the best dance music, it has warmth, bottom end, and a definite kick, the sub-bass of drinks. 8O8 is whisky but not as you know it. It's whisky remixed.”

Alex Chesterman, OBE, founder of Lovefilm and Zoopla Property Group said: “The whisky landscape is changing rapidly and 8O8 is leading the way by championing a new generation of drinkers.

"8O8 is offering a great opportunity for whisky and music fans to engage with the product by investing in the company and help it bring its delicious drink to a wider market."