Pronghorn, an incubator backed by Diageo, has invested in Mocktail Club, a non-alcoholic drinks brand founded by Pauline Idogho. Mocktail Club offers canned non-alcoholic cocktails with flavors such as Manhattan Berry, Havana Twist, Capri Spritz, and Bombay Fire, inspired by Idogho’s international travels.
With funding from Pronghorn, Idogho aims to scale the brand and increase accessibility nationwide. “When I launched this non-alcoholic, better-for-you company, my purpose was to ensure no one felt left out of the party and people had the option to moderate and enjoy the same rituals with sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails,” she said.
Pronghorn was created in partnership with Diageo North America as part of a 10-year initiative to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The incubator has raised over US$200 million to support Black entrepreneurs and executives in the spirits sector. Pronghorn has also collaborated with Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) and Diverse Powered Brands (DPB) to foster industry change.
Last year, Pronghorn backed three spirits companies led by Black women: Taste Cognac, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery, and Rally Gin. Over the next decade, Pronghorn aims to invest in 57 Black-owned spirits brands, generating US$2.4 billion in economic value for the Black community.
Dia Simms, co-founder of Pronghorn, highlighted the significance of this investment: “Pronghorn’s mission is simple – to create a template to diversify any industry. We recognize that the non-alcoholic sector is growing at an incredibly fast pace, which is why we are thrilled to support a Black woman-owned brand like Mocktail Club that is set to disrupt the non-alcoholic sector through its distinct flavors.”
