Bemakers, a Copenhagen-based startup, has secured €3.5 million seed funding to enhance its beverage distribution platform across Europe. The round was backed by a mix of strategic investors, further solidifying Bemakers’ position as a tech-forward solution in the industry. The funds will be used to expand distribution channels into new markets, enabling brand partners to broaden their reach and improve logistics efficiency. Bemakers simplifies complex tasks such as excise duties, customs, VAT, and order management, positioning itself as a comprehensive operational partner for brands aiming for streamlined European market entry.
Bemakers, based in Copenhagen, offers a digital platform designed to simplify the complexities of beverage distribution across Europe. The company handles essential tasks such as compliance with local regulations, taxes, customs, and logistics, allowing beverage brands to manage their international sales channels more efficiently. With a focus on automation and a digital-first approach, Bemakers provides tools for brands to oversee their sales, shipments, and customer interactions. By prioritizing control over sales data and marketing activities, the platform helps brands streamline their operations and adapt to the evolving demands of the global market. Founded by Morten Stengaard, Bemakers addresses common challenges in international distribution, drawing on the team’s experience in the beverage industry.
“We’re excited to close this funding round, and truly appreciate the continued support from our investors”, said Morten Stengaard, CEO and co-founder of Bemakers. “This investment will enable us to expand distribution channels into more new markets, thereby helping our brand partners reach a wider audience. More importantly, it supports our goal of making the beverage industry more efficient while empowering brand owners and distributors.”
Since launching the platform in August 2022, Bemakers has partnered with more than 200 brand owners and distributors, and expanded its service offering across eight countries in Europe. The platform offers multiple routes to markets for brands partners to explore, including channels like Systembolaget (the Swedish alcohol beverage monopoly) and Amazon, and boasts a robust European logistics network with multiple bonded and customs warehouses. Ultimately, Bemakers serves as a comprehensive operational partner for brands.
“Bemakers handles everything from excise duties, customs and VAT to order management, customer support, and logistics, allowing our brand partners to fulfill orders to both consumers, trade and distributors” said Stengaard.
Bemakers operates with a technology-first mindset and a strong focus on scalability. By streamlining industry processes and leveraging AI-driven workflows, the company prioritizes efficiency and innovation. This forward-thinking approach is reflected in its business model, which offers core platform services through a flexible monthly subscription, setting Bemakers apart from traditional industry standards.
One of Bemakers’ key partners is Radico, a leading Indian distillery. Radico is utilizing Bemakers to strengthen its European distribution and direct-to-consumer e-commerce strategy. Kunal Madan, Vice President of International Business at Radico Khaitan, praised the partnership, stating, “Bemakers aligns perfectly with our business model. Their infrastructure and team are instrumental in helping us execute our vision.”
Another brand partner who is enabling their European sales efforts via Bemakers is Thy Whisky, the award-winning Danish distillery. They decided to extend their D2C efforts across Europe, leveraing Bemakers’ Shopify integration:
“We’ve invested a lot of time and effort into building a unique Thy product universe for our Danish ecommerce presence. We wanted to replicate that in other European countries. The solution Bemakers provided via the integration enables this and within a week we were up and running in 4 new markets. It’s so simple and allows me to stay in control of my brand and my customers’ experience”, says Andreas Poulsen, co-founder of Thy Whisky.
Bemakers will showcase its platform at the upcoming Bar Convent Berlin (BCB), where they will engage with new and existing brand partners, as well as trade buyers using Bemakers’ beverage wholesale platform.
“Bemakers Trade, currently available in Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, connects brand owners directly with trade buyers. Our mission is to be the operational backbone for the beverage industry,” Stengaard concluded.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/bemakers-raises-e3-5m/
