Black-owned business accelerator Pronghorn has bought into another spirits start-up, this time in the mezcal category.
New York-based Doce is the latest brand to benefit from an investment by the company. The spend, the amount of which was not disclosed, coincides with the mezcal being taken on by distributor Blueprint with a view to increasing Doce’s availability in New York state.
Doce joins TCapri Tequila on Pronghorn’s roster; TCapri was among four spirits brands to receive the company’s backing almost two years ago.
“We are excited to enter the next phase of our business alongside Pronghorn,” said Doce co-founder Gabriela Lawrence. “Their dedication to amplifying underrepresented brands makes them the perfect partner for this stage of growth, and we look forward to utilising their expertise, services and support to expand Doce Mezcal’s market share.”
Earlier this year, Pronghorn, in which Diageo’s North America division became an “anchor investor” in May 2021, appointed Ron Cole as its president.
