Left Hand Brewing Company
About this raise: Left Hand Brewing Company, with a valuation of $18.18 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. It is an independent and award-winning brewery in Longmont, Colorado, with national distribution. Left Hand Brewing Company is highly community-driven and aims to build a platform to enable its brand and others to consolidate their packaging and distributing operations while remaining independent. The brewery has a loyal customer base and has won several awards, including the 2022 Craft Brewery of the Year and 2023 Winner of the Legacy Company Award. Christopher Lennert and Jon Eric Wallace founded Left Hand Brewing Company in September 1993. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $250,000 and a maximum target of $1.24 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for equipment purchases, working capital, property acquisition, and sales and marketing.
Investment Overview
Committed $778,175 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 1993
- Industry
- Alcohol, Tobacco, & Recreational Drugs
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B/B2C
- Margin
- Low
- Capital Intensity
- High
Financials
- Revenue -8.3% YoY
- $12,263,517
- Cash on Hand
- $251,306
- Gross Margin
- 37%
Upgrade to gain access
-
$12.50 /month
billed annually - Free portfolio tracking, data-driven ratings, AI analysis and reports
- Plan Includes:
- Everything in Free, plus
- Company specific Kingscrowd ratings and analyst reports
- Deal explorer and side-by-side comparison
- Startup exit and failure tracking
- Startup market filters and historical industry data
- Advanced company search ( with ratings)
- Get Edge Annual
Edge
Synopsis
Left Hand Brewing Company, based in Longmont, Colorado, is an independent brewery known for its award-winning craft beers. Founded in 1993 by Eric Wallace and Dick Doore, the company has established a national distribution network, allowing it to reach a wide audience across the United States. The brewery is recognized for its commitment to quality and community involvement, having received accolades such as the 2022 Craft Brewery of the Year and the 2023 Legacy Company Award. Left Hand Brewing serves a diverse customer base, including craft beer enthusiasts and consumers seeking unique, flavorful beer options.
The primary problem Left Hand Brewing addresses is the limited availability of diverse and high-quality craft beer options in the market. Many beer consumers find themselves dissatisfied with the bland and mass-produced offerings that dominate the shelves. Left Hand Brewing's solution is to provide a range of distinct and flavorful craft beers that cater to the tastes of discerning beer drinkers. By maintaining independence and focusing on quality, the company aims to deliver a superior product that stands out in a crowded market.
Price
Left Hand Brewing Company is offering Common Equity in its current fundraising round. The pre-money valuation for the company is set at $18.18 million, with each share priced at $36.28. This valuation reflects the company's established presence in the craft beer market and its national distribution network.
Investing through common equity provides shareholders with ownership stakes in Left Hand Brewing. However, it does not include the preferential treatment associated with preferred equity, such as priority in dividend payments or liquidation preferences. Common equity investors may face higher risks, particularly in scenarios of financial distress or liquidation. Despite these risks, common equity can offer substantial upside potential if the company performs well and achieves a successful exit.
The exit potential for Left Hand Brewing will depend on its ability to continue expanding its market share and increasing revenue in the competitive craft beer industry. To provide a 10X return to investors, Left Hand Brewing would need to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $181.8 million. This would likely require significant revenue growth, market expansion, and possibly strategic partnerships or acquisitions to enhance its product offerings and market reach.
Currently, Left Hand Brewing has a revenue multiple of 1.48x, which is quite reasonable for a CPG startup. Nevertheless, Achieving a 10X return will necessitate either a substantial increase in revenue or a higher revenue multiple, reflecting improved profitability, market position, or strategic value to potential acquirers. CPG companies generally sell for very low multiples (4X or less), so Left Hand Brewing will require substantial growth to show a 10X return to investors in this round.
Market
The U.S. beer market, valued at approximately $124 billion, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. Key market drivers include changing consumer preferences towards craft and premium beers, along with increasing interest in unique and locally produced beverages. These trends provide opportunities for breweries like Left Hand Brewing to capture a segment of consumers seeking quality and distinct beer experiences.
Left Hand Brewing is well-positioned to target the growing craft beer niche, which appeals to consumers looking for innovative flavors and authentic brewing processes. The company’s focus on high-quality, award-winning beers aligns with consumer demand for distinctive and community-focused products. This niche market, while smaller than the mass-produced beer segment, allows for higher margins and customer loyalty.
However, the craft beer market's competitive nature can pose challenges. With low barriers to entry, numerous breweries compete for consumer attention, making differentiation crucial. Left Hand Brewing's established brand and national distribution offer advantages in reaching a broader audience but require continuous innovation to maintain market relevance.
The positive market trends, such as increasing consumer interest in craft beers, can enhance growth prospects for Left Hand Brewing. However, the company must navigate competition and shifting consumer tastes to capitalize on these opportunities effectively.
Team
Left Hand Brewing Company is led by a dedicated team, with Eric Wallace serving as the Chief Executive Officer. Wallace co-founded the brewery in 1993 and has been instrumental in its growth and success. His leadership and commitment to quality have helped establish Left Hand Brewing as a respected name in the craft beer industry. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Wallace brings a disciplined approach to operations and strategic planning.
The team's collective experience in brewing and business management is crucial to the company's objectives of maintaining high-quality production and expanding its market reach. Wallace's long-standing involvement with the company ensures continuity and a deep understanding of the brand's identity and mission. His focus on community engagement and product excellence aligns with Left Hand Brewing's goals of fostering customer loyalty and achieving national distribution.
While the team is well-equipped in brewing and operational aspects, there may be gaps in areas such as marketing and digital strategy that could be critical for future growth. Strengthening expertise in these areas could enhance the company's ability to reach new audiences and adapt to changing market dynamics.
Differentiation
Left Hand Brewing Company operates in the competitive craft beer market, facing notable competitors such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing Company. Sierra Nevada, a larger player in the industry, is known for its high-quality beers and expansive distribution network. It offers a range of craft beers at a slightly higher price point, reflecting its established brand and product quality. New Belgium, another well-known competitor, focuses on sustainable brewing practices and innovative flavors. It competes on both quality and price, often aligning closely with Left Hand Brewing's offerings in terms of product diversity and pricing strategies.
Left Hand Brewing differentiates itself through its strong community involvement and a reputation for producing award-winning beers. This focus on quality and community engagement sets it apart from larger competitors, allowing it to cultivate a loyal customer base. The brewery's national distribution also enables it to reach a broader audience while maintaining its independent identity.
The primary customer demographic for Left Hand Brewing includes craft beer enthusiasts who value unique flavors and high-quality brewing. These consumers often range from young adults to middle-aged individuals who appreciate locally produced and artisanal products. The brewery also appeals to consumers who prioritize community-focused brands and those interested in supporting independent breweries.
Performance
Left Hand Brewing Company experienced a decline in revenue, with sales decreasing from $13.4 million to $12.3 million, representing an 8.3% year-over-year drop. This decline suggests challenges in maintaining or expanding market share within the competitive craft beer industry.
The company's financial metrics reveal a monthly burn rate of approximately $178k, which is a significant outflow that requires careful management to ensure sustainability. As of the most recent fiscal period, Left Hand Brewing had cash reserves of $112k, indicating a need for effective cash flow management to support ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.
Despite the revenue decline, Left Hand Brewing maintains a solid asset base, with total assets valued at $20.9 million. However, the company's liabilities, particularly long-term debt of $19 million, highlight the importance of managing debt levels to maintain financial health and operational flexibility.
Risk
Investing in Left Hand Brewing Company involves several specific risks that potential investors should consider. One notable concern is the company's recent year-over-year revenue decline, with sales dropping from $13.4 million to $12.3 million, representing an 8.3% decrease. This decline indicates potential challenges in maintaining market share or growing sales within the competitive craft beer industry.
The company's financial position reveals a significant level of debt, with $3.4 million in short-term debt and $19 million in long-term liabilities. This high debt burden could restrict financial flexibility and limit the ability to invest in growth initiatives or respond to market changes. Managing this debt while pursuing expansion strategies will be crucial for the company's financial health.
Left Hand Brewing operates in an extremely competitive market with low barriers to entry. This environment requires continuous innovation and differentiation to remain competitive. The craft beer industry has numerous players, and the company's ability to stand out and capture consumer interest is vital for sustaining growth.
Additionally, the brewery's capital intensity is high, which may necessitate ongoing investment in production facilities and equipment to maintain quality and meet demand. This requirement can strain financial resources, especially if revenue growth does not accelerate.
Bullish Outlook
Left Hand Brewing Company benefits from several factors that contribute to a bullish outlook. The craft beer market, valued at $124 billion, is expanding at a 6.8% CAGR, providing substantial opportunities for growth. This trend is driven by consumer preferences for unique, high-quality beers that align well with Left Hand Brewing's offerings.
The company's strong brand reputation and community involvement offer competitive advantages. Its award-winning beers and national distribution network enable it to capture a significant share of the growing craft beer segment. Left Hand Brewing's focus on producing high-quality products resonates with craft beer enthusiasts, enhancing customer loyalty and brand strength.
Growth drivers for Left Hand Brewing include leveraging emerging consumer trends toward craft and premium beers. The company is well-positioned to expand into new markets and increase its product range to meet evolving consumer tastes. Additionally, its focus on community engagement and sustainability can further differentiate the brand in a crowded market.
While the company has faced recent revenue challenges, its established brand and market presence provide a foundation for recovery and growth. By maintaining its focus on quality and exploring new market opportunities, Left Hand Brewing is poised to benefit from the positive market dynamics and consumer trends in the craft beer industry.
Bearish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for Left Hand Brewing Company. One primary concern is the recent decline in revenue, with sales dropping by 8.3% to $12.3 million. This trend indicates potential challenges in maintaining market share amidst intense competition in the craft beer sector, where numerous players vie for consumer attention. The market's competitive nature necessitates continuous innovation, which Left Hand Brewing must address to stay relevant.
Financially, the company faces significant challenges. Left Hand Brewing carries a substantial debt burden, with $3.4 million in short-term debt and $19 million in long-term liabilities. This high level of debt could impede the company's ability to invest in growth initiatives and adapt to changing market conditions. Additionally, the company's cash reserves are relatively low, creating concerns about its ability to sustain operations without securing additional funding.
Market adoption and customer base expansion are further hurdles. Although Left Hand Brewing has established a loyal following, expanding beyond its current demographic in a saturated market may prove difficult. This challenge is compounded by the need to differentiate its offerings from those of larger competitors with greater resources and broader reach.
Overall, while Left Hand Brewing has a respected brand and quality products, these bearish factors highlight the significant obstacles the company faces in achieving sustainable growth and financial stability.
Executive Summary
Left Hand Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery based in Longmont, Colorado, known for its high-quality and award-winning beers. The company targets craft beer enthusiasts who seek unique and community-focused products. With a national distribution network, Left Hand Brewing has established a solid presence in the competitive craft beer market.
The company is offering Common Equity at a pre-money valuation of $18.18 million, with shares priced at $36.28. Despite a recent 8.3% decline in revenue to $12.3 million, Left Hand Brewing maintains a strong asset base valued at $20.9 million. The company faces financial challenges, including a high debt burden, but its established brand and product quality provide a foundation for potential recovery and growth.
The U.S. beer market, valued at $124 billion, is growing at a 6.8% CAGR, driven by consumer preferences for craft and premium beers. Left Hand Brewing differentiates itself through its community involvement and award-winning beers, appealing to a niche market of craft beer enthusiasts. However, the competitive landscape requires continuous innovation to maintain market relevance.
Led by CEO Eric Wallace, the team brings significant experience in brewing and business management, aligning with the company’s goals of quality production and market expansion. Potential gaps in marketing and digital strategy could impact future growth, but the team’s strengths provide a solid foundation for achieving strategic objectives. Risks include revenue decline, high debt, and intense competition, which require careful management and strategic planning.
In terms of outlook, bullish factors include the growing craft beer market and Left Hand Brewing’s strong brand presence. The company’s national distribution and focus on quality position it well to capture market opportunities. Conversely, bearish factors include financial constraints, competitive pressures, and the need for continuous innovation. These challenges could hinder growth if not effectively addressed.
Disclaimer
The AI-enhanced analyst reports ("AI reports") provided by Kingscrowd are experimental in nature and may exhibit certain limitations and uncertainties. These reports are generated in part or in whole by artificial intelligence algorithms, which have the potential to hallucinate (e.g. generate fictitious information), interpret data incorrectly, omit information, or reference sources of data that may contain inaccuracies.
While we strive to provide reliable and accurate information, it is essential to understand that the AI reports should not be solely relied upon as the basis for making investment decisions. We strongly advise all users to exercise caution, conduct thorough due diligence, and verify data and facts independently before making any investment decisions.
The AI reports are intended to serve as one of the tools in your investment research process, offering additional insights and perspectives, and exposing more of our dataset to customers by transforming that data into natural language. They should be used in conjunction with other sources of information and professional judgment. Kingscrowd does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the AI reports or any investment decisions made based on them.
Investing in startups and early-stage companies involves inherent risks, and it is essential to consult with qualified professionals and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions.
By accessing and using the AI reports, you acknowledge and accept the experimental nature of this feature and agree to use it at your own risk.
Please note that this disclaimer may be subject to updates and revisions as we continue to enhance our AI algorithms and improve the accuracy and reliability of the generated reports.
Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $2,543,941
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
02/13/2025 | Wefunder | $18,180,000 | $778,175 | Equity - Common | Active | RegCF |