Sool is seeking investment through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a valuation cap of $18 million and a 10% discount. The company's revenue multiple is 12.96, suggesting the company is appropriately valued for investors at this stage. This multiple reflects a balance between the company's current revenue generation and the valuation cap.

With $1.3 million in annual revenue and revenue growth of 5.8%, Sool demonstrates a stable upward trajectory in sales. This growth is supported by the company's distribution across 1,400 accounts in 23 states and notable retail chain placements such as Whole Foods, Total Wine, Bevmo, and Wegmans. Furthermore, the company's strategic partnerships and VC backing by Strong Ventures and Laidlaw Scholars Ventures add credibility to its business model and growth prospects. This traction further validates the $18 million valuation.

The U.S. rice wine market, including traditional Korean rice alcohols such as soju and makgeolli, represents a niche segment within the broader alcohol industry. With a market size of around $750 million and a growth rate of 4.36%, it's clear that the opportunity is limited. Globally, the market is predicted to grow by $3 billion by 2028, though just a fraction of that opportunity is domestic. That said, Sool is strategically positioned to capitalize on the increasing popularity of Korean culture and cuisine, amplified by the global spread of Korean pop culture, including music and movies.

Health trends will likely contribute to the market's growth, with consumers increasingly seeking healthier alcoholic beverage options. Korean rice alcohols like makgeolli are perceived as potentially healthier alternatives and can offer a gluten-free alternative to traditional beer. This aligns with current consumer preferences towards health-conscious drinking, potentially expanding Sool's consumer base beyond those with a pre-existing interest in Korean culture. In sum, the market is very niche, and even with these growth factors, the market is unlikely to see more than modest growth.

Sool is spearheaded by CEO Carol Pak, who brings a blend of entrepreneurial expertise and industry-specific experience to the company. With 7.75 years in the beverage space, including her time with Sool, Pak has a solid background in the alcohol sector. Before her time with Sool, she was the Global Manager of ZX Ventures, a global incubator and venture team backed by Anheuser-Busch InBev. This experience is ideal, combining entrepreneurial acumen with venture networking and beverage sector expertise. Pak holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, further complementing her network and managerial skillset.

Under Pak's leadership, Sool has achieved significant milestones, including the sale of 3.3 million cans since its launch and distribution across 1,400 accounts in 23 states. This demonstrates a successful execution of the company's growth strategy and an ability to scale operations effectively. Pak's full-time dedication to Sool and her high-level managerial skills likely contribute to the company's success.

While the team size at Sool is modest, with only five members, the company's ability to achieve significant sales with a lean team is noteworthy. This may indicate a high-efficiency level and the potential for scalability as the team grows.

Moreover, Sool has attracted venture capital backing from Strong Ventures and Laidlaw Scholars Ventures, which could provide valuable resources and mentorship to support the company's continued expansion.

Sool distinguishes itself in the US alcoholic beverage space by capitalizing on the growing interest in Korean culture and cuisine, which extends to traditional Korean alcohol. The company's flagship product, Makku, is a modern interpretation of makgeolli, a Korean alcoholic rice beverage. This strategic focus on a niche product allows Sool to occupy a unique space in an otherwise crowded market dominated by craft beers and global alcohol brands.

Despite the presence of established competitors like Walmae Rice Wine, Kooksoondang Draft Makgeolli, and Asahi Super Dry, Sool has managed to secure distribution in 1,400 accounts across 23 states, which is a testament to the brand's appeal and strategic market penetration. The company's presence in prominent retail chains such as Whole Foods, Total Wine, Bevmo, and Wegmans further underscores its successful positioning as a premium and accessible Korean alcoholic beverage option.

Finally, Makku has also appeared on several lists of the best makgeolli in the US. While there are a few competitors, Makku stands out with modern, sleek branding and will likely appeal to customers looking for gluten-free alternatives to traditional beer.

Sool has experienced significant traction in the U.S. market, as evidenced by its distribution in 1,400 accounts across 23 states and becoming the sixth fastest-growing craft beer brand in New York. This growth is further underscored by the company's successful placements in prominent retail chains such as Whole Foods, Total Wine, Bevmo, and Wegmans. The company's product, Makku, is a modern take on the traditional Korean rice beer makgeolli, and it has resonated with consumers, resulting in the sale of 3.3 million cans since its launch.

Financially, Sool has demonstrated robust performance, with a reported $1.3 million annual revenue growth rate of 5.8%. Despite being in the pre-profit phase, the company has successfully raised $3.62 million in prior funding rounds, indicating strong investor confidence. The company is burning approximately $46,000 per month. This burn rate suggests the company has a runway of around four and a half months based on the last reported cash on hand of $210,436. This indicates a need for the company to secure additional funding or achieve profitability soon to maintain operations.

Investing in Sool presents several risks that potential investors should consider. The company's financial health requires careful consideration. With a monthly burn rate of $46,968 and cash on hand of $210,436, risk is associated with the company's cash flow management. The continuation of a negative net income trend, indicated by the most recent fiscal year-end net income of -$995,937, suggests that the company may require further capital injections to maintain its operations and pursue growth strategies.

Another risk associated with Sool is the competitive landscape within the alcohol industry. While Sool has carved out a niche in the US Rice Alcohol Market, it faces competition from both direct competitors in the space, like Walmae Rice Wine, Kooksoondang Draft Makgeolli, and Asahi Super Dry, as well as indirect competitors such as craft beers. This competitive pressure could affect Sool's ability to retain and grow its market share in a niche sector.

Additionally, there are production and quality control risks intrinsic to the hardware/CPG product type. Ensuring consistent quality at scale is essential for maintaining brand reputation and customer satisfaction. As Sool continues to scale, managing this aspect of the business will be crucial to its success.

Lastly, while Sool has shown high market acceptance and impressive revenue growth, the need for a long time to scale sales and distribution poses a risk. Expansion in the beverage industry often requires significant investment in marketing and distribution networks, which can strain financial resources and affect profitability.

Sool's flagship product, Makku, a contemporary rendition of the traditional makgeolli, has achieved a significant milestone with a robust sales record of 3.3 million cans, demonstrating clear market validation and consumer interest. This is further bolstered by its impressive distribution achievement in 1,400 accounts across 23 states, indicating strong market penetration and brand recognition.

The U.S. rice alcohol market is niche but has yet to be disrupted and provides a ripe opportunity for a brand like Sool, which is bringing innovation to a traditional drink. With venture capital backing from notable investors such as Strong Ventures and Laidlaw Scholars Ventures, Sool has the financial support and guidance to propel its growth trajectory.

The current crowdfunding campaign through Wefunder, valued at $18 million, presents an attractive proposition for investors to be part of Sool's journey to making Korean alcohol mainstream.

While Sool aims to carve out a niche by globalizing Korean rice alcohol, the extent of this market within the broader U.S. alcohol industry is relatively small. The specialized focus on makgeolli positions Sool in an underdeveloped market compared to more mainstream offerings such as craft beers. Craft beers represent considerable indirect competition, boasting a growing following that could potentially overshadow the appeal of niche products like makgeolli, thereby limiting Sool's market share.

Furthermore, the craft beer industry is known for its loyal consumer base and constant innovation, which could threaten Sool's growth trajectory. Craft brewers are continually experimenting with various flavors, styles, and brewing techniques, which could capture the curiosity and palate of the demographic Sool targets. 

Sool is a burgeoning player in the US alcoholic beverage industry, focusing on the globalization of Korean rice alcohol. The company has made significant strides in the market with its flagship product, Makku, a modern take on traditional Korean drink makgeolli. With a cultural surge in Korean pop culture and a growing interest in health-conscious alcoholic options, Sool is well-positioned to capitalize on market trends.

Since its launch, Sool has achieved impressive distribution, with its products available in 1,400 accounts across 23 states, including major retailers such as Whole Foods, Total Wine, Bevmo, and Wegmans. The company boasts a #6 ranking as the fastest-growing craft beer brand in New York, highlighting the traction of its products in a competitive market.

The company has raised over $3.6 million in prior funding rounds and is backed by notable venture capital firms Strong Ventures and Laidlaw Scholars Ventures. However, Sool is still in the pre-profit phase and reported a net loss of nearly $1 million in its most recent fiscal year.

With a current valuation of $18 million, Sool is seeking additional capital through its crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. Sool's commitment to bringing Korean alcohol to the mainstream and its considerable growth potential make it an attractive opportunity for investors looking to tap into the evolving alcoholic beverage market.