Bartesian

Bartesian
Company type
Private
IndustryHome appliances
Founded2014 (2014)
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, U.S.
Area served
North America
Key people
Ryan Close (CEO)
ProductsCapsule-based cocktail machines
Single-serve cocktail capsules
Websitebartesian.com

Bartesian is a Chicago-based company that manufactures capsule-based cocktail machines for home and commercial use. The company operates on a razor-and-blade business model, selling automated cocktail makers that require proprietary single-use capsules containing non-alcoholic bitters, liquors, and juices.

Founding and early development

The concept for an automated cocktail machine originated in the 2010s, when engineering students Bryan Fedorak and Jason Neevel began developing a capsule-based cocktail machine at the University of Waterloo.[1] Their early prototypes retrofitted domestic coffee machines to dispense mixed drinks using pre-measured ingredients.[1] In 2014, Fedorak partnered with Ryan Close to found Bartesian and commercialize the product. They launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 that raised $115,000 to cover early production costs.[1]

Dragon's Den appearance

The founders appeared on the Canadian television series Dragons’ Den in 2016.[1] Although the on-air deal did not close, the appearance led to new discussions with liquor distributors and ultimately to a branding and licensing agreement with Beam Suntory Inc.[1] This partnership enabled final assembly of the first production units in Kitchener, Ontario.[1] The first units were delivered to Kickstarter backers in 2017.[2]

Commercial expansion

In 2018 Bartesian entered into a manufacturing and marketing agreement with Hamilton Beach Brands to distribute its cocktail machines in the United States and Canada.[3] Bartesian officially released its product to the public through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website in September 2019.[2][3]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for at-home cocktail preparation increased sharply.[4] In response to global supply chain disruptions that affected capsule production, Bartesian relocated its headquarters from Ontario to Chicago and established a capsule-manufacturing facility near Chicago to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.[4]

Investment and growth

In 2021 Bartesian closed a US$20 million funding round led by Cleveland Avenue LLC, the Chicago-based venture firm founded by former McDonald's CEO Don Thompson, with continuing investment from Beam Suntory.[2] At the time, Bartesian had 10 employees.[2] Hyatt Hotels president Pete Sears joined the board, and Bartesian began piloting its machines as minibar replacements at select Hyatt properties.[3]

By 2022, Bartesian had expanded its workforce and installed machines at venues such as Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, and Wrigley Field, as well as American Airlines airport lounges.[3] The company's capsule technology was later integrated into Black + Decker's Bev machine.[5]

Products and technology

The machines combine user-supplied spirits with capsules containing juices, bitters, and flavourings for creating a selection of cocktails.[6] Users can select drink strength or choose a non-alcoholic option.[7]

Reportedly, approximately 60 capsule varieties are available as of 2024.[8]

Business model

Bartesian operates on a razor and blade business model similar to Keurig and Nespresso, in which sales of the company's capsule machines drive continuing demand for proprietary single-use drink pods.[9] The company reports that capsules are sold through its direct-to-consumer website, subscription service, and retail partners.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "How Bartesian plans to shake up the home-cocktail market without closing its Dragons' Den deal". financialpost. Archived from the original on 2020-11-30. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  2. ^ a b c d "Want your own cocktail machine? Beam Suntory and Cleveland Ave. are betting on it". Crain's Chicago Business. 2021-04-06. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  3. ^ a b c d "The Keurig of cocktails is surprisingly satisfying to use". Fast Company. 2022-03-18. Archived from the original on 2022-06-08. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  4. ^ a b Cutter, Thomas Gryta and Chip (2021-11-01). "Farewell Offshoring, Outsourcing. Pandemic Rewrites CEO Playbook". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  5. ^ Guy, Nick (2025-07-16). "We Found an At-Home Cocktail Maker That's Better Than the Bartesian". WSJ Buyside. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  6. ^ Gazal, Carolina (2024-06-21). "I tried the Bartesian cocktail machine and loved it. Here's why I think you will too | CNN Underscored". CNN Underscored. Archived from the original on 2024-06-22. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  7. ^ "channelnews : Kickstart The Party With Bartesian Cocktail Maker". Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  8. ^ "This Machine Makes Cocktails on Demand, and We're Fans". The New York Times. 2024-12-17. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  9. ^ Bajarin, Tim. "Automated Cocktail System Pours Its Way To Success". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-10-31.

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