Slingshot Coffee Co. Completes Funding Round to Support Continued Growth

RALEIGH, NC--(Marketwired - August 09, 2016) - Slingshot Coffee Co.®, a Raleigh-based cold brew coffee company led by specialty coffee industry veterans and national award-winning baristas, Jenny and Jonathan Bonchak, is poised to continue their impressive growth with the infusion of new Series A capital and support from a select group of strategic investors. Notable among them are Atlanta-based Craft Catalyst(SM); Seventh Generation Inc.'s President and CEO, John Replogle; and former Anheuser-Busch InBev wholesaler executive, John Glover -- each steeped in experience within Consumer Packaged Goods and Beverage.

On the heels of the successful launch of their award-winning multi-serve cold brew coffee box earlier this year, Slingshot will seek to extend its leading line of high-end ready-to-drink cold brew coffee & tea offerings, as well as expand production and retail availability.

"We're thrilled to announce our new partnership with Craft Catalyst and John Glover, and continue our meaningful relationship with one of our earliest partners, John Replogle," said Jenny, who founded Slingshot Coffee Co. in 2012 and was recently named Southern Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year by Southern Living Magazine.

Joining Replogle's continued investment is Craft Catalyst, a premiere food & beverage brand accelerator founded by industry mainstays Chris Olivier and Steef Schelke. John Glover joins the roster as the former President of Anheuser-Busch InBev wholesaler, Harris Wholesale, acquired in 2010.

"Jenny & Jonathan's expertise and respect among peers in the industry, as well as their proven track record in growing Slingshot Coffee into a leader in the cold brew category, is unmatched. The premium brand, quality of product and ability to innovate makes Slingshot unlike any other in the space, and we're excited to be a part of their future," said Craft Catalyst partner Chris Olivier.

Proceeds from the round will be primarily focused on an expanded facility where Slingshot can continue to meticulously craft their nationally- and internationally-heralded products, the installation of additional capital equipment to increase production capacity necessary to support new retailers and the hiring of additional staff.

This summer, Slingshot became the exclusive branded cold brew coffee available at Trader Joe's in NC, SC and GA. Adding to a growing footprint within three regions of Whole Foods Markets along the East Coast, Slingshot also launched into NYC in July through a partnership with respected specialty gourmet retailer, Dean & Deluca. Slingshot will be launching into Earth Fare, Heinen's and more throughout the remainder of the 2016 summer, adding to their impressive roster of dedicated, independent retail partners.

About Slingshot Coffee Company

Slingshot Coffee Co.® was founded in 2012 by husband-wife team of national award-winning baristas and Specialty Coffee industry veterans, Jenny and Jonathan Bonchak. Dedicated to building on a foundation of quality, knowledge and innovation, Slingshot Coffee Co. quickly established itself as a leader in the Cold Brew Coffee category. Slingshot's portfolio includes a premium cold brew coffee concentrate in 16-ounce glass bottles, a ready-to-drink cold brew coffee in 12-ounce glass and 64-ounce bag-in-box formats, as well as the innovative Cascara™-branded line of ready-to-drink tea brewed from dried coffee cherries, also in 12-ounce glass. Slingshot Coffee Co. uses only organic, single-origin, in-season beans and is committed to transparency in ingredients. Slingshot can be found in high-end markets, coffee bars and restaurants in more than 20 states in the Midwest, South and Eastern Seaboard.

For more information, visit slingshotcoffeecompany.com. Connect with Slingshot on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

About Craft Catalyst, LLC

Founded by entrepreneurs with proven operating track records, Craft Catalyst(SM) is an Atlanta-based boutique food & beverage brand accelerator working with emerging brands to help manage growth, avoid pitfalls and enhance shareholder value. The company provides a comprehensive platform of resources, mentors, capabilities and community to early-stage food & beverage businesses seeking to scale. Past & present clients include High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet, BFY Brands (Popcorners), Kill Cliff Inc., AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery, Charleston Mix Bloody Mary, Owl's Brew and others.

For more information, visit craftcatalystllc.com.