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Draft:Bartesian

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Bartesian
Company typePrivate
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

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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. Close, who held a business degree from Western University, became CEO.[2][3][4] Close had previously worked in a corporate role and in fintech at a Waterloo incubator before deciding to develop Bartesian into a commercial product after noticing a shift toward home-based socializing.[2][3] They launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 that raised $115,000 to cover early production costs.[1]

Dragon's Den appearance

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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] During this time, Bartesian also worked with bartenders and chefs to create cocktail recipes and to develop flavour capsules.[5] The first units were delivered to Kickstarter backers in 2017.[5]

Commercial expansion

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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] The collaboration expanded production capacity and placed Bartesian appliances in major retail chains. Bartesian officially released its product to the public through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website in September 2019.[5][3]  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for at-home cocktail preparation increased sharply.[6] Close reported that the company achieved 975% year-over-year revenue growth in 2020.[5] 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.[6]

Investment and growth

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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.[5] At the time, Bartesian had 10 employees.[5] Close reported that the capital would support expanded staffing, new cocktail development, and extended presence in commercial venues such as hotels and stadiums.[5] Hyatt Hotels president Pete Sears joined the board, and Bartesian began piloting its machines as minibar replacements at select Hyatt properties.[3] Actress Mila Kunis also joined the board in 2021, following her promotional work with Beam Suntory.[2]

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.[7]

Products and technology

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Bartesian manufactures three models of automated cocktail makers - the Duet (compact, two-spirit model),[8] Premium (four-spirit home model),[9] and Professional (five-spirit commercial model)[10] - alongside proprietary single-use capsules. The machines combine user-supplied spirits with capsules containing juices, bitters, and flavourings for creating a selection of cocktails.[11] A barcode on each capsule tells the machine which spirits to draw and the ratio for mixing. Users can select drink strength or choose a non-alcoholic option.[12]

The company launched with six cocktail varieties in 2016.[13] Reportedly, approximately 60 capsule varieties are available as of 2024.[8] The capsules are marketed as recyclable but require rinsing and disassembly before disposal.[3]

Business model

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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.[14] The company reports that capsules are sold through its direct-to-consumer website, subscription service, and retail partners.

Recognition

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Bartesian was included in Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things list in 2019. The Associated Press listed Bartesian among notable kitchen and home technology products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in both 2020 and 2024.[10] The Duet and Professional models received CES Innovation awards in 2023.[10][15]

  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 "Bartesian Raises $20M, Adds Mila Kunis to Board and Plans to Double Team | Built In Chicago". Built In. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "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. ^ https://www.pressreader.com/canada/waterloo-region-record/20180412/281964608300380?srsltid=AfmBOorP5PsXUJNzsOP8w3V9g8vqxhFeITGlKj-VMfgjEZE5aRTX0PHU. Retrieved 2025-11-17 – via PressReader. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "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.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Guy, Nick (2025-07-16). "We Found an At-Home Cocktail Maker That's Better Than the Bartesian". WSJ Buyside. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  8. ^ a b "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. ^ Yamat, Rio (2024-01-10). "At CES 2024, tech companies are transforming the kitchen with AI and robots that do the cooking". AP News. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  10. ^ a b c "Bartesian Professional". www.ces.tech. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ "channelnews : Kickstart The Party With Bartesian Cocktail Maker". Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  13. ^ Friend, David (2015). "Bartesian cocktail machine aims to replace your liquor cabinet". CBC News.
  14. ^ Bajarin, Tim. "Automated Cocktail System Pours Its Way To Success". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  15. ^ "Bartesian Duet". www.ces.tech. Retrieved 2025-11-04.