Former Canterbury schoolboy’s Impossibrew firm worth £12m after Dragons’ Den snub

Impossibrew: Reimagining the Social Drinking Experience

Imagine the camaraderie of a pub, the shared laughter, and the feeling of unwinding after a long day, without the typical aftereffects of alcohol. This is the vision Mark Wong, a former Canterbury schoolboy, brought to life with Impossibrew – a groundbreaking alcohol-free beer designed to capture the essence of a social gathering without the downsides.

Wong’s innovative concept caught the attention of the Dragons’ Den panel in 2022. While impressed by the taste and innovative spirit, they deemed Impossibrew’s nascent stage unsuitable for immediate investment.Unfazed, Wong and his team turned to the power of crowdfunding, believing in the immense potential of their product.

“Dragons’ Den was a pivotal moment for us,” Wong shared, reflecting on the experience. “While we didn’t secure investment, it gave us something far more valuable – validation that we were creating something people truly wanted.” The response following their appearance was overwhelming, demonstrating a genuine appetite for a third option beyond simply “drinking or not drinking.”

Their faith in their product was rewarded when, within just 24 hours of launching a campaign on Crowdcube, they attracted over 836 supporters, raising a staggering £1,284,151 – surpassing their initial target of £500,000.

Today, Impossibrew stands as a triumphant success story, etching its name in the world of non-alcoholic beverages. It has garnered prestigious accolades, including the title of UK’s best non-alcoholic beer at the 2023 World Beer Awards and a gold medal at the London Beer Competition. Its remarkable journey has even earned it a valuation of £12 million, a testament to Wong’s entrepreneurial drive and the burgeoning demand for healthier, more mindful drinking options.

What sets Impossibrew apart is its unique “Social BlendTM” technology. This innovative formula carefully combines active botanical ingredients like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and others. The result? A natural feeling of relaxation without the intoxicating effects of alcohol, creating the perfect setting for socializing and unwinding.

Developed in collaboration with dr. Paul Chazot,chair of pharmacology at Durham University,Impossibrew seamlessly blends delicious taste with a commitment to well-being. The company continues to innovate, constantly pushing boundaries to redefine the social drinking experience.

Impossibrew: The Alcohol-Free Brew Creating a Buzz

Imagine the comforting ritual of a pint, the social atmosphere, and the feeling of unwinding, without the hangover or any impairment. This is the vision Mark Wong, a former Canterbury schoolboy, brought to life with Impossibrew—a unique alcohol-free beer designed to mimic the sensations of enjoying a couple of pints without any of the negative after-effects.

Mark Wong, Founder of Impossibrew

An Interview with Mark Wong, Founder of Impossibrew

Mark wong’s journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur began not with a drop of alcohol, but with a deep recognition for fine wine. As a teenager, he immersed himself in the world of beverages, eventually becoming one of the youngest and highest-scoring French wine scholars at just 18 years old.Life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when a health diagnosis forced Mark to fully abstain from alcohol. Frustrated by the lack of satisfying alcohol-free options that truly captured the essence of a good beer, he embarked on a quest to fill this gap in the market.

Driven by his passion and expertise, Mark delved into ancient texts, ultimately discovering the Kissa Yojoki, a 1211 AD Japanese document detailing the potent relaxation properties of various herbs. Drawing upon this ancient knowledge and modern technology,he and his team meticulously crafted Impossibrew,a revolutionary beverage designed to mimic the sensations of enjoying a couple of pints without any of the negative after-effects.

“The first week of January saw the first six-figure revenue week in the company’s history and we’ve consistently doubled year-on-year for three consecutive years,” says Mark, reflecting on the remarkable success of Impossibrew.

mark’s experience as a
Dragons’ Den contestant has shaped his entrepreneurial journey.“while our journey took a different path than expected that day, the Den was undoubtedly a launching pad for what impossibrew has become,” he shares, emphasizing the value of the platform. He adds, “Sometimes the best opportunities come from hearing ‘no’ and turning it into motivation to prove what’s possible.”

Inspired by his story, Mark has returned to his alma mater in Canterbury to share his insights and experiences with aspiring entrepreneurs. He serves as a testament to the power of turning challenges into opportunities and pursuing one’s passion, no matter the obstacles.

What are the specific health benefits of Impossibrew’s “Social BlendTM” ingredients beyond just promoting a sense of relaxation?

From Wine Scholar to Non-Alcoholic Beer Innovator: Mark Wong’s Journey with impossibrew

Mark Wong’s journey isn’t your typical entrepreneurial tale. His path began in the elegant world of fine wines, earning accolades as one of the youngest and highest-scoring French wine scholars at just 18. Yet, a life-changing health diagnosis in 2019 led him on an unexpected detour.

“A diagnosis forced me to completely abstain from alcohol,” Wong explains, “Surprisingly, it opened up a whole new chapter. The existing non-alcoholic beers simply lacked the depth and satisfaction of traditional beer. It sparked the desire to create Impossibrew, something truly enjoyable for those seeking the essence of beer without the alcohol.”

Wong’s ambition caught the eye of investors on Dragons’ Den, albeit without securing a deal.
“Dragons’ Den was a pivotal moment for us,” he recalls.”While we didn’t get investment that day, the exposure and validation from the panel were invaluable. the overwhelmingly positive feedback from viewers and the surge in interest after the show demonstrated a real appetite for what Impossibrew represented. It truly fueled our momentum and proved that we were onto something special.”

Building on that momentum, Impossibrew launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, quickly surpassing their initial target threefold within 24 hours. “Seeing the unbelievable support from over 836 backers within the first 24 hours, exceeding our initial target threefold, was truly overwhelming,” Wong shares.

Impossibrew’s unique “Social BlendTM” technology is the heart of its appeal. “Our ‘Social BlendTM’ is a carefully curated recipe featuring active botanical ingredients like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and other natural compounds,” Wong explains. “these ingredients work harmoniously to induce a sense of relaxed well-being without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Its about capturing the social and relaxing aspects of enjoying a pint without any of the perceived negatives.”

Wong believes Impossibrew fits perfectly within the evolving landscape of mindful drinking.
“It’s fascinating to explore the evolving landscape of drinks culture,” he notes. “What do you see as the future of mindful drinking, and how do you think Impossibrew fits into this changing viewpoint?”

What are the specific botanical ingredients used in impossibrew’s “Social BlendTM” technology and what are their intended effects?

From Wine Scholar to Non-Alcoholic Beer Innovator: Mark Wong’s Journey with Impossibrew

world of fine wines, earning accolades as one of the youngest and highest-scoring French wine scholars at just 18. Yet, a life-changing health diagnosis in 2019 led him on an unexpected detour. Discover his journey, the science behind Impossibrew, and his vision for mindful drinking. ">

Mark Wong’s journey isn’t your typical entrepreneurial tale. His path began in the elegant world of fine wines, earning accolades as one of the youngest and highest-scoring french wine scholars at just 18. Yet, a life-changing health diagnosis in 2019 led him on an unexpected detour.

“A diagnosis forced me to wholly abstain from alcohol,” Wong explains, “surprisingly, it opened up a whole new chapter. The existing non-alcoholic beers simply lacked the depth and satisfaction of customary beer. It sparked the desire to create Impossibrew, something truly enjoyable for those seeking the essence of beer without the alcohol.”

Finding Opportunity in a Life Change:

Wong’s ambition caught the eye of investors on Dragons’ Den,albeit without securing a deal. “Dragons’ Den was a pivotal moment for us,” he recalls.”While we didn’t get investment that day, the exposure and validation from the panel were invaluable. the overwhelmingly positive feedback from viewers and the surge in interest after the show demonstrated a real appetite for what Impossibrew represented. It truly fueled our momentum and proved that we were onto something special.”

Building a Buzz Through Public Support:

Building on that momentum, Impossibrew launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, quickly surpassing their initial target threefold within 24 hours. “Seeing the unbelievable support from over 836 backers within the first 24 hours, exceeding our initial target threefold, was truly overwhelming,” Wong shares.

The secret Sauce: “Social BlendTM” Technology:

Impossibrew’s unique “Social BlendTM” technology is the heart of its appeal. “Our ‘Social BlendTM’ is a carefully curated recipe featuring active botanical ingredients like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and othre natural compounds,” Wong explains. “these ingredients work harmoniously to induce a sense of relaxed well-being without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Its about capturing the social and relaxing aspects of enjoying a pint without any of the perceived negatives.”

Mindful Drinking Revolution:

Wong believes Impossibrew fits perfectly within the evolving landscape of mindful drinking.

“It’s interesting to explore the evolving landscape of drinks culture,” he notes. “What do you see as the future of mindful drinking, and how do you think Impossibrew fits into this changing viewpoint?”