StartEngine has acquired Vinovest, expanding its platform into alternative assets such as fine wine and whisky and broadening access for retail investors.
The acquisition brings together StartEngine’s network of more than 2.1 million users and approximately $1.5 billion invested to date with Vinovest’s community of around 200,000 users and roughly $140 million in assets under management. Vinovest will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under its existing brand.
Founded in 2014, StartEngine has built a platform offering access to startups and pre-IPO investment opportunities, including exposure to prominent private companies such as Anthropic, Stripe, and xAI. The addition of Vinovest introduces a new category of alternative assets designed to diversify portfolios through investments that are historically uncorrelated.
Vinovest, founded in 2019, provides investors with access to curated wine and whisky portfolios. The platform handles sourcing, authentication, storage in bonded warehouses, insurance, and logistics, while allowing investors to track performance and choose to sell or take delivery of their holdings. The company has also developed relationships with wineries globally, enabling access to sought-after bottles for collectors and investors.
The transaction reflects growing interest among retail investors in alternative assets, a market projected to reach nearly $60 trillion by 2033. By integrating Vinovest’s offerings, StartEngine aims to further expand access to private market opportunities beyond traditional startup investing.
KEY QUOTES:
“Vinovest opens the door to a new category of alternative assets for our investors, while staying true to our mission of expanding access to private markets. What stood out to me is how similar our communities are: investors looking for uncorrelated investments for their portfolios. Pre-IPO funds and wines are uncorrelated assets.”
Howard Marks, Co-Founder and CEO of StartEngine
“When we started Vinovest, we believed that fine wine and whisky deserved a seat at the table alongside pre-IPO funds. Joining StartEngine means we can now bring that vision to more investors.”
Brent Akamine, Co-Founder and CEO of Vinovest
