Stoli Group Backs The Pathfinder in $3.6M Raise, Accelerating Zero-Proof Expansion

SEATTLE, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pathfinder, the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic elixir that's redefining the zero-proof spirits category, is pleased to announce it has closed a $3.6 million Series B funding round, led by global spirits leader Stoli Group.

This will enable The Pathfinder to deepen its U.S. footprint through expanded distribution, new retail partnerships, and strategic team growth. Proceeds will support the scaling of the company's national operations, with key hires including Jill Sites (Sales and Marketing), William Howe (CFO), and Marilyn Canderloro (Head of Supply Chain), all joining to support The Pathfinder's transition into a nationwide portfolio brand.

"This raise gives us the capital we need to execute a nationwide rollout combining The Pathfinder's dynamic brand and unique liquid proposition with the power of the Stoli distribution network," said Chris Abbott, co-founder of The Pathfinder. "We've done the hard work getting into some of the best bars in the world. Now it's time to scale off-premise, and meet the rising demand across the country."

The investment expands upon Stoli Group's initial backing in 2023, which marked the company's first foray into the non-alcoholic spirits category. The Pathfinder now projects availability in 41 states by year-end, with national retail partners including Whole Foods Market (launching in September), Total Wine & More, Sprouts, and premium on-premise accounts such as Clemente Bar (NYC), True Laurel and Trick Dog (SF), and Mother Wolf and Thunderbolt (LA).

While 70% of The Pathfinder's accounts year-to-date remain on-premise, the brand expects a dramatic shift in off-premise growth, especially outside of its current strongholds in the Pacific Northwest and New York—regions that currently represent 55% of revenue.

"The Pathfinder has emerged as a true trailblazer in the non-alcoholic space—pushing boundaries with both bold liquid and bold vision. As consumer interest in zero-proof spirits accelerates, we're proud to deepen our partnership and help scale a brand that's rewriting the rules of the category. This next chapter marks a pivotal step in bringing The Pathfinder to more shelves, more menus, and more consumers nationwide," said Michael Howard, President, Stoli Group, North America.

The raise also supports continued rollout of The Pathfinder's new 200ml ready-to-drink formats, including The Pathfinder Spritz and The Pathfinder Negroni—both designed to offer category-leading versatility for retailers and consumers alike. Notably, The Pathfinder Negroni is the only non-carbonated Negroni RTD currently available in the non-alcoholic space, offering a true stirred-and-sipped experience rarely seen in the zero-proof market.

With velocity up 82% and total sales dollars increasing 181% in the last quarter (NIQ/IRI, 13 weeks ending June 14), The Pathfinder is primed to capitalize on rising consumer demand for complex, bartender-approved non-alcoholic spirits and RTDs.

About The Pathfinder

The Pathfinder launched Hemp and Root, its flagship zero-proof spirit—and the first in a line of unprecedented disruptors to both the non-alcoholic and alcoholic sectors—in fall 2021. Made from fermented and distilled hemp, this elixir boasts the intense flavor and aromatic complexity of a traditional spirit, quickly rising to cult status among bartenders and consumers alike. The Pathfinder has been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg Pursuits, Forbes, Food Network, Liquor.com, Oprah Daily, and The New York Post, and has found a home on backbars and menus at world-renowned venues including Death & Co, Amor y Amargo, Trick Dog, PDT, Thunderbolt, Pacific Standard, Zig Zag, Clemente Bar, The Aviary, Yacht Club, Milady's, Attaboy, Eleven Madison Park, Press Club, Pastis, I Sodi, and Nickel City, as well as in notable national retail accounts such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Austin Shaker, and Twin Liquors.

Crafted with bad-vibe-dispelling mystique, Hemp and Root is made from fermented hemp and copper pot distilled, then blended with an alchemy of botanicals—including wormwood, angelica root, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel, and wild-crafted Douglas-fir—to yield a revolutionary spirit of character and complexity. In 2025, The Pathfinder expanded into the RTD category with The Pathfinder Negroni, a zero-proof, non-carbonated cocktail that captures the essence of the classic. It was soon followed by The Pathfinder Spritz, a bubbly, botanical, citrus-forward serve with a striking caramel hue—an aesthetic and flavorful departure from the oversaturated pink and orange spritz market.

This fall, The Pathfinder will continue its innovation streak with the release of a new RTD coffee-based expression, offering imbibers another spirited way to sip without compromise.

The Pathfinder
PURCHASE ONLINE HERE
www.drinkthepathfinder.com
Instagram @drinkthepathfinder

About Stoli Group 

Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli® Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli® Vodka, elit™Vodka, Bayou® Rum, Kentucky Owl™, Villa One™, Gator Bite™ Rum Liqueurs, Cenote™ Tequila, Tulchan Gin™, Se Busca™ Mezcal and Stoli Group's wine division, Tenute del Mondo. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli Group has production facilities in Argentina, Latvia, Spain, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com.

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SOURCE Stoli Group (USA) LLC