Developed over the last five years by ex-bartender Alex Kammerling, the firm has secured funding from 85 investors through Crowdcube. In return for 23 percent of the business, Kammerling’s raised £180,000 to fund its expansion plans. The company reached the target amount within three months of opening the fundraising round.

Launched in April this year, Kammerling’s is a lower-proof spirit that consists of ginseng, fresh grapefruit, manuka honey and a blend of 42 other natural botanical ingredients. The drink is currently served in five-star hotels, restaurants, cocktail bars and wholesalers across London, however, some international clients have been secured, a statement from the company says.

‘We initially approached the high street lenders with our business plan in the hope of raising enough capital to move our project forward and grow the business,’ Kammerling comments.

‘With banks demanding interest rates of more than 15 percent, we decided to look elsewhere. Crowdcube offered us a totally unique way to secure the funding we needed. It allowed us to engage with ordinary people who we believe recognise exciting new investment opportunities.’

Crowdcube enables investors to receive shares in the businesses that register on the site that are aiming to raise finance in exchange for equity. To date, the website, which began operations earlier this year, has helped three businesses secure more than £280,000 in equity funding.

Last month, start-up Personal Development Bureau raised £25,000 of seed capital through Crowdcube in return for 15 per cent equity in the business. Bodycare business Bubble & Balm raised £75,000 of growth capital earlier this year in July.