1. The Story: From Tech Sales to Tequila Cocktails

TESSO came to life because I wanted to step away from the corporate world and pursue a passion for craft cocktails. After 12 years in tech sales, including a stint at Google, I made the leap into the RTD space to create a premium Tequila Espresso Martini. This wasn’t just a career change — it was about seizing the opportunity in the fast-growing RTD market where demand for unique, high-quality cocktails is skyrocketing.

As an LGBT+ entrepreneur, I’m all about building a brand that celebrates diversity, authenticity, and passion. TESSO isn’t just another drink; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, flavor, and community.

2. The Market Opportunity: Growth, Trends, and Demand

The RTD market is exploding. It’s projected to hit $117.9B by 2034, growing at a rate of 11.5% per year. The Tequila Espresso Martini is a niche within this market, with both tequila and espresso martinis seeing huge demand. Since 2021, demand for Tequila Espresso Martinis has grown by 44%, and we’re ready to take full advantage of that momentum.

There aren’t many premium tequila espresso martinis out there, and that’s where we stand out. TESSO is one of the few options in this fast-growing category, setting us up for big opportunities.

3. The Product: Premium, No Compromises

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. We use 100% Blanco tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, paired with barista-quality espresso and a carefully crafted coffee liqueur. The result? A smooth, bold, and perfectly balanced cocktail. No additives. No preservatives. Just real, premium ingredients.

This isn’t your average RTD. TESSO delivers the kind of experience you’d expect from a high-end cocktail bar, but in a convenient, portable format. We’re setting a new standard for what an RTD can be.

4. The Team: Experienced, Passionate, and Focused

I’ve spent over a decade in tech sales and GTM strategy, but I’m not alone in this. My team brings expertise in beverage development, marketing, and sales, all of which are essential as we bring Tesso to life. From navigating production challenges to building a strong online presence on Instagram and TikTok, we’re focused on more than just making a product — we’re creating a movement.

We’ve already hit key milestones like product formulation, branding, and social media growth. And this is just the beginning.

5. The Vision: Scale, Impact, and Inclusivity

TESSO is more than a drink. It’s a brand that speaks to people. As an LGBT+ business, we’re dedicated to inclusivity both within our company and with our customers.

Looking ahead, our goal is to scale TESSO across the country, form partnerships with bars, event spaces, venues, restaurants, and distributors, and expand into new markets. We want TESSO to be the go-to choice for people seeking a premium, ready-to-drink Espresso Martini with Tequila that align with their values.

6. The Ask: Fueling Our Growth

We’re raising capital to ramp up production, grow our distribution, and expand TESSO's reach to more customers. With your support, we can increase our production capacity, elevate our marketing efforts, and position TESSO as a national leader in the RTD cocktail market.

Investing in TESSO means being part of a mission-driven company with a premium product, huge growth potential, and a passionate team that’s ready to change the game.