In August 2022, VC-backed aperitif startup Haus announced it was shutting down and putting its assets up for sale after its Series A funding round collapsed. The company, which had raised $17 million and achieved over $10 million in revenue, faced insurmountable challenges in securing further venture capital, largely due to "vice clauses" that deter many investors from backing alcohol brands. Additional pressures from the pandemic—including supply chain disruptions and the loss of in-person social marketing—hindered growth for its direct-to-consumer, low-ABV aperitif business. With traditional VC avenues closed, Haus turned to debt financing but ultimately could not sustain operations, leading to its closure and the layoff of its entire team.
