I left my job to launch a start-up in one of the world's toughest markets. I've run out of cash twice, my warehouse was robbed and I made many mistakes. But I still have NO regrets...
Stefan Di Benedetto was working one of Australia's largest construction companies when he put everything on the line to launch an alcohol start-up with his best mate.
Stefan Di Benedetto's family and friends thought he was crazy when he made a life-changing gamble.
The Melbourne project manager was working for one of Australia’s largest construction companies when he put everything on the line to launch alcohol start-up Solbevi in August 2023.
Despite having no industry experience, he soon struck a distribution deal with retail giant Dan Murphy's to stock Australia's first limoncello spritz in a can in nine stores.
Mr Di Benedetto quit his high-paying job and poured his entire savings into the business.
He did construction night shifts and worked at his local pub on Sundays for almost two years while spending up to 90 hours a week expanding the business, which came with major sacrifices and challenges.
The business ran out of money twice, amid constant rejection from hospitality operators, and an early-morning warehouse break-in several months ago took a financial and emotional toll.
But not only did Solbevi survive, it has thrived.
Solbevi is now stocked in more than 2,500 stores across Australia, including bottle shop chains Dan Murphy's and Liquorland.
Stefan Di Benedetto started an alcohol start-up and hasn't looked back
The Melbourne entrepreneur is proud of producing Australia's first limoncello spritz in a can
Following a successful international launch in New Zealand, Solbevi has set its sights on South-East Asia with a recent expansion to Malaysia and Singapore.
Solbevi was sold at the F1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier this year, along with several AFLW games and multiple festivals.
The company supplies onboard beverages for airlines Qantas and Scoot and has been awarded best liqueur in the world by US Spirits Ratings.
'The last two years have been exhausting,' Mr Di Benedetto said.
'We've run out of money twice, which impacted cash flow.
'Capital raising fell through three times when it came to signing on the dotted line, which almost killed me.
'We lost $20,000 worth of equipment and stock in the break-in - a setback we hadn't accounted for.'
'I burned through personal savings during extensive overseas travels to pitch with no guaranteed outcomes.
The entrepreneur has set his sights on South-East Asia with a recent expansion to Malaysia (pictured) and Singapore
Dan Murphy's was the first retailer to stock Solbevi in nine stores. The brand is now sold in more than 2,500 stores
'We still hadn't raised the entire amount of capital until four months ago. But our growth has allowed us to thrive.'