From code to casks: what making beer and spirits has in common with the fast world of tech startups

This blog is written by Elliott from abroaden who shares his observations about the similarities of making beers and spirits and the world of tech startups.

Back in June of 2022, I had a chance to drop by Tipsy Tribe as Dan and Aylin were putting the final touches on what was to become Brussels first (and best) Brewstillery. They had invited me to come check out the venue and graciously get some work on my fintech-related projects before heading off to some meetings in town later that evening.

Sitting at what's now their buzzing bar, watching them brew Belgian beer and distill spirits like gin and vodka, something clicked. Even though making beer and building tech products seem totally different, we entrepreneurs share a lot of common ground. Here’s what I picked up that afternoon, lessons that still stick with me.

Constant Learning: Every Day is a School Day

Oak barrels filled with whisky and craft beers

One of the most striking commonalities, whether you're building a financial technology (fintech) platform, or hybrid brewery and distillery, is the relentless pace of learning. Before abroaden, I was deeply immersed in financial services, weaving a career that started on the trade processing floor of a bank to a cutting edge fintech scaleup’s marketing department to consulting on different projects on payments and open banking.  Along the way, I also learned to code and got qualifications in wealth and investment management.  To say my days were busy and sometimes challenging would be an understatement. 

But launching a startup?  That was a whole new level.  Founding a company from scratch meant becoming  a jack-of-all-trades: mastering marketing strategies, understanding intricate legal frameworks, navigating HR, and even doing  sales. 

Similarly, Dan and Aylin, despite their backgrounds in IT project management and international consulting, have become experts in everything from yeast propagation and distillation science to managing supply chains for hops and malt, and even the complex logistics of getting their Belgian beer and spirits to market. Every day brings a new challenge, pushing us to acquire skills we never anticipated needing. It's truly a constant, hands-on education for all of us.

Unforeseen Roles: Beyond the Business Plan

Beyond the initial learning curve, another shared reality for entrepreneurs is stepping into roles you never envisioned. When I started abroaden, my focus was squarely on building tech solutions to bring financial inclusion to tens of millions of people living abroad. 

Yet, I've found myself negotiating with vendors, troubleshooting website glitches at odd hours, devising marketing strategy, being the product manager, and even delving into complex compliance details that extend far beyond traditional fintech. It's a continuous process of adapting and becoming the person who solves whatever problem arises.

Similarly, at Tipsy Tribe, Dan and Aylin’s days are filled with tasks extending far beyond the joy of crafting the gin and vodka behind delicious cocktails or perfecting their refreshing beers. They are involved in everything from sourcing specialized brewery equipment and performing intricate distillery maintenance on stills and tanks, to managing waste disposal and even handling customer service inquiries about their latest craft beer release. They've become plumbers, electricians, chemists, and logistics experts – all in a day's work. The common thread? Founders, regardless of industry of the startups, become the ultimate generalists, filling every gap to keep their vision moving forward.

Regulatory Pace-Setting: The External Hand on the Accelerator

Perhaps one of the most significant, and often frustrating, shared realities is operating in heavily regulated industries where the regulator, not the founder, often sets the startup speed. In fintech, launching new features or even entire products often hinges on securing licenses, passing audits, and adhering to strict financial compliance. This can mean months, sometimes years, of preparation before a single line of code goes live for public use. It’s a necessary hurdle to ensure consumer protection and market stability, but it certainly tests an entrepreneur's patience and adaptability (not to mention their cashflow management).

Similarly, for Tipsy Tribe, the path to bringing their delicious craft beer and spirits to market is governed by an equally rigorous framework. From obtaining authorization from customs officials to distill alcohol,  to adhering to strict health and safety standards for their brewery, every step is meticulously controlled. Building a new production line, or even introducing a new type of spirit, often requires approvals that can take substantial time. This regulatory environment is a constant reminder that while our visions might be grand, the pace of execution is often dictated by external forces, forcing a strategic approach to growth rather than a rapid sprint.

The Foreign Entrepreneur: Unique Challenges, Unexpected Advantages

Beyond the universal startup hurdles, for both abroaden and Tipsy Tribe, there's another layer of complexity and opportunity: being an entrepreneur while living abroad. Operating in a foreign country means navigating a completely new administrative landscape, from company registration and tax laws to local labor regulations, which can be vastly different from what we're used to. For Dan and Aylin, despite both being Belgian, were born and raised in different countries, only moving to Belgium as young adults  This has meant understanding Belgian brands and specific Brussels distillery rules and doing business in multiple languages that aren’t their native tongues. For abroaden, it's about making sense of varied financial regulations across multiple jurisdictions for members of the international communities in Europe and beyond. Plus, building a professional network from scratch in a new country requires extra effort and adaptability.

Yet, this journey also brings distinct advantages. Living abroad offers a fresh perspective, often sparking innovative ideas that might not emerge in a familiar environment. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, fostering resilience and resourcefulness – traits crucial for any founder. Moreover, tapping into a diverse, international talent pool can bring unique skills and viewpoints to your team. 

Both Tipsy Tribe, with its international appeal for craft beer and spirits, and abroaden, serving a global international community, are living proof that while challenging, the expat entrepreneurial path can unlock incredible opportunities and foster truly unique businesses.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The Power of Community

In the often-solitary journey of entrepreneurship, one of the most powerful tools for success is collaboration and the willingness to share knowledge. For abroaden, tapping into and building the local fintech community, attending industry events, and connecting with other founders has been invaluable. We learn from shared challenges around building tech solutions, navigating regulatory hurdles, and even discussing best practices for attracting talent. It's a continuous feedback loop that prevents us from reinventing the wheel and helps us grow faster.

Similarly, Tipsy Tribe thrives on connections within the Belgian beer world and spirits industry. Dan and Aylin regularly interact with other like-minded breweries in the region, sharing insights on everything from sourcing ingredients like malt and hops, to optimizing their distilling processes. They've also engaged with the broader Brussels business community, leveraging local expertise. 

Whether it’s advice on marketing in a crowded B2C space or simply a supportive conversation over a craft beer, the collective wisdom of fellow entrepreneurs is an indispensable resource. Success isn't built in a vacuum; it’s nurtured through active participation and generous exchange within a supportive ecosystem.

The Universal Entrepreneurial Spirit(s): It might seem lonely but you’re not alone.

As my "coworking" day at Tipsy Tribe concluded three years ago, the aroma of malt and hops mingling with the buzz of entrepreneurial ambition (combined with the beers Dan had me sample for “quality control”), it became profoundly clear: while our products, industries, and daily tasks may differ, the heart of the startup journey is remarkably universal. Whether you're brewing Belgian beer and distilling gin, vodka, and whiskey or building tech to navigate complex financial landscapes, the core experiences remain consistent.

From the constant, unexpected learning curves and the myriad of unforeseen roles we embrace, to the patience required by regulatory pacesetters and the unique resilience forged by life as a foreigner, entrepreneurship is a shared odyssey. It's a path defined by adaptability, a drive to create, and above all, the invaluable power of collaboration. Seeing Dan and Aylin’s vision to give Brussels the distillery it deserves come to life, just as we build abroaden, is a powerful reminder that the spirit of creation, perseverance, and shared knowledge truly bridges all divides.

From all those unexpected learning curves and the crazy roles we end up playing, to the endless patience needed with regulators and the unique grit you build living abroad, entrepreneurship is a wild ride; but not necessarily a lonely one. It's all about being adaptable, driven to create, and most importantly, about working together.  Seeing Dan and Aylin bring their vision to give Brussels the distillery it deserves to life, just like we're building abroaden, is a powerful reminder: the spirit of creating something new, sticking with it, and sharing what you know really connects us all.

Elliott Locke, ACSI is the co-founder of abroaden and BCN Fintech