How I Raised £28.5M In Startup Capital | Spencer Matthews

In this episode of The Room Where It Happened, Spencer Matthews shares the motivations and experiences behind founding CleanCo, an alcohol-free spirits brand. He reflects on his early days of fame from Made in Chelsea, transitioning from superficial endorsements to a deeper commitment to entrepreneurship, drawn by personal struggles and ambitions. Spencer emphasizes the importance of authenticity in brand creation and how he navigated the complexities of the alcohol industry.

He recounts his initial attempts to attract investors without any concrete business model or sales, emphasizing the importance of energy and ambition over experience. He narrates a significant turning point when he navigated different funding conversations, including deals with established venture capital firms. Spencer also discusses his encounters with celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Tom Holland, revealing how close collaborations sometimes don’t come to fruition, affecting his business trajectory.

As CleanCo gained traction, Spencer faced challenges, particularly in the American market where the brand did not perform as expected. He shares how these setbacks taught him valuable lessons about market education and managing business growth without compromising integrity. Spencer concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing public perception and personal goals, and the ongoing journey of building brands that inspire and connect with people authentically.