Run The Jewels’ Ready-to-Drink Brand Raises $2M in Seed Funding to Fuel Expansion

(Photo: Juice Runners)

Juice Runners, the ready-to-drink cocktail brand from hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, has secured $2 million in seed funding as it looks to scale production and expand distribution across the United States.

The brand, founded by Killer Mike (Michael Santiago Render) and El-P (Jaime Meline), launched in spring 2025 with its debut product, the Paloma Remix — a 5.9% ABV mezcal-based canned cocktail.

Initially self-funded through merchandise revenue, the duo built Juice Runners using an artist-led model designed to maintain creative control while growing the business deliberately. The newly closed $2 million seed round marks the company’s first outside investment.

According to The Spirits Business, the funding will support product innovation, increased production capacity and a broader national rollout.

A second product, a rum-based canned cocktail called Sea Legs, is slated for release later this year. The brand is also developing a bottled collector’s rum in collaboration with Fred Minnick and St Lucia Distillers.

“This was never about slapping our name on a bottle,” El-P said. “Juice Runners comes from the same place as everything we’ve built — doing the work, respecting the craft, and making something we actually stand behind.”

In its debut year, Juice Runners gained visibility through appearances at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and promotion during the duo’s U.S. tour alongside Wu-Tang Clan.

Alongside the funding announcement, the company has assembled a leadership team to guide its next phase of growth. Amaechi Uzoigwe, co-founder and business partner to Run The Jewels, will serve as chairman.

Joe Malcoun has been appointed chief executive officer, Kate Brankin will serve as chief operating officer, and Leif Huckman, founder of Donna Cocktail Club, has been named chief brand officer.

The executive team will focus on scaling operations, refining product development and building on-premise presence as the brand expands.

“Juice Runners exists because we didn’t follow the usual playbook,” Uzoigwe said. “Our company is built by people who understand how to succeed without losing soul.”