About Pilot Project Brewing
Pilot Project helps beverage founders turn drink ideas into products for sale. It supports development, production, and distribution. Its restaurants and tasting rooms serve consumers while giving new brands places to test releases. The portfolio covers beer and nonalcoholic drinks, along with hard kombucha and canned cocktails.
The company operates three venues across Chicago and Milwaukee. Its Chicago sites are in Logan Square and Wrigleyville. The Milwaukee location includes a restaurant, rooftop, and patio, while Wrigleyville also has a cocktail lounge. Milwaukee offers brewery tours, and all three venues can host events.
Funding Rounds (SEC Form D)
| First sale | Filed with SEC | Amount sold | Investors | Avg. check | Terms | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2026 | Nov 10, 2026 | $3,500,000fully sold | 1 | $3.5M | Debt, Convertible promissory note and contingent warrant to purchase common stock.Rule 506(b) | Form D ↗ |
| Feb 6, 2025 | Feb 11, 2026 | $4,154,420of $8.0M target | 32 | $129K | EquityRule 506(b) | Form D ↗ |
| Aug 29, 2022 | Feb 24, 2023 | $2,890,000of $3.5M target | 15 | $192K | SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)Rule 506(b) | Form D ↗ |
| Total, three offerings | $10,544,420 | |||||
First sale is the date the first investor in the offering committed to invest. Companies must file Form D within 15 days of that date, so filing dates run later.
Rounds announced by Pilot Project Brewing
What the company said publicly about its funding. Announced amounts can differ from Form D figures: an announcement can combine several closings, and some money is raised without a Form D.
| Announced | Round | Amount | Investors | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2022 | Seed | $8 million | Investor opportunities ↗ |
Why Investors Backed Pilot Project Brewing
Pilot Project combines beverage incubation with consumer venues. This model gives young brands production support and direct customer feedback. The company spans alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks instead of relying on one category. It sells to both consumers and beverage businesses.
The problem it targets
Pilot Project argues that independent beverage founders face a costly and complicated route to market. It points to high barriers for brewers. Early teams often lack production space, distribution access, and a ready audience. The incubator is designed to provide those missing pieces.
What the product does
Founders can refine recipes, expand production, and prepare marketing. Pilot Project also helps with distribution and mentoring. Its taprooms let brands run small releases and collect customer feedback before scaling. The same platform supports beer and nonalcoholic drinks, plus hard kombucha and canned cocktails.
Progress so far
The incubator has moved more than 23 brands from ideas to store shelves. Mash Gang was acquired by DioniLife in 2024. Funkytown Brewery won a Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream award. USA Today ranked the Chicago and Milwaukee locations first among U.S. beer bars. Devious Cocktails ranked third among U.S. cocktails during its first year.
How the market is moving
Pilot Project's investor pitch says overall beer sales are tapering while independent beverage brands are growing. It also points to major producers buying independent brands. The company views its mix of alcoholic and nonalcoholic categories as a response to that shift.
We wrote this summary from public statements by Pilot Project Brewing and its investors. It is not investment advice.
Pilot Project Brewing in the News
- The Weekend with Beer, February 20-22
- Pilot Project Brewing Expanding To North Side With New Location Near Wrigley Field
- Pilot Project's newest brand launch is both nonalcoholic ...
- Pilot Project Brewing; Milwaukee's beer scene welcomes new player
- Light's On — Catching up with Dan Abel of Chicago's Pilot Project Brewing
Leadership Team
Executive officers and directors listed on Pilot Project Brewing's Form D filed Nov 10, 2026.
Earlier filings also listed Daniel Abel (ceo and director, last listed Feb 2026) and Jordan Radke (executive officer, last listed Feb 2023).