Alcohol delivery service Drizly closed a $2.5 million seed round today, just after announcing its Chicago launch last week, according to a report from TechCrunch. The company also has plans to move into other markets.
Drizly, founded in Boston two years ago, received the funding from Continental Investors of Chicago, with participation from Gary Vaynerchuk through Vayner RSE ventures and Suffolk Equity.
The company has raised a total of $4.8 million since its launch.
Drizly's smartphone app allows users to order beer, wine or liquor, enter discount codes, and tip the driver all from a smartphone. The alcohols is delivered in 20-40 minutes, and the company serves customers in the Loop, South Loop, West Loop, River North, Gold Coast, Streeterville, Wrigleyville, Lakeview, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown.
The company faces stiff competition in Chicago. Chicago-based Drinkfly and New York-based Qwiker both began offering the delivery service to Chicagoans in March.
But according to TechCrunch, Drizly's biggest worry is from Amazon, who could easily move into the alcohol delivery business if it wanted to. But if the company can stick to its promise of alcohol delivery in under 40 minutes, Drizly will find a good home for itself here in Chicago.
