Wikipedia

Draft:Mark Wong

  • Comment: I also think this needs to use "Impossibrew" instead of "IMPOSSIBREW®". Bsoyka (t • c • g) 14:57, 7 August 2024 (UTC)
Mark Wong
Mark Wong, Founder of IMPOSSIBREW®
Born1996 (age 27–28)
Hong Kong
NationalityBritish
Alma materDurham University
OccupationEntrepreneur
Known forFounding IMPOSSIBREW®

Mark Wong (born 1996) is a British entrepreneur, best known as the founder of IMPOSSIBREW®, a company that produces non-alcoholic beers infused with adaptogenic herbs and nootropics. Wong's innovative approach to non-alcoholic beverages has garnered significant attention in the UK's beverage industry and beyond. Praised by Touker Suleyman on Dragons' Den as "the most credible 24-year-old to ever walk through those doors,"[1] Wong has rapidly established himself as a notable figure in the non-alcoholic beverage market. In 2024, IMPOSSIBREW® was ranked 29th in the Startups 100, the longest-running index of promising startups in the UK,[2] cementing its position as a rising star in the industry.

Early life and education

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Wong was born in 1996 in Hong Kong and moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 13 with his brother, while his parents remained in Hong Kong.[3] He attended St Edmund's School in Canterbury, where he developed a strong interest in academics and entrepreneurship.[3]

Wong later pursued higher education at Durham University, where he graduated with a First-Class degree in Philosophy.[4] During his time at university, Wong began to explore his passion for the beverage industry, which would later shape his career path.[5]

Career

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Early career in wine

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Wong's interest in the beverage industry began at age 18 when he started studying wine professionally. He achieved the highest honors as a French Wine Scholar and completed multiple certifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).[6] This early expertise in wine would later inform his approach to creating non-alcoholic alternatives.

Health challenges

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At the age of 22, Wong was diagnosed with alcohol-induced liver damage, which necessitated his cessation of alcohol consumption.[4] This personal health challenge became a turning point in his career, prompting him to explore alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Wong has been open about this experience, stating that it was the catalyst for his business idea.[7]

Founding of IMPOSSIBREW®

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Following his diagnosis, Wong returned to Hong Kong, where he discovered the potential of functional plants and herbs used in traditional medicinal teas. This discovery inspired him to experiment with creating a non-alcoholic beer that could offer relaxation benefits without the negative health impacts associated with alcohol.[8]

Wong founded IMPOSSIBREW® in January 2021, initially brewing non-alcoholic beer in his university room. The company quickly moved to commercial production at Allendale Brewery in Northumberland.[9] The company's name reflects Wong's belief that he could create a seemingly impossible product: a non-alcoholic beer that provides the relaxation benefits of alcohol without its negative effects.[10]

Business achievements

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Product recognition

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IMPOSSIBREW®'s products have received industry recognition, including a gold medal at the European Beer Challenge, competing against established brands like Stella Artois and Leffe.[8] The company has also been featured in various publications, including Metro and The Independent, as one of the best non-alcoholic beers.[11][12]

Dragons' Den appearance

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In 2022, Wong appeared on the BBC's Dragons' Den, seeking £50,000 for 10% of his business. Although he did not secure investment from the Dragons, Wong's pitch was notably well-received. Dragon Touker Suleyman praised Wong as the "Most credible 24 year old to ever walk through those [Dragons' Den] doors".[1] This appearance marked a significant milestone in Wong's entrepreneurial journey and brought widespread attention to IMPOSSIBREW®.

The exposure led to a significant increase in sales and investor interest. Following the show's airing, the company received pledges totaling over £2.4 million for a future crowdfunding campaign.[13]

Crowdfunding success

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In 2023, IMPOSSIBREW® successfully raised a six-figure sum through crowdfunding, achieving its funding target in under 10 minutes.[14] This rapid success demonstrated strong investor confidence in Wong's vision and the potential of IMPOSSIBREW®.

Company growth

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Following the Dragons' Den appearance, IMPOSSIBREW® experienced significant growth. The company reported a 930% increase in sales within two months of the show airing.[9] This rapid expansion caught the attention of industry observers and further solidified Wong's reputation as a rising entrepreneur in the beverage sector.

In 2024, IMPOSSIBREW® achieved another significant milestone when it was ranked 29th in the Startups 100, the longest-running index of promising startups in the UK.[2] This recognition placed IMPOSSIBREW® among the most innovative and promising new businesses in the country, further validating Wong's approach to non-alcoholic beverages.

Awards and recognition

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Wong was named Great British Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.[6] His company, IMPOSSIBREW®, has also received recognition for its innovative approach to non-alcoholic beverages. These accolades have helped to establish Wong as a notable figure in the UK's entrepreneurial landscape, particularly in the food and beverage sector.

Marketing and social media presence

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IMPOSSIBREW® has leveraged social media platforms to increase brand awareness and engage with consumers. The company's presence on TikTok has been particularly notable, with content featuring Wong and highlights from the Dragons' Den appearance gaining significant traction.[15] A video showcasing Wong's interaction with Peter Jones on Dragons' Den became particularly popular, amassing millions of views and contributing to the brand's viral success.[16] As of August 2024, the company's TikTok account had attracted tens of thousands of followers and generated millions of organic views across its content.[10] This social media success has played a significant role in amplifying IMPOSSIBREW®'s message and expanding its customer base beyond traditional marketing channels.

Business philosophy

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Wong's vision for IMPOSSIBREW® extends beyond creating non-alcoholic beer. He aims to redefine the perception of alcohol-free options, positioning them as superior, healthier alternatives rather than mere substitutes.[8] This philosophy is reflected in the company's product development and marketing strategies.

In interviews, Wong has emphasized the importance of innovation in the beverage industry, particularly in addressing health concerns associated with alcohol consumption. He views IMPOSSIBREW® as part of a larger movement towards more mindful drinking habits.[5] Wong's approach combines traditional brewing techniques with modern wellness trends, creating products that appeal to health-conscious consumers and those seeking alternatives to alcoholic beverages.

Impact on the non-alcoholic beverage market

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Wong's work with IMPOSSIBREW® has contributed to the growing trend of premium non-alcoholic beverages. The company's success has helped to challenge perceptions about non-alcoholic alternatives and has played a role in expanding the market for these products.[17] As the non-alcoholic beverage sector continues to grow, Wong's innovations and business approach may serve as a model for other entrepreneurs entering this market.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Dragons' Den: Mark Wong pitches IMPOSSIBREW®". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  2. ^ a b "Startups 100: Impossibrew". Startups.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  3. ^ a b "Former Kent pupil pitches alcohol-free beer on Dragons' Den". Kent Online. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  4. ^ a b "Dragons' Den: Impossibrew founder reveals health scare led to business idea". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  5. ^ a b "How to start a beer company without drinking? - Mark Wong - Bright Talks". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  6. ^ a b "Mark Wong - LinkedIn Profile". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  7. ^ "Dragons' Den reject secured double the investment in just 2 months". Express. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  8. ^ a b c "Mark Wong of Impossibrew on redefining alcohol-free options". Club Soda. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  9. ^ a b "Rejected by Dragons, Impossibrew enjoys 930% growth". Beer Today. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  10. ^ a b "IMPOSSIBREW® Features on BBC's Dragons' Den, Now TikTok viral". IMPOSSIBREW® Blog. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  11. ^ "Best non-alcoholic beers". The Independent. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  12. ^ "Best no-alcohol wines, beers, gins, and spirits". Metro. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  13. ^ "Dragons' Den entrepreneur set for £2.4m crowdfund investment for Impossibrew". Express. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  14. ^ "IMPOSSIBREW® raises 6-figure crowdfunding campaign, achieves funding target in under 10 mins". IMPOSSIBREW® Blog. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  15. ^ "IMPOSSIBREW® TikTok Account". TikTok. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  16. ^ "IMPOSSIBREW® Dragons' Den TikTok Video". TikTok. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  17. ^ "Dragons' Den reject secures millions in investment". BBC News. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
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