Vinovest
“Can a managed alternative-asset platform (wine and whiskey) deliver institutional-grade portfolio returns to retail investors through technology-driven curation, storage, and liquidity?”
Founded2019
HQWest Hollywood, California, USA
FoundersAnthony Zhang
IndustryFintech / Investment
The story
Founded in 2019, Vinovest launched as a managed fine wine investment platform, making an illiquid, specialist asset class accessible to retail investors through tiered managed accounts. The platform expanded into whiskey investing, adding cask ownership and the Vinovest Capital Whiskey Fund LP in 2024 — moving beyond wine into broader tangible alternative assets. In March 2026, Vinovest was acquired by StartEngine, marking a consolidation into a broader alternative-investment crowdfunding ecosystem.
Product timeline
2019
Vinovest founded by Anthony Zhang with the goal of democratizing fine wine investing for retail investors.· pivot
2024
Launched Vinovest Capital Whiskey Fund LP, a $30 million five-year closed-end vehicle focused on newly distilled whiskey barrels.· lending
2026
Vinovest acquired by StartEngine, a crowdfunding and investment platform.· acquisition
The stack
Payments / PSP
Ledger
Lending
FX & payouts
Accounting gap: minor