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US non-alcoholic beverage retailer, Boisson, has raised a $12 million seed round, which was co-led by Connect Ventures and Blue Scorpion Investments. Other investors included professional mixed martial artist, Francis Ngannou, Midnight Ventures and Red Krypton. Launched in 2021, Boisson is a retailer and distributor offering non-alcoholic beverages – in categories including wine, beer, spirits, apéritifs and mixers – from more than 125 brands. The round comes as Boisson expands its store footprint to Los Angeles, with three new locations opening in Studio City, Brentwood and Beverly Hills. Additionally, the company plans to open more stores across the US and internationally, as well as launch new content platforms "to support the growth of the zero-proof category". Nick Bodkins, CEO and co-founder of Boisson, said: “The demand for non-alcoholic beverages has grown significantly over the last year, and we are excited to use these funds to expand our presence and begin partnering with restaurants and hospitality organisations. We believe the non-alcoholic category will become a mainstay in the food and beverage industry and are committed to providing sophisticated zero-proof sips to consumers whether they’re staying at home or enjoying an evening out.” Michael Blank of Connect Ventures said: “As the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages continues to surge, Boisson has quickly emerged as the premier non-alcoholic retailer and distributor, bringing efficiency and scalability to this fragmented market, while providing increased access and product variety to both individual consumers, and the food and beverage industry. Fuelled by the cultural and generational shifts happening within the space, Boisson is poised to use this new capital to accelerate their growth and continue to scale rapidly across the US and around the globe.” The round brings Boisson's valuation to $47 million.