Ali Ersoy is the founder of Protini Beverages Inc., a protein vodka beverage (5% ABV) with only 1 g of sugar and 9 g of protein. It is for physically active individuals who enjoy social occasions but want a drink that better aligns with their lifestyle.
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
I was always drawn to entrepreneurship. I had a little stand at our summer house growing up, selling cold beverages and snacks to the people vacationing on the beach.
What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
The problem we are solving is that physically active people who enjoy social occasions currently have no easily accessible alcoholic beverage option that aligns with their lifestyle.
How did you come across this problem, and why did it appeal to you?
I came to this problem through my own experience. As a university student, I was physically active, going to the gym and playing intramural sports, all while also enjoying the social and nightlife that came with campus life. During my Kinesiology undergraduate degree, one lecture topic looked at how alcohol affects muscle growth and ways to improve it, and that was a turning point: I realized there were no options for people like me who wanted to maintain an active lifestyle while enjoying a drink. That “this is it” moment made the problem very real and very appealing for me to solve.
What are you hoping to accomplish for your start-up at the Western Accelerator?
At the Western Accelerator, I hope to refine my go-to-market strategy and distribution pathways for launching an alcoholic beverage. I want to leverage the mentorship and resources available to sharpen my brand positioning so that Protini can stand out in a competitive alcoholic ready-to-drink market. Ultimately, my goal is to leave the program with a launch-ready product and a clear path to scaling Protini across Ontario and beyond.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your time at the Western Accelerator?
The session on circular lifecycle was very impactful. In consumer packaged goods, there are countless points where waste can be generated — from suppliers to packaging to the discarded product containers. For me, it reinforced the importance of being conscious of every stage of the process and making sure the business I am building leaves as small of a footprint as possible. It was encouraging to learn some simple, actionable steps I can take to ensure Protini operates in a more environmentally responsible and feasible way.