From $0 To $1.1B: Fawn Weaver & Uncle Nearest's Rise

By Toney FeeneyMay 02, 2025

Thu, Dec 28, 2023, 2:24 PM 6 min read.

Can a single entrepreneur truly disrupt an entire industry and build a billion-dollar brand from the ground up? Fawn Weaver, the visionary behind Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has not only done it, but she has also redefined whats possible in the spirits world.

Since launching in 2017, Fawn Weaver, the Black woman CEO of Uncle Nearest, has been making significant waves in the spirits industry. The brands rapid rise is a testament to Weavers entrepreneurial prowess and a clear indication that the industry is ripe for disruption.

Category	Details
Full Name	Fawn Weaver
Born	1976
Occupation	Entrepreneur, Author, CEO of Grant Sidney Inc., Founder of The Nearest Green Foundation
Known For	Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Net Worth (as of late 2023/early 2024)	Estimated at $480 million, with the brand valued at $900 million (and later $1.1 billion)
Husband	Keith Weaver
Key Achievements	Built Uncle Nearest into a billion-dollar brand without venture capital, raised $225 million in individual support by November 2023, and tripled sales since 2021
Notable Business Moves	Bootstrapped the spirits venture by selling real estate in 2017, bought a bank with her husband in 2022, and continues to invest in real estate.
Philanthropy	Founder of The Nearest Green Foundation
Board Membership	Named to Endeavor's board of directors in March 2021
Reference	Forbes

By November 2023, Weaver had successfully raised a staggering $225 million in individual support. The business is backed by an impressive 163 individual investors, each contributing an average check of $500,000. This influx of capital underscores the confidence investors have in Weavers vision and the brands potential.

Weaver's entrepreneurial journey began with a deep dive into the history of Nearest Green, the formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. This historical research ignited a passion and ultimately led to the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. The brands success is deeply rooted in its commitment to quality, heritage, and a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers. The story of Nearest Green and his crucial role in the history of Tennessee whiskey, which was largely ignored for over a century, forms the cornerstone of the brands identity.

Fawn Weaver and her husband, Keith Weaver, have a shared understanding of building generational wealth. Their focus extends beyond the spirits industry, encompassing real estate as a key component of their net worth. From Keith Weaver's first condo purchase at the age of 18 in 1991 to the joint acquisition of a bank in 2022, the couple exemplify the power of strategic investment and long-term vision. This approach underscores the importance of financial literacy and building a legacy that will endure for generations. The Weavers represent an inspiration to many, demonstrating the value of seizing opportunities and creating lasting wealth.

The brand is now valued at an astonishing $900 million, a testament to the successful business model and a clear indication of its market presence. This valuation is particularly notable given the significant investment Weaver has made. Weaver says the latest funding round is a critical step in the companys trajectory.

The entrepreneurial grit displayed by Weaver is truly remarkable. In 2017, she and her husband, Keith, made a bold move, selling all their West Coast real estate, including their dream home in Old Agoura, California, and their two Mini Coopers. This decision allowed them to bootstrap their spirits venture, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the vision of Uncle Nearest.

Keith Weaver, a notable figure in the entertainment industry, has also achieved significant professional and financial success. He is a vital partner in Fawn Weavers journey and shares the same commitment to their shared goals. His birthday is October 24, 1957, and is 67 years old.

The couples recent acquisition of the building that houses Keith Weavers parents bank demonstrates their commitment to strategic investment. This move not only adds to their expanding portfolio but also symbolizes the power of familial collaboration in wealth creation. "Actually, even better, we bought the building and became the landlord of Keiths parents bank," Weaver explained in her caption on Instagram, showing the acquisition.

That brings Weavers total capital raised since Uncle Nearests inception to $220 million, valuing the company at $900 million. This rapid expansion is a strong indicator of the companys growth trajectory, and the team is currently expecting $100 million in revenue this year, with an estimated 20% net margin. Weaver has built Uncle Nearest into a unicorn worth about $1.1 billion without venture capital, an extraordinary feat.

The success of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey underscores the transformative power of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of overlooked figures in history. By creating a brand that honors Nearest Green and his legacy, Fawn Weaver has not only built a thriving business but has also elevated his story, ensuring that his impact on the whiskey industry is finally recognized.

The story of Fawn Weaver and Uncle Nearest is a lesson in resilience, innovation, and the power of storytelling. Her journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with vision, determination, and a commitment to excellence, it is possible to build a billion-dollar brand and reshape an industry. Her story is a testament to the power of creating a legacy that transcends business success, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others.

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