Nothing Before Coffee Raises $2.3 Million in Pre-Series A Funding to Accelerate Pan-India Expansion

FUNDINGAWAAZ

4/19/20252 min read

In a significant development for India's burgeoning coffee industry, Jaipur-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) has successfully raised $2.3 million (approximately INR 19.7 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by Prath Ventures, with participation from SYL Investments.

Strategic Deployment of Funds

The newly acquired capital is earmarked to fuel NBC's ambitious expansion plans across India. The company aims to establish over 150 retail outlets by March 2026, with a strategic focus on penetrating tier-II and tier-III towns. This initiative includes exploring new store formats, such as compact kiosks, to enhance accessibility and footprint.

Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to strengthen NBC's digital platform, optimize supply chain infrastructure, and invest in talent acquisition. These steps are designed to support the company's next phase of growth and operational efficiency.​

Founders' Vision and Commitment

Founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Akshay Kedia, Shubham Bhandari, and Anand Jain, NBC has built a robust presence with more than 85 outlets across 35 cities in India and an international outlet in Portugal. The founders' vision centers on providing authentic and affordable coffee experiences, making NBC a household name synonymous with quality and accessibility.​

Ankesh Jain, co-founder of NBC, emphasized the company's commitment to growth, stating, "The capital will help us deepen our presence, invest in technology and talent, and unlock the next phase of growth as we work towards becoming India’s most loved and accessible coffee chain."

Market Position and Competitive Landscape

NBC operates in a competitive landscape alongside emerging coffee-focused QSR chains such as Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters and Third Wave Coffee Roasters. The company's "youth-first" approach, affordable product offerings, and aesthetically designed vibrant spaces have contributed to its growing popularity among consumers.​

The recent funding momentum in the sector reflects a broader trend of increasing investor interest in India's coffee brands, driven by rising disposable incomes, a shift in consumer preferences toward coffee, and the emergence of a strong café culture.​

Industry Outlook

According to a report by Custom Market Insights, India’s coffee chain market is projected to become a $323.8 million opportunity by 2033. This underscores the massive potential for brands like NBC to grow and scale in the coming years.​

Conclusion

Nothing Before Coffee's successful pre-Series A funding round marks a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a leading player in India's coffee industry. With strategic investments in expansion, technology, and talent, NBC is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for quality coffee experiences across the country

Advertise with us