Quick service restaurant (QSR) chain Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) has announced that it has raised $2.3 million (approximately INR 19.7 crore) in its pre-Series A funding round led by Prath Ventures. The round also saw participation from SYL Investments.
The Jaipur-based coffee startup plans to deploy the fresh capital to accelerate its expansion efforts across India. NBC aims to set up over 150 retail outlets by March 2026, with a particular focus on penetrating deeper into tier-II and tier-III towns. The company will also explore new store formats, including compact kiosks, to increase its footprint and accessibility.
Additionally, a portion of the newly raised funds will be used to strengthen NBC’s digital platform, optimize its supply chain infrastructure, and invest in talent acquisition as it gears up for its next phase of growth.
Commenting on the development, NBC cofounder Ankesh Jain said, “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.”
Founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Akshay Kedia, Shubham Bhandari, and Anand Jain, Nothing Before Coffee has built a strong presence with more than 85 outlets spread across 35 cities in India and Portugal. Apart from offering a wide range of beverages through its physical stores, NBC also sells instant coffee, mugs, and tumblers through its website, strengthening its D2C (direct-to-consumer) presence.
The startup attributes its growing popularity to its “youth-first” approach, affordable product offerings, and aesthetically-designed vibrant spaces aimed at creating memorable experiences for its customers.
NBC competes with other emerging coffee-focused QSR chains such as Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters and Third Wave Coffee Roasters. The funding momentum in the sector reflects a broader trend where India’s coffee brands are attracting increasing investor interest, driven by growing disposable incomes, a shift in consumer preferences toward coffee, and the emergence of a strong café culture.
In recent developments, First Coffee raised $1.2 million in a seed round led by BEENEXT in September 2024, while Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters secured $35 million in a Series C funding round led by Verlinvest in August 2024. Additionally, listed FMCG major GRM Overseas acquired a 44% stake in Rage Coffee through a combination of primary and secondary transactions in August 2024.
According to a report by Custom Market Insights, India’s coffee chain market is expected to become a $323.8 million opportunity by 2033, underscoring the massive potential for brands like Nothing Before Coffee to grow and scale.