In a move that reflects the growing investor confidence in India’s coffee culture, Jaipur-based quick service restaurant (QSR) brand Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) has raised USD 2.3 million (approximately INR 19.6 crore) in a Pre-Series A round. The round was led by Prath Ventures and SYL Investments.

Founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, Akshay Kedia and Shubham Bhandari, Nothing Before Coffee has grown from a small café in Jaipur to a high growth QSR chain with over 85 outlets across 35 cities in India and one in Portugal. With the new capital, the brand plans to scale aggressively and open over 150 stores by end of FY2026, majorly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Nothing Before Coffee: Expanding India’s Coffee Footprint Beyond Metros

NBC’s core strategy is to serve India’s youth with affordable, high quality beverages in vibrant, aspirational spaces. Their outlets are not just cafes but social hubs – especially in underserved smaller cities. While premium coffee chains operate primarily in metros and Tier-I locations, NBC wants to disrupt the market by offering value driven options. 90% of their current store network is in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and the new funding will further deepen this focus.

As Ankesh Jain, Co-founder of Nothing Before Coffee says, “This funding is a big validation of our vision and operating model. We’re committed to combining affordability, quality, and cultural resonance to serve India’s next billion coffee lovers. With strong unit economics and consistent consumer love, we are now well-positioned to scale rapidly.”

Use of Funds: Growth, Tech, Talent & Innovation

The capital raised will support NBC’s ambitious roadmap, which includes:

• Opening 150+ new stores by March 2026.
• Strengthening digital platforms to boost customer loyalty and experience.
• Investing in supply chain optimisation to ensure consistency and quality across a growing footprint.
• Talent acquisition to support the brand’s scaling operations.
• Experimenting with new formats, such as compact kiosks and premium high-street cafes tailored for smaller cities.

Nothing Before Coffee is also considering a shift in its business model. Currently operating through a mix of franchise-owned company-operated (FOCO) and company-owned company-operated (COCO) outlets, the brand intends to move exclusively toward the COCO format for better control and consistency.

A “Shrappe” Above the Rest: India-Centric Innovation

NBC is not just about coffee—it’s about local innovation. One of its standout offerings is the ‘Shrappe’, a desi twist on the classic frappe. With over 100 items on its menu, the brand continues to focus on seasonal specials and unique brews that resonate with India’s diverse palate. NBC also generates approximately 12–13% of its revenue from online orders via Swiggy and Zomato, a figure expected to grow as digital engagement increases.

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Industry Validation & Investor Backing

Piyush Goenka, founder of Prath Ventures, stated, “As a fund, we’ve long believed in the growing demand for coffee and vibrant café experiences across India — not just in metros, but well beyond Tier-I cities. Nothing Before Coffee stood out for the vibrance of their cafés, affordability, and quality. What truly sealed the deal was the passion and drive of the founding team.”

NBC’s strong unit economics, customer traction, and innovative approach have placed it alongside other fast-growing coffee brands such as Blue Tokai, Slay Coffee, Sleepy Owl, AbCoffee, and Rage Coffee, all of which have recently attracted significant investor attention.

According to a report by Custom Market Insights, India’s coffee chain market is poised to become a USD 323.8 million (~INR 2,765.13 crore) opportunity by 2033. NBC’s aggressive Tier-II and Tier-III focus positions it well to be a major player in this evolving landscape.

Conclusion

With its “youth-first” approach, India-centric menu, and aesthetically designed spaces, Nothing Before Coffee is redefining café culture in India—cup by cup, city by city. Backed by strategic capital and a clear expansion blueprint, Nothing Before Coffee is well on its way to becoming India’s most loved homegrown coffee chain.

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