Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) coffee chain Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) has raised $2.3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Prath Ventures, with additional backing from SYL Investments. This strategic infusion of capital will fuel NBC’s next phase of growth by enhancing its technological infrastructure, expanding its retail footprint, and streamlining operational efficiencies, particularly in underserved Tier-II and Tier-III markets.
Strong Roots in Indian Coffee Culture
Founded in 2017 in Jaipur by entrepreneurs Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, Akshay Kedia, and Shubham Bhandari, Nothing Before Coffee has grown into a national coffee brand with over 85 outlets. The company caters to India’s aspirational youth demographic, offering affordable, high-quality coffee in modern, welcoming spaces.
Unlike many premium coffee chains that focus primarily on Tier-I urban centers, NBC has taken a differentiated approach by targeting India’s mid-sized and smaller towns. This strategy has positioned the brand uniquely, offering consumers a premium café experience without the premium pricing.
Homegrown Innovation and Customer Affinity
Nothing Before Coffee has gained widespread popularity through its India-centric menu innovations, including its flagship product, the “Shrappe”—a fusion beverage that resonates strongly with young Indian consumers. By balancing quality, affordability, and local cultural preferences, NBC has achieved strong unit economics and a loyal customer base.
“This funding milestone validates our vision and operating model,” said Ankesh Jain, Co-founder of NBC. “With consistent consumer love and robust fundamentals, we are now ready to scale rapidly. These funds will help us deepen our presence, invest in talent and technology, and continue our journey to become India’s most loved and accessible coffee chain.”
Investor Endorsement
Backing NBC’s bold vision, Piyush Goenka, Founder of Prath Ventures, said:
“We’ve always believed in the growing demand for café experiences beyond metro cities. NBC stood out for its affordability, vibrant café designs, and strong operational execution. The founders’ passion and clarity of vision made this an easy decision for us.”
Shikha Toshniwal, Co-founder and Investment Banking Head at Pareto Capital, added:
“NBC is a disruptor in India’s café market. In a short time, the brand has built remarkable recognition. We’re excited to support their ambition to make quality coffee more accessible across the country.”
Future Plans
NBC plans to scale aggressively while maintaining its core focus on value pricing, localized offerings, and community-driven store formats. The startup aims to fill the gap between global café chains and traditional Indian outlets, providing a scalable, culturally relevant alternative in the domestic coffee segment.
With this latest funding round, Nothing Before Coffee is well on its way to transforming India’s café landscape, particularly in regions that have historically been overlooked by larger players.