Bengaluru, India — Craft beer meets vinyl nostalgia at 33&Brew, a one-of-its-kind microbrewery that has just secured ₹20 crore ($2.2 million) in a Series A funding round led by Optimistic Capital.
The investment marks a significant milestone not just for 33&Brew, but also for India’s rapidly expanding craft beer industry — an emerging segment blending creativity, culture, and experiential dining.
Optimistic Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated exclusively to the craft beer ecosystem, recently announced a ₹200 crore fund to back innovative microbreweries and beer-focused ventures. The firm has already deployed ₹30 crore across its early investments, with the remaining ₹170 crore set for deployment over the next three years.
Fueling Growth in India’s Craft Beer Ecosystem
The fresh infusion will be directed toward construction, expansion, and scaling operations for 33&Brew, according to an official press release from the company.
Optimistic Capital’s fund will also support adjacent operations in bottling, kegging, and packaging, enabling microbreweries like 33&Brew to strengthen their supply chains and expand beyond on-premise sales. The firm’s broader strategy is to act as an owner-operator, nurturing sustainable growth in the craft beer segment across India.
The fund’s backers include institutional and private investors from India, the Middle East, and Africa (MEA) — underscoring the growing global interest in India’s vibrant beer culture.
A Fresh Take on Brewing: Where Vinyl Meets Craft Beer
Founded in 2025 by Karthik Chandrasekaran, 33&Brew stands out as India’s first vinyl-themed microbrewery, seamlessly blending the art of brewing with the nostalgia of analogue music.
The name itself — 33&Brew — pays homage to the 33⅓ RPM speed of vinyl records. The concept allows guests to handpick and play records while enjoying a curated selection of craft beers and cocktails, creating an immersive, music-driven experience.
Developed in collaboration with celebrity chef Sabyasachi Gorai, the brewery offers a progressive Indian menu infused with global influences, designed to complement its eclectic range of beverages.
“Every pint tells a story, and every song adds to the experience,” said founder Karthik Chandrasekaran, emphasizing that 33&Brew’s goal is to celebrate community, craftsmanship, and culture in one space.
A Distinctive Concept in Bengaluru’s Competitive Brewery Scene
In a city already known as India’s craft beer capital, 33&Brew is carving out a unique niche by bridging two forms of craftsmanship — brewing and music.
The brand’s focus on analogue music culture and experiential dining aims to attract both beer enthusiasts and music lovers, offering an atmosphere that feels intimate, creative, and unmistakably local.
With Bengaluru as its launchpad, 33&Brew plans to expand its footprint to other major Indian cities in the coming years, riding the wave of the country’s growing appetite for premium and artisanal beer experiences.
Optimistic Capital’s Bet on India’s Beer Future
Optimistic Capital’s sector-specific focus sets it apart from traditional venture funds. The firm envisions transforming India’s fragmented microbrewery market into a structured, high-growth ecosystem supported by investment, operational expertise, and a shared passion for craft.
“Our goal is to build sustainable and scalable microbrewery brands that represent India’s evolving lifestyle economy,” said an Optimistic Capital spokesperson. “33&Brew exemplifies the kind of innovation and cultural resonance we want to bring to this space.”
The firm also confirmed plans to invest in two additional microbreweries in central Bengaluru, further cementing its commitment to nurturing India’s beer start-up ecosystem.
About 33&Brew
Founded in 2025, 33&Brew is a vinyl-inspired craft microbrewery that merges the soulful charm of music with the art of brewing. Located in Bengaluru, the brewery offers an eclectic menu, signature cocktails, and a unique interactive music experience where guests can play vinyl records as they dine and drink.
By combining craft beer, cuisine, and culture, 33&Brew aims to redefine the social drinking experience in India — one record and one brew at a time.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.