NEW DELHI, India — CHINI KUM, a zero-sugar beverage startup, has raised ₹1 crore in a pre-seed funding round backed by angel investors and founder participation. The funding marks the company’s formal entry into India’s fast-growing low-calorie and sugar-free beverages market.
Angel Investors Back the Round
The pre-seed round saw participation from Shobhit Gupta, promoter at One8 Commune Restaurants; Varun Sachdeva, Head of E-commerce at boAt; and Eiti Singhal of Eiti Ventures, along with other angel investors.
Funding to Drive Product Innovation and Distribution
CHINI KUM plans to deploy the fresh capital toward product innovation, expanding its flavour portfolio, and scaling distribution across India. A portion of the funding will also be used to strengthen the company’s presence on quick commerce platforms and enhance its online and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales channels.
The startup is targeting urban consumers seeking healthier alternatives to traditional sugar-laden beverages, particularly through instant-delivery platforms.
Product Launch and Go-to-Market Strategy
Founded by Priyank Jain, CHINI KUM is launching its products via its direct-to-consumer website and has made an exclusive debut on Swiggy Instamart across select metro cities.
The company is starting with both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, available initially in lemon and mango flavours.
Focus on Low-Calorie, Functional Ingredients
According to the company, CHINI KUM’s beverages are sweetened using stevia and monk fruit extract and include prebiotic fibre, positioning them as lower-calorie alternatives to conventional sugar-based drinks. The formulation is designed to appeal to consumers who are reducing sugar intake without compromising on taste.
Pricing and Expansion Plans
CHINI KUM has priced its beverages starting at ₹30 for a 160 ml pack. The startup plans to expand availability across metro and Tier I cities, with a strong focus on quick commerce platforms to tap into impulse purchases and on-demand consumption.
As health awareness and demand for sugar-free options rise in India, CHINI KUM aims to carve out a niche in the beverage category by combining clean ingredients, accessible pricing, and fast delivery.
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.