Angel investors and founder participation helped the zero-sugar beverage startup CHINI KUM raise Rs 1 crore in a pre-seed funding round. With a line of low-calorie, sugar-free beverages, the startup is making its debut in the Indian beverage market.
Along with other angel investors, the round included participation from Varun Sachdeva, head of e-commerce at boAt, Eiti Singhal of Eiti Ventures, and Shobhit Gupta, promoter at One8 Commune Restaurants.
The startup intends to scale distribution throughout India, increase flavor offerings, and invest in product innovation with the new funding. Additionally, some of the money will be utilized to improve online sales channels and speedy commerce.
CHINI KUM, which was founded by Priyank Jain, is introducing its goods directly to customers via its website and has made an exclusive debut on Swiggy Instamart in a few major cities. Lemon and mango-flavored carbonated and non-carbonated drinks are the company’s initial offerings.
The company claims that the drinks contain prebiotic fiber and are sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract. The drinks are marketed as having fewer calories than conventional sugar-based beverages.
With prices starting at Rs 30 for a 160 ml pack, CHINI KUM intends to increase product availability in Tier I and metro areas. In order to reach customers searching for alternatives in the beverage category, the company said it is concentrating on quick commerce platforms.
