Nothing Before Coffee (NBC), a QSR coffee chain, has raised $2.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Prath Ventures, with SYL Investments also participating.
Vibha Jain and others had previously contributed $313K to the Jaipur-based company.
NBC stated in a press release that the money will be used to open more than 150 of its stores in India by FY26, improve the brand’s online presence, make investments in talent acquisition and supply chain optimization, and test out new store designs.
With more than 100 items on the menu, NBC, which was co-founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, Akshay Kedia, and Shubham Bhandari, provides a variety of beverages, such as coffee, shakes, and other specialty drinks. The brand wants to serve as a hub for locally priced coffee and a beacon of inclusivity, offering consumers high-quality coffee at a reasonable price.
With affordable prices, India-focused coffee innovations like the “Shrappe,” a desi take on a frappe, and ambitious café areas that act as gathering places for young customers, NBC hopes to empower the market. According to the brand, its growth has been aided by the positive reception given to its seasonal offerings and distinctive brews.
“With strong unit economics and consistent consumer love, we are now well-positioned to scale rapidly. The capital will help us deepen our presence, invest in technology and talent, and unlock the next phase of growth as we work towards becoming India’s most loved and accessible coffee chain,” said Ankesh Jain, Co-founder, Nothing Before Coffee.
By concentrating on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, a market that premium coffee companies have not yet fully penetrated, NBC claims to be redefining India’s café culture. Since its launch, the company claims to have served about 2 million customers. The brand opened its first store in Portugal last year, marking its entry into the international market.
