Nothing Before Coffee (NBC), a rapidly growing quick service restaurant (QSR) chain, has raised $2.3 million (approx. INR 19.7 Cr) in a pre-Series A funding round led by Prath Ventures, with additional participation from SYL Investments. The Jaipur-based startup is now set to expand its footprint aggressively across India and explore innovative store formats as it eyes tier-II and tier-III towns.
Founded in 2017 by Jain, Akshay Kedia, Shubham Bhandari, and Anand Jain, NBC has established itself as a go-to destination for coffee lovers. The company currently operates over 85 outlets across 35 cities in India and has even made its mark internationally with a presence in Portugal. In addition to in-store beverages, NBC also sells instant coffee, mugs, and tumblers through its own website, tapping into the growing demand for coffee-related merchandise.
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Scaling Up Nationwide with New Formats
The freshly secured funding will be used to scale operations with a target of opening 150+ new retail outlets across India by March 2026. The brand plans to significantly deepen its presence in tier-II and tier-III cities, recognizing the increasing appetite for premium yet affordable coffee experiences in non-metro regions.
To accommodate different urban landscapes and consumer preferences, NBC is also planning to experiment with new store formats, including compact kiosks that can be installed in high-footfall areas like malls, metro stations, and college campuses. This approach is expected to enhance brand visibility while keeping operational costs lean.
A Homegrown Brand with a Global Vision
What sets NBC apart is its commitment to affordability and accessibility, without compromising on quality. Unlike other premium coffee chains that focus mainly on metros and a niche clientele, NBC has taken the high-quality, quick-service coffee model and adapted it for broader Indian markets. Its menu features a wide range of hot and cold coffee beverages, milkshakes, and refreshers, appealing to a young and diverse demographic.
The company’s international foray into Portugal signals a broader ambition of building an Indian-origin coffee brand with global appeal. With a strong foundation and increasing brand recall, NBC is well-positioned to replicate its success story beyond India in the coming years.
Backing from Strategic Investors
Lead investor Prath Ventures has shown confidence in NBC’s scalable and capital-efficient business model. Their investment, along with that of SYL Investments, brings both financial resources and strategic guidance, which will be crucial as NBC enters its next phase of growth.
Looking Ahead
With the coffee culture rapidly catching on across India, especially among Gen Z and millennials, Nothing Before Coffee is capitalizing on a timely opportunity. The fresh capital will not only help scale its retail presence but also enable the brand to innovate in-store formats, optimize logistics, and enhance customer experience.
As competition heats up in India’s fast-evolving café and QSR landscape, NBC’s focused strategy and local-first approach could make it a standout success in the years to come.
