Homegrown Coffee Chain Nothing Before Coffee Raises $2.3 Million Funding

Nothing Before Coffee (NBC), a Jaipur-based quick service restaurant (QSR) coffee chain, has raised $2.3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Prath Ventures, with additional investment from SYL Investments. The funding will be used to expand the brand’s footprint across India, with a focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, Akshay Kedia, and Shubham Bhandari, NBC currently operates over 85 outlets in various parts of the country. The brand aims to provide high-quality, affordable coffee in vibrant café spaces that appeal to young consumers in smaller cities, where premium coffee chains have limited presence.

NBC reported its best financial year in FY2025, driven by store launches, innovative beverages, and strong customer loyalty. Its popular seasonal drinks and unique offerings like the 'Shrappe'—a local twist on the frappe—have helped build a strong customer base.

Commenting on the fund raise, Ankesh Jain, Co-founder of NBC, said the funding round is “a strong validation of our vision and operating model.” He added, “At Nothing Before Coffee, we've built a brand that combines affordability, quality, and deep cultural resonance—especially in India’s Tier-II and Tier-III markets. 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.”

NBC plans to use the funds to open more than 150 outlets by FY2026. The company will also strengthen its digital platforms to enhance customer experience and loyalty, invest in supply chain optimisation and talent acquisition, and explore new store formats including compact kiosks and premium high-street cafés in smaller cities.

Piyush Goenka, Founder of Prath Ventures, said, “As a fund, we’ve long believed in the growing demand for coffee and vibrant café experiences across India — not just in metros, but well beyond Tier-1 cities. In all our research, NBC consistently stood out for the vibrance in their cafés, the affordability of their pricing, and the quality of their offerings. What truly sealed the deal was the passion and drive of the founding team, which made this a compelling and exciting opportunity for us, as we love to partner with enthusiastic like-minded founders.”

The company’s strategy is to focus on markets that are often overlooked by premium global chains. Its cafés are designed to function as community spaces for young customers, offering affordability, locally inspired menu innovations, and a welcoming environment.


Shikha Toshniwal, Co-Founder and Investment Banking Head at Pareto Capital, which advised the transaction, said, “The Indian café market is ripe for innovation, and emerging brands like NBC are leading the way. As bankers, our role is to back such disruptors with the capital they need to scale. NBC has built strong brand recognition in a short time, and we wish them success in becoming India’s most loved coffee café brand.”

NBC’s roadmap includes further growth in metro cities as well as deeper penetration into smaller towns, as it aims to position itself as a leading homegrown coffee chain in India. - TWL Bureau