India’s rapidly growing homegrown café brand, Nothing Before Coffee (NBC), has secured $2.3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The round was led by Prath Ventures, with participation from SYL Investments, marking a significant milestone in NBC’s journey to become India’s most accessible and beloved coffee chain.
Brewing Expansion in Bharat
Founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, Akshay Kedia, and Shubham Bhandari, NBC has grown to over 90 outlets across the country. The startup now plans to open 150+ stores by FY2026, with a strong focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where it sees rising demand for affordable, premium coffee experiences.
“This funding milestone is a strong validation of our vision and operating model. At NBC, we’ve built a brand that combines affordability, quality, and deep cultural resonance—especially in India’s emerging markets,”
— Ankesh Jain, Co-founder, NBC
From Franchise to Full Control
While NBC initially used a mixed FOCO (franchise-owned, company-operated) and COCO (company-owned, company-operated) model, it now intends to transition fully to the COCO format. This move will help ensure consistent customer experience, product quality, and operational control across locations.
Use of Funds
The $2.3 million capital infusion will be used for:
- Expanding to 150+ outlets in India, particularly in non-metro cities
- Upgrading digital infrastructure to improve customer engagement and loyalty
- Streamlining supply chain logistics and inventory management
- Talent acquisition for operational excellence
- Experimenting with new formats, including compact kiosks and premium high-street cafés
Bestsellers & Digital Strength
NBC’s cult-favorite Shrappe (a desi frappe) has become a hit among younger consumers. The company saw its best-ever fiscal year in 2025, with online orders contributing 12-13% of total revenue via Swiggy and Zomato.
Investor Insight
“We’ve long believed in the untapped café potential in Tier-II and III India. NBC stood out for its vibrant store presence, affordability, and sharp customer focus,”
— Piyush Goenka, Founder, Prath Ventures
With its affordable pricing, youth-centric branding, and Bharat-first expansion plan, NBC is positioned to lead India’s next wave of café culture—one cup, one town at a time.