Nothing Before Coffee bags $2.3 Mn in pre-Series A round

QSR coffee chain Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) has raised $2.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Prath Ventures, along with participation from SYL Investments.

The Jaipur-based company had previously raised $313K from Vibha Jain and others.

The proceeds will be utilized to establish over 150 of its stores across India by FY26, strengthen the brand’s digital platforms, invest in supply chain optimization and talent acquisition, and experiment with new store formats, NBC said in a press release.

Co-founded in 2017 by Ankesh Jain, Anand Jain, Akshay Kedia, and Shubham Bhandari, NBC offers a wide range of beverages, including coffee, shakes, and other specialty drinks, with over 100 items on the menu. The brand aims to be a beacon of inclusivity and a locally priced coffee hub, providing affordable, high-quality coffee to customers.

NBC aspires to empower the market with accessible pricing, India-centric coffee innovations like the ‘Shrappe’ (a desi twist on a frappe), and aspirational café spaces that serve as community hubs for young consumers. The brand says that its seasonal offerings and unique brews have been particularly well-received, contributing to its growth.

“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.

NBC states that it continues to redefine India’s café culture by focusing on Tier-II and Tier-III cities—a segment largely untapped by premium coffee players. The brand claims to have served around 2 million customers since inception. Last year, the brand made its foray into the global market with the opening of its inaugural outlet in Portugal.