Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) first opened its doors in Jaipur in 2017, offering freshly brewed, mass‑premium coffee at prices as low as ₹100. Within six years, it had captivated urban drinkers and sold over Ten million cups, growing to 84 outlets across twenty‑six cities. From Jaipur to Porto in Portugal, NBC’s rapid rise never felt accidental—it was a result of a compelling brand promise, data‑driven site choices, and the right strategic partners.
A Fresh Infusion of Capital
Earlier this year, NBC secured a $2.3 million pre‑Series A round led by Prath Ventures, valuing the company at $6.26 million. Rather than merely topping up cash reserves, NBC’s leadership views this investment as a cornerstone for their next chapter. Funds will be allocated to:
- Tier II/III Expansion: Building on underserved markets revealed by internal analytics.
- Tech Upgrades: Implementing AI‑based tools to refine site selection and optimize store performance.
- Menu Innovation: Scaling bestseller items like the signature “Shrappe” shakes and experimenting with seasonal offerings.
Co‑founder Akshay Kedia reflects, “This round isn’t just about capital—it’s a vote of confidence in our mission to make quality coffee an everyday luxury for every Indian.”
From Eight Stores to Seventy‑Five: The BBFT Edge
While NBC’s in‑café experience and product innovation won customer loyalty, BBFT’s strategic storytelling and market analysis quietly amplified NBC’s investor visibility. In early coverage, BBFT explored how NBC balanced affordability with a premium feel—serving a broad menu of over a hundred beverages at ₹100–₹240—and how this pricing strategy enabled a 48 percent repeat rate. By sharing bespoke coffee market heatmaps and consumer‑trend snapshots, BBFT helped NBC’s leadership pinpoint ideal zip codes for new outlets, reducing site‑scouting time by nearly a third.The collaboration reached a new milestone when NBC opened its first international café in Porto, Portugal
Rohit Singh, Founder and CEO of BBFT, recalls, “Joining NBC’s journey as an accelerator has been incredibly rewarding. When they first approached us, they had just eight outlets. By tapping into our investor network and guiding their fundraising, we helped them grow to 84 locations in just two years—and then celebrate a successful exit in record time.”
Brewing the Next Chapter: Innovation and International Footprints
With $2.3 million now fueling their ambitions, NBC plans to open over 150 outlets by 2026, particularly in Tier II and III towns where coffee access remains limited. Technological enhancements—such as mobile pre‑ordering and AI‑powered loyalty programs—are set to roll out later this year. Meanwhile, NBC’s first European café in Porto signaled its readiness for global expansion.
Conclusion: From Cup to Capital, a Recipe for Success
Nothing Before Coffee’s $2.3 million pre‑Series A raise is more than a financial milestone—it exemplifies how a strong product, guided by market intelligence and backed by strategic partnerships, can scale rapidly. By aligning NBC’s consumer insights with BBFT’s franchise expertise and investor network, the brand transformed from an eight‑store startup into a coffee powerhouse on track for eighty four. For F&B entrepreneurs and investors alike, this story offers a clear lesson: when innovation, data, and collaboration come together, the results can be truly transformative.
If you’re ready to unlock similar growth for your F&B venture, explore how BBFT’s strategic partnerships can help you connect with the right investors and optimize your expansion blueprint.
