Specialty Coffee Brand First Coffee Serves Up a Hot Deal, Raises $1.2 Million in Seed Funding

In a significant boost to the Indian coffee industry, specialty coffee brand First Coffee has secured a $1.2 million seed round led by BEENEXT, a venture capital firm. The funding round also saw participation from a clutch of prominent investors, including Ashish Gupta of Helion Venture Partners, AngelList India, and several other high-profile entrepreneurs.

Expansion Plans in the Works

The funds raised will be used to drive First Coffee’s expansion plans, which include bringing its premium coffee experience to more locations across the country. The company aims to expand its presence in key urban areas, including New Delhi and NCR, and tier I cities in North India. Specifically, First Coffee plans to open 35 stores in major cities by the second quarter of next fiscal year, focusing on small format QSR outlets in high-footfall areas like malls, corporate parks, high streets, and metros.

What Sets First Coffee Apart

Founded by Sohrab Sitaram and Shiv Dhawan in 2024, First Coffee is looking to revolutionize the Indian coffee scene with its unique blend of design, culture, and premium coffee. Using advanced technology, including AI-powered big data analysis, the brand offers a futuristic retail experience that sets it apart from the competition.

Sustainable Coffee with a Conscience

First Coffee is committed to sustainability, sourcing its coffee beans from shade-grown crops and utilizing eco-friendly methods like man-made lakes for irrigation and traditional insect traps. This approach not only reduces the company’s environmental footprint but also ensures that customers get a premium coffee experience.

A Billion-Dollar Market on the Horizon

The Indian coffee market is projected to reach a whopping $1,227.47 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.87% from 2024 to 2033. With its unique offerings and commitment to sustainability, First Coffee is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend and become a leader in the Indian specialty coffee market.