First Coffee, a grab-and-go specialty coffee brand, has raised $1.2 million in a seed funding round led by BEENEXT, a venture fund focusing on South Asia and India. Several angel investors joined the round, including notable names such as Ashish Gupta from Helion Venture Partners, Dr. Ritesh Malik, founder of Innov8, and Sahil Malik, founder of Da Milano. This investment will support First Coffee in its ambitious growth plans.
Plans for Expansion
With the new funding, First Coffee intends to broaden its presence in major urban centers, particularly in New Delhi, NCR, and tier-I cities across North India. The startup has set a target to open 35 new stores by the second quarter of the next fiscal year. First Coffee’s store model revolves around small-format quick-service restaurant (QSR) outlets located in high-traffic areas like malls, corporate parks, high streets, and metro stations.
Founders and Vision
Founded in 2024 by Sohrab Sitaram and Shiv Dhawan, First Coffee aims to provide more than just coffee. “At First Coffee, we’re not just serving coffee; we’re crafting a unique, premium experience while catering to our customers’ fast-paced lifestyles,” Dhawan explained. The startup sources its coffee beans from the Harley Coffee Estate in Chikmagalur, ensuring high-quality and sustainably produced coffee.
Technology and Sustainability
One of the unique aspects of First Coffee is its focus on technology and sustainability. The startup employs experiential big data and AI-driven analysis to personalize the retail experience for its customers. In terms of sustainability, First Coffee uses shade-grown coffee and eco-friendly methods, including man-made lakes for irrigation and traditional insect traps to ensure responsible sourcing.
Growth in the Coffee Market
According to Customer Market Insights, the Indian coffee market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach a value of $1,227.47 million by 2032. The market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 9.87% from 2024 to 2033. “First Coffee is not just selling a product but offering a coffee experience. With the expertise of Sohrab and Shiv, the brand is setting new standards in India’s specialty coffee market,” said Anirudh Garg, Partner at BEENEXT.
