Mumbai-based prebiotic soda brand Misfits has successfully closed its seed funding round, raising an undisclosed amount from a group of prominent investors. The round was led by Nu Ventures, alongside angel investor Subba Rao Telidevara, Robert Pancras, and Bijoy Daga of Turiya Advisory Services. Several early backers of Acko Insurance, Third Wave Coffee, and Foxtail also participated in the funding round.
The brand, founded by brothers Aditya and Yash Pai, has quickly gained attention for introducing India’s first prebiotic soda that combines great taste with gut-friendly health benefits. By offering a low-calorie, zero-sugar alternative to conventional soft drinks, Misfits is positioning itself at the intersection of health and refreshment.
Prebiotic Soda Startup
Misfits differentiates itself with a clean-label philosophy. Its beverages are made using plant-based ingredients, natural sweeteners, and zero preservatives. Each product comes with third-party lab test reports, building consumer trust in a market that is often skeptical about health claims.
The founders believe that Indian consumers are increasingly looking for functional beverages that not only taste good but also support wellness. Misfits aims to meet this demand by providing sodas that are both indulgent and beneficial, marking a bold step away from traditional carbonated drinks that are loaded with sugar.
Funding Fuels Expansion
The newly raised funds will be directed towards scaling production capacity, expanding distribution channels, and increasing market penetration across India. The company also plans to introduce new flavors while maintaining its commitment to clean-label standards and functional benefits.
“We are thrilled to partner with investors who share our vision of revolutionising India’s beverage industry,” said Aditya Pai, co-founder of Misfits. “This funding validates our mission to provide consumers with guilt-free alternatives that support gut health without compromising taste.”
Investors Confidence
Investors have expressed confidence in Misfits’ potential to reshape the soda category in India. Subba Rao Telidevara, who participated in the round, highlighted how Misfits has identified a clear market gap. “Their product delivers authentic functional benefits while retaining the taste profile that consumers expect. This is exactly the kind of innovation that can disrupt traditional categories,” he noted.
Echoing this view, Venk Krishnan of Nu Ventures said, “Misfits represents the type of forward-thinking brand that can transform the way Indians consume beverages. The founders’ vision, combined with consumer demand for healthier options, makes this a powerful growth story.”
Misfits vs Lahori Zeera
While Misfits is carving its niche in the functional beverage category, comparisons are being drawn with traditional Indian drinks such as Lahori Zeera. Lahori Zeera is a widely loved carbonated soft drink flavored with cumin, appealing to masses with its strong Indian taste and affordability.
Unlike Lahori Zeera, Misfits markets itself as a premium, health-focused soda, highlighting gut-friendly prebiotic benefits and natural ingredients. While Lahori Zeera caters to nostalgia and local taste, Misfits appeals to urban, health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to sugary sodas. Both brands, however, represent how India’s beverage market is diversifying — one driven by tradition and the other by modern health trends.
Looking Ahead
Since its inception, Misfits has stood out as a category-creator brand with its prebiotic soda, a concept relatively new to Indian consumers. With this funding, the company is set to expand aggressively, taking its message of health and taste to more cities across India.
Co-founder Yash Pai emphasized the road ahead, saying, “This investment will allow us to scale operations, enhance production, and bring exciting new flavors to market while staying true to our clean-label promise. Our goal is to make Misfits the go-to soda for health-conscious Indians.”
By mixing bold taste with wellness, Misfits is not just offering a drink but building a movement that could reshape India’s soda culture. With rising demand for health-oriented beverages, the brand seems well-placed to compete, innovate, and redefine refreshment in the years to come.
