First Coffee Secures $1.2 Million in Seed Funding, Led by BEENEXT

India’s grab-and-go specialty coffee brand, First Coffee, has raised $1.2 million in a seed funding round led by BEENEXT. Notable investors participated in the round, including Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners), AngelList India, Dr. Ritesh Malik (Innov8), Sahil Malik (Da Milano), Chandini Purnesh (Harley Coffee Estate), and others.

The funding will expand First Coffee’s presence in New Delhi, NCR, and key Tier I cities in North India. The goal is to launch 35 new stores by the second quarter of the next fiscal year. The brand will focus on opening small-format Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) outlets in high-traffic areas like malls, corporate parks, and metro stations. Funds will also be directed toward recruitment and marketing efforts.

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First Coffee, founded in 2024 by Sohrab Sitaram and Shiv Dhawan, combines premium coffee, tech-driven customer experience, and sustainable practices. The brand sources 100% Arabica beans from Harley Coffee Estate, known for scoring 91% on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale. First Coffee plans to capitalize on India’s growing demand for specialty coffee, aiming to deliver a unique coffee experience while maintaining affordability and convenience for customers.

The company has seen rapid growth with its four existing outlets, reporting 25% month-on-month growth and strong customer loyalty. With plans to cater mainly to Gen Z consumers, First Coffee is positioning itself as a leader in India’s fast-growing coffee market.