Get All Access for $5/mo

First Coffee Raises USD 1.2 Mn Funding Led by Beenext To Expand Its Specialty Coffee Chain With the raised funds, the specialty coffee brand aims to expand into key urban areas across New Delhi, NCR, and Tier-I cities in north India, focusing on hiring, marketing, and increasing store presence.

By Entrepreneur Staff

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shiv Dhawan, Co-founder of First Coffee

First Coffee, a grab-and-go specialty coffee brand, has secured USD 1.2 million in a funding round led by Beenext, a South Asia and India-focused venture fund.

Other prominent investors in the round included Aman Arora (cofounder, board-Keventers), Agastya Dalmia (director, Keventers), Ritesh Malik (founder, Innov8), Sahil Malik (founder, Da Milano), and Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners).

Founded in 2024 by Sohrab Sitaram and Shiv Dhawan, First Coffee aims to redefine India's coffee culture by introducing true specialty coffee. The brand sources its beans from the Harley Coffee Estate in Chikmagalur.

"We are the first brand to bring true specialty coffee, scoring 91% on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale, to the Indian market. At First Coffee, we're not just serving coffee; we're crafting a unique, premium experience while still catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of our customers," said Co-founder Shiv Dhawan.

The funds will be used to fuel First Coffee's expansion strategy, which includes launching 35 new stores by the second quarter of the next fiscal year.

The brand is focusing on small-format quick-service outlets (QSRs) in high-traffic locations such as malls, corporate parks, and metro stations across key urban centers in Delhi-NCR and Tier-I cities in North India.

The investment will also support marketing and hiring initiatives as the company scales.

Commenting on the investment, Anirudh Garg, partner at Beenext, said, "First Coffee is uniquely placed where they are not just selling a product but rather a coffee experience, blending tech, sustainability, and coffee."

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.
Business News

Former Steve Jobs Intern Says This Is How He Would Have Approached AI

The former intern is now the CEO of AI and data company DataStax.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.

Business Process

How CEOs Can Take Control of Their Emails and Achieve Inbox Zero

Although there are many methodologies that leaders can use to manage their emails effectively, a consistent and thought-through process is the most effective way to systemize and respond to emails and is a step of stewardship for the effective leader.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Leadership

Visionaries or Vague Promises? Why Companies Fail Without Leaders Who See Beyond the Bottom Line

Visionary leaders turn bold ideas into lasting impact by building resilience, clarity and future-ready teams.