The value-focused operator will need to open 16 stores a month to reach 400 sites in India over the next two years, with expansion to the Middle East and Asia also being explored
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Nothing Before Coffee currently operates 64 outlets across 26 Indian cities, alongside a single site in Portugal | Photo credit: NBC
Jaipur-based Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) is seeking to raise $4m investment to support its ongoing expansion, which includes reaching 400 stores across India by 2026.
Founded in 2017, the value-focused coffee chain currently operates 64 outlets across 26 Indian cities, alongside a single site in Portugal which opened in April 2024. NBC has a further 20 units in development that are scheduled to open across India over the next three months, as well as a second site in Portugal.
Speaking to Singapore-based QSR Media Asia, NBC Co-founder Anand Jain said the business will need to open 16 stores a month to achieve its ambitious growth goals. However, NBC’s current profits can only support two new stores each quarter, Jain added.
“It won't be easily possible to reach 400 stores in two to three years. For that, we will be going for a $4m funding raise,” he said.
If achieved, NBC will follow in the footsteps of fellow value-focused Indian coffee chain abCoffee in raising funds to drive outlet growth. The Mumbai-based small-format operator raised $2m seed funding in October 2023 and a further $3.4m in March 2024 to accelerate the roll-out of its quick-service, on-the-go concept, which currently comprises 60 stores.
Alongside domestic outlet growth, NBC will also use new capital to pursue further international opportunities in the Middle East and East Asia, with Indonesia mooted as a key market of interest.
Additionally, the coffee chain will invest in its back-end technology suite and launch new retail lines, including ready-to-drink (RTD) and instant coffee ranges.