Restaurant India News: Bobakat Raises Rs 6 Crore to Expand Bubble Tea Business Across India

Kathy's Beverages Pvt Ltd, the company behind bubble tea and beverage brand Bobakat, has raised Rs 6 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round as it looks to expand its presence in India’s organised beverage retail market.

The company said the fresh capital will be used for product innovation, team expansion, marketing, and accelerating its retail rollout across key markets. Bobakat currently operates compact-format outlets focused on high-footfall food courts and premium high streets, a strategy the company says has supported operational efficiency and consumer traction.

Founded in 2024 by Rupali Ambegaonkar and Sannjeev Rao, the brand has positioned itself within India’s growing premium and experience-led beverage segment. According to the company, Bobakat has served over 10 lakh consumers, is recording double-digit year-on-year growth, and is currently valued at Rs 43 crore. The company is targeting Rs 100 crore in Net Sales Value within 36 months through a capital-efficient expansion strategy.

The development comes as India’s beverage market, valued at USD 80.11 billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 154.67 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.80 percent. Industry operators are increasingly focusing on premium formats and experiential beverage concepts as urban consumers shift toward organised café and beverage retail experiences.

Ambegaonkar said, “The Indian consumer today is seeking more than just beverages; they are looking for experiences, community spaces, and global formats adapted for local preferences. With Bobakat, our vision has always been to build a culturally relevant beverage brand that combines quality, innovation, and accessibility. This fundraise gives us the momentum to strengthen our operations, innovate across our offerings, and scale aggressively across key Indian markets.”

Rao added, “We see immense headroom in India's organised beverage ecosystem, especially within youth-driven consumption categories. Our compact and scalable retail model allows us to enter high-potential locations efficiently while maintaining strong unit economics. The next phase of growth will focus on expanding our store network, building stronger consumer recall, and creating a differentiated beverage experience.”

Bobakat’s expansion roadmap includes opening 35 new stores in FY26–27, followed by 50 stores each in FY27–28 and FY28–29 across metro cities and emerging urban markets.

The founding team also brings prior retail and beverage industry experience to the business. Ambegaonkar previously founded Tea Culture of the World, which operates across more than 200 stores in India, while Rao has held leadership roles across companies including Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail, Landmark Group, Raymond, and Being Human. The investment highlights growing investor interest in scalable beverage-first retail formats, particularly within youth-focused and experience-driven consumption categories.