Restaurant India News: Bombay Banta Raises Rs 8 Crore to Expand Quick Commerce and Beverage Portfolio

Bombay Banta has raised Rs 8 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by DSG Consumer Partners as the beverage startup looks to expand distribution and strengthen its presence in India’s growing quick commerce and packaged drinks market. DSG Consumer Partners had also led the company’s seed funding round in late 2023. The latest investment round additionally saw participation from hospitality entrepreneur Kapil Chopra, founder of EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel.

The company said it also received early-stage support from hospitality industry collaborators and investors, including Simrita Arora and Deep Mohan Arneja, who were involved in product development and brand-building initiatives.

Founded in 2021 by Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra, the company started with the objective of repositioning the traditional Indian banta beverage format through premium packaging and flavour-focused offerings.

Since launch, Bombay Banta has expanded its portfolio across carbonated and non-carbonated beverage categories. Its carbonated range includes Masala Cola, Masala Soda, Kala Khatta, Jeera Soda, and Lemon Soda. The company has also introduced low-sugar lemonade variants such as Masala Shikanji, Nimbu Shikanji, and Jamun Shikanji, targeting health-focused consumers.

“This fundraise marks a significant inflection point for Bombay Banta,” said co-founders Akkshita Malhotra and Meet Singh Malhotra. “We want to build a brand that reinterprets flavour memories generations have grown up with, while offering modern consumers better ingredients, premium branding, and world-class packaging.”

Hari Premkumar said Bombay Banta was building a differentiated Indian beverage brand positioned around nostalgia-led flavours and changing consumer preferences. He added that the founders had shown strong product understanding and brand-building capability within a competitive beverage market.

According to the company, the fresh capital will be deployed toward expanding retail distribution, increasing quick commerce reach, and launching new products. Bombay Banta is also preparing to introduce a Diet Vanilla Cola later this month as part of its entry into the zero-sugar and zero-calorie beverage segment.

The company said it recorded nearly 50 percent growth in sales during investor discussions and is aiming to double revenue over the next six months, supported by seasonal demand and new launches. The Pre-Series A round values the company at Rs 80 crore.