Restaurant India News: FES Cafe Secures ~$1 Million Pre-Series A Funding Led by 12 Flags to Drive Delhi NCR Expansion

FES Cafe, India’s first 100% eggless dessert-led café chain, has raised ~$1 million in a Pre-Series A round led by 12 Flags, a global consumer fund founded by Rakesh Kapoor, former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser. Wolfpack Labs, the venture studio founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta and an existing investor in FES Cafe, has also increased its stake in this round.

The funding will support FES Cafe’s expansion across Delhi NCR, boost its delivery and operations via a central production kitchen, and enable the brand to attract top talent as it gears up for its next growth phase. Since its debut, FES Cafe has emerged as a cult favourite among dessert lovers, known for its New York-style chunky cookies, seasonal dessert drops, and community-led experiences. Loved by Gen Z and millennials, the brand has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub — a modern “third space” built around indulgence, creativity, and connection.

“FES Cafe started with a simple belief: desserts deserve to be celebrated,” said Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe. “With 12 Flags’ and Wolfpack’s support, we’re ready to take that vision to more neighborhoods, creating dessert-first cafes that double as community spaces. This next phase is about scaling with intention, expanding footprints while retaining the craft, culture, and consistency that make FES special.”

“We’re excited to partner with FES, a distinctive neighborhood dessert cafe that brings together indulgent combinations like cookies and ice cream, a concept we believe will resonate deeply with people across all age groups eventually. With a sharp focus on consistency, quality, and execution, we’re confident this proposition will scale successfully across the country,” said Rajat Agarwal, Partner and MD at 12 Flags.

“FES is building what India’s been waiting for: a true community cafe brand with the buzz of a Central Perk and the business rigour to back it up,” added Aakash Anand, Co-Founder & Partner, Wolfpack Labs. “From coffee raves to cult desserts, FES has all the right ingredients: a relatable brand, a loyal following, solid unit economics, and a founder with the hustle to scale nationwide.”

“We’re backing FES because it understands what the next generation wants: a space that’s inclusive, indulgent, and social,” added Prerna Gupta, Founder, Wolfpack Labs. “This is a brand that can grow fast and still feel personal, a rare and powerful combination."

FES Cafe has also onboarded Amit Nagpal, ex-CFO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, as Strategic and Financial Advisor to work closely with the management team on cafe expansion and strategic initiatives. “FES has demonstrated strong early-stage store economics backed by a highly effective brand marketing strategy,” said Amit Nagpal.