The newly raised capital will be utilised for product innovation, team expansion, marketing, and an accelerated retail rollout across the country. Bobakat’s expansion strategy is centred on compact, experience-first outlets strategically located in high-footfall food courts and premium high streets. The company stated that the format has already demonstrated strong consumer traction while delivering robust unit economics.
Founded in 2024 by Dr. Rupali Ambegaonkar and Sannjeev Rao, Bobakat was established on the belief that India’s urban youth market was prepared for a beverage brand offering not only drinks but also a global consumer experience adapted to local sensibilities. The company has since served more than 10 lakh consumers, recorded strong double-digit year-on-year growth, and achieved a valuation of INR 43 crore.
The company has now set a target of reaching INR 100 crore in Net Sales Value within 36 months through a capital-efficient expansion strategy. Industry projections further support the company’s growth ambitions. India’s beverage market, valued at USD 80.11 billion in 2025, is expected to reach USD 154.67 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.80%. Within this market, the premium and experiential beverage segment continues to emerge as a major growth opportunity, with Bobakat positioning itself aggressively within the category.
Speaking on the fundraise, Dr. Rupali 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.”
Co-founder Sannjeev Rao stated, “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.”
The company’s leadership team is considered one of its strongest competitive advantages. Dr. Ambegaonkar is also the founder of Tea Culture of the World (TCW), a premium tea brand operating across more than 200 stores in India. A former medical professional turned tea sommelier, she has spent years developing globally inspired beverage experiences tailored for Indian consumers. Rao brings more than three decades of retail and brand-building experience across major organisations including Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail, Landmark Dubai, Raymond, and most recently served as CEO of Being Human.
Bobakat’s positioning within the premium beverage sector is driven by four key elements: a quality-first product strategy, sharply defined audience positioning, a curated in-store consumer experience, and a store format designed for rapid scalability without compromising brand integrity.
The company’s expansion roadmap includes 35 new stores during FY26–27, followed by 50 stores each in FY27–28 and FY28–29 across metro cities and high-growth emerging urban markets. With the successful completion of this Pre-Series A funding round, Bobakat is positioning itself to emerge as a defining force in India’s bubble tea and experiential beverage industry over the next decade.
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