Kathy’s Beverages, the company behind bubble tea and beverage brand Bobakat, has raised Rs 6 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round to support its next phase of expansion across India. The Mumbai-based company said the fresh capital will be used for product innovation, team expansion, marketing, and scaling its retail presence through compact, experience-led outlets in high-footfall locations.
Founded in 2024 by Dr. Rupali Ambegaonkar and Sannjeev Rao, Bobakat has positioned itself as a youth-focused beverage brand built around bubble tea, experiential retail, and globally inspired beverage formats adapted for Indian consumers. The company said it has already served over 10 lakh consumers and is currently valued at Rs 43 crore, with plans to reach Rs 100 crore in net sales value within the next 36 months.
The company’s expansion strategy centres around compact retail outlets located in food courts and premium high streets, a model it says is helping drive both consumer traction and strong unit economics. Bobakat plans to open 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 development also comes amid rapid growth in India’s broader beverage market, particularly in premium and experiential consumption categories. According to company estimates, India’s beverage market is expected to grow from USD 80.11 billion in 2025 to USD 154.67 billion by 2035.
The founding team brings significant retail and beverage experience to the business. Dr. Ambegaonkar is also the founder of Tea Culture of the World (TCW), while Rao has previously held leadership roles across companies including Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail, Landmark Dubai, Raymond, and Being Human.
Speaking on the fundraise, Dr. Rupali Ambegaonkar, Founder, Bobakat, 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 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.”
