Nikhil Kamath, Gauri Khan Family Trust, And Others Lead $10 Million Investment in Coffee Specialty Brand Subko 

Subko, a brand in specialty coffee, craft baked goods, and ‘pod to bar’ chocolate, has announced a successful $10 million fundraising round, led by Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha. The company now presents a post-money valuation of approximately $34 million. 

This funding round also showcased the broad base of backing from a variety of esteemed investors. These include the Blume Founders Fund, the Gauri Khan Family Trust, Priya & John Abraham, Sangita Jindal, Srinivas & Pallavi Dempo, and the Mehta International Mauritius Limited Group, among close family and friends of the Founders spanning multiple continents who have extended their support from the early seed round, reflecting a strong belief in Subko's vision and leadership. 

The funds will be instrumental in advancing several key areas: enhancing the talent pool, developing tech-enabled customer experiences, bolstering product and design R&D, improving farm-level infrastructure for specialty green coffee and fine cacao beans, and launching new ready to drink' coffee products. Subko is also launching and executing a rollout of flagship experience cafés in different formats in a carefully calibrated manner across select cities in India and globally. 

Rahul Reddy, the founder, CEO, and creative director of Subko, said, "Nikhil's participation is not just an investment but a testament to our brand's potential. His genuine desire to enable the growth of homegrown Indian brands and his ability to intertwine complex value judgments in consumer markets align perfectly with our mission.” 

Nikhil Kamath, entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Zerodha said, “My journey with Subko, transitioning from a customer to an investor, has given me unique insights into the brand's evolution and potential. I am looking forward to witnessing the brand's narrative unfold and flourish in the coming years.” 

Kamath is also an investor in Third Wave Coffee. In November 2023, Third Wave Coffee raised $35 million in its Series C round. Subko faces competition from other platforms such as Third Wave Coffee Roasters, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, Sleepy Owl Coffee, and Rage Coffee.