Beverage Startup CHINI KUM Raises Pre-Seed Funding

Why It Matters

The funding validates investor confidence in low‑calorie, sugar‑free drinks, a fast‑growing segment in India’s crowded beverage market. CHINI KUM’s quick‑commerce strategy could accelerate market penetration and set a benchmark for emerging health‑focused brands.

Key Takeaways

• Raised ₹1 crore pre‑seed from angels
• Targets zero‑sugar, low‑calorie market
• Uses stevia, monk fruit, prebiotic fibre
• Launches on Swiggy Instamart, D2C website
• Plans to expand flavors, distribution nationwide

Pulse Analysis

India’s beverage landscape is undergoing a health‑driven shift as consumers increasingly reject sugary sodas in favor of lower‑calorie alternatives. Government campaigns and rising obesity rates have amplified demand for products that deliver taste without the sugar spike. This macro trend creates a sizable opportunity for startups that can combine affordability with functional ingredients, positioning them to capture market share from legacy players still reliant on traditional formulas.

CHINI KUM differentiates itself by blending stevia and monk‑fruit extracts with prebiotic fibre, delivering sweetness and gut‑health benefits without added calories. The use of natural, non‑synthetic sweeteners aligns with global clean‑label preferences, while the inclusion of prebiotic fibre adds a functional edge rarely seen in mainstream carbonated drinks. Priced at ₹30 for a 160 ml pack, the offering sits comfortably between premium health drinks and mass‑market sodas, appealing to price‑sensitive urban consumers seeking healthier refreshment options.

The recent ₹1 crore pre‑seed round equips CHINI KUM to scale its quick‑commerce model, leveraging platforms like Swiggy Instamart to reach metro and Tier‑I shoppers instantly. Direct‑to‑consumer sales through its website further enable data‑driven product iterations and margin preservation. As distribution expands, the startup can negotiate shelf space with modern trade partners, challenging incumbents on both convenience and health fronts. If execution matches its funding momentum, CHINI KUM could become a benchmark for agile, health‑focused beverage brands in India.

Beverage startup CHINI KUM raises pre-seed funding

By Shashank Pathak · 05 Feb 2026 12:01 IST · Updated 05 Feb 2026 12:24 IST

Zero‑sugar beverage startup CHINI KUM has raised ₹ 1 crore in a pre‑seed funding round from angel investors and founder participation. The startup is entering the Indian beverage market with a portfolio of zero‑sugar, low‑calorie beverages.

The round saw participation from Shobhit Gupta, promoter at One8 Commune Restaurants, Varun Sachdeva, head of e‑commerce at boAt, and Eiti Singhal of Eiti Ventures, along with other angel investors.

The startup plans to use the fresh capital to:

• Invest in product innovation

• Expand flavour offerings

• Scale distribution across India

A portion of the funds will also be used to strengthen quick‑commerce and online sales channels.

Founded by Priyank Jain, CHINI KUM is launching its products through its direct‑to‑consumer website and has made an exclusive debut on Swiggy Instamart across select metro cities. The company is starting with carbonated and non‑carbonated beverages in lemon and mango flavours.

According to the company, the drinks are sweetened using stevia and monk fruit extract and contain prebiotic fibre. The beverages are positioned at lower calorie levels compared to traditional sugar‑based drinks.

CHINI KUM is pricing its products starting at ₹ 30 for a 160 ml pack and plans to expand availability across metro and Tier‑I markets. The company stated that it is focusing on quick‑commerce platforms to reach consumers looking for alternatives in the beverage category.

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Bareback Media has recently raised funding from a group of investors. Some of the investors may directly or indirectly be involved in a competing business or might be associated with other companies we might write about. This shall, however, not influence our reporting or coverage in any manner whatsoever. You may find a list of our investors here.