Boba Bhai, the startup brewing success with Gen Z’s taste

October 30, 2025 Start Up Valli Sarvani

Boba Bhai is redefining India’s beverage and quick-service restaurant (QSR) market with its refreshing approach to bubble tea and fusion food.

Founded in 2023 by Dhruv Kohli and Harsh Bhagat, the brand emerged from a simple observation: India’s growing fascination with boba tea, but limited availability.

Kohli, an alumnus of Western Sydney University, identified this gap upon returning to India in 2022.

His goal wasn’t just to sell a drink but to build a complete experience that resonates with Gen Z’s lifestyle.

From its very beginning, Boba Bhai focused on innovation and personalisation.

The brand launched with 45 flavours of boba tea curated to suit Indian palates. Soon after, it expanded its menu with creative offerings, such as the K-Pop Burger, which blends South Korean and Indian flavours.

This unique mix quickly became a hit among younger consumers, transforming Boba Bhai from a beverage brand into a lifestyle symbol.

In just a year, Boba Bhai opened 27 outlets across seven Indian cities, attracting more than 60,000 monthly customers and crossing ₹2 crore in monthly revenue.

The brand’s financial performance is equally impressive, achieving a $5 million valuation and an Annual Revenue Run Rate (ARR) of ₹24 crore for FY24.

With a 90% market share in Bengaluru’s bubble tea segment, it has established a commanding presence in a highly competitive market.

Recently, Boba Bhai raised ₹12.5 crore in seed funding led by Titan Capital and Global Growth Capital UK.

The company also partnered with One Source, an integrated marketing consultancy, to strengthen its digital and creative marketing strategies.

These strategic moves aim to boost brand visibility and customer engagement as it scales rapidly.

However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. The startup faces rising real estate costs and competitive pricing pressures as it plans to expand aggressively.

Its roadmap includes opening 80-100 new stores in top Indian cities and reaching 300 outlets in three years, with a vision of ₹100 crore in annual turnover and international expansion to Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Boba Bhai’s success reflects more than just a trend; it’s a case study in understanding Gen Z’s values.

By blending experience, culture, and taste, the startup proves that local brands can deliver global-quality products and capture the imagination of a new generation of consumers.

Image Credit: Bobabhai Website Screenshot