Zero-sugar beverage startup CHINI KUM raises Rs 1 crore from angel investors, founders

Zero-sugar beverage startup CHINI KUM has raised Rs 1 crore in a pre-seed funding round from angel investors and founder participation as it enters India’s health-focused beverage market.

The New Delhi-based startup is launching a portfolio of carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in lemon and mango flavours. The beverages are naturally sweetened using stevia and monk fruit extract and are fortified with prebiotic fibre. According to the company, the products contain around 7 calories per 100 ml* and are positioned as a gut-friendly alternative to traditional sugar-based soft drinks.

The funding round saw participation from Shobhit Gupta, promoter of One8 Commune Restaurants, Varun Sachdeva, head of ecommerce at boAt, and Eiti Singhal of Eiti Ventures, among other angels.

Founded by Priyank Jain, CHINI KUM is launching initially through its direct-to-consumer website and has made an exclusive quick-commerce debut on Swiggy Instamart across select metro markets. Products are priced starting at Rs 30 for a 160 ml pack.

The startup plans to use the capital to strengthen product innovation, expand flavour offerings and scale distribution across metros and Tier I cities, with a focus on quick commerce and online sales channels.