India’s food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, and one drink has captured the attention of Gen Z—bubble tea. With its vibrant colors, chewy tapioca pearls, and endless customization, it’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience. Social media has fueled its popularity, turning bubble tea into a trend that young consumers eagerly embrace.
Despite this growing demand, the Indian market lacked authentic bubble tea options. That’s when Dhruv Kohli, a Western Sydney University graduate, saw an opportunity. After returning from Australia in 2022, he realized the gap and co-founded Boba Bhai in 2023 with Harsh Bhagat—not just to sell a drink, but to build a lifestyle brand that resonated with Gen Z.
From Idea to Success: Boba Bhai’s Journey
Boba Bhai launched with 45 flavors of bubble tea, tailored to Indian preferences. But they didn’t stop there. The brand introduced the K-Pop Burger, blending Korean and Indian flavors, which quickly became a favorite among young consumers.
In just one year, Boba Bhai achieved:
- 27 outlets across seven cities
- Over 60,000 monthly customers
- More than ₹2 crore in monthly revenue
Their rapid success caught the attention of investors. In a seed funding round, Boba Bhai raised ₹12.5 crore, led by Titan Capital and Global Growth Capital UK. They also partnered with One Source, a marketing agency, to strengthen their digital presence.
Dominating the Market
Boba Bhai now holds 90% of Bengaluru’s bubble tea market and is on track for further expansion. In FY24, they reached:
- $5M valuation
- Annual Revenue Run Rate (ARR) of ₹24 crore
Looking ahead, the company plans to:
- Expand to 80-100 stores across India
- Open 300 outlets in three years and 500 in five years
- Reach ₹100 crore in annual turnover
- Enter global markets like Dubai and Saudi Arabia
However, challenges remain, particularly in securing prime retail locations at competitive prices. Despite this, Boba Bhai remains focused on its ambitious goals.
Why Boba Bhai Stands Out
Boba Bhai is not just about selling drinks; it’s about creating an experience. Dhruv Kohli understood that Gen Z values more than just taste—they want a brand that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.
Key Strategies Behind Their Success
- Cultural Fusion: Blending global trends like K-Pop with Indian flavors gives their menu a unique appeal.
- Innovative Marketing: A strong digital presence and social media strategy have helped build a loyal customer base.
- Strategic Funding: Early investment from experienced backers has fueled rapid expansion.
- Affordable Premium Experience: By offering authentic bubble tea at accessible prices, Boba Bhai has made a premium product mainstream.
The Future of Boba Bhai
Boba Bhai’s journey highlights how identifying the right trend at the right time can lead to massive success. By understanding young consumers, embracing innovation, and scaling effectively, they have built India’s leading bubble tea brand.
With ambitious expansion plans and a vision to go global, Boba Bhai is set to reshape India’s beverage industry, proving that a well-executed idea can turn into a thriving business.
