Chai Kings Secures ₹24 Crore Series A Funding from AVT for Expansion

Leading chai retail chain, Chai Kings, has successfully raised $3 million (INR 24 crore) in its Series A funding round from A.V. Thomas and Co. (AVT), one of India’s largest packaged tea players. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in Chai Kings' journey as it continues to expand its footprint and revolutionize the tea retail experience in India.

With this infusion of capital, Chai Kings aims to accelerate its expansion plans, enhance its product offerings, and further strengthen its supply chain. The investment will also be utilized to bolster technology-driven customer engagement and operational efficiencies.

Chai Kings will close FY 2025 with a revenue of Rs 48 crore with a positive EBITDA, demonstrating strong financial performance. The company has ambitious plans to double its revenue over the next two years while maintaining profitability, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and scalable growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome A.V. Thomas and Co. as our investor and partner in this journey. Their deep-rooted expertise in the tea industry aligns perfectly with our vision of serving premium chai experiences at an affordable cost across India,” said Jahabar Sadique, Co-Founder and CEO of Chai Kings. “This funding will enable us to scale our operations, open new stores, innovate our offerings and bring our unique chai experience to an even larger audience across India.”


Balaji Sadagopan, COO of Chai Kings further added, “At Chai Kings, our mission has always been to bring high-quality and affordable chai to every corner of the country. With AVT’s support, we are confident that we can expand at an even faster pace while maintaining the superior quality and service that our customers love.”

As part of this round, The Chennai Angels (TCA), Chai Kings’ early backers, are making a partial exit with substantial returns. “We are grateful to The Chennai Angels for their support in our early growth phase. Their belief in our vision has played a crucial role in shaping Chai Kings into the brand it is today,” added Sadique.

AVT, a household name in the tea industry, with brands such as AVT Premium and AVT Gold Cup, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Chai Kings has built a strong brand and loyal customer base. We see tremendous potential in their growth trajectory and are excited to be a part of their journey,” said Ajit Thomas, Executive Chairman of AVT.


Since its inception in 2016, Chai Kings has established itself as a prominent player in India’s tea retail space, currently operating 57 stores across Chennai, Hyderabad and Coimbatore. – TWL Bureau