Funding · Commerce & Consumer Brands

Benne raises ₹35 crore in pre-Series A funding round

By Startup Enthusiast · 7 August 2026

What they do

Benne operates a compact QSR chain serving limited menu items via dine-in, takeaway and delivery channels

The company raised ₹35 crore at a post-money valuation of ₹364 crore led by Claypond Capital

Founders Akhil Iyer and Shriya Narayan plan to use the funds to expand operations and support growth

Benne has raised ₹35 crore ($3.7 million) in a pre-Series A funding round.
The investment values the company at a post-money valuation of ₹364 crore ($38.3 million).
Claypond Capital, a family office, led the round by investing ₹28.75 crore.
Other investors included AL Trusts (₹3.5 crore), Mukul Agrawal (₹1.75 crore), Madhukeshwar Desai (₹75 lakh) and Cortado Advisory Services (₹25 lakh).
Existing shareholders Infinyte Club and Peercheque also participated in the transaction.
The company issued 1,799 compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) at ₹20,349 each.
This follows reports from April 2026 that Benne was in talks to raise similar funds.
The startup aims to use the capital to expand operations and support its growth plans.

The funding highlights strong investor interest in premium South Indian quick-service restaurant brands.
Benne competes with established peers like The Rameshwaram Cafe and Cafe Amudham.
The high valuation suggests confidence in the scalability of its compact outlet format.

Benne is a Bengaluru-style dosa quick-service restaurant chain based in India.
It offers a limited menu focused on traditional South Indian dishes like dosas.
The brand utilizes a compact outlet format to ensure operational efficiency and lower costs.
Revenue is generated through three distinct streams: dine-in, takeaway, and food delivery.
The company targets customers seeking convenient access to authentic regional cuisine.
Its business model relies on high-volume sales within small physical footprints.
Benne differentiates itself by offering a curated selection rather than an extensive menu.
The founders aim to replicate their success across multiple locations using this lean model.

Claypond Capital (lead) — Rajan Pai/Ranjan Pai family office that invested ₹28.75 crore.
AL Trusts (co-lead) — Trust entity that invested ₹3.5 crore in the round.
Mukul Agrawal (participated) — Individual investor who contributed ₹1.75 crore.
Madhukeshwar Desai (participated) — Individual investor who contributed ₹75 lakh.
Cortado Advisory Services (participated) — Advisory firm that invested ₹25 lakh.

Product: Fresh dosa-focused quick service restaurant meals, particularly Bengaluru and Davangere-style dosas with ghee and butter
Customers: Urban consumers seeking authentic South Indian breakfast and quick service meals
How it makes money: QSR chain with multiple physical outlets across cities, expanding into modern trade and franchising
What sets it apart: Highly focused product menu (buttery dosas) with cult following, rapid expansion from single outlet to 12+ locations