Barneys
Hard Seltzer, India’s pioneering wellness beverage brand, has raised an
undisclosed amount from The Chennai Angels (TCA) as part of its Pre-Series A
round. The company is also backed by existing investors including Mumbai
Angels, Chandigarh Angel Network, ah! Ventures, and other notable angels.
The
funds will be utilized towards working capital, marketing, team expansion,
licensing, and statutory obligations as the company scales its presence across
key markets.
Barneys
is building India’s Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverage segment with a focus on
zero-sugar, low-calorie options tailored for a new generation of consumers
seeking healthier and innovative alternatives. India, one of the largest
consumer markets globally, presents a significant opportunity with a young and
evolving audience driving demand for modern, functional products.
Founded
by Ruchi Gupta and Gaurav Sharma, Barneys Hard Seltzer aims to expand its
footprint across India while continuing to lead the adoption of the RTD
wellness segment in the country.
The
company has positioned itself as an early mover in this segment in India,
offering premium yet accessible products with unique flavour combinations. Over
the years, Barneys has emerged as a leading player, reflecting strong consumer
acceptance and market validation.
Commenting
on the fundraise, Ruchi Gupta, Founder & CEO of Barneys Hard Seltzer, said:
“We truly value The Chennai Angels’ belief in maintaining a traditional,
in-person approach to investing—it reflects the importance of building real
conviction through meaningful interaction. We strongly believe that
face-to-face conversations create deeper alignment and trust, which often
translates into long-term partnerships. We are deeply grateful for your
confidence in our journey and for backing Barneys Hard Seltzer. We are
committed to building something exceptional and making this a truly rewarding
investment for you.”
Vikas
Chawla, Investment Director from The Chennai Angels said:
“We are excited to partner with Barneys Hard Seltzer and look forward to
supporting their growth journey. At TCA, we look for founders and startups that
are redefining consumer habits, and Barneys Hard Seltzer is sitting at the
intersection of health-consciousness and premiumization, tailwinds shaping
India’s wellness and lifestyle landscape. The team’s understanding of the
evolving consumer, combined with a product that delivers on both taste and
quality, gives us confidence in their ability to build this category.”
About
Barneys Hard Seltzer: Barneys Hard Seltzer is India’s pioneering
wellness beverage brand, offering zero-sugar, low-calorie drinks with unique
global-meets-Indian flavour profiles. Focused on building the Ready-to-Drink
(RTD) segment in India, the company aims to provide a premium yet accessible
alternative for modern, health-conscious consumers.
About
The Chennai Angels: The Chennai Angels (TCA) is one of India’s
most active angel investing groups. Founded in 2007, it comprises successful
entrepreneurs and business leaders with a track record of building and scaling
large enterprises. Over the years, TCA has invested over INR 135 crore across
80+ start-ups in India.
