Bira 91, the New Delhi-based craft beer giant, is set to raise $132 million in a pre-IPO funding round to fuel its global expansion and boost production capacity, as reported by Economic Times and Moneycontrol on October 8, 2025. For investors, craft beer enthusiasts, and startup analysts searching Bira 91 $132 million fundraise, Bira 91 pre-IPO 2025, or Indian craft beer expansion, the round—led by existing investors like Japan’s Kirin Holdings—values Bira at $800 million and aims to triple its capacity to 24 million cases by 2027, up from 8 million in FY25. The company, which reported ₹1,050 crore ($125 million) in FY25 revenue, plans to use the funds for new breweries in India, international market entries (U.S., Southeast Asia), and strengthening its 70% share of India’s premium beer segment. Bira 91 is eyeing an IPO by 2027, positioning itself as a global craft beer leader in a $7 billion Indian beer market growing at 8% CAGR.
This fundraise comes as Bira narrows losses to ₹150 crore in FY25 (down 20% YoY) and leverages partnerships with Kirin and Amazon Pay for distribution.
Fundraise Details: $132 Million for Growth
The $132 million round, a mix of primary and secondary capital, is led by Kirin Holdings (20% stakeholder) with participation from Sequoia Capital India and Sofina.
- Valuation: $800 million, up from $600 million in 2022.
- Use of Funds:
- Production: New breweries in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh to reach 24 million cases by 2027.
- Global Expansion: Entry into the U.S. (New York, California) and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Thailand).
- Marketing: Strengthen brand via partnerships with Amazon Pay and IRCTC for online sales.
- Timeline: Expected closure by Q1 2026, with IPO preparations starting 2026.
CEO Ankur Jain: “This funding will scale our vision to make Bira 91 a global craft beer icon.”
| Metric | FY25 | Target (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹1,050 Cr ($125M) | ₹2,500 Cr ($300M) |
| Production | 8M cases | 24M cases |
| Losses | ₹150 Cr | Breakeven |
| Valuation | $800M | $1B+ (post-IPO) |
Strategic Context: Dominating India’s Craft Beer Market
Bira 91, founded in 2015, holds a 70% share of India’s premium beer segment, driven by brands like Bira Blonde and Boom IPA. Key drivers include:
- Market Growth: India’s $7 billion beer market grows at 8% CAGR, with craft beer at 15%.
- Distribution: Available in 500+ cities, 25,000 outlets, and online via Amazon and Swiggy.
- Financials: FY25 revenue up 25% to ₹1,050 crore; losses cut by 20% to ₹150 crore.
- Partnerships: Kirin’s expertise and Amazon Pay’s payment aggregator license enhance reach.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Opportunities:
- Global Demand: U.S. craft beer market ($30 billion) offers growth potential.
- IPO Readiness: $132 million strengthens balance sheet for 2027 listing.
- Youth Appeal: 60% of sales from 25-34 age group, driven by urban millennials.
- Challenges:
- Competition: Faces United Breweries (Heineken) and AB InBev in India’s mass-market segment.
- Regulation: High alcohol taxes and state-specific laws hinder margins.
- Logistics: Scaling production requires robust supply chain upgrades.
Outlook: IPO and Global Dominance
Bira 91 aims for ₹2,500 crore ($300 million) revenue by 2027 and breakeven, with a potential $1 billion+ valuation post-IPO. Expansion into 10 new countries and 50 new cities in India is planned by 2028.
Conclusion: Bira 91’s $132M Bet
Bira 91’s $132 million fundraise at an $800 million valuation sets the stage for tripling production to 24 million cases and a 2027 IPO. As India’s craft beer leader eyes global markets, it’s a frothy ambition. For investors, it’s a heady opportunity—will Bira conquer the world? The pints pour. ET
