On February 19, 2026, Chennai-based South Indian food brand Sweet Karam Coffee (SKC) announced it is raising ₹30 crore ($3.3 million) in a Series A extension round.
The funding round is being led by Peak XV Partners, who are investing ₹20 crore, with existing investor Fireside Ventures contributing the remaining ₹10 crore.
Valuation Surge: 85% Premium
The most striking aspect of this “top-up” round is the massive jump in the company’s valuation in less than a year.
- New Valuation: Estimated at ₹580 crore (approx. $64 million) post-money.
- Valuation Jump: This represents an 85% increase from its previous valuation of ₹313 crore (approx. $36.7 million) set during its $8 million Series A round in April 2025.
- Pricing: The board approved the issuance of shares at a price of ₹15,609 per share.
Financials & Growth Drivers
The valuation premium is supported by the company’s explosive growth in the “better-for-you” ethnic snacking segment.
| Metric | FY24 | FY25 | Growth |
| Operating Revenue | ₹11.26 Crore | ₹46 Crore | 4x+ |
| Net Loss | ₹7.58 Crore | ₹24.78 Crore | Scaling Burn |
| Global Reach | — | 32 Countries | Expanded footprint |
Key Growth Factors:
- Quick Commerce Boom: The brand is now available in over 2,500 dark stores across India, leveraging the rapid delivery trend for traditional snacks.
- Clean Label Advantage: SKC differentiates itself by making sweets, snacks, and filter coffee without palm oil, preservatives, or maida.
- Regional to National: Originally a South Indian specialist, the brand has seen significant “cross-pollination,” with high demand now coming from Northern and Western India.
Use of Proceeds
The fresh capital will be used to:
- Expand Omnichannel Distribution: Deepening presence in both offline retail and digital platforms.
- Product Innovation: Accelerating the launch of new regional specialties beyond Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Supply Chain Tech: Strengthening the technology backend to manage its global and quick-commerce logistics.
“Quick commerce is bridging distribution like never before… our products are now loved not just in the South, but across the country.” — Nalini Parthiban, Co-founder & CEO.
