Foodstories, a premium food and gourmet retail startup founded in 2024 by Ashni and Avni Biyani, raised ₹50 crore (about $5.2 million) in a funding round led by Zerodha cofounder Nikhil Kamath, with participation from Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. The fresh capital will be used to scale digital operations, enhance delivery capabilities, and expand the retail footprint across India, the company confirmed to inc42.com.
The startup, which offers curated artisanal products including organic and hydroponic produce, global ingredients, premium meats, seafood, cheeses, and specialty foods, operates physical stores such as cafes and bakeries as well as direct-to-consumer channels. Foodstories currently serves customers in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai with online ordering and hyperlocal delivery. Ashni Biyani said the company aims to build a ₹1,000 crore business by combining curation, experiential retail, and a strong digital layer, according to inc42.com.
India’s premium food and gourmet retail market is projected to reach nearly $2.5 billion by 2034, driven by rising disposable incomes, changing consumption patterns, and increased demand for health-conscious, high-quality food products. Foodstories’ funding round reflects growing investor interest in this expanding segment, which blends gourmet grocery with experiential commerce. The participation of prominent investors like Nikhil Kamath underscores confidence in the startup’s growth potential, inc42.com reported.
Foodstories plans to deploy the ₹50 crore funding to scale its digital business, improve delivery infrastructure, and expand its retail presence in key metropolitan areas. The company’s focus on combining gourmet offerings with digital and experiential retail positions it to capture a significant share of India’s evolving premium food market, inc42.com stated.