FES Cafe, the first Indian cafe chain offering 100% eggless desserts, has secured around $1 million in pre-Series A funding. The round was led by 12 Flags, with continued investment from Wolfpack Labs.
This funding will help FES Cafe grow its presence in Delhi NCR, improve delivery and kitchen operations, and professionalize as it expands its D2C and retail business.
Vidur Mayor founded FES Cafe, building a D2C brand known for its indulgent, New York-style cookies, seasonal desserts, and welcoming cafe atmosphere that appeals to young, urban customers. Its dessert-focused concept and eggless promise differentiate it in India’s crowded café market.
With the new funding, FES Cafe aims to expand its delivery, strengthen its central kitchen to maintain product quality, and bring in experienced leaders to manage future growth.
Rakesh Kapoor, former global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser, founded 12 Flags, a global consumer fund, and led the round. This shows institutional interest in specialized F&B concepts that link strong unit economics to products with cultural appeal. Rajat Agarwal, Partner and MD at 12 Flags, said they are excited to work with FES, a unique neighborhood dessert cafe.
Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta, who cofounded the venture studio Wolfpack Labs, reinvested, showing their confidence in the chain’s success and brand image.
FES Cafe founder Vidur Mayor stated that the funding is about scaling intentionally: FES Cafe began with a simple idea: desserts should be celebrated. With the backing of 12 Flags and Wolfpack, we are prepared to bring that vision to more areas, creating dessert-focused cafes that also serve as community hubs.
The company also appointed Amit Nagpal, former CFO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, as Strategic and Financial Advisor to guide expansion planning and financial strategy. Nagpal noted that FES has shown strong early-stage store economics supported by a brand marketing strategy that works well.
This funding highlights how D2C brands in the food and beverage sector are becoming omnichannel hospitality businesses. FES combines unique products with community-driven experiences and delivery, a model that can grow thanks to central kitchens and consistent operations. Investors pointed to the brand’s relatable image, loyal customers, and good unit metrics as signs that the concept can expand profitably across Indian cities.
The investment also shows a larger trend: consumer funds and studio investors are supporting very focused D2C food concepts that have shown real product-market fit and can gain market share through delivery, quick commerce, and owned stores. FES Cafe’s priorities are now operational scale, reliable delivery, and hiring leaders who can turn early success into a store model that is both replicable and profitable.
As FES prepares to expand, its focus on eggless desserts, cookie culture, and local communities positions it to take advantage of India’s desire for experiential food moments. With $1 million in new funding and experienced advisors, FES Cafe is moving from a popular local brand to a national D2C dessert café chain.
