FES Cafe Raises $1 Million in Pre-Series A Round Led by 12 Flags to Drive Expansion Across Delhi NCR

FES Cafe, India’s first 100% eggless dessert-led cafe chain, has raised $1 million in a pre-series A round led by 12 Flags, a global consumer fund founded by Rakesh Kapoor, former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser. Wolfpack Labs, a venture studio and Startup lab founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta, an existing investor of FES Cafe, is also doubling down as part of this round. 

The investment will fuel FES Cafe’s strategic expansion across Delhi NCR, strengthen its delivery and operations through the central production kitchen, and help the brand attract top talent to lead its next phase of growth. 

Since its launch, FES Cafe has rapidly grown into a cult-favourite dessert destination, known for its New York-inspired chunky, freshly baked cookies, seasonal dessert drops, and experiential community formats. The brand has built a loyal base of Gen Z and millennials who see FES as a cultural hub, a modern “third space” that celebrates indulgence and connection. 

“FES Cafe started with a simple belief: desserts deserve to be celebrated,” said Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe. “With 12 Flags’ and Wolfpack’s support, we’re ready to take that vision to more neighbourhoods, creating dessert-first cafes that double as community spaces. This next phase is about scaling with intention, expanding footprints while retaining the craft, culture, and consistency that make FES special.” 

“We’re excited to partner with FES, a distinctive neighbourhood dessert cafe that brings together indulgent combinations like cookies and ice cream, a concept we believe will resonate deeply with people across all age groups eventually. With a sharp focus on consistency, quality, and execution, we’re confident this proposition will scale successfully across the country,” said Rajat Agarwal, Partner and MD at 12 Flags. 

“FES is building what India’s been waiting for: a true community cafe brand with the buzz of a Central Perk and the business rigour to back it up,” said Aakash Anand, co-founder & partner, Wolfpack Labs. “From coffee raves to cult desserts, FES has all the right ingredients: a relatable brand, a loyal following, solid unit economics, and a founder with the hustle to scale nationwide.” 

“We’re backing FES because it understands what the next generation wants: a space that’s inclusive, indulgent, and social,” added Prerna Gupta, Founder, Wolfpack Labs. “This is a brand that can grow fast and still feel personal, a rare and powerful combination.”

FES Cafe has also onboarded Amit Nagpal, ex-CFO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, as Strategic and Financial Advisor to work closely with the management team on cafe expansion and strategic initiatives. “FES has demonstrated strong early-stage store economics backed by a highly effective brand marketing strategy,” said Amit Nagpal.