In a big step in India’s fast evolving alco-bev space, Feline Spirits, a homegrown craft liquor startup, has raised INR 5.2 crore in a Pre-Series A round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). This is a big milestone for the company in its journey to redefine India’s premium liquor space with handcrafted vodka, whisky and brandy.
Founded by Prabhat Sharma (CEO) and Rohit Saxena (COO), Feline Spirits is disrupting a market that has been divided between low cost mass produced alcohol and overpriced imports. With this funding the company plans to expand its premium liquor portfolio and scale up in the market across India, including government controlled states and private retail.
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A Taste of Disruption in the Indian Spirits Market
At the core of Feline Spirits is a craft approach: premium, handcrafted liquors made from real ingredients, designed with modern sensibilities and priced for the Indian consumer. Drawing from a third generation master blender’s legacy, the brand blends traditional expertise with modern tastes, smoother blends, innovative SKUs and stand out packaging.
Feline Spirits operates in 8 states and union territories and has already served a customer base of over 20 lakh, has licenses in 8 markets, including 5 state run channels. The brand’s strategic positioning has allowed it to tap into both premium and mass-premium segments, catering to India’s burgeoning demand for elevated yet affordable liquor options.
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Impressive Financial Trajectory
Feline Spirits has showcased strong financial performance leading up to the funding round. In FY23–24, the company recorded a monthly top-line of over 2 lakh bottles (10,303 cases), achieving revenues of over INR 11 crore. Building on that momentum, FY24–25 saw the company sell over 4.1 lakh bottles (19,751 cases), generating revenue exceeding INR 25 crore.
With a gross profit margin of 55% in the premium segment, Feline Spirits has built a sustainable financial model that positions it well for future growth, including the launch of new SKUs, entry into additional markets, and the strengthening of supply chain and distribution partnerships.
Investor Confidence and Industry Outlook
Ankur Mittal, Co-Founder of IPV, expressed strong conviction in the startup’s positioning:
“India’s alcohol market has long been split between low-quality mass products and overpriced international brands. Feline Spirits bridges this gap by offering premium, handcrafted liquor that’s high in quality, thoughtfully designed, and reasonably priced. Feline is setting a new standard, where well-made, great-looking spirits are no longer a luxury, but the norm.”
Prabhat Sharma, CEO, echoed the sentiment with a vision-driven perspective:
“Our mission has always been to democratize premium liquor in India. With IPV’s support, we’re entering a new phase of growth—expanding into new states, launching new SKUs, and bringing our craft philosophy to a wider audience.”
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A Market Ripe for Innovation
India’s alco-bev industry is at a crossroads. As per various reports, the Indian spirits market is expected to reach USD 31 billion (~INR 2.65 lakh crore) by 2024, growing at 6.51% CAGR till 2028. Globally the industry was USD 1.4 trillion in 2022 and is expected to be USD 2 trillion by 2027.
This is a great opportunity for players like Feline Spirits who are not only catering to consumer demand for quality and authenticity but also creating a new drinking culture that blends tradition with innovation.
Ahead
Armed with fresh capital and a clear roadmap, Feline Spirits is poised to scale operations, deepen its market presence, and further entrench its brand in the Indian consciousness. With the rise of discerning consumers and the declining stigma around domestic spirits, Feline’s commitment to transparency, quality, and design could well position it as India’s first true craft spirits powerhouse.