In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories capture the spirit of innovation and global adaptation as effectively as that of Dhruv Kohli, the founder and CEO of Boba Bhai, India’s fastest-growing bubble tea and Korean fusion food chain. Dhruv’s entrepreneurial journey is a blend of international exposure, a deep understanding of consumer trends, and a commitment to bringing global flavors into local markets.
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Dhruv Kohli |
| Age | 28 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 1997 |
| Place of Birth | New Delhi, India |
| Current Role | Founder & CEO, Boba Bhai |
| Founded | October 2023 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Educational Background | Schooling at Arthur Phillip High School, Australia (2014); Pursued International Business Studies |
| Global Experience | Worked in 6 countries, blending international market expertise with local innovation |
| Previous Ventures | Co-founder of Geezy (food-tech startup) |
| Recognition | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023 – Retail & Ecommerce |
| Investments | Angel investor at PointOne Capital |
| Brand Vision | Redefining fusion dining with bold flavors and vibrant experiences |
| Social Media |
Early Life and Global Exposure
Born with an entrepreneurial spark, Dhruv Kohli’s journey into the world of business began early. He grew up with a passion for food and cultures, which later evolved into his drive to transform the food and beverage industry in India. With a global mindset, Dhruv traveled to six countries, gaining diverse insights into different culinary traditions, consumer behavior, and business strategies. These experiences not only broadened his perspective but also played a pivotal role in shaping his business ventures.
After completing his education, which included a focus on international business, Dhruv sought to channel his love for food into something groundbreaking. His global experiences enabled him to spot a gap in the Indian market for unique, high-quality international food concepts that could appeal to India’s evolving urban consumer.
The Birth of Boba Bhai
In 2023, Dhruv founded Boba Bhai, a bubble tea and Korean fusion food venture that blends the best of Taiwanese tea culture and Korean street food, with an Indian twist. His vision was clear: introduce a product that would resonate with young, adventurous food lovers looking for an exciting fusion of flavors, and bring the experience of international food culture to Indian shores.
Bubble tea, a global phenomenon, was the perfect choice. The concept, though gaining popularity in some parts of India, had yet to break into mainstream culture. Dhruv recognized the untapped potential and immediately set about building Boba Bhai into a brand that would redefine the bubble tea experience.
Innovative Offerings and Expansion
From the outset, Boba Bhai focused on offering more than just a drink. It became a culinary destination, combining the refreshing appeal of bubble tea with the savory pleasures of Korean-inspired burgers, fries, and even ice creams infused with bold flavors. The offerings range from traditional bubble tea to inventive concoctions, including regional Indian-inspired twists.
Dhruv’s approach didn’t stop at just the drink. His menu included K-Pop burgers, Korean ice creams, and other fusion delicacies that were a hit among India’s millennials and Gen Z. The ice cream flavors alone, such as Mango Chili and Filter Coffee Mocha Fudge, became instant hits, showcasing his knack for blending cultures and preferences.
By 2024, Boba Bhai had spread to multiple major cities across India, including Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Udaipur, with plans for further expansion.
The Journey of Scaling Up
Boba Bhai’s growth story is nothing short of remarkable. Within a short span, the brand garnered attention from major investors, raising $5.38 million in Series A funding, led by investors like Global Growth Capital, 8i Ventures, and Titan Capital. The funding helped fuel its rapid expansion and solidified the brand’s valuation at ₹102 crore.
Dhruv’s business acumen and clear vision for the future played a significant role in the company’s success. He saw not just a food and beverage brand, but a community-building platform—a space where people could come together to enjoy a unique dining experience. His leadership has turned Boba Bhai into a cultural phenomenon that resonates with consumers who are constantly seeking new and exciting food experiences.
A Leader with a Vision for the Future
Dhruv Kohli’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have earned him recognition on several prestigious platforms, including Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. He envisions a bright future for the bubble tea industry in India, forecasting the market’s potential to become a $3 to $4 billion opportunity within the next decade. As the Indian consumer market grows and becomes more globalized, Dhruv’s innovative approach to food will likely continue to lead the way for future food entrepreneurs.
Interesting facts about Dhruv Kohli
- Global Exposure at a Young Age: Dhruv Kohli’s international experiences shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Having worked in six different countries, his diverse background gave him a unique perspective on consumer behavior, food trends, and business practices across the globe.
- Founder of Boba Bhai: In 2023, Dhruv founded Boba Bhai, a unique bubble tea and Korean fusion food chain. The brand quickly became popular for its innovative fusion menu, which blends Taiwanese bubble tea with Korean-inspired dishes, catering to India’s young and adventurous foodies.
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Recognition: Dhruv Kohli was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023 list for his work in retail and e-commerce, solidifying his position as one of the top young entrepreneurs to watch in India’s food and beverage industry.
- Passion for Innovation: Dhruv’s love for culinary innovation led him to create a brand that not only serves bubble tea but also incorporates Korean flavors into burgers, fries, and even ice cream. His willingness to experiment with different cultures’ cuisines set Boba Bhai apart.
- Tech-Savvy Entrepreneur: Before founding Boba Bhai, Dhruv co-founded Geezy, a food-tech startup focused on dark kitchens. His experience in the tech space has allowed him to streamline operations and scale up his businesses effectively.
- Vibrant Entrepreneurial Spirit: Dhruv is known for his energetic and creative approach to business. He isn’t just focused on expanding the food chain but on creating an immersive experience for customers through vibrant stores and exciting menu options.
- Cultural Fusion Advocate: He believes in blending global influences with local tastes. His efforts to incorporate regional flavors into the global trend of bubble tea and Korean food have garnered attention and praise for his innovative approach to food.
- Empowering the Next Generation: Dhruv is passionate about inspiring young entrepreneurs. Through his ventures, he not only aims to build a successful business but also to encourage others to take risks and follow their entrepreneurial dreams.
- Vision for the Future: Dhruv envisions the bubble tea market in India growing into a multi-billion-dollar industry. His goal for Boba Bhai is to be a leader in this space and to expand across both India and internationally in the coming years.
- Recognized for Investment Acumen: Apart from his entrepreneurial ventures, Dhruv is also an angel investor, showcasing his broader understanding of the startup ecosystem and his desire to support emerging businesses.
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