Finshots Daily Why is everyone talking about the fall of Bira 91?
Oct 17, 2025
Bira 91, once the star of India's craft beer market, now faces a downturn. The host explores founder Ankur Jain's journey and the brand's initial success. Factors like name changes, funding struggles, and quality concerns after shifting production to India are highlighted. Delays in licensing led to stockouts and competitor advantages, while governance issues sparked employee unrest. Can Bira rebound by enhancing trust and addressing its operational shortcomings? Tune in for the unfolding drama.
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Founder’s European Brewing Origin
- After selling his startup, Ankur Jain launched Bira 91 in 2015 and initially brewed batches in Belgium.
- Early imports and distinct taste helped Bira stand out as India's first notable craft beer.
Rapid Growth Attracted Heavy Investment
- Bira rode a sharp growth curve from urban popularity to heavy investor interest and big funding rounds.
- Rapid scale attracted major backers like Kirin and Peak XV, valuing craft positioning over margin stability.
Going Concern Red Flag
- Auditors flagged doubt about Bira's ability to continue after FY24 losses and negative operating cash flow.
- Short-term liabilities exceeded assets and the company reported steep losses and cash-flow problems.