Amuleek Singh Bijral, a Harvard MBA graduate and former IT professional, stands as the visionary founder and CEO of Chai Point, India’s largest organized chai store chain. Since launching in 2010, Chai Point has transformed the way Indians enjoy their beloved beverage, chai, by blending tradition with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Under Bijral’s leadership, Chai Point has expanded from a single store in Bangalore to a nationwide brand, serving over 700,000 cups daily across multiple cities and channels. His journey reflects a deep passion for chai and a commitment to building a business that resonates with India’s cultural heartbeat.
Hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, Amuleek Singh Bijral developed a love for tea at a young age. By 10, he was known as the “chaiwala” of his family, with the women in his household particularly fond of the tea he brewed. This early connection with chai planted the seeds for his entrepreneurial journey, though his path initially led him to a more conventional career.
Bijral pursued an engineering degree with honors from Thapar University in Punjab, equipping him with a strong technical foundation. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School (class of 2006), honing his business acumen. Before founding Chai Point, he worked at Microsoft Corporation in various roles, gaining experience in software development and strategy. He then served as Head of India Operations and Country Manager at RSA Security LLC, a global leader in information security. Despite his success in the IT sector, Bijral felt drawn to create something uniquely Indian, rooted in the everyday ritual of chai.
The Inspiration Behind Chai Point
The spark for Chai Point came from Bijral’s observations during his corporate career. He noticed how tea breaks were a cherished part of the workday, bringing colleagues together and fostering camaraderie. One moment stood out: watching a group of people leave a small, shanty tea shop near a workplace. This scene inspired him to envision a modern, organized chai experience tailored for professionals, particularly in tech parks and corporate hubs.
Bijral researched the Indian tea market and discovered its immense scale—911 million kilograms of chai produced annually, valued at approximately Rs 33,000 crore. Yet, no major organized player catered specifically to chai lovers, despite tea being more popular than coffee in India. Seeing this gap, Bijral decided to leave his high-flying IT career and dive into the world of chai. His family initially questioned his choice, with his mother jokingly asking why he needed a Harvard MBA to sell tea. Undeterred, Bijral believed his education and experience would help him build a brand that could redefine the chai industry.
Founding and Growth of Chai Point
In 2010, Bijral founded Chai Point in Bangalore under Mountain Trail Foods Pvt. Ltd., with the first store offering fresh, high-quality chai made with premium ingredients. The brand’s motto, “India runs on Chai,” captured the essence of the country’s love for tea, and Chai Point quickly gained traction. By 2017, the company had expanded to eight cities, with outlets in retail locations, airports, and business parks.
Chai Point’s growth was fueled by strategic funding. In September 2015, the company raised ₹71.2 crore ($10 million), followed by ₹132 crore ($20 million) in Series C funding in April 2018, one of the largest funding rounds in India’s food and beverage sector at the time. Investors such as Eight Roads Ventures, DSG Investors, Saama Capital, and Paragon Partners backed Bijral’s vision.
Today, Chai Point operates over 180 retail stores across nine major cities, including Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, and has 3,500 workplace hubs in 21 cities. The company serves over 700,000 cups daily, using single-origin tea from Assam and 100% Arabica coffee from Chikmagalur, both certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Chai Point has also embraced e-commerce, selling chai powders on Amazon.in since October 2017 and offering a mobile app for its Chai-on-Call service since 2014.
Innovations and Technology
Chai Point stands out for its innovative approach, particularly through its proprietary myChai™ brewing system, a Cloud-connected technology that ensures consistent quality and freshness in every cup. This system has enabled Chai Point to scale its operations while maintaining high standards. The company aims to install 30,000 myChai™ brewing systems across India in the next 3–5 years, targeting 1 million bakeries and cafes.
In 2016, Chai Point introduced environment-friendly heat-retaining Chai flasks, which keep beverages hot for up to two hours, enhancing the customer experience. The company also launched the Chai Point Rewards program, including IROC – I Run on Chai, integrated into its app to foster customer loyalty. Additionally, Chai Point’s cloud-based platform, BoxC.in, supports its beverage services with IoT-enabled automatic dispensers, showcasing Bijral’s focus on technology-driven solutions.
His journey from a corporate executive to a chai entrepreneur reflects his passion for building brands that make a positive impact. Bijral values the support of his loved ones, whom he considers pillars of strength, and is committed to creating a business that contributes to society through job creation and sustainable practices.
Recent Developments and Future Vision
Chai Point continues to evolve under Bijral’s leadership. The company recently launched Chai Point Academy, which focuses on professional skill development for the quick-service restaurant and hospitality sectors, offering training in grooming, communication, and AI readiness. Another initiative, Jammr by Chai Point, positions the brand as an events partner, providing chai, snacks, and ambiance for concerts, corporate meetings, and exhibitions.
In its Annual Leadership Meet for 2025–26, Chai Point outlined its focus on vision, key performance indicators, culture, and customer satisfaction, reflecting Bijral’s commitment to growth and excellence. The company has raised over $50 million in total funding, with its latest Series C round of $2.2 million from Auctus Capital, further solidifying its financial foundation.
Looking ahead, Bijral envisions Chai Point as a global brand, expanding its reach within India and beyond. The goal to deploy 30,000 myChai™ brewing systems underscores his ambition to make high-quality chai accessible to millions, while maintaining a focus on sustainability and innovation.
Amuleek Singh Bijral’s story is one of passion, innovation, and perseverance. From brewing tea for his family as a child to leading India’s largest chai chain, he has turned a simple idea into a nationwide phenomenon. Chai Point serves exceptional chai and brings people together, embodying Bijral’s belief in the power of business to create positive change.
Through his leadership, Chai Point has set new benchmarks in the beverage industry, blending India’s chai heritage with modern technology and sustainable practices. As the company continues to grow, Amuleek Singh Bijral remains at the forefront, steering Chai Point toward a future where chai continues to brighten lives and unite communities.
