NIBL Equity Partners acquires 28.8 pc stake in Himalayan Java Coffee

KATHMANDU: NIBL Equity Partners, managed by NIMB Ace Capital with Nepal Investment Mega Bank as the anchor investor, has announced its strategic investment in Himalayan Java Coffee. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday with Shivanth Bahadur Pande, Gagan Pradhan, Anand Gurung and other stakeholders and guests from both organisations. This partnership marks one of the most significant private equity transactions in Nepal’s consumer sector.

Under the terms of the deal, the investment will finance Himalayan Java’s global expansion, beginning with South Asia, while supporting the opening of new outlets across Nepal. Aligned with NIBL Equity Partners’ strategy of taking Nepali brands overseas, the partnership is expected to significantly boost Himalayan Java’s sales, drive regional and global exports and create increased opportunities across the coffee value chain. It also serves as inspiration to Nepal’s youth by demonstrating that sophisticated financing is accessible locally and highlighting how private equity can empower Nepali businesses to scale and compete in an increasingly global market.

"This investment reflects our long-standing commitment to modernise Nepali businesses for the global arena," said Shivanth Bahadur Pande, CEO of NIMB Ace Capital. "Our goal is not only to grow the company but also to showcase Nepal’s exceptional coffee to the world. We aim to position Himalayan Java as a global ambassador for Nepal’s speciality coffee."

"Since its inception, we at Himalayan Java have believed in supporting the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem of Nepal," said Anand Gurung, founder of Himalayan Java. "On Thursday, we entered a new chapter with NIBL Equity Partners as our strategic partner in realising our goals of expanding globally, exporting Nepali coffee and showcasing the country’s potential on the world stage."

"This partnership comes at a pivotal moment," added Gagan Pradhan, co-founder of Himalayan Java. "With NIBL Equity Partners’ support, we are ready to take Himalayan Java beyond Nepal while remaining committed to sustainable growth at home through job creation and vocational training that shares our success with the communities we serve."

Founded in 1999 as a single café, Himalayan Java today operates more than 70 outlets nationwide, 18 Himalayan Java Express outlets and two high-end Gallery by Himalayan Java stores. Nepal’s coffee consumption has grown steadily in recent years, reflecting a fast-emerging coffee culture that positions the country as a rising player in South Asia’s speciality coffee market, while Himalayan Java already serves over 2,300 customers daily across all outlets. The company continues to advance its digital transformation through its customer app, which has garnered over 23,000 downloads and plays an increasingly central role in streamlining the coffee experience.

NIBL Equity Partners is the private equity initiative of NIMB Ace Capital, backed by Nepal Investment Mega Bank. A direct reflection of the innovative spirit of these legacy institutions can be found in the fund’s investment approach. NIBL Equity Partners has been financing Nepal’s most promising growth-stage companies, guiding them towards operational excellence, sustainable value creation and an interconnected, synergistic business ecosystem.

Himalayan Java, established in 1999, is Nepal’s first speciality coffee brand and a pioneer of the Third Wave and sustainable coffee movements in the country. With over two decades of experience, the brand is a household name known for its socially responsible entrepreneurship. Himalayan Java remains dedicated to strengthening Nepal’s coffee industry by empowering stakeholders from coffee farmers to baristas.