Kathmandu – In a groundbreaking move that reshapes Nepal’s business landscape, NIBL Equity Partners has acquired a strategic 28.8% stake in Himalayan Java Coffee Pvt. Ltd., marking one of the most significant private equity investments in the country’s specialty coffee sector.

The historic deal, finalized on August 28, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for Nepal’s coffee industry and demonstrates the growing confidence of institutional investors in homegrown brands with global potential.

NIBL Equity Partners, managed by NIMB Ace Capital Limited with Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited as the anchor investor, completed this transformative investment during a signing ceremony attended by key industry leaders and stakeholders.

Partnership Details and Stakeholders

The strategic partnership brings together Nepal’s leading financial institutions and the country’s premier coffee brand. Key figures present at the signing ceremony included:

• Mr. Shivanth Bahadur Pande – CEO of NIMB Ace Capital
• Mr. Gagan Pradhan – Co-founder of Himalayan Java Coffee
• Mr. Anand Gurung – Co-founder of Himalayan Java Coffee

This collaboration sets a new precedent in Nepal’s business ecosystem, showcasing how local private equity can fuel the growth of indigenous brands with international aspirations.

The investment structure reflects NIBL Equity Partners’ commitment to supporting Nepal’s most promising growth-stage companies while maintaining their focus on operational excellence and sustainable value creation.

Global Expansion Plans

The NIBL Equity Partners investment will primarily finance Himalayan Java’s ambitious global expansion strategy, beginning with penetration into South Asian markets. This expansion represents the first major international push by a Nepali specialty coffee brand.

Key Expansion Elements:

• Regional Focus: Initial expansion targeting South Asia before broader international markets
• Domestic Growth: Continued opening of new outlets across Nepal
• Export Development: Significant boost to regional and global coffee exports
• Value Chain Enhancement: Increased opportunities across the entire coffee production and distribution network

The partnership aligns perfectly with NIBL Equity Partners’ strategic objective of taking Nepali brands to international markets, positioning Himalayan Java as a global ambassador for Nepal’s specialty coffee industry.

Impact on Nepal’s Coffee Industry

This investment carries broader implications for Nepal’s emerging coffee culture and economic development. The partnership addresses several critical areas:

Economic Impact:

• Job creation across the coffee value chain
• Enhanced export revenue potential
• Strengthened position in South Asia’s specialty coffee market
• Inspiration for other Nepali businesses seeking alternative financing

Industry Development:

• Vocational training programs for coffee professionals
• Support for local coffee farming communities
• Advancement of sustainable coffee practices
• Promotion of Nepal’s coffee heritage globally

The deal serves as a powerful example for Nepal’s youth, demonstrating that sophisticated financing solutions are accessible locally and can propel domestic businesses to international success.

Himalayan Java’s Market Position

Since its humble beginnings as a single cafe in 1999, Himalayan Java has evolved into Nepal’s dominant specialty coffee brand with an impressive market presence:

Current Market Footprint:

• Over 70 traditional Himalayan Java outlets nationwide
• 18 Himalayan Java Express locations
• 2 premium Gallery by Himalayan Java high-end establishments
• Daily service to over 2,300 customers across all locations

As Nepal’s first specialty coffee brand, Himalayan Java pioneered the Third Wave Coffee movement in the country, establishing itself as a household name synonymous with quality and social responsibility.

The brand’s commitment to sustainable coffee practices and community empowerment has created a loyal customer base while supporting the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout Nepal.

Digital Transformation and Customer Growth

Himalayan Java continues advancing its digital transformation strategy to meet the demands of its expanding customer base. The company’s customer mobile application has achieved significant traction with over 23,000 downloads, playing an increasingly central role in streamlining the coffee experience.

This digital infrastructure positions the brand well for its international expansion, providing scalable systems and customer engagement tools that can be adapted for global markets.

The growing domestic coffee consumption in Nepal reflects the country’s fast-emerging coffee culture, creating a solid foundation for international expansion while maintaining strong home market performance.

Leadership Vision

The partnership brings together visionary leaders committed to showcasing Nepal’s coffee excellence on the global stage.

Shivanth Bahadur Pande, CEO of NIMB Ace Capital, emphasized the investment’s significance: “This investment reflects our long-standing commitment to help modernize Nepali businesses to compete in the global arena. 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 specialty coffee.”

Anand Gurung, founder of Himalayan Java, highlighted the strategic importance: “Since its inception, we at Himalayan Java have believed in supporting the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem of Nepal. Today, we are entering a new chapter with NIBL Equity Partners, a strategic partner in realizing our goals of expanding globally, exporting Nepali coffee, and showcasing the country’s potential on the world stage.”

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

Future Outlook

The NIBL Equity Partners investment positions Himalayan Java to leverage its unique advantage of coffee grown in the fertile Himalayan soil, bringing authentic Nepali flavors to international markets.

This partnership represents more than a financial transaction; it symbolizes the potential for Nepali businesses to compete globally while maintaining their commitment to local communities and sustainable practices.

As Nepal’s coffee industry continues expanding and international recognition of Himalayan coffee quality grows, this strategic alliance could serve as a catalyst for broader industry transformation and economic development.

The success of this partnership will likely encourage other international investors to consider Nepal’s emerging businesses, potentially accelerating the country’s integration into global value chains and establishing Nepal as a significant player in the specialty coffee market.

With strong domestic foundations, innovative digital platforms, and now substantial financial backing, Himalayan Java is positioned to become Nepal’s first truly global coffee brand, paving the way for other Nepali companies to follow suit.