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Koriken raises seed round led by Rukam Capital

Entrackr · 3h ago

Medial

Korean quick-service restaurant (QSR) startup Koriken has raised Rs 4 crore in a seed funding round led by Rukam Capital, a venture capital firm that backs early-stage consumer brands. The fresh funds will be used to accelerate the next phase of growth while bringing authentic Korean flavours closer to Indian consumers, Koriken said in a press release. Launched in 2022 by Hasan Patel, Koriken offers an authentic taste of Korea through its range of signature dishes, including Korean fried chicken, ramen, mandu, and more. The brand combines authentic flavours with a modern QSR approach that is fast, consistent, and accessible. Koriken aims to make Korean cuisine a household favourite in India, blending authentic flavours, rich aromas, and a modern dining experience inspired by Korea. The company focuses on consistency, affordability, and innovation while staying true to the essence of Korean food culture. Food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato have reported nearly a 50% year-on-year increase in orders for Korean food, underscoring the country’s expanding appetite for global flavours. The trend is being led by Gen Z consumers, who now account for over a quarter of all Korean food orders. Korean restaurants and QSRs have also seen a 59% surge in demand, with popularity spreading beyond major metros to tier-2 cities such as Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. Koriken plans to expand its flagship and high-street outlets across cities, drive product innovation, and enhance brand visibility. It will also strengthen operational efficiency, including scaling kitchen systems for speed, consistency, and delivery, while blending authentic Korean flavours with the richness of Indian culinary traditions. The expansion will be supported through talent development and the growth of its core team.