Popo Global Raises ₹532 Crore From Artal Asia, Eyes National Expansion of The Pizza Bakery
Bengaluru-based Popo Global, parent of The Pizza Bakery, Paris Panini and Smash Guys, has secured ₹532 crore from Artal Asia in its first external funding round to fuel expansion across India.

Bengaluru-based restaurant company Popo Global, which operates The Pizza Bakery, Paris Panini and Smash Guys, has raised ₹532 crore from Artal Asia, an affiliate of global investment firm Invus, marking its first external funding round.
The investment gives Artal Asia a significant minority stake and sets the stage for aggressive expansion beyond the company's home market. Popo Global has grown from a single Bengaluru outlet in 2017 into a multi-brand platform with around 40 outlets and reported FY25 revenue of approximately ₹175 crore.
Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Popo Global (The Pizza Bakery, Paris Panini, Smash Guys) |
| Investor | Artal Asia (Invus affiliate) |
| Round size | ₹532 crore |
| Outlets | ~40 |
| FY25 revenue | ~₹175 crore |
Unlike many Indian restaurant chains that rely on franchising, Popo has scaled through a company-owned-and-operated model. The fresh capital is expected to accelerate that strategy across more Indian cities.
Founders Nikhil Gupta and Abhijit Gupta launched The Pizza Bakery in 2017, later adding sandwich brand Paris Panini and burger concept Smash Guys to the portfolio.
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