Nenu Super Woman on OTT: Deepa Dodla invests Rs 20 lakh in tea franchise business Chai Masthi

Nenu Super Woman, the entrepreneurial show launched by aha, hosted by Sreerama Chandra, to foster the journey of women-led startups across Telugu states, has entered into its fifth week. The angels - Deepa Dodla, Sridhar Gadhi, Rohit Chennamaneni, Sudhakar Reddy and Sindhura Narayana - were witness to pitches of 2 startups - Chai Masthi and ft. you founded by Kota Sruthi, sibling duo Rama Devi, Saraswathi.

Chai Masthi, catered to tea-lovers, was established in September 2021, in an attempt to provide chai that’s tasty and affordable within a comfy ambience. The tea chain offers 10 chai varieties, other hot/cold beverages, eating options and has a customisable menu, providing the flexibility to meet the demands and tastes of their target customers of the respective outlets in different localities.

They have three franchise models - one where others invest in the outlet, take care of the maintenance, while the founders do the branding and train the staff. In another model, the owners setup an outlet in an area, run it for 3-6 months and sell it once it makes profits. In the company-operated franchise model, the interested party invests in the outlet while the founders take care of the operations, setup and maintenance.

The brand also has kiosks with EV charging points, ad-space and collection boxes that offer revenue-generation opportunities. While Sruthi asked for an investment of Rs 60 lakhs in exchange of 6% equity to the angels, Deepa Dodla of Dodla Dairy agreed to invest Rs 20 lakhs for 10% equity besides Rs 25 lakh debt at low interest and royalty of Rs 2 per cup.

Meanwhile, the other startup ft.you brings personalised fashion to a user’s doorstop with the touch of an app. Their services extend to ethnic, formal, casual, western and indo western-wear. While the founders asked for Rs 80 lakh in return of 2% equity, the angels opined the valuation of the startup wasn’t ideal. Deepa Dodla promised mentorship for the app’s international expansion plans and Sindhura Narayana offered to promote the app within the Narayana group.