In a bold move that underscores its growing influence in the premium spirits industry, Loca Loka, a Singapore-based alco-bev startup co-founded by Rana Daggubati, Anirudh Ravichander, and Harsha Vadlamudi, has secured $12.5 million in funding. The investment, led by a Singapore based family office, is set to fuel the brand’s ambitious expansion plans, bringing its uniquely crafted tequila to new global markets.
From a Passion Project to a Global Disruptor
Loca Loka wasn’t just born out of business calculations it was a passion project among its co-founders, all of whom share a deep love for finely crafted spirits. Their goal? To challenge conventional tequila norms and introduce a product that doesn’t just sit on shelves but becomes a lifestyle choice.
Since its launch in 2024, Loca Loka’s Tequila Blanco and Tequila Reposado have been making waves in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago, and key Southeast Asian cities. Unlike most mass-produced tequilas, Loca Loka prides itself on its small-batch, hand-crafted approach, blending traditional Mexican agave essence with an unexpected Indian twist a flavor profile that teases the palate with spicy-sweet notes inspired by the Indian subcontinent.
Betting Big on India and Beyond
With the latest round of funding, Loca Loka is finally ready to bring its tequila to India, a market that’s witnessing a massive shift towards premium spirits. Indian consumers are evolving, and the demand for high quality, internationally inspired beverages is at an all-time high. But the brand isn’t stopping there it has its eyes set on the UK, Dubai, the Philippines, and Indonesia, making this one of the most aggressive global expansion strategies in the industry.
More Than Just a Drink, A Cultural Movement
Co-founder and CEO Harsha Vadlamudi believes Loca Loka is more than just a tequila brand. “We’re not just selling a drink; we’re selling an experience. Every bottle of Loca Loka carries a story, a blend of cultures, and an invitation to celebrate life.”
Part of their strategy involves deep integration into premium travel retail (duty-free stores), giving jet-setters a taste of the brand before it even reaches traditional retail shelves. By positioning itself as a must-have lifestyle brand, Loca Loka wants to redefine the way people experience tequila worldwide.
What’s Next for Loca Loka?
With $12.5 million in fresh capital, the company is ramping up R&D efforts to create new variations of tequila, experimenting with different aging techniques and infusions that could further differentiate Loca Loka from traditional competitors. The team is also investing in innovative marketing campaigns, tapping into digital storytelling, influencer partnerships, and immersive events to build a cult like following for the brand.
As the tequila industry gets more crowded, Loca Loka is here to shake things up literally and figuratively. And for fans of premium spirits, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey.
