Key points:

 

• Tea Scan is a QR code scanning tea vending machine that offers a convenient way to enjoy tea on the go. 

• PSV provided funding and mentorship, which accelerated the company’s progress, crystallized the proof of concept, and fostered trust among stakeholders.

• Tea Scan plans to expand to 30-40 machines in Kathmandu and offer a franchise model. It is currently available in Standard Chartered Bank, Kiran Dai ko Momo, and KL Tower. 

Background

 

Tea is the language of the heart of Nepal. It is the reason we gather around, swap stories, and bond with our loved ones and even strangers! Those cozy ‘Chiya and Guff’ sessions, the refreshing ‘Chiya and Puffs’ breaks in between works, and the heavenly combo of ‘Chiya and Gwaramari’ are the little traditions that let us catch our breath amidst the chaos of life. But let’s be real, our world is spinning faster than ever, and finding a moment to savor a good cup of tea can feel like a luxury. That’s where the game-changer, Tea Scan, strides in!

 

Tea Scan is the first-ever tea vending machine in Nepal that uses a QR code scanning system to vend tea. A simple scan of the QR code, a swift payment, and voilà – your tea is dispensed within seconds. No more fumbling for change or waiting in line.

 

                                                                                                                                                         Teascan’s latest look

The Team

 

Tea Scan wasn’t whipped up overnight – it’s a story of how fate brings the most unexpected of people together. In the beginning, Akash Nyaupane and Sachin Gautam were on a quest to figure out how to get those fancy vending machines into Nepal. They were all enthusiastic and keen until they realized that the path was going to hurt their pockets. Around the same time, Routine of Nepal Banda, the beloved news portal, spilled the beans about Lov Panthi, a guy cooking up a vending machine right here in Nepal, along with his brother. A few calls and texts to connect the dots and our trio was born! As the gears started turning, it hit them that they needed some serious tech muscle. So, a few months down the road, they roped in Suryam, the tech wizard who had a thing for computers. With his arrival, the dream team was complete. It’s a reminder that life’s best collaborations often come from the most unexpected meetings.

 

                                                                             Co-founders of TeaScan. From the left: Sachin Gautam, Suryam Thapa Chhetri and Lov Panthi

 

Tea Scan and PSV

 

Tea Scan stepped as a fresh-faced newbie with no big reputation to flash around. What do you do when you’re brimming with innovation but could use a boost? You keep your eyes open for every opportunity. That’s what Tea Scan did – they weren’t just hunting for money, they were on the lookout for every possible lead in every domain. So when the team heard about the application for the first investment cycle of PSV being opened, they applied without a second thought. Impressed with the determination and perseverance of Tea Scan’s team along with their vision and prototype, PSV was convinced of the potentiality of Tea Scan to revolutionize the tea industry in Nepal.

 

Reflecting on the workshops of Business Model Canvas, Digital Marketing, and Brand Building facilitated by PSV, Suryan Thapa Kshiteri, CTO attests to the transformative influence of PSV’s mentorship. Likewise, Akash Nyaupane, the Business Development Manager, shares the impact of PSV’s financial support that not only accelerated their progress and crystallized the proof of concept but also fostered trust among stakeholders.

 

                                                                                                                Co-founder Akash Nyupane with the fourth version of TeaScan

 

Business and more

 

Tea Scan isn’t your regular run-of-the-mill vending machine – it’s a whole new tea experience that blends the old-school charm of tradition with the tech-savvy edge of today. Lov Panthi, the Chief Creative Officer, underlines the establishment’s commitment to enhancing tea’s quality and taste, mirroring its technological aptitude.

 

If you’re wondering where you can get in on this tea revolution, look no further than Standard Chartered Bank. They’ve got a working model there, which is managed by them. The opening day saw 50 cups sold, which is no small feat. And after a bit of a slow start, the sales picked up momentum. Now, they’re selling around 35 to 40 cups daily. Likewise, Tea Scan has joined hands with Kiran Dai ko Momo – to refill and sell their tea through the machine. They’ve also set up shop in KL Tower, where people are totally digging their tea game. Similarly, Tea Scan is already creating quite a buzz as they’ve scored a verbal contract to bring automated beverage vending machines to the distribution channel of Barahsinghe Beer. They’re applying their QR code magic to make beer vending a thing too. Talk about a tasty partnership! 

 

The dream team is on a mission to sprinkle Kathmandu with 30 to 40 machines in the upcoming year. You’ll soon be seeing these fancy machines in your favorite spots, like bus stops, hospitals, and every nook where tea cravings strike. And if you’ve ever dreamed of being the ultimate tea tycoon of your neighborhood, here’s your chance. Tea Scan is running a franchise model, so you can bring the tea magic right to your turf. How cool is that? Currently, the team is developing cost-effective technology solutions with the aim of providing their machine at prices ranging from NPR 50,000 to NPR 1,00,000. 

 

Tea Scan is the perfect way to enjoy tea on the go. Whether you’re running late for work or just need a quick pick-me-up, Tea Scan has you covered. So when Tea Scan goes big (and trust us, it totally will) be sure to try Tea Scan and experience the future of tea.

 

– Subekshya Ghimire (Special Project Associate)