Akshat Khandelwal of Coffee Futures Fund explains how this new initiative is guiding the next generation of specialty-coffee leaders.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Featured photo courtesy of Pexels
The specialty-coffee industry thrives on passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to craft. Yet, for many aspiring coffee entrepreneurs, the road to success is paved with uncertainty. A 2019 study found that nearly 60% of coffee shops fail within their first five years.
This alarming statistic highlights a harsh reality: Passion and quality alone are not always enough to guarantee success in the coffee industry. Many aspiring café owners struggle with limited access to resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance, making sustainability a major challenge.
Enter the Coffee Futures Fund (CFF), an initiative designed not only to provide financial support but also to offer mentorship, strategic guidance, and a community-driven approach to coffee entrepreneurship. We sat down with Akshat Khandelwal, the founder of CFF, to learn more about his vision for the program and how it can help shape the future of specialty-coffee businesses.
More Than Just Funding: A Holistic Approach
Traditional funding models often prioritize return on investment, profit margins, and scalability. While these are essential metrics, they fail to address the deeper struggles of coffee shop owners. “CFF is not just about funding,“ Akshat says. “We’re building a system that transforms the chances of success, from four in 10 surviving to eight in 10.“
Unlike conventional investment structures, CFF offers a 10-week immersive program where participants gain access to industry veterans, tailored resources, and a comprehensive playbook for long-term sustainability. This approach draws inspiration from models like Y Combinator, focusing on investing not just in businesses, but in the people who run them.
“For emerging coffee shop owners, it means learning how to scale without compromising their vision. For veterans, it’s a chance to give back and help shape the next generation of coffee leaders,“ Akshat says.
Beyond the Aesthetic: The Real Key to Success
One of the most common pitfalls for new coffee shop owners is the tendency to focus on aesthetic trends rather than building a brand with depth. “I recently visited a café in Boston,“ Akshat recalls. “It had everything you’d expect from a trendy coffee shop—subway tiles, minimalist furniture, plants in ceramic pots. But when I spoke with the owner, they were struggling. Foot traffic was unpredictable, and customers weren’t loyal.“
This pattern is all too familiar. Many coffee entrepreneurs attempt to replicate the Instagram-friendly designs of successful cafes without developing a distinct identity. “What I’ve come to understand is that success in coffee doesn’t come from being liked by everyone. It comes from creating a brand that speaks to a specific community and is irreplaceable,“ Akshat says.
CFF helps business owners move beyond superficial trends and find what makes their coffee shop unique. Whether it’s pioneering zero waste practices or reviving traditional brewing techniques, the goal is to help entrepreneurs carve out a niche that resonates deeply with their audience. “We guide them to build brands that connect deeply with specific communities and stand out as irreplaceable,“ says Akshat.
Community as the Cornerstone of Success
At the heart of CFF’s philosophy is the belief that coffee is about connection. “Coffee shops are the heartbeat of their neighborhoods,“ Akshat says. “They’re where ideas are born, relationships are nurtured, and cultures thrive. When a coffee shop struggles, the ripple effect is felt far and wide.“
By fostering a strong community within CFF, coffee entrepreneurs gain access to a support system that goes beyond financial backing. Emerging owners learn from experienced mentors, while industry veterans engage with fresh perspectives from the next generation. This exchange of knowledge ensures that the industry remains innovative, resilient, and collaborative. “This interplay of stories and experiences strengthens everyone involved,“ Akshat adds.
One of CFF’s mentors, 2017 World Barista Champion Dale Harris, also emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose. “The biggest challenge for most coffee shop owners isn’t making great coffee—it’s knowing why they exist. The moment you define your purpose, everything else starts falling into place,“ he says.
A Call to Action for Coffee Entrepreneurs
For those considering applying to CFF, Akshat offers simple but profound advice: “Don’t let fear hold you back.“ Many coffee shop owners hesitate because they believe they’re not “big enough“ or “ready enough“ to apply. However, CFF is not searching for perfection—it seeks passion and potential.
“If you’re committed to your craft and open to learning, we’re here to help you refine your vision and turn it into a thriving business,“ Akshat affirms. The application process is designed to understand the entrepreneur’s story, challenges, and dreams. “Be honest, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to dream big,“ he says.
Looking ahead, CFF aims to scale its impact through partnerships with suppliers, technology providers, and industry stakeholders. The initiative is also working on publishing thought leadership essays to spark conversations about the future of specialty coffee.
“Ultimately, our goal is to redefine what’s possible for coffee entrepreneurs,“ says Akshat. “We want to see a world where coffee businesses aren’t just surviving but thriving—where every cup served is a testament to resilience, innovation, and community.“
For those who believe in the power of their story, the Coffee Futures Fund stands as a bridge to turn vision into reality. “The coffee world needs your unique voice and vision,“ Akshat concludes. “And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Together, we can brew something extraordinary.“
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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