What Happened in Bira 91
Over 250 employees at B9 Beverages, the company behind the popular Indian craft beer Bira 91, have petitioned the board and investors to remove founder and CEO Ankur Jain. The staff claims salaries have not been paid on time, management decisions lack transparency, and workplace rules are not being properly followed. This situation has drawn attention as one of the major trending news stories in India, highlighting internal unrest in one of the country’s leading craft beer companies.
Employees say some have not received salaries for up to six months. Vendors have also reported delays in payments, making daily operations more difficult. Staff describe a stressful work environment, with limited communication about the company’s finances and plans. The petition specifically highlights corporate governance issues, asking investors to step in and ensure fair practices and transparency in decision-making. One employee said, “We are worried and confused because no one is giving clear information. We need answers quickly.”
Ankur Jain responded to the concerns on LinkedIn, reassuring employees that payroll is a top priority. He said, “Employees will always be first. Salaries have been prioritized over other expenses since Bira 91 started in 2015.” Jain also mentioned that the company is actively raising funds to stabilize operations and secure employee salaries. His post aimed to calm staff fears and show that employee welfare remains central to the company’s plan, despite the current challenges.
B9 Beverages has faced operational disruptions in recent months. Production has been halted since July 2025 due to a minor legal name change, which caused delays in government approvals. Employees describe empty factory floors, paused bottling lines, and trucks waiting to deliver beer. These disruptions have affected sales and created tension among staff. The workforce has also dropped from over 700 employees to just above 260, reflecting resignations and layoffs during this uncertain period.
The employee petition has reached major investors, including Kirin Holdings, which owns a 20.1% stake, and Peak XV Partners. Investors now face the challenge of addressing staff concerns while safeguarding their financial interests. B9 Beverages has previously raised $210 million, and a new $132 million fundraising round is underway. This includes $50 million in equity from Global Emerging Markets (GEM) and $82 million via structured credit. The new funds are meant to stabilize operations, clear pending payments, and secure employee salaries.
Employees and investors are watching developments closely. Staff want clarity on salaries and better management practices, while investors want the company to remain financially secure. The crisis has revealed weaknesses in how B9 Beverages is managed and raised questions about leadership accountability. One employee said, “We want clear rules and honest communication. Without that, trust will break down.”
This Bira 91 crisis shows the importance of corporate governance, especially in fast-growing startups. Employees’ concerns, combined with investor scrutiny, highlight the need for clear rules, open communication, and timely payments. How the company addresses these issues and completes its fundraising will determine whether it can regain trust and continue operations smoothly.
Bira 91 remains a major brand in India’s craft beer market, known for its unique flavors and trendy branding. But the outcome of this leadership dispute and the fundraising round will define the company’s near future. Employee confidence, investor trust, and smooth production all depend on how quickly these issues are resolved. This situation has become one of the most closely followed trending news stories in India’s startup and beverage sectors.
The company’s handling of employee demands, investor expectations, and operational disruptions will shape its long-term reputation. Stakeholders now wait to see whether Bira 91 can maintain its position in the competitive craft beer market while restoring employee trust and stabilizing finances.
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