Malaysian startup Being Juice has obtained US$1 million in initial funding supported by venture capital firms 500 Global and Beenext.

Sayantan Das, former CEO of Foodpanda’s Malaysia and Brunei operations, launched the company in April with a focus on authentic fruit and vegetable smoothies. 

“Being Juice’s seed funding round is a huge milestone for us, especially since it has connected us to investors who believe in what we’re building,” Das said in a press release.

The juice brand currently has six locations in Malaysia and plans to open 30 additional stores. It will introduce its first overseas location in the Philippines this month.

In addition, Being Juice is processing its mobile app to strengthen its customer service.

Earlier this month, South Korean bakery chain Tous les Jours announced it would re-enter Malaysia with five stores, after a hiatus in 2017.