Rohan Mirchandani, the cofounder of the popular Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) food and beverages brand Epigamia, passed away unexpectedly on December 20 due to a heart attack. He was 41 years old. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Indian startup ecosystem, where Mirchandani was admired as both a visionary entrepreneur and a passionate leader.
Mirchandani co-founded Epigamia in 2015 alongside Uday Thakker, Ganesh Krishnamoorthy, and Rahul Jain. The brand, originally launched as a Greek yogurt company, has since expanded its portfolio to include a range of products such as smoothies, protein drinks, and desserts, making significant strides in the competitive D2C food and beverage sector.
In a statement confirming his death, Epigamia’s parent company, Drums Food International, expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Mirchandani’s vital role in the company’s growth and success. “It is with deep sorrow that Drums Food International confirms the untimely passing of its beloved founder Rohan Mirchandani, who suffered a cardiac arrest yesterday,” the statement read.
Mirchandani held a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from the prestigious NYU Stern School of Business. He went on to earn an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, further honing his business acumen before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey.
Epigamia, under Mirchandani’s leadership, became one of India’s standout D2C brands, revolutionizing the Indian yogurt and dairy market with its premium offerings. The brand’s success is a testament to Mirchandani’s vision and commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious products to consumers. Epigamia’s growth story is also marked by the backing of prominent investors such as Verlinvest, Danone Manifesto Ventures, DSG Consumer Partners, and Innoven Capital, among others.
As of 2019, Epigamia had raised $26 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total funding to approximately $60 million. Despite the loss of Mirchandani, the company’s senior leadership, led by COO Ankur Goel and cofounder Uday Thakker, will continue to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring the startup’s future trajectory remains aligned with Rohan’s vision.
In a joint statement, Goel and Thakker expressed their deep sense of loss, while also reaffirming their commitment to carrying forward the values and vision Mirchandani instilled in the company. “Rohan was our mentor, friend, and leader. We remain steadfast in our determination to carry forward his dream with strength and vigour. Rohan’s vision and values will continue to guide us, as we work together to honor the foundation he built and ensure that his dream continues to flourish,” they stated.
The board of Epigamia also paid tribute to Mirchandani, emphasizing his role as a beacon of inspiration and leadership. “Rohan was not only a visionary leader but also an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering commitment, boundless energy, and deep passion for Epigamia have left an indelible mark on all of us,” the board said. “We will work closely with the leadership of the company to take Rohan’s legacy to greater heights.”
Mirchandani’s passing comes as yet another devastating blow to the Indian startup ecosystem, which has already witnessed the loss of several prominent figures this year. As the industry grapples with the absence of one of its most influential entrepreneurs, Mirchandani’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the success and continued growth of Epigamia.
Epigamia’s future now lies in the hands of the capable leadership team that Mirchandani helped build, and while his sudden loss is irreplaceable, his entrepreneurial spirit will continue to inspire both his team and the wider startup community for years to come.
