Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder and CEO of Epigamia, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 41 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Indian startup community, where he was recognized as a visionary leader who transformed the landscape of healthy food products in India.
A Visionary Leader in the Food Industry
Rohan Mirchandani co-founded Drums Food International in 2013, which launched Epigamia, India’s first Greek yogurt brand. Under his leadership, Epigamia became a household name, known for its innovative range of yogurt and dairy products that cater to health-conscious consumers. The brand’s offerings include flavored yogurts, milkshakes, almond drinks, and smoothies, all produced without preservatives.
Mirchandani was an alumnus of Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from NYU Stern School of Business. He later completed his MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His career began in 2004 at Duff & Phelps, where he worked as an Associate before becoming a Board Member at The Ross Group in 2005.
Impact on the Startup Ecosystem
Mirchandani’s passing is part of a troubling trend within India’s startup ecosystem, which has seen several recent losses, including the deaths of other prominent figures. His contributions to the food industry were marked by his commitment to innovation and quality, aiming to expand Epigamia’s reach into international markets, including plans for expansion into the Middle East by 2025-26.
In a joint statement from Epigamia’s senior leadership team, including COO Ankur Goel and co-founder Uday Thakker, they expressed their profound sorrow: “Rohan was our mentor, friend, and leader. We remain steadfast in our determination to carry forward his dream with strength and vigor.” They emphasized that his vision and values would continue to guide the company as they honor the foundation he built.
Legacy and Future Plans
At the time of his death, Mirchandani held a nearly 4.68% stake in Epigamia, which is valued at approximately $160 million. The company has established over 20,000 retail touchpoints across 30 cities in India and was on track to achieve a revenue target of ₹250 crore this fiscal year. Rohan Mirchandani’s legacy will live on through Epigamia’s continued growth and commitment to providing healthy food options for consumers. His vision for innovation in India’s FMCG sector serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes information regarding Rohan Mirchandani’s life and contributions based on available news sources.
