Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder and CEO of Epigamia, a popular Greek yogurt brand, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2024, at the age of 42. His death was attributed to cardiac arrest, shocking the start-up community and leaving behind a legacy of innovation in India’s dairy industry. Mirchandani co-founded Drums Food International, the parent company of Epigamia, in 2013 with the vision to redefine dairy products in India.
Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly from a small start-up to a $160 million business, with Epigamia becoming one of India’s most beloved yogurt and dairy product brands. In 2019, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone became an investor in Drums Food International during the company’s Series C funding round. Her investment helped propel the brand into a new phase of expansion, bringing credibility and visibility to the brand.
Despite the company’s successes, it faced financial challenges, reporting a widening net loss of ₹67 crore for the financial year 2022-23. However, the brand’s commitment to offering high-quality, health-conscious dairy products continued to drive its expansion.
Epigamia CEO’s sudden passing
The leadership at Epigamia, including COO Ankur Goel and co-founder Uday Thakker, expressed their commitment to carrying forward Mirchandani’s vision. They described him as a visionary leader, mentor, and friend who inspired everyone around him. Mirchandani’s sudden death has raised concerns about the increasing risk of heart disease among younger populations in India.
Sudden cardiac arrest, which differs from a heart attack, occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop functioning abruptly. Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta emphasized the importance of managing stress and maintaining gratitude in a competitive world. Mirchandani’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the need to address the increasing health concerns among young professionals and to prioritize well-being amidst the pursuit of corporate goals.
Rohan Mirchandani’s contributions to Epigamia and the larger food and beverage sector will remain an inspiration for generations of entrepreneurs to come. His legacy will continue to shape the future of the company and the industry he helped build.
