Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder and CEO of Epigamia, revolutionized the Indian dairy industry by introducing Greek yogurt, turning it into a household favorite. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative vision, Rohan’s contributions to India’s FMCG sector were transformative. Tragically, his journey was cut short when he passed away due to a cardiac arrest on December 21, 2024, at the age of 42.
In this article, we delve into Rohan Mirchandani’s inspiring life story, covering his education, business career, achievements, family, and lasting legacy.
Rohan Mirchandani Short Details
| Full Name | Rohan Mirchandani |
|---|---|
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Co-founder & CEO of Epigamia |
| Date of Birth | 1982 |
| Age at Death | 42 years |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American-Indian |
| Educational Background | Finance and International Business (NYU Stern); MBA (The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania) |
| Notable Achievement | Co-founding Epigamia, a leading Greek yogurt brand in India |
| Date of Death | 21 December 2024 |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac Arrest |
Early Life and Education
Rohan Mirchandani was born in 1982 in the United States. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Rohan pursued his undergraduate studies in Finance and International Business at the New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business. Later, he earned an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, one of the world’s most prestigious business schools. His academic journey provided him with the knowledge and skills that would later fuel his entrepreneurial success.
Business Career
Rohan’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2013 when he co-founded Drums Food International, a company that initially launched Hoki Poki ice cream. However, in 2015, the company shifted its focus to the emerging demand for healthier dairy products, leading to the birth of Epigamia, India’s first premium Greek yogurt brand.
Epigamia quickly gained popularity for its:
- Innovative flavors and healthier options.
- Expansion into products like smoothies, curd, milkshakes, and ready-to-eat kheer.
Under Rohan’s leadership, Epigamia reached over 20,000 retail touchpoints across 30 cities in India. He also spearheaded plans for the company’s expansion to the Middle East by 2025-26, showcasing his forward-thinking approach.
In 2019, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone became an investor, boosting Epigamia’s visibility and growth potential.
Family and Personal Life
While Rohan lived in the United States for much of his life, he maintained strong ties to India. His family provided unwavering support throughout his journey. Despite his professional commitments, Rohan was known for his warmth and ability to inspire those around him.
Achievements
- Co-founding Epigamia: Introduced Greek yogurt to India, a category that gained immense popularity under his leadership.
- Innovator in FMCG: Transformed Drums Food International from an ice cream venture to a full-fledged dairy brand.
- Growth and Recognition: Expanded Epigamia’s presence to over 20,000 retail outlets and laid the groundwork for international expansion.
- Celebrity Partnerships: Secured investment and partnership from Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, elevating the brand’s profile.
- Industry Recognition: Known as a visionary in India’s FMCG sector.
Death
Rohan Mirchandani passed away on December 21, 2024, due to a cardiac arrest. His untimely demise sent shockwaves across the business community, leaving a void in India’s startup ecosystem.
Epigamia’s senior leadership, led by Ankur Goel (COO) and Uday Thakker (Co-founder and Director), has vowed to continue Rohan’s legacy with the support of the board, including his family and key investors like Verlinvest and DSG Consumer Partners.
In their official statement, his colleagues described Rohan as a “mentor, friend, and leader”, committing to carry forward his vision with determination.
Net Worth
While Rohan’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his financial success was significant, given the growth and investments Epigamia attracted.
| Net Worth | Undisclosed (likely in crores) |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Source | Drums Food International (Epigamia) |
| Notable Investors | Deepika Padukone, Verlinvest, DSG Consumer Partners |
Lesser-Known Facts About Rohan Mirchandani
- Rohan’s entrepreneurial inspiration came from a business lecture in Mumbai during his time at Wharton.
- He transitioned from selling ice cream (Hoki Poki) to launching Epigamia, driven by the need for healthier dairy products in India.
- Deepika Padukone’s investment helped Epigamia achieve faster growth.
- He envisioned scaling Epigamia’s revenue to ₹250 crore by FY25.
- Rohan often referred to Epigamia as his “eureka moment” in India’s FMCG sector.
- He was deeply connected to Indian culture despite living in the United States.
- Rohan’s innovative approach to dairy products helped create a niche market for Greek yogurt in India.
- His leadership inspired the Epigamia team to pursue ambitious international expansion plans.
FAQs About Rohan Mirchandani
Q: What was Rohan Mirchandani’s age at the time of his death?
A: Rohan Mirchandani was 42 years old when he passed away on December 21, 2024.
Q: What educational qualifications did Rohan Mirchandani have?
A: Rohan held a degree in Finance and International Business from NYU Stern and an MBA from The Wharton School.
Q: What is Epigamia?
A: Epigamia is a leading Indian brand offering Greek yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, and other dairy products.
Q: Who are Epigamia’s key investors?
A: Investors include Deepika Padukone, Verlinvest, and DSG Consumer Partners.
Q: What caused Rohan Mirchandani’s death?
A: He passed away due to a cardiac arrest.
Q: When was Epigamia launched?
A: Epigamia was launched in 2015 under Drums Food International.
Q: What was Rohan’s vision for Epigamia?
A: Rohan aimed to expand Epigamia’s presence internationally, starting with the Middle East by 2025-26.
Conclusion
Rohan Mirchandani’s visionary leadership reshaped India’s dairy market, making Greek yogurt a staple for health-conscious consumers. Though his life ended prematurely, his entrepreneurial legacy lives on through Epigamia and the countless lives he touched with his passion and dedication.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
