Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away At 42

Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder and CEO of Epigamia, a pioneering Greek yogurt brand in India, passed away on 21 December at the age of 42 due to cardiac arrest. 

The news was confirmed by Drums Food International, the parent company of Epigamia, which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its visionary leader. Mirchandani was instrumental in transforming Epigamia into a household name, leaving an indelible mark on India’s FMCG sector.

A graduate of NYU Stern and The Wharton School, Mirchandani founded Drums Food International in 2013. Initially focused on Hoki Poki ice cream, the company pivoted under his leadership to launch Epigamia, which quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and premium yogurt offerings. 

Over the years, Epigamia expanded its footprint to over 20,000 retail outlets across 30 cities, becoming a trusted name in the dairy industry. The brand was also preparing for international expansion into the Middle East by 2025-26, underscoring Mirchandani’s ambitious vision.

"Rohan was our mentor, friend, and leader. We remain steadfast in our determination to carry forward his dream with strength and vigour," Epigamia COO Ankur Goel and co-founder Uday Thakker said in a joint statement. "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."

The board of directors, including Mirchandani’s family and key investors such as Verlinvest and DSG Consumer Partners, echoed these sentiments, pledging their full support to the company’s leadership and honoring his lasting contributions.

Mirchandani’s passing comes at a time of reflection for India’s startup ecosystem, which has recently mourned the losses of Pepperfry co-founder Ambareesh Murty and Good Capital’s Rohan Malhotra. Known for his innovative spirit, Mirchandani often spoke about the inspiration he drew from a business school lecture in Mumbai, which sparked his determination to address the gaps in India’s FMCG landscape. His focus on quick commerce and plans to scale Epigamia’s revenue to Rs 250 crore in the coming financial years were a testament to his forward-thinking approach.