Loss to India’s Startup Ecosystem: Other Entrepreneurs Who Died of Cardiac Arrest

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of Epigamia, India’s leading Greek yogurt brand, passed away at the age of 42 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Drums Food International, the parent company of Epigamia, confirmed the news and expressed deep sorrow over his untimely death. This is the not the first instance when an entrepreneur has succumbed to a cardiac arrest, in the past there were many who lost lives because of heart attacks.  

A Growing Concern in India’s Startup Ecosystem
Rohan’s death adds to the growing list of Indian entrepreneurs who have faced health challenges, particularly heart-related issues, underscoring the pressures of running startups in a high-stress environment. His passing follows the untimely deaths of Ambareesh Murty, co-founder of Pepperfry, and Rohan Malhotra of Good Capital, both of whom also succumbed to health complications. In 2021, a 32-year-old Indian entrepreneur Pankhuri Shrivastava died of cardiac arrest. She was the founder of a startup named Grabhouse.

A Visionary Leader Remembered
Rohan’s sudden passing has left the startup community in shock. Drums Food International described him as a “mentor, friend, and visionary leader” in an official statement. “Rohan’s vision and values will continue to guide us. We are determined to honor his dream and ensure it thrives,” the statement read. Senior leaders Ankur Goel and Uday Thakker will now take charge of the company’s day-to-day operations, with full support from the Board of Directors, including Rohan’s family and investors.

The Hidden Toll of Entrepreneurial Stress
Rohan’s tragic death highlights the severe toll that constant stress and long hours take on entrepreneurs. Earlier this year, Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha , revealed he had suffered a mild stroke, citing exhaustion, overwork, and dehydration as possible causes. Kamath’s experience raised important conversations around the need for self-care, particularly in the fast-paced startup world.

As India’s startup community mourns the loss of Rohan Mirchandani, his contributions to the food and health sector remain an enduring legacy, inspiring future generations. His death is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing health amid the entrepreneurial grind.