The startup world is often seen as a space of endless innovation and ambition. However, the success stories have a secret and it is the immense pressures of entrepreneurship as well as tragic outcomes sometimes. The sudden loss of some visionary founders reminds us of the challenges they face.
The man who made Greek yogurt a household name in India with Epigamia, Rohan Mirchandani, passed away lately on December 21 following a sudden cardiac arrest. He proved that healthier snacking options could be both delicious and accessible.
Good Capital co-founder Rohan Malhotra died just a couple of months ago at the age of just 36 due to cardiac arrest. He successfully carried on the operations of his startups with his own investments and his loss was a major blow to the Indian startup ecosystem.
Pepperfry co-founder Ambareesh Murty tragically passed away in 2023 during a biking trip. His 0vision changed the way people furnish their homes.
The story of Pankhuri Shrivastava is heartbreaking as she passed away in 2021 at the age of just 32. Her sudden death due to cardiac arrest shed light on the health challenges of young founders.
MM Ramachandran (Atlas Ramachandran) was the face behind Atlas Jewellery and he passed away in 2022 at the age of 80.
Cervin Ventures co-founder Preetish Nijhawan died of a heart attack in 2024 and Chandram Yegapagol tragically lost his life in a road accident with his family.
The most sobering story is that of Ashok Varma as he died by suicide in 2020. He founded two SaaS startups and his passing raises urgent questions about the mental health struggles that entrepreneurs face.
The stories remind that founders build incredible things, but they are human too.
