Technology-led cooling startup Optimist just got $12 million in funding from Accel, Arkam Ventures, and some angel investors. This shows that investors are really interested in Indian D2C brands that are making energy-saving tech for everyone.
Ashish Goel (the old CEO of Urban Ladder) and Pranav Chopra started Optimist in 2024. They’re designing and building air conditioners that can handle India’s crazy heat, power problems, and how people live now. They’re going to use the money to make more stuff, do more research, and get their product out there faster.
Optimist did a bunch of customer research. Summers are getting hotter, and the power grid is struggling. Regular air conditioners aren’t cutting it in terms of being cheap, reliable, or energy-saving. Optimist wants to make cooling systems that work well even when it’s super hot, use less power, and don’t overload the grid.
For the past year, they’ve been doing tons of research and testing at their lab in Gurugram. By doing their research and building in-house, they can make things faster and have more control over how well they work, how good they are, and how much they cost. That’s a huge plus for an electronics brand trying to grow in India.
They are focusing on making super-efficient cooling systems that are made for India’s energy problems. With this new money, Optimist wants to make more products, make them more reliable, and make their tech better so they can grow.
Optimist is going to sell their stuff online and in stores. They’re starting with homes and small businesses in Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Bengaluru in February 2026, and then they’ll expand to more cities.
Investors are excited because Optimist is all about being efficient, controlling their supply chain, and building something that lasts. With energy prices going up and the weather getting crazier, cooling is a must-have, not a luxury. That means there’s a big chance for brands that can really deliver.
Optimist is special because they’re combining high-tech with designs that put customers first. The $12 million means they can move faster, reach more people, and make a difference as India looks for ways to stay cool that are sustainable and can be used everywhere.
