Urban Ladder Cofounder's AC Startup Optimist Secures $12 Million in Funding Led by Accel

Optimist, a cooling tech startup founded by Ashish Goel, cofounder of Urban Ladder, has raised $12 million in seed and pre-Series A rounds. The funding aims to support manufacturing scale-up, R&D efforts, and a market debut scheduled for early 2026. 

Optimist Raises $12 Million for Heat-Resistant Air Conditioner Development 

Founded in 2024 by Ashish Goel and Pranav Chopra, Optimist is creating air conditioners tailored for Indian climatic conditions. The company secured $12 million through seed and pre-Series A funding rounds, led by venture capital firms Accel and Arkam Ventures, supported by several angel investors.  

Optimist intends to utilise the funds to expand manufacturing, enhance R&D capabilities, and get ready for its initial market entry. 

Tackling India's Heat and Cooling Gap 

The startup identifies a significant gap in India’s cooling market where, despite 300 million+ households, fewer than 10% own an AC. Optimist’s research in regions like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jaipur showed that 25%–32% of ACs underperform during extreme heat.  

According to Goel, most ACs are adapted from global designs unsuitable for local temperatures, humidity levels, and power infrastructure. 

Engineering ACs Fit for Indian Homes 

Optimist operates an in-house R&D centre in Gurugram, focused on thermodynamics, humidity control, and air circulation. The team is working to develop air conditioners capable of removing higher heat efficiently, with lower electricity consumption.  

Optimist is also concentrating on reducing energy loss due to over-dehumidification and improving air circulation by utilising natural air stratification in closed spaces. 

Read More: Deep Tech Startup Aule Space Secures ₹2 Million Funding Led by pi Ventures! 

Launch Plans and Retail Strategy 

Optimist is aiming for a February 2026 launch, starting with online sales and exclusive brand outlets. The initial physical stores will be set up in heat-intensive areas such as Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, and Hyderabad, followed by Bengaluru.  

These stores will focus on product education and increasing customer trust instead of traditional retailing. 

Conclusion 

Optimist has set out to engineer air conditioners suited for India’s climate by aiming to enhance energy efficiency and cooling performance. The $12 million funding support indicates investor interest in tackling rising heat stress through technology adapted to local needs. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.