Ember Cookware Ignites Indian Kitchens with $3.2M Funding and Chef Saransh Goila’s Visionary Partnership
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In a sizzling development for India’s kitchenware industry, Ember, a Bengaluru-based cookware startup, has secured a remarkable $3.2 million in seed funding, marking one of the largest investments in the country’s kitchenware sector to date. The funding round, announced on September 10, 2025, is led by high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), family offices, and existing investors, with notable participation from Yogabar co-founder Suhasini Sampath and entrepreneur Apurva Salarpuria. Adding firepower to this milestone, celebrity chef and entrepreneur Saransh Goila, famed for Goila Butter Chicken and his appearances on MasterChef Australia, has joined Ember as both an investor and a strategic partner. This bold move signals Ember’s ambition to revolutionize Indian kitchens with non-toxic, high-performance cookware designed for modern culinary needs.
A New Era for Indian Cookware
Founded in 2024 by Siddharth Gadodia and Himanshi Tandon, Ember is redefining the cookware landscape with its premium, toxin-free products. Unlike conventional non-stick cookware, which often raises health concerns due to toxic coatings like Teflon that can release harmful fumes at high temperatures, Ember’s products feature proprietary Arcilla ceramic coating and Thermoclad technology. These innovations promise non-stick performance without compromising safety, making them ideal for the intense demands of Indian cooking styles, from sizzling tadkas to slow-simmered curries. Designed in California in collaboration with global design firm Box Clever and manufactured in Italy, Ember’s cookware blends cutting-edge technology with aesthetic elegance, ensuring durability and style for Indian households.
The Indian kitchenware market, valued at over $2 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $5.41 billion by 2033 with a 9.2% CAGR, is ripe for disruption. Growing consumer awareness of health and sustainability, coupled with rising disposable incomes in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, has fueled demand for premium, eco-friendly cookware. Ember is poised to capture this opportunity, competing with global giants like GreenPan and Tefal, as well as domestic players such as Meyer, Bergner, and Stahl. With 60% of its sales coming from direct-to-consumer channels and the rest through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Ember is targeting an ambitious Rs 30 crore annual recurring revenue (ARR) within its first year of operations.
Saransh Goila: The Culinary Catalyst
The partnership with Saransh Goila is a game-changer for Ember. Known for his culinary expertise and entrepreneurial flair, Goila brings a unique blend of consumer trust and innovation to the table. As the founder of Goila Butter Chicken, the only Indian brand featured on MasterChef Australia, and a Forbes India Celebrity 100 honoree in 2019, Goila’s influence extends beyond the kitchen. His personal motivation for joining Ember stems from a deeply personal experience—managing his mother’s autoimmune condition, which underscored the importance of clean cooking tools for health and well-being. “India’s kitchens deserve better,” Goila said in a statement. “The gap is clear, and the only way to bridge it is by designing the kitchen of the future—a huge opportunity to transform how the country cooks.”
Goila will lead Ember’s newly established Innovation Lab, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India’s kitchenware sector. The lab will focus on product research and development, tailoring solutions to the unique challenges of Indian cooking, such as high-heat techniques and diverse culinary traditions. From developing cookware that enhances flavor retention to educating consumers about the dangers of toxic coatings, Goila’s role will be pivotal in positioning Ember as a leader in the clean-kitchenware category. His involvement is expected to boost brand visibility and resonate with health-conscious consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize sustainability and design.
Fueling Innovation and Growth
The $3.2 million infusion will propel Ember’s mission to eliminate harmful cookware from Indian homes. According to co-founder Himanshi Tandon, the funds will be allocated to three key areas: scaling research and development, expanding manufacturing capacity, and deepening market presence. “Our company is built around defensible technology,” Tandon told ETRetail. “This funding allows us to enhance our core R&D and explore growth across new product categories and distribution formats.” Ember’s proprietary Arcilla coating, made from natural ingredients, and Thermoclad technology, which ensures even heat distribution, are at the heart of its innovation strategy. The company plans to introduce new product lines, such as cookware optimized for specific Indian dishes, and expand its reach through strategic partnerships and offline retail channels.
Ember’s manufacturing in Italy, a hub for high-quality craftsmanship, sets it apart from competitors who rely on mass production in other regions. By combining Italian precision with California’s design expertise, Ember ensures its products meet global quality standards while addressing the practical needs of Indian cooks. The startup’s focus on eco-friendly materials also aligns with the growing global trend toward sustainable living, giving it a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
A Bright Future for Indian Kitchens
Ember’s rise comes at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly prioritizing health, sustainability, and premiumization in their purchasing decisions. The startup’s ability to attract high-profile investors like Suhasini Sampath, co-founder of health food brand Yogabar, and Apurva Salarpuria underscores the confidence in its vision. Sampath’s expertise in building a consumer-focused health brand and Goila’s culinary credibility create a powerful synergy for Ember, positioning it as a brand that marries innovation with trust.
As Ember embarks on its growth journey, its commitment to clean, high-performance cookware is a positive step toward healthier Indian kitchens. The partnership with Saransh Goila not only enhances its product development capabilities but also amplifies its message of sustainability and quality. With the Indian kitchenware market poised for exponential growth, Ember’s strategic funding and visionary leadership make it a brand to watch. By blending global craftsmanship with local relevance, Ember is cooking up a revolution that promises to make every meal safer, smarter, and more stylish.
Last Updated on Thursday, September 11, 2025 7:41 pm by Entrepreneur Live Team
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