Optimist raises $12 Mn in seed round led by Accel and Arkam Ventures

Optimist, a technology-led cooling solutions startup focused on building future-ready air conditioners, has raised $12 million in a seed and pre-Series A funding round led by Accel and Arkam Ventures, along with participation from prominent angel investors.

The fresh funds will be deployed to scale manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and go-to-market operations, Optimist said in a press release.

Launched in 2024 by Ashish Goel, former CEO and co-founder of Urban Ladder, and Pranav Chopra, Optimist aims to transform customers’ lives through technology-driven cooling solutions. Backed by deep customer research and an understanding of Indian lifestyles, the company is designing and manufacturing products tailored to the country’s evolving needs. Its cooling systems are built to operate reliably under extreme heat conditions and power constraints.

According to the company, Optimist has invested significantly over the past year in innovation and reimagining cooling solutions through sustained R&D efforts and multiple product testing cycles in real-world environments. These R&D initiatives are anchored at Nalanda, its in-house innovation lab in Gurugram. With in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Optimist is able to shorten development cycles and build products that reduce electricity bills while easing pressure on power grids.

Optimist aspires to design and manufacture ultra-efficient, customer-centric cooling systems for India’s extreme heat and energy-constrained markets.

The company plans to sell its products through a mix of direct-to-consumer channels and brand stores, initially targeting residential and small commercial customers. Optimist air conditioners will be available from February 2026 in Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Bengaluru, followed by expansion to other cities.