Accel and Arkam Ventures Lead USD 12 Mn Funding for AC Startup Optimist The startup said the funds will be used to scale manufacturing, strengthen research and development (R&D), and expand go-to-market operations.
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Optimist, Gurugram-based technology-led cooling solutions startup, has raised USD 12 million in a seed and pre-Series A funding round.
The round was led by Accel and Arkam Ventures, with participation from prominent angel investors.
The startup said the funds will be used to scale manufacturing, strengthen research and development (R&D), and expand go-to-market operations.
Founded in 2024 by Ashish Goel (former CEO and co-founder of Urban Ladder) and Pranav Chopra, Optimist (legally known as Octolife Climate Solutions Pvt Ltd) develops next-generation air conditioners designed for extreme heat and energy-constrained environments.
Headquartered in Gurugram, with operations in Bengaluru and Haridwar, the company focuses on ultra-efficient cooling systems built on the principle of "building in India, for India." Optimist integrates in-house engineering, R&D, and local manufacturing to deliver performance tailored to Indian conditions.
Over the past year, Optimist claims to have invested heavily in product innovation through sustained R&D and real-world testing. Its Nalanda innovation lab in Gurugram serves as the center for these efforts, enabling faster development cycles and products aimed at reducing electricity consumption and easing pressure on power grids.
Optimist plans to sell its air conditioners through direct-to-consumer channels and exclusive brand stores, targeting residential and small commercial customers.
The products are expected to be available from February 2026 in Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Bengaluru, with further expansion into other cities planned later.
