Urban Ladder founder launches AC startup Optimist; raises $12 million from Accel, Arkam Ventures, others

Founded in 2024 by Goel and Pranav Chopra, the Gurugram-based consumer brand says that it designs and manufactures air conditioners suited to India’s weather conditions. The company plans to deploy the capital towards research and development, go-to-market expansion, strengthening its retail service network, and scaling up manufacturing.