Ajinkya Rahane Picks Up Stake In D2C Cookware Brand Ember

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has picked up an undisclosed stake in D2C cookware brand Ember. The startup did not disclose the financial terms of the investment.

The investment comes as the Bengaluru-based brand plans to expand into new product categories, strengthen its distribution network and ramp up its market presence.

“… The kitchen is at the heart of every household, and I believe there is significant potential for brands that bring together thoughtful design, quality and functionality. I am delighted to be associated with Ember and look forward to being part of its journey as it enters its next phase of growth,” said Rahane in a statement.

“… Our priority is to build the scale, market presence and operational strength required to achieve it. Ajinkya’s association comes at an exciting point in this journey as we prepare for the next stage of growth,” added cofounder and CEO Siddharth Gadodia.

Founded in 2024 by Gadodia, Himanshi Tandon and Bret Recor, Ember is a D2C brand that sells a range of products including ceramic cookwares, stainless steel pans, cast iron pots, Dutch ovens, kitchen tools and other appliances. 

The startup claims to have developed its own proprietary ceramic coating called ‘Arcilla’, and claims to manufacture its products in Italy. It sells its offerings via its own website, ecommerce marketplaces and quick commerce platforms across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

The capital infusion from Rahane comes more than a year after the D2C cookware brand raised $3.2 Mn in its seed round in September last year. 

However, this is not Rahane’s first investment in an Indian startup. He has previously backed startups such as Chupps, Hudle, Proxgy and Oatey in the past.

Notably, the infusion comes as a host of Indian cricketers make a beeline for the Indian startup ecosystem. Just a day ago, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar joined the cap table of Hyderabad-based waste management startup Recykal. Earlier this month, Tendulkar also infused an undisclosed amount of capital in Metasports Interactive, the gaming startup behind mobile cricket strategy game Hitwicket.

Sports retail startup PlayBlue also onboarded cricketer KL Rahul as an investor and brand ambassador earlier this week.

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