Beyond Appliances, a pioneering kitchen tech company, is transforming the Indian kitchen landscape with innovative smart solutions.ย Eshwar K Vikas, Co-Founder and CEO, Beyond Appliances, discusses the company’s vision for seamless cooking experiences and how its cutting-edge technology is set to redefine the way Indians interact with their kitchens in an exclusive conversation with Tejaswini Paranjape.
1. What inspired you to start Beyond Appliances, and how do you see the company transforming the Indian kitchen appliance industry?
The inspiration behind Beyond Appliances came from a simple yet powerful realisation – despite Indians spending 2-3 hours daily in their kitchens, these spaces have seen minimal technological advancement. Having previously transformed commercial kitchens through Mukunda Foods, where we served over 10,000 kitchens for brands like Haldiram and ITC, I saw a significant opportunity to bring similar innovation to Indian homes.
Our approach at Beyond Appliances combines my experience in kitchen automation with my co-founder Rakesh Patil’s expertise in advanced engineering. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of kitchens and our constant engagement with consumers. Our aim is not just to bring innovations but to deliver products that genuinely add value and meet customers’ needs.
Additionally, our smart kitchen solutions are designed specifically for Indian households, with features like timer-controlled cooking in cooktops and Hobs, 3-dimensional suction in Chimney. These arenโt just high-tech additions; they are built to withstand real-world challenges, from spice-laden cooking environments to multi-generational usage patterns, ensuring that technology enhances convenience without disrupting traditional cooking habits.
2. Beyond Appliances is introducing cutting-edge technology to Indian kitchens. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in developing and marketing these innovative products?
One of our biggest challenges was earning consumer trust for our Android Chimney. As the first of its kind in the market, it generated excitement but also skepticism, especially as a new brand. To address this, we focused on live demonstrations, allowing potential customers to experience its benefits firsthand.
We also partnered with leading retailers to provide hands-on interactions, making it easier for users to see the productโs value. Strengthening after-sales support, including extended warranties, further helped build confidence in its quality and reliability.
Additionally, our credibility was reinforced by the trust we had already earned through Mukunda Foods, with major brands like Wow! Momo, Haldiram, and ITC relying on our automation expertise.
3. You’ve recently secured $2 million in seed funding. Can you share your plans for utilizing this investment, and what key areas of growth or development will it support?
In November 2024, we raised USD 2 million in a seed funding round led by Fireside Venture Investment Fund III. The round also saw participation from Dharana Capital and notable angel investors, including Shezan Bhojani (Founder, Design Cafe), Saurabh Jain and Ramakant Sharma (Co-Founders, Livspace), and Chandru Kalro (Former CEO, TTK Prestige).
This funding marks a pivotal moment in our journey of technology innovation in the kitchen appliance space. Through extensive research and development, we’ve identified that Indian kitchens face unique challenges that off-the-shelf solutions can’t address.
With these funds, we’re set to expand our R&D capabilities and develop more India-specific smart solutions. We have already filed multiple patents and have a robust product pipeline that will introduce features like AI-powered cooking assistance and IoT integration, fundamentally changing how Indian families interact with their kitchen appliances.
Below are some key areas of growth and development:
1. Diversify our product lineup โ Expand beyond chimneys and hobs to offer a comprehensive range of smart kitchen solutions and home appliances
2. Strengthen our footprint โ Scale operations to enhance our presence across India
3. Create a connected kitchen ecosystem โ Integrate AI and IoT seamlessly across appliances for a smarter, more intuitive home experience
4. Prioritize sustainability and efficiency โ Develop energy-efficient, eco-friendly designs to minimize kitchen emissions
4. How has the market responded to Beyond Appliances’ products, particularly from architects, interior designers, and homeowners who are looking for smart kitchen solutions?
We received a highly encouraging response from the market, especially among new homeowners, who make up nearly 70% of our customer base. Interestingly, the purchase decision is often driven by women who first discover the product and then get it validated by their partners, leading to a joint inquiry.
This pattern indicates that our products are resonating as a thoughtful, family-level decisionโrather than just an individual preference.
From the design community, the response has been equally positive. Leading interior firms like Design Cafe and Livspace have shown a strong affinity for our offerings. Their design teams believe Beyond’s smart appliances not only integrate seamlessly into modern kitchen layouts but also elevate the overall aesthetic. More importantly, their clients are actively seeking products that go beyond functionality and contribute to a smarter, more vibrant kitchen space.
5. Looking ahead, what trends or innovations do you see shaping the future of smart kitchens in India, and how does Beyond Appliances plan to stay at the forefront of this evolution?
In India, kitchens are often considered the heart of the home, with many women spending 3 to 4 hours a day in this space. Making kitchens more intuitive, engaging, and convenient is a challenge that smart appliance companies are embracing. While the adoption of smart kitchen technologies has been slow in India, the shift towards convenience is undeniable and accelerating.
A perfect example of this is the rise of quick commerce in India. Gone are the days when families stocked up on groceries and made do with what was available until the next shopping trip. Now, if you run out of spices like cumin or coriander, you can have it delivered in minutes with a simple tap on your phone.
This change in consumer behavior is part of a broader trend toward convenience and efficiency, driving demand for smart kitchen solutions. As Indians embrace more convenient, tech-enabled lifestyles, the integration of smart appliances into everyday kitchens will follow suit.
At Beyond Appliances, we believe the Indian consumer deserves more than just marketing promises โ they deserve genuine innovation that transforms their daily cooking experience. Our commitment goes beyond creating products; we’re fostering a new era of kitchen technology that’s authentically designed for Indian homes.
While the market has historically been dominated by products designed for international kitchens, we recognize that Indian cooking patterns, preferences, and challenges are unique and deserve a tailored solution.
The brandโs manufacturing approach goes beyond production โ it’s about crafting a new narrative of ‘Made in India’ in the premium kitchen appliance segment. By combining advanced engineering, strategic component sourcing, and a commitment to local innovation, Beyond Appliances is proving that Indian startups can develop world-class technological solutions that are both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in local capabilities.
