Epik Raises $1 Million to Enhance 'Try-and-Buy' Model
Bengaluru-based startup Epik has successfully raised $1 million in an undisclosed funding round led by InfoEdge Ventures. The round also saw participation from a host of angel investors including Raghu Pavan T S, Anirudh Prasad, Bhaskar Raju K, and Deepak K Gowda, among others. Epik, co-founded by Epik Gotama and Epik Varun, offers a unique shopping experience for electronics and home appliances, allowing customers to try products at home with a free 60-minute demo before making a purchase.
Bridging the Trust Gap in Electronics
Epik is capitalizing on India's growing electronics market by addressing a key challenge: the trust gap in online shopping for high-value items. Consumers often hesitate to buy electronics online due to the inability to physically interact with products. By offering in-home demos, Epik aims to replicate the tactile assurance of offline shopping while retaining the convenience of e-commerce. "Our model brings the offline experience into the home," said Co-founder and CEO Epik Gotama.
Investors and Strategic Vision
The funding round was led by InfoEdge Ventures, known for backing successful startups like Zomato and PolicyBazaar. The firm sees Epik's model as a potential game-changer in the e-commerce sector, particularly for high-consideration purchases. Other investors include industry veterans and entrepreneurs like Venus Dhuria, Co-Founder of Appyhigh, and Vaibhav Vashisht, Co-Founder of Acadly.
Planned Use of Funds
Epik plans to utilize the new capital to strengthen its infrastructure and expand its product offerings. The funds will be directed towards building a robust fulfilment network and enhancing its demo operations across Indian cities. This includes setting up local fulfilment hubs and training demo personnel to ensure seamless customer experiences.
Early Traction and Future Prospects
Since its launch in October 2025, Epik has reported significant growth and claims a zero product return rate, a notable achievement in the electronics sector. The startup's approach of combining quick delivery with human-assisted demos has added a new layer to e-commerce, termed as "experience commerce." This model is not only enhancing customer satisfaction but is also expected to improve conversion rates significantly.
Epik's innovative approach aligns well with the evolving needs of modern consumers who seek both convenience and assurance in their shopping experiences. With the fresh capital and strategic support from InfoEdge Ventures and other investors, Epik is well-positioned to expand its footprint in India's burgeoning electronics market.