Sachin Tendulkar invests in Recykal, Ajinkya Rahane backs Ember Cookware | India Business News

BENGALURU: Sachin Tendulkar has invested in waste management technology firm Recykal, while Ajinkya Rahane has backed kitchenware startup Ember Cookware, the companies said in separate announcements on Friday. Neither disclosed the size of the investments.Tendulkar has joined Hyderabad-based Recykal as a strategic investor, extending a $23 million bridge round that the company closed in June. That round included both fresh capital and sales of existing shares, with participation from existing investors and select new family offices.Recykal said the funds were being used to strengthen its technology platform and marketplace, expand deposit return systems for recovering packaging waste, and support international expansion.“What drew me to Recykal was seeing how technology was being used to solve an everyday problem,” Tendulkar said.Founded in 2015, Recykal said it had channelled more than 3 million tonnes of waste through its network, working with 650 brands and more than 5,000 aggregators and recyclers.Ember, founded in 2024 by Siddharth Gadodia and Himanshi Tandon, sells ceramic, cast iron and stainless steel cookware, along with kitchen tools and appliances. The company said it planned to introduce new product categories, strengthen distribution and expand its market presence.“We see considerable headroom to grow through deeper market penetration, entry into new product segments and a wider reach among consumers,” said Gadodia, its CEO and co-founder.“What stands out about Ember is its focus on product innovation and its ambition to reimagine everyday kitchenware for Indian homes,” Rahane said.Ember’s other investors include Licious co-founders Vivek Gupta and Abhay Hanjura, Yoga Bar co-founder Suhasini Sampath and Nicobar co-founder Raul Rai. Chef Saransh Goila is a partner at the company and heads its innovation lab.