Tan90’s Rs 20 crore funding marks a pivotal moment for the Indian deeptech startup, empowering it to scale climate-first cooling solutions that address global sustainability challenges. This article dives into Tan90’s innovative Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model, which are transforming cold chain logistics, agriculture, and healthcare. We explore their Series A funding, expansion plans across Tier-II cities and global markets, and their impact on reducing CO₂ emissions. Through Startup INIDAX’s lens, discover how Tan90 is driving a greener future with energy-efficient cooling solutions.
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Introduction: Igniting a Sustainable Cooling Revolution
As global temperatures soar, the demand for sustainable cooling solutions has never been more critical. Tan90, an Indian deeptech startup, is igniting a revolution with its innovative approach to thermal management. Tan90’s Rs 20 crore funding in a Series A round, announced on May 20, 2025, empowers the company to scale climate-first cooling solutions that prioritize energy efficiency and environmental impact. Led by NABVENTURES and supported by Blue Ashva Capital, Capital-A, and 3i Partners, this funding is a game-changer. At Startup INIDAX, we’re thrilled to explore how Tan90’s breakthrough is sparking a greener future for India and beyond.
Tan90: Pioneering Climate-First Innovation
Launched in 2019 by IIT Madras graduates Soumalya Mukherjee, Rajnikant Rai, and Shiv Sharma, Tan90 is a Chennai-based startup redefining cooling technology. Using proprietary Phase Change Materials (PCMs), Tan90 delivers energy-efficient alternatives to traditional, energy-hungry refrigeration systems. Their mission is to transform industries like cold chain logistics, agriculture, and healthcare while drastically reducing carbon emissions.
Tan90’s climate-first cooling solutions have earned praise from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, UNIDO, and the Department of Biotechnology. Operating across 12 Indian states and serving clients like Zomato Hyperpure, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit, Tan90 blends sustainability with profitability. Startup INIDAX views Tan90 as a trailblazer in India’s deeptech ecosystem, turning academic innovation into real-world impact.
The Funding Breakthrough: Tan90’s Rs 20 Crore Triumph
Tan90’s Rs 20 crore funding ($2.35 million) in their Series A round, announced on May 20, 2025, marks a pivotal milestone. Led by NABVENTURES, with participation from Blue Ashva Capital, Capital-A, and 3i Partners, this round builds on their earlier $4.6 million raise from Social Alpha and others, totaling over $6.95 million in funding.
This capital injection will fuel Tan90’s mission to scale climate-first cooling solutions, enabling new product development for cold chains, HVAC systems, and data centers. The startup plans to expand into 10 additional Indian cities, targeting Tier-II markets like Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Kochi, while also exploring international markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. “This funding ignites our ability to scale climate-first cooling solutions globally,” said co-founder Soumalya Mukherjee in a statement to The Economic Times.
Transforming Industries with Climate-First Cooling
Cooling accounts for nearly 10% of global CO₂ emissions, per the International Energy Agency, with traditional methods like ice and diesel-powered refrigeration exacerbating environmental harm and inefficiencies. Tan90’s climate-first cooling solutions are rewriting this story by offering sustainable, energy-efficient alternatives that reduce waste and costs.
Their Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model lets businesses lease cooling solutions without hefty upfront investments. Active in eight Indian cities with zero customer churn, CaaS is transforming quick-commerce operations for companies like Zomato and Swiggy, enabling efficient transport of perishables like frozen foods. This approach not only slashes operational costs but also ensures product quality, making it a win for both businesses and the environment.
The Science of Tan90’s Phase Change Materials
At the core of Tan90’s innovation are their proprietary Phase Change Materials (PCMs), which operate across a temperature range of -50°C to +80°C. PCMs store thermal energy as latent heat, maintaining precise temperatures without constant power—a perfect solution for regions with unreliable electricity.
Backed by multiple patents, Tan90’s PCMs offer unmatched durability, with panels reusable up to 1,500 times, lasting 3.5–4 years per customer. For farmers, this means transporting delicate produce like roses or vegetables without spoilage. Through programs like Krishi Mangal, Tan90 has empowered over 5,000 farmers, boosting their incomes by 16% by reducing wastage. Startup INIDAX celebrates Tan90’s ability to translate complex science into practical, impactful solutions.
Cooling-as-a-Service: A Game-Changing Model
Tan90’s Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model is a standout, offering businesses a sustainable, cost-effective way to meet cooling needs. By leasing PCM-based solutions, companies bypass the high costs of traditional refrigeration systems, a boon for small and medium enterprises in Tier-II cities where cold chain infrastructure is scarce.
The CaaS model has driven Tan90’s growth, with a revenue CAGR exceeding 70% over the past three years and near-breakeven operations. Clients like Kisaan Konnect and Eternal’s Hyperpure benefit from lower costs and enhanced logistics. In the Philippines, Tan90’s partnership with USAID cut fishery operational costs by 40% by replacing ice-based cooling, proving the model’s global potential.
Scaling Big: From Tier-II Cities to Global Horizons
With Tan90’s Rs 20 crore funding, the startup is set to spark rapid expansion. In India, they plan to enter 10 new cities, focusing on Tier-II markets like Jaipur and Mohali, where demand for modern cooling solutions is surging. By replacing outdated methods like ice and dry ice, Tan90 aims to modernize cold chain logistics in these regions.
Globally, Tan90 is targeting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where cold chain demand is growing. Their success in the Philippines, coupled with plans to tap the European Union’s carbon credit market, underscores their global ambitions. Startup INIDAX believes Tan90’s expansion will cement India’s role as a climate tech leader, showcasing the power of local innovation on a global stage.
Why Tan90’s Funding Fuels India’s Deeptech Boom
Tan90’s Rs 20 crore funding is a catalyst for India’s deeptech ecosystem, reflecting growing investor confidence in startups tackling pressing challenges. “Tan90’s climate-first cooling solutions are redefining thermal management for agriculture and logistics,” said Vikas Bhatt of NABVENTURES. Investors like Blue Ashva Capital and Capital-A see Tan90 as a pioneer in sustainable innovation.
With India’s cold chain market projected to reach $36 billion by 2024, Tan90 is poised to lead. For Startup INIDAX, this funding highlights the rise of deeptech startups addressing climate change and food security, driving both economic and environmental progress.
A Bold Vision for a Sustainable Future
Tan90’s vision transcends business growth—it’s about igniting a sustainable future. Their solutions align with global climate goals, aiming to cut 6.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by 2030. Their participation in COP26 showcased their commitment to 1.5°C-compatible cooling.
Through initiatives like Krishi Mangal, Tan90 empowers marginal farmers with portable cold storage, reducing wastage and boosting incomes. Their focus on empowering women farmers in Tamil Nadu for last-mile distribution further highlights their inclusive approach. Tan90’s blend of innovation and social impact is inspiring a new generation of climate tech startups.
Conclusion: Tan90’s Spark for a Greener Tomorrow
Tan90’s Rs 20 crore funding ignites a transformative journey to scale climate-first cooling solutions, paving the way for a greener, more efficient future. With their PCMs and CaaS model, Tan90 is revolutionizing industries from agriculture to quick commerce. Their bold expansion plans signal global impact, and Startup INIDAX is excited to see them lead India’s deeptech charge. As the world seeks sustainable solutions, Tan90 is proving that Indian startups can spark change, cooling the planet one innovation at a time.
