Karan Hirani (Distil)
Overview
Karan Hirani is prominently recognized as a co-founder of Distil, a research and development-led specialty chemicals platform that has carved a niche in the market with its innovative approach to chemical procurement and supply chain solutions. Distil has become esteemed for offering fully customizable and scalable solutions, ensuring reliable and consistent quality across its product offerings. Hirani, along with his co-founders Atanuu Agarrwal and Viraj Shah, established Distil, bringing in experience from their academic backgrounds at IIT Bombay and diverse expertise in specialties like chemicals, supply chain, and finance.
Recent Developments
Karan Hirani's company, Distil, has seen a series of substantial developments and achievements in recent years, positioning itself as a significant player in the specialty chemicals industry.
- 2025: Distil successfully raised $7.7 million in a Series A funding round. This round was co-led by Jungle Ventures and CE Ventures, and included participation from investors like Rubamin Pvt. Limited and Mayank Singhal, Chairperson of PI Industries. This funding is earmarked to bolster their R&D efforts and to expand operations in the Middle East, Africa, and North America as part of their strategic growth initiatives.
- 2024: In a seed funding round, Distil secured $3.1 million. This round was spearheaded by Jungle Ventures and India Quotient. The expansion of personnel across various departments such as sales and R&D, as well as plans to develop proprietary products, were announced. This marked Jungle Ventures’ first India Seed investment under its First Cheque program aimed at backing promising startups.
- 2023: Founded in this year, Distil quickly positioned itself as a key innovator in the field of specialty chemicals, addressing inefficiencies in the supply chain with a tech-enabled solution that facilitates convenient purchasing and ensures quality consistency.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karan Hirani |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder of Distil |
| Known For | Specialty chemicals innovation, Distil platform |
| Education | IIT Bombay |
Early Life and Education
Karan Hirani, born and raised in India, pursued his higher education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, known for nurturing some of the finest scientific minds of the country. His formative years were influenced by his academic pursuits and a keen interest in chemistry and supply chain dynamics. The academic environment at IIT Bombay provided him not only with technical knowledge but also inculcated a strong foundation in innovative thinking and problem-solving.
During his time at IIT, Karan developed a passion for creating efficient solutions to industrial challenges, which laid the groundwork for his future ventures. The exposure to cutting-edge research and industry trends inspired him to delve into the specialty chemicals sector, recognizing its potential for innovation and growth.
Career and Notable Achievements
Karan Hirani embarked on a professional journey that was indelibly marked by his commitment to revolutionize the specialty chemicals domain. After his graduation, he gathered substantial experience in the fields of chemicals and supply chain management.
- Co-founding Distil in 2023: His major professional milestone was the establishment of Distil, alongside Atanuu Agarrwal and Viraj Shah, colleagues from IIT Bombay.
- Innovative Solutions: He played a pivotal role in developing Distil’s tech-enabled platform that addresses common supply chain challenges, integrates customizable solutions, and ensures timely product delivery.
- Funding Success: Under his stewardship, Distil raised significant funding - $3.1 million in seed funding in 2024, followed by a $7.7 million Series A in 2025, enabling the company to expand its operational and R&D capacities.
Current Work and Impact
Karan Hirani continues to steer Distil with a vision focused on maximizing efficiency and sustainability within the specialty chemicals industry. The company’s emphasis on R&D has fostered breakthroughs in chemical formulations, which cater to a wide range of industrial needs, including life sciences, flavors and fragrances, and personal care.
Distil’s impact extends beyond innovative solutions; it is also redefining supply chain norms by enhancing transparency and reliability across its operations. Under Hirani’s leadership, the company is poised to become a significant contributor to the global specialty chemicals sector, influencing sustainable practices and operational excellence.
Conclusion
Karan Hirani's contributions to the specialty chemicals sector through Distil highlight his role as an innovative leader committed to advancing efficiency, sustainability, and reliability in chemical procurement. With Distil's continued growth, Hirani is set to strengthen further his influence in technology-driven supply chain solutions, fostering an environment of industry-wide excellence and setting a benchmark for future entrepreneurs in the field.