Runal Dahiwade (Peppermint Robotics)
Overview
Runal Dahiwade is an Indian entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Peppermint Robotics, a company that specializes in developing autonomous robotic solutions for commercial and industrial applications. Founded in 2019, Peppermint Robotics has gained attention for its innovative approach to addressing labor shortages and improving operational efficiency through its energy-efficient robots. The company has been a pioneer in creating cleaning and material handling robots equipped with their proprietary Peppermint OS.
Recent Developments
Recent developments highlight the significant progress in Peppermint Robotics, driven by Runal Dahiwade's vision:
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April 16, 2025: Peppermint Robotics raised INR 34 crore (approximately $4 million) in a Series A funding round. The round was led by JDSS, Enrission India Capital, and Indian Angel Network, among others. This funding aims to fuel their expansion into the European, Japanese, and Asia-Pacific markets, alongside enhancements to their proprietary technologies like Peppermint OS and the Skateboard electronics framework.
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2024: Peppermint successfully debuted in the U.S. market, marking a significant milestone in its international growth strategy. The company's robots are now operational in six countries, addressing critical global issues like labor shortages and rising operational costs.
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Product Innovations: The company is planning to launch a restroom-cleaning robot by 2026, aiming to further their impact in the automation of labor-intensive tasks within various commercial sectors.
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Market Expansion Strategy: Using the new capital, Peppermint plans to expand into the EU, Japan, and Asia-Pacific regions and focus on advancing their operating systems to support both their robots and OEM partners.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Runal Dahiwade |
| Born | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Peppermint Robotics |
| Known For | Founder of Peppermint Robotics |
| Education | Bachelor of Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University |
Early Life and Education
Runal Dahiwade grew up in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. His interest in technology and entrepreneurship began during his engineering studies at Visvesvaraya Technological University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. During his academic years, Runal was actively involved in various technical and entrepreneurial endeavors which laid the foundation for his future ventures.
After completing his education, Dahiwade engaged with multiple technology start-ups which honed his skills and understanding of the business world. His early experiences in entrepreneurship were crucial in developing the necessary acumen to eventually establish Peppermint Robotics.
Career and Notable Achievements
Runal Dahiwade commenced his career with a focus on leveraging technology to solve practical issues:
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Carkhana (2011-2013): Dahiwade co-founded Carkhana, an e-commerce marketplace for automotive parts, which was acquired by TopWheelz. This acquisition was a stepping stone in Dahiwade’s entrepreneurial journey.
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TopWheelz (2013-2015): He played a key role in the company after the acquisition, further developing his skills in business operations and product management.
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Refreshed Car Care (2016-2018): Serving as COO, Dahiwade recognized operational challenges that could be met with automation, leading to the founding idea of Peppermint Robotics.
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Peppermint Robotics (2019-present): Under his leadership, the company has made significant strides in the industrial robotics field, developing solutions that address worker shortages and optimize operational efficiency.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Runal Dahiwade is focused on expanding Peppermint Robotics globally, with a strategic emphasis on innovation and sustainability. The company’s products, mainly focused on cleaning and material handling, are tailored to improve efficiency and sustainability in sectors like healthcare, commercial real estate, and manufacturing.
Peppermint's impact is significant, as they have been pivotal in transforming automation within the industries they serve. Their robots, designed for easy deployment and management, reduce dependency on manual labor and enhance productivity.
Conclusion
Runal Dahiwade has distinguished himself as a forward-thinking leader in robotic innovations. Through Peppermint Robotics, he has brought about practical advancements in how industries approach labor-intensive tasks, with a notable focus on sustainability and efficiency. As the company eyes further global expansion, its impact on industrial automation is poised to grow, cementing Dahiwade’s legacy as a pivotal figure in next-gen robotics.