Pepperfry Co-Founder Ambareesh Murty Passes Away at 51

FDT Bureau

The visionary leader and mentor of furniture startup Pepperfry, passed away unexpectedly during Leh visit due to cardiac arrest reports FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pepperfry, Ambareesh Murty, tragically passed away at the age of 51 on Monday due to a sudden cardiac arrest in Leh, the remote Himalayan city. Renowned as a key architect, mentor, and resilient leader of the renowned furniture startup, Murty's untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the business and startup community.

Murty's journey in the business world began when he was appointed as eBay's country manager for India in 2008. However, it was his decision to leave eBay three years later and co-found Pepperfry that truly cemented his legacy. He brought Pepperfry to life, turning it into a prominent online marketplace for furniture and home products in India.

Ambareesh Murty's visionary leadership encompassed various dimensions. His revolutionary ideas reshaped furniture retail by leveraging technology and e-commerce. Guided by customer satisfaction, Pepperfry provided a wide product range, seamless online experiences, and exceptional service. Ambareesh's role in expanding Pepperfry's presence democratized quality furniture access. He fostered supplier relationships, empowering local artisans and diversifying choices. His brand-building prowess positioned Pepperfry as an innovative e-commerce player. Strategic contributions fueled funding success and partnerships, strengthening Pepperfry's market position. As a Co-Founder, Amareesh's inspiring leadership motivated his team and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Reportedly, Murty passed away in his hotel room in Leh. He was on an offsite trip with Pepperfry's strategy team, exploring ways to further propel the company's success. Murty's affinity for fitness and trekking was well-known, and he had visited Leh multiple times before. An investor disclosed that Leh was his favorite destination.

In a heartfelt statement, Pepperfry conveyed, "Pepperfry team is dedicated to upholding the values that Ambareesh instilled in the company and ensuring that his legacy continues to guide us into the future. As we grieve the loss of a remarkable individual, we also celebrate the legacy of Ambareesh Murty and the lasting impact he has left on our organization and the industry as a whole."

Murty's educational background included a B.E. degree from the Delhi College of Engineering and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. Ambareesh Murty's demise is a significant loss to the business world, and he will be remembered not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a dedicated mentor and a beacon of inspiration for the startup ecosystem.