Fundraising Fox

Taali Inc

YC W19

New York City, US · Founded 2018 · 2 known investors

Taali makes a popcorn alternative from popped water lily seeds for consumers seeking different snacking options.

Also known as Taali Foods · Taali

ConsumerFoodTechGroceryIndiaUnited States of AmericaSouth AsiaAmerica / Canada

Founders & leadership· Y Combinator alumni (W19)

Taali Inc was founded in 2018 by Aditya Kaji and Aarti Kochhar Kaji.

AKAditya Kaji
Aditya KajiinFounder
AKAarti Kochhar Kaji
Aarti Kochhar KajiinFounder

Investors · 2

Company profile

researched Aug 2026

Taali Inc is a snack food company that produces a popcorn alternative made from popped water lily seeds, positioning the product as "popcorn 2.0." The company operates in the grocery and consumer packaged goods categories, offering snacks aimed at consumers looking for lighter, better-for-you options made from what it describes as high-quality ingredients.

The company was founded in 2018 by Aditya Kaji and Aarti Kochhar Kaji and participated in Y Combinator's Winter 2019 batch, where it is listed with a location in Mumbai, India. A CPG company directory also lists Mumbai as its location alongside a New York address, and reports that Taali has updated its packaging and taken part in industry trade events, including the Indus Food Show 2025.

Business model

Taali sells branded packaged snacks made from popped water lily seeds to consumers, operating as a consumer packaged goods brand in the grocery category.

Traction

Taali is listed as an active Y Combinator (Winter 2019) company and has participated in trade events such as the Indus Food Show 2025, with recent packaging updates noted.

Full profile — market position, technology, go-to-market, geography, history

Market position

Taali positions itself as a next-generation snack brand in the packaged snack category, competing on taste combined with better-for-you ingredients.

Technology

The company's core product is based on popping water lily seeds to create a snack with a texture and use case comparable to popcorn.

Go-to-market

Health-conscious snack consumers seeking alternatives to conventional popcorn and similar packaged snacks.

Geography

Company listings cite a Mumbai, India location, with an additional New York address (511 West 25th Street) recorded in a CPG company directory.

History

Founded in 2018, Taali joined Y Combinator's Winter 2019 batch and remains listed as active.

Compiled by commissioned research from 3 cited public sources — announcements, filings, and press listed under research sources below.

Key figures

latest reported
YC batchJan 2019Winter 2019

Company-reported or press-reported figures, each dated to when it was claimed — not independently audited.

Timeline · 2

launches, deals, and filings
Jan 2025
Participated in Indus Food Show 2025

A CPG company directory reports that Taali actively participates in industry events including the Indus Food Show 2025.

source ↗

Jan 2019
Participated in Y Combinator Winter 2019 batch

Taali Inc is listed as a Y Combinator Winter 2019 batch company with active status.

source ↗

Dated company events from announcements, filings, and press; legal rows summarize public dockets and regulator releases.

Research sources · 3

primary sources listed

3 public sources were cited for this profile; the first-party ones are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

What does Taali Inc do?
Taali is a snack company making a popcorn alternative from popped water lily seeds.
Who founded Taali Inc?
Taali Inc was founded by Aditya Kaji, Aarti Kochhar Kaji in 2018.
Who are Taali Inc's investors?
Taali Inc's investors include Cerity Partners Ventures, Y Combinator.
Where is Taali Inc headquartered?
Taali Inc is headquartered in New York City, US.