Connect with us

Special Editions

Next-Gen Leaders: Top 10 Indian Startup Founders Changing the Game

Published

on

2151003696

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, a new generation of leaders is emerging, poised to redefine the rules of entrepreneurship. “Next-Gen Leaders: Top 24 Indian Startup Founders Changing the Game” celebrates the visionaries who are at the forefront of this transformation.

These trailblazers are not only driving innovation and creating groundbreaking solutions but are also inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurs across the nation. Their remarkable journeys, filled with resilience and creativity, highlight the dynamic spirit of India’s startup ecosystem and the limitless potential it holds for the future.

Shantanu Deshpande: Founder of Bombay Shaving Company

Red and Pink Colorful Fashion Instagram Post 4 edited

The 36 years old Shantanu Deshpande is the founder of Bombay Shaving Company, a grooming brand that has taken the Indian market by storm. As a graduate of IIM-Lucknow and former advisor at McKinsey and Co, Deshpande has brought his expertise to the table, creating a line of 60 hair and skin products that cater to all grooming needs. Whether you’re looking to rock a hipster beard like Virat Kohli or keep it clean-shaven, Bombay Shaving Company has got you covered.

The company was launched in 2016, with the aim of offering a premium shaving experience to those who were tired of using run-of-the-mill products. Since then, it has expanded its offerings to include a range of grooming products, from trimmers to women’s shaving products. The company’s success can be attributed to its ability to diversify its consumer base and leverage strategic investments from competitors Reckitt Benckiser and Colgate Palmolive.

With an annual recurring revenue of Rs.180-190 crore and plans to expand to 200,000 stores by year-end, Deshpande is poised to take Bombay Shaving Company to new heights. His goal is to build a Rs.25-crore-a-month business by the end of the year, with a 70-30 split between men and women’s products. As the company continues to grow and innovate, Deshpande’s vision of offering a premium grooming experience to all remains at the forefront.

Pragati Bhatia, Founder – Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear

WhatsApp Image 2023 07 07 at 3.33.10 PM

Pragati Bhatia is the creative mind behind Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear and a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to crafting the epitome of comfort in sleepwear and loungewear. From morning coffees to slipping into slumber, her creations envelop you in unparalleled comfort, blending couture with cozy elegance that beckons you to surrender.

Pragati’s passion for fashion and apparel ignited the spark to start her own business, driven by a desire to create something remarkable and influential. As a young entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges, including navigating the vast landscape of industry knowledge and taking responsibility for every aspect of her business. Through exhaustive research and resource allocation, she struck a balance between commerce and creativity, overcoming obstacles with determination and resilience.

She envisions Rapra Nightwear & Bedgasm Sleepwear as a transformative force in shaping the future of India. Her goal is to redefine the perception of sleepwear and loungewear, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care and personal expression. Through collaborations with artisans, she promotes Indian craftsmanship and contributes to a more conscious fashion industry, inspiring a society that values well-being and style.

Richa Sharma, Founder – House of RM, Social Activist & Psychologist

WhatsApp Image 2024 08 18 at 3.05.24 PM edited

Richa Sharma is a dynamic individual who has always strived to stand out, whether in school, college, or any other endeavor. Her journey has been marked by a deep desire to carve her own path, which led her to explore various fields and even start working at the age of 17 to gain experience. Despite her early success as an editor in a media house, she longed for something more—a desire to become an entrepreneur.

In 2019, Richa had a life-altering experience that brought her close to death, granting her a second chance at life in 2020. This profound experience humbled her and grounded her, reshaping her perspective on life. The pandemic further reinforced the importance of mental health, inspiring her to pursue a diploma in psychology. Recognizing that many people suffer in silence, Richa was driven to make a meaningful impact by offering a listening ear and supporting those in need.

Richa draws her strength from within, finding inspiration in her own journey rather than in the achievements of others. She admires those who work hard, regardless of the scale of their efforts, but remains steadfast in her belief that her purpose is to shine light on others. Her life philosophy revolves around being content with who she is, free from the pressures of competition or societal expectations. Although she has faced struggles and received more criticism than encouragement, Richa thrives on proving others wrong and achieving her goals.

Outside of her professional life, Richa is a social and outgoing person who loves to write, read, explore new places, and meet new people. She prioritizes spending quality time with her family, dedicating one day each week to disconnecting from technology and focusing entirely on her loved ones.

Richa’s message to others is simple yet powerful: pursue what you love, take inspiration and advice when needed, but never let others dictate your destiny. For her, a successful life is not defined by external measures but by living humbly, surrounded by those she loves, and having the freedom to do what brings her joy.

Shilpa Seth Bhambri, Culinary Maestro

F4CDEDC3 6F67 46E7 A359 90C31DB52A74 edited

Shilpa Seth Bhambri is a highly regarded culinary expert and brand advisor, boasting over 25 years of extensive experience in the culinary world, with a particular specialization in desserts, cakes, and ice cream. As the founder and owner of the successful bakery and cake boutique, The Cakeline, Shilpa has built a reputation for excellence in her craft. Her journey has since evolved, transitioning into the realm of quick-service restaurant (QSR) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand culinary consultancy. Currently, she serves as the Head of Culinary for Baskin-Robbins India, where she plays a pivotal role in curating and developing innovative culinary concepts and products that resonate with consumers.

In her latest endeavours, Shilpa has curated a new product profile for Purple Room by Cadbury India, showcasing her ability to blend creativity with market trends. Her expertise is not limited to product development; she is also an experienced bakery and culinary trainer, having designed customized solution models aimed at empowering home bakers, entrepreneurs, and new start-ups. This training not only enhances skills but also fosters a sense of community among aspiring culinary professionals.

Recently, Shilpa curated an exciting Mother’s Day chocolate-centric workshop for Cadbury India, in collaboration with Fresh Pik. This event highlighted her passion for sharing knowledge and her commitment to engaging with the culinary community. Shilpa’s workshops are known for their interactive nature, providing participants with hands-on experience while learning from her wealth of knowledge.

As an influential figure in the culinary space, Shilpa is also a dynamic chef, lifestyle influencer, and food blogger. Through her platform, @chefshilpasethbhambri, she delights her audience with a wide array of culinary creations, restaurant and expo reviews ranging from decadent desserts to food products & trends. Her engaging content not only showcases her skills but also inspires her followers to embrace their own culinary journeys.

Balancing her professional commitments with family life, Shilpa is a proud mother to twin boys. She skilfully manages her time, ensuring that she can craft delicious meals for her family while also maintaining her energy through gym & fitness sessions. This balance reflects her belief in the importance of health and well-being, both for herself and her family.

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Shilpa’s journey has not been without challenges. Transitioning from a homemaker to a corporate professional presented its own set of hurdles, including mastering new technologies and navigating gender biases within the corporate landscape. However, her resilience and determination have enabled her to overcome these obstacles and thrive in her career.

Shilpa’s advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is both empowering and practical. She encourages them to embrace their unique qualities, carry themselves with confidence, and remain persistent in their efforts. By doing so, she believes that women can carve out their own distinct paths to success, inspiring others along the way. Her story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams in the culinary world and beyond.

Hetal Kothari, Founder – Che & Cha Couture

WhatsApp Image 2024 08 24 at 12.39.57 PM edited

Hetal Kothari is a fashion designer whose deep passion for fashion has been a part of her since childhood. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a fashion creator, driven by a love for style, design, and the art of clothing. Today, she has turned that childhood dream into reality as the owner of Che & Cha Couture, where she specializes in shirt designing, bringing her creative visions to life with unique and stylish pieces that reflect her distinctive approach to fashion.

Beyond her professional achievements, Hetal is also a dedicated housewife and the proud mother of two daughters. Balancing her roles as a mother and an entrepreneur, she has found immense joy and fulfillment in both areas of her life. Her journey has been strongly supported by her husband and family, who have been her pillars of strength, encouraging her every step of the way.

In addition to running her own fashion label, Hetal is also the co-founder of Raaha Events, where she combines her love for fashion with event management, creating memorable experiences that are as stylish as they are seamless. With the unwavering support of her loved ones and her deep-seated passion for fashion, Hetal continues to inspire others with her dedication, creativity, and the graceful way she balances all the facets of her life.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special Editions

The Power of Elegance, Beauty with brains – Sakshi Bindra and the Rise of India’s New Fashion Vanguard

Published

on

By

WhatsApp Image 2025 04 25 at 12.11.56 PM

In a world where fashion is as much about identity as it is about design, Sakshi Bindra stands tall as one of the most dynamic forces in the Indian fashion circuit.

Sakshi is now widely recognized as one of the most glamorous designers shaping the style narrative in Delhi and Mumbai. Her label, Label Sakshi Bindra, has not only turned heads at prestigious shows like Delhi Times Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and Istanbul Design Showcase—but also earned immense praise for her latest showcase at Bhubaneswar Fashion Week where her resort wear and evening gowns captivated the audience, also her menswear collection was eye catching .

With a rapidly growing $100+ billion fashion industry in India, entrepreneurs like Sakshi represent a new generation of creators—blending personal brand with business strategy, creativity with commerce. Her story is not just about beautiful garments; it’s about building a fashion empire driven by vision, elegance, and a deep understanding of modern men and women. She has been associated with designing for Bollywood movies like The Xposé under Himesh Reshammiya’s production, and has also designed for Mika Singh, Alia Bhatt, and many other Bollywood stars

Up next, her label is set to make waves once again at Delhi Times Fashion Week this May. And with plans to open international stores in Dubai and the USA, she’s ready to take Indian couture global.

In a space where trends are fleeting and talent is timeless, Sakshi Bindra has proven she’s not just designing clothes—she’s designing legacy. A true embodiment of beauty with brains, she is leading the charge in defining what the future of Indian fashion looks like.

Continue Reading

Special Editions

The Unstoppable 25: Tales of 25 Indian Women Making Waves in 2025

Published

on

By

woman celebrating indian republic day 1 scaled

In a year defined by resilience, innovation, and bold change, The Unstoppable 25 brings you the stories of 25 phenomenal Indian women who are leading the charge. From tech to arts, social impact to entrepreneurship, these women are not just breaking barriers—they’re rewriting the rules altogether.

Each of their journeys is a testament to courage, grit, and vision. Whether it’s challenging the status quo, paving new paths in male-dominated spaces, or inspiring communities with their unwavering determination, these changemakers are setting the tone for the future.

This special feature celebrates their drive, their triumphs, and the powerful ripple effects of their work across the country. As we spotlight their achievements, we also honor the spirit of every woman who dares to dream and do. Meet the 25 women who aren’t just making waves in 2025—they’re shaping the tides of tomorrow.

Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics

Snapinsta.app 443264971 1582677532306034 2937889854242649190 n 1080 edited 1

Vineeta Singh, the founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, in India and beyond. Her journey began in Lucknow, where she excelled academically, earning gold medals in school and college. She later attended IIT Madras, where she discovered her passion for badminton, and IIM Ahmedabad, where she completed the Mumbai Marathon.

Despite receiving a lucrative offer in investment banking, Vineeta’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Fab-Bag, a beauty subscription service, before launching SUGAR Cosmetics in 2015 with her husband, Kaushik Mukherjee. SUGAR filled a gap in the Indian beauty market by offering vibrant, high-quality cosmetics for diverse skin tones at affordable prices, resonating with young Indian women.

Vineeta’s journey, marked by initial setbacks and lessons learned, reflects her commitment to innovation and empowerment. As an investor and judge on Shark Tank India, she continues to inspire others with her insightful feedback and championing of innovative ideas. Vineeta’s story underscores the importance of self-belief and perseverance in achieving remarkable success.

Dr. Geeta Sajid Fazalbhoy, Founder & Managing Director – Skin & You Clinic

DSC00015

Dr. Geeta Sajid Fazalbhoy is a certified dermatologist and aesthetic medicine expert with over 15 years of experience. As the Founder and Managing Director of Skin & You Clinic, she specializes in anti-aging treatments, lasers, skin rejuvenation, and advanced face-lifting procedures. Her passion for dermatology was sparked during her medical studies—after earning her MBBS in Mumbai, she pursued dermatology in Cardiff, UK, and later received her certification in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.

Over the years, Dr. Geeta has built a reputation for precision, innovation, and patient-focused care. With clinics in Nariman Point and Bandra, and a new centre underway in Mumbai, her journey is one of constant growth. She proudly treats both Indian and international patients and keeps herself updated through global conferences and trainings.

Her biggest inspiration has always been her mother, whose resilience and dedication left a lasting impression. As a woman in the medical profession, Dr. Geeta believes that challenges in the workplace are universal, but it’s consistency, hard work, and staying true to your values that truly define success.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Geeta is a devoted mother of three and a fitness enthusiast. Balancing her thriving career and family is her proudest achievement.

Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Have patience. Everything takes time. Stay grounded, hold onto your values, and success will follow.”

She credits much of her success to her faith and the unwavering support of her loved ones, who have always believed in her journey.

Bhawna Vashishta, Founder – Matrivow

WhatsApp Image 2025 04 13 at 3.26.29 PM

Bhawna Vashishta’s story is one of quiet strength, passion, and persistence. Starting her journey in the education industry back in 2006, she spent years building meaningful relationships and understanding people on a deeper level. That very understanding eventually laid the foundation for her own venture—Matrivow, a premium matchmaking service tailored exclusively for the elite. Her shift from education to personalized matchmaking was organic, driven by a desire to create something rooted in trust, quality, and exclusivity.

Over nearly two decades, Bhawna has balanced the demands of her professional aspirations with the responsibilities of home. Her consistency, even through challenges, has been her defining trait. Coming from a grounded army background, values like discipline and simplicity have always guided her. But it was the unwavering support of her husband that truly empowered her to chase her dreams. Like many women entrepreneurs, she faced her share of skepticism and the constant balancing act between personal and professional life—but she faced it all with quiet resilience.

Beyond her business, Bhawna finds joy in spending time with family and engaging in conversations that uplift and add value. She believes in growing not just professionally, but as a person. Her message to others is simple yet powerful—believe in your vision, stay passionate, and keep showing up. Success may take time, but with heart and perseverance, it always finds its way.

Sneha Tiwari – Digital Creator

WhatsApp Image 2025 04 17 at 4.23.07 PM

Sneha Tiwari is a established HR professional who has spent the last decade building teams and transforming workplaces in a leading multinational company. Her journey, however, spans far beyond boardrooms. Raised across India in an Air Force family, Sneha’s adaptability and people skills were shaped by her diverse upbringing. With a degree from Delhi University and an MBA in HR, she built her career on empathy, resilience, and an unshakable work ethic.

But Sneha is more than her designation. While managing a demanding career, she also carved her space in the digital world, growing a community of over 100K followers through raw, empowering content. Her story isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. From battling stereotypes and burnout to embracing her many roles as a wife, daughter, leader, and creator, she’s faced it all with quiet strength.

Her greatest inspiration? Her mother—a living example of grace under pressure. Sneha continues to draw from that well of strength, using her voice to remind women that they don’t have to choose between ambition and authenticity. Whether she’s managing a team, dancing off stress, or creating content late into the night, Sneha leads with heart.

Her message is simple: Own every part of who you are. The world needs your story, your fire, your voice.

Continue Reading

Special Editions

The Visionary 25: Success Stories of Indians Who Turned Dreams into Reality

Published

on

By

business scene with nature scaled

Across industries and disciplines, these 25 remarkable individuals have turned ambition into action and dreams into lasting impact. The Visionary 25 brings you inspiring stories of Indian men and women who dared to think differently, overcame odds, and carved out paths that others now aspire to follow.

Whether it’s through groundbreaking innovation, fearless entrepreneurship, or transformative leadership, their journeys reflect a deep passion and purpose. United by a relentless pursuit of excellence, these visionaries are not just chasing success—they’re creating a legacy. Join us as we celebrate their journeys, their triumphs, and the powerful message that with vision and determination, anything is possible.

Nikhil Kamath – Co-Founder – Zerodha

Bangalore Pic @picturesque 0827

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath recently sat down with LinkedIn’s global CEO, Ryan Roslansky, and shared his success story, from a high school dropout to a billionaire finance entrepreneur. In conversation with Mr Roslanksy, Mr Kamath revealed how his failures became his biggest lessons. He also shared that his first business venture, which he started when he was in school, was flushed down the toilet by his mother. The entrepreneur even revealed the “lightbulb moment” in his life that led to co-founding one of India’s largest trading platforms. 

Nikhil Kamath is associated with several companies, including Zerodha, True Beacon and Grhuas. Speaking to Mr Roslanksy, he revealed that his first business venture began when he was in the 9th grade. He managed to get his hands on a cellphone and sold it for a profit. Using the money he earned from selling that phone, he bought more cell phones and began a small side hustle. 

However, he hit an unexpected wall when his mother found out about his “business”. She flushed the phones down the toilet, drawing the curtain on Mr Kamath’s short-lived career as an entrepreneur.

But this wasn’t the end of Mr Kamath’s entrepreneurial journey. “As a dropout, he took what for almost anyone else would have been a soul-crushing job: Night shift at a call centre,” per LinkedIn. Between customer service, he taught himself how to trade stocks. Soon after, he started managing investment for his entire team, making more on commissions than from his actual job. 

Continue Reading

Trending