Rachit Bansal (KNOT): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Rachit Bansal is an accomplished Indian technologist and entrepreneur, best known as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of KNOT, a fast-growing quick commerce fashion platform that is pioneering innovations in online fashion delivery. Born with a strong academic foundation, Rachit secured an All India Rank 9 in JEE Advanced 2017, studied Computer Science at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and briefly attended the National University of Singapore. Over the years, he has evolved from a talented software engineer and quantitative strategist to an innovator leading breakthrough startups impacting the digital consumer space. The journey of Rachit Bansal is a compelling example of leveraging technology to reinvent user experiences. In this article, discover key highlights from his academic achievements, career milestones, entrepreneurial ventures, and his current role shaping the future of quick fashion commerce in India.

1. Early Academic Excellence and IIT Bombay Education

Rachit Bansal's academic journey was marked by remarkable achievements from a young age. He secured an All India Rank (AIR) 9 in the highly competitive JEE Advanced examination in 2017, which enabled him to join the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. IIT Bombay is one of India’s premier engineering institutes, known for producing top-tier technologists and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Rachit spent some time at the National University of Singapore, further broadening his technical knowledge. His strong foundation in computer science set the stage for his future career in technology and startups.

2. Professional Experience Prior to KNOT

Before establishing KNOT, Rachit gained valuable industry experience in multiple domains. He worked as a Quantitative Strategist at Quadeye, where he developed a deep understanding of financial markets and quantitative trading strategies. Additionally, Rachit founded Edverhub in 2020, a platform aimed at social media influencing, signaling his early inclination toward innovative tech solutions. He also completed internships at Adobe and contributed to research projects at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This blend of diverse roles helped him develop strong software engineering skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.

3. Co-Founding and Leading KNOT

In 2025, Rachit Bansal co-founded KNOT along with Archit Nanda. KNOT is a Mumbai-based quick commerce platform focused on delivering fashion products within 60 minutes, an innovative leap in online shopping. As CTO, Rachit has been instrumental in driving the company's tech vision and developing features such as AI-powered virtual try-ons and a “Try ‘n Buy” doorstep trial service. KNOT aims to reimagine fashion commerce by combining speed, curation, and community influence, targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers looking for fast, flexible, and personalized fashion experiences.

4. KNOT’s Funding Success and Market Impact

KNOT has garnered significant investor confidence, successfully raising $3 million in a pre-Series A round led by Kae Capital in mid-2025, with participation from Sparrow Capital, Boundless Ventures LLP, and founders of notable Indian fashion brands like SNITCH and The Souled Store. This funding boost is set to accelerate the company’s product development, geographic expansion beyond Mumbai, and deepen partnerships with over 70 leading brands. KNOT’s successful funding reflects its innovative approach to fashion retail, catalyzing the shift toward ultra-fast delivery and experiential shopping models in India’s growing quick commerce sector.

5. Previous Startup Experience: Slick

Prior to KNOT, Rachit co-founded Slick, a social networking platform aimed at Gen Z. Launched in late 2022, Slick sought to rejuvenate social networking by focusing on authentic user interactions rather than ad-driven content consumption. The platform reached over 1 million registered users across more than 5,000 educational institutions in India and raised $1.6 million in seed funding. Though Slick’s monetization faced challenges due to the target audience’s limited spending, the venture underlined Rachit’s ability to build user-centric tech products and iterate quickly, lessons that influenced the pivot to KNOT.

6. Technical Expertise and Leadership Style

Rachit’s background in computer science and hands-on software engineering experience makes him a technically adept CTO. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on scalable, reliable systems and fostering team collaboration. He is known to be dedicated and innovative, driving product excellence while building strong, motivated teams. His technical acumen spans software development, quantitative analytics, and artificial intelligence, particularly applied to large-scale consumer platforms.

7. Educational Background Beyond IIT Bombay

Apart from his undergraduate studies at IIT Bombay, Rachit briefly pursued academic engagements at the National University of Singapore. His educational background is augmented by diverse experiences, including research assistance at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This international exposure complemented his core skills, allowing him to incorporate global best practices into his entrepreneurial ventures.

8. Connection to Chandigarh and Early Life Insights

Rachit Bansal hails from the region around Chandigarh and Patiala. He attended coaching classes in Chandigarh that helped him prepare for his JEE examinations, securing top ranks. His roots in this part of northern India grounded him with a disciplined approach to academics and an early interest in computer science and research in physics. Media coverage from his early days highlights his determination and academic excellence, which paved the way to IIT Bombay.

9. Rachit Bansal's LinkedIn Profile and Network

Rachit maintains an active presence on LinkedIn, where he shares updates about KNOT’s growth and job opportunities. His network spans over 3,000 followers and includes industry professionals, collaborators, and investors. Through LinkedIn, Rachit engages with talent acquisition for KNOT and shares insights into quick commerce and technology trends. His professional profile details his experiences, educational credentials, and endorsements from colleagues, reflecting a well-respected figure in the Indian startup ecosystem.

10. Past Role at Xanadu Realty and Business Leadership

Separately, there is another professional named Rachit Bansal associated with Xanadu Realty, a real estate company. This Rachit Bansal has over 18 years of business leadership experience and serves as Director for Pune operations at Xanadu, leading expansion and sales. He holds an MBA in Marketing & Microfinance from the Indian Institute of Forest Management. This highlights the commonality of the name but distinct career paths. The Rachit Bansal of KNOT is focused on technology and startups, whereas the Xanadu Realty Rachit Bansal is a seasoned executive in real estate. Awareness of this distinction helps avoid confusion.

Conclusion

Rachit Bansal’s story is a testament to the power of academic rigor, technology expertise, and entrepreneurial grit converging to challenge traditional consumer experiences. From his early academic success in the JEE to his pioneering work at KNOT transforming online fashion delivery, Rachit exemplifies the innovative spirit driving India’s startup revolution. With quick commerce rapidly evolving as a critical frontier, his journey underscores the importance of agility, customer-centric innovation, and technological leadership. As KNOT expands and shapes the future of fashion retail, Rachit Bansal’s role as CTO highlights the impact individuals can make by blending deep technical knowledge with visionary entrepreneurship. What new frontiers might he explore next in this fast-paced digital era?