Shantanu Deshpande (Bombay Shaving Company)
Overview
Shantanu Deshpande is the founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, a prominent personal care brand in India. Established in 2016, the company specializes in grooming products for both men and women, offering a diverse range of products that cater to hair removal, skincare, and personal grooming. Deshpande's vision was to revolutionize the grooming industry with premium, affordable products. Before his entrepreneurial venture, he worked at McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, where he honed his skills in business development and strategic thinking. His company has gained significant recognition, securing strategic investments from major firms like Reckitt Benckiser and Colgate-Palmolive.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Shantanu Deshpande has made headlines for various reasons, both related to his company and his personal reflections shared publicly.
- October 2024: Deshpande said that Delhi is "1,000 per cent" better to start a business as compared to Bengaluru, sparking a range of reactions. "I think Delhi is the best city to start a business today. I think Delhi has a 'less front, more substance' mindset," Bombay Shaving Company CEO Shantanu Deshpande said in an interview.
- April 2024: Deshpande was involved in discussions about real estate, sharing on a podcast why he prefers renting to buying, due to the comparative freedom and lower financial burden of renting in a premium location like Gurgaon. This insight was widely covered in multiple news outlets, reflecting his personal financial strategies.
- April 2024: Bombay Shaving Company faced criticism over an ad perceived as insensitive towards a UP Board topper, Prachi Nigam. The advertisement was intended to support Nigam against her trolls but was criticized for leveraging the situation opportunistically.
- The company launched a new advertising campaign for its Sensi Smart 3 Razor, featuring Deshpande himself. This founder-led approach aimed to diversify their marketing efforts and further solidify the brand’s presence in the competitive grooming market.
- 2022: Deshpande sparked a public debate with his controversial advice to young professionals to work 18-hour days. This suggestion led to widespread backlash on social media, prompting Deshpande to issue an apology and clarify his remarks.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shantanu Deshpande |
| Born | 1988, Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company |
| Known For | Founder of Bombay Shaving Company |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | B.Tech from VNIT Nagpur, MBA from IIM Lucknow |
| Family | Married to Sakshi, one brother |
Early Life and Education
Born in Dallas, USA, Shantanu Deshpande moved back to India with his family in 1997. His father worked in the IT industry, which provided Shantanu with a stable and supportive upbringing. He pursued engineering at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur, followed by an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, one of India’s premier business schools. His time at these institutions equipped him with technical and managerial skills that laid the foundation for his career in business.
Career and Notable Achievements
Shantanu Deshpande began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he spent four years, rising to the position of Engagement Manager. In 2016, inspired by the growing market potential, he founded Bombay Shaving Company with the aim of introducing innovative grooming solutions.
- 2016: Founded Bombay Shaving Company, focusing initially on men's grooming.
- 2020: Expanded the product line to include women's grooming products during the pandemic, resulting in a significant spike in sales.
- Early 2021: Secured investment from Reckitt Benckiser and other strategic partners.
- 2022: Recognized in Fortune India’s 40 under 40 list.
Current Work and Impact
Shantanu Deshpande continues to lead Bombay Shaving Company, focusing on expanding its market reach and product offerings. His leadership has positioned the company as a significant player in India's personal care market. Beyond his business, Deshpande actively contributes to discussions on entrepreneurship and personal finance through various public platforms, cementing his role as an influential voice in the startup ecosystem.
Shantanu Deshpande Family
Shantanu Deshpande is married to Sakshi, who works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Together, they share a commitment to impactful social work alongside their professional endeavors. Deshpande is the son of a former tech executive, and he has one brother.
Conclusion
Shantanu Deshpande's journey from a management consultant at McKinsey to the innovative founder of Bombay Shaving Company illustrates his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to transforming the grooming industry in India. His strategic business decisions and leadership have significantly impacted the market landscape, positioning Bombay Shaving Company for continued growth. As he navigates through new challenges and opportunities, Deshpande remains a central figure in discussions about business innovation and startup culture in India.