Shantanu Deshpande
Shantanu Deshpande is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, one of India’s leading direct-to-consumer (D2C) grooming and personal care brands. Known for his bold leadership, disruptive brand storytelling, and passion for building consumer-centric products, Deshpande has played a key role in redefining men’s grooming in India.[1]
| Shantanu Deshpande | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Bachelor's in Engineering, MBA (IIM Ahmedabad) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Bombay Shaving Company |
| Known for | Founder of Bombay Shaving Company, Leadership in India’s D2C grooming space |
Early Life and Education
Shantanu Deshpande started his career journey with a strong academic background. He holds an engineering degree and earned his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A). His early corporate stint was at McKinsey & Company, where he spent four formative years advising Fortune 500 clients, developing strategy, and honing leadership skills.
Career and Founding of Bombay Shaving Company
In 2015, inspired by the global rise of D2C brands and the underserved grooming market in India, Deshpande founded Bombay Shaving Company. His vision was to offer high-quality, thoughtfully designed grooming products tailored to Indian consumers. The brand started with premium razors, shaving kits, and skincare products, quickly expanding to beard care, hair care, and women’s grooming segments.
With a focus on product innovation and digital marketing, Bombay Shaving Company positioned grooming as a self-care ritual rather than a mundane task. The brand challenged stereotypical notions of masculinity, promoting sensitivity, individuality, and well-being.[2]
Growth and Funding
Under Deshpande’s leadership, Bombay Shaving Company attracted major investments from firms like:
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Sixth Sense Ventures
- Reckitt
These strategic partnerships helped the brand scale operations, expand product portfolios, and enter offline retail and tier 2 and tier 3 markets. The company also launched several sub-brands, enhancing its reach across different consumer segments.[3]
Public Voice and Thought Leadership
Shantanu Deshpande is recognized as a vocal leader in India’s startup ecosystem. He frequently shares candid reflections on entrepreneurship, leadership challenges, mental health, and founder fatigue. His posts on LinkedIn and interviews with media outlets often go viral for their honesty and insightfulness.
In 2022, Deshpande sparked a major debate with his controversial "18-hour work advice," urging young professionals to work intensely in the early years of their careers. While the statement faced backlash, he clarified his position, acknowledging the importance of balance and well-being.
Challenges and Controversies
Deshpande’s "18-hour workday" remark became a national talking point, attracting both criticism and support. However, his quick clarification and willingness to engage in open dialogue showcased his integrity and adaptability as a leader.[4]
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Known for blending data-driven strategy with intuitive storytelling, Deshpande’s leadership style emphasizes:
- Customer-first approach
- Brand authenticity and emotional connection
- Transparent leadership and vulnerability
- A balance between ambition and empathy[5]
Future Plans
Deshpande envisions Bombay Shaving Company as a long-lasting brand that continues to innovate in the grooming and personal care space. The company is focused on:
- International expansion
- Product innovation across skincare, haircare, and grooming tools
- Strengthening offline retail presence
- Enhancing customer engagement through storytelling and community-building
References
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/social/bombay-shaving-company-ceo-shantanu-deshpande-on-why-people-in-their-40s-are-losing-jobs-emis-kids-and-/articleshow/120200738.cms
- ↑ https://www.financialexpress.com/trending/influencers-make-poor-founders-bombay-shaving-companys-ceo-criticises-creator-led-startups/3816443/
- ↑ https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/emis-kids-elderly-parents-shantanu-deshpande-has-a-layoff-warning-for-this-age-category-employee/articleshow/120148757.cms
- ↑ https://www.livemint.com/companies/people/shantanu-deshpande-net-worth-check-details-of-bombay-shavings-ceo-holdings-11734353817762.html
- ↑ https://indianstartupnews.com/news/influencers-make-poor-founders-they-are-driven-by-instant-gratification-says-bombay-shaving-company-ceo-8984290