Shantanu Deshpande: Crafting the Future of Grooming

For many years, men's grooming has been less emphasized compared to the attention given to women's beauty routines. Nevertheless, there has been a noticeable change in this perspective lately. Men's grooming has come forward, gaining a significant role in discussions about personal care and appearance.

With a variety of skincare items, hair grooming tools, and grooming services becoming more important, men are looking into fresh ways to improve their looks and self-esteem.

Shantanu Deshpande is among those who recognized this potential and chose to revolutionize the Indian men's grooming sector. He made the decision to establish a company exclusively focused on men's grooming.

Name: Shantanu Deshpande

Born: 1987

Birthplace: Dallas, United States

Education: B.Tech in Computer Science (Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur), MBA from IIM Lucknow

Position: Co-founder and CEO, Bombay Shaving Company

Shantanu Deshpande - Early Life

Shantanu Deshpande hails from a Maharashtrian family based in Indore. He was born in Dallas, USA, where his father, Kiran Deshpande, was employed with TCS. In 1997, the family returned to India, and Shantanu pursued his education there. During his upbringing, Shantanu drew inspiration from his father, who had a track record of building successful companies from the ground up.

Shantanu Deshpande - Education

Upon returning from the US, Shantanu attended Vikhe Patil School in Pune for his schooling. He then opted to pursue engineering and completed his B.Tech at VNIT, Nagpur.

In his final year of college, Shantanu sought to chart an extraordinary academic path. Consequently, he undertook multiple competitive exams such as CAT and GMAT, ultimately enrolling in IIM Lucknow to pursue an MBA.

Shantanu Deshpande - Career

Following his MBA at IIM Lucknow, Shantanu secured a placement at McKinsey as an external advisor, a role he holds in high regard. In numerous interviews, he has expressed deep admiration for McKinsey, often referring to it as his 'Maika' (mother's house).

Reflecting on his tenure there, Shantanu remarks, "McKinsey played a pivotal role in shaping my character in many ways, and much of who I am today is thanks to my time at the firm."

However, after five years at McKinsey, Shantanu felt inspired by several innovative ideas and decided it was time to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. In 2016, he co-founded Bombay Shaving Company along with Deepu Panicker, Raunak Munot, and Rohit Jaiswal.

Shantanu Deshpande - Bombay Shaving Company

Established in 2016, Bombay Shaving Company is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) luxury men's grooming brand catering to customers across India with premium grooming essentials. The company's mission is to provide top-quality grooming products that empower men to feel confident and present their best selves.

Their product range includes trimmers, razors, shave care, skin care, bath products, and more. Originally focused on men's grooming, the brand later expanded into women's skin care and body care as well. In 2022, they successfully launched 'Bombae', a women's hair removal and personal care brand.

Bombay Shaving Company offers a subscription service for purchasing blades and creams, providing convenience and value to their customers.

Notably, during the pandemic, the company remained resilient. By selling directly to consumers and prioritizing their online presence, they were better positioned than many competitors to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Shantanu Deshpande - Controversy

In today's digital age, it's common for well-known individuals to find themselves embroiled in controversy from time to time, and Shantanu Deshpande is no exception. Similar to Narayana Murthy of Infosys, Shantanu faced criticism over a social media post discussing work culture among young professionals.

The incident occurred in 2022 when Shantanu stirred controversy by suggesting that freshers and young individuals should dedicate 18 hours a day to work during the early years of their careers. This advice was met with backlash from netizens who accused him of promoting a "toxic work culture."

In response to the criticism, Shantanu clarified, "Yikes, so much hate for 18-hour days. It's a proxy for 'giving your all and then some'."

He further explained, "I didn't mean to advocate for working 18 hours every day. My intention was to emphasize giving one's absolute best."

Shantanu Deshpande - Awards and Recognitions

Shantanu Deshpande was recognized among Fortune India's best 40 under 40 in 2022.

Shantanu Deshpande - Interesting Facts

Apart from his professional achievements, Shantanu actively participated in college sports, serving as a member of the football team and holding the position of sports secretary. He has a deep passion for music and was part of his college band playing the Tabla. Additionally, Shantanu served as an ambassador for the Olympic Gold Quest.

Shantanu Deshpande - Podcast

Shantanu Deshpande expanded his influence through "The Barber Shop," a video podcast he launched. The show's first season featured in-depth discussions with entrepreneurs, while the second season brought together numerous founders, CEOs, and business leaders. "The Barber Shop" has gained widespread popularity with millions of viewers tuning in.

FAQs

Who is Shantanu Deshpande?

Shantanu Deshpande serves as the Co-founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company.

When was  Bombay Shaving Company founded?

Shantanu Deshpande, along with Raunak Munot, Deepu Panicker, and Rohit Jaiswal, established Bombay Shaving Company in 2015.

What is the product category of Bombay Shaving Company?

Bombay Shaving Company provides an extensive selection of grooming products for men, covering shaving, beard care, hair care, skincare, and bath essentials. Additionally, they offer grooming products tailored for women, including skincare and body care items.