Shantanu Deshpande is a famous Indian entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company. He is known for his innovative approach to the men’s grooming industry and his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2022, he was listed among Fortune India’s "40 Under 40." He also became an Ambassador for Olympic Gold Quest in March 2022.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Shantanu Deshpande |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1987 (age 37) |
| Birth Place | Dallas, United States |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma Mater | B.Tech in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur MBA from Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 2016-present |
| Organization | Bombay Shaving Company |
| Title | Co-founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company |
| Spouse | Sakshi Gudwani |
| Children | 1 (Arjun Deshpande) |
| Parents | Kiran Deshpande (father), Rajani Deshpande (mother) |
| Relatives | Yash Deshpande (brother) |
Early Life and Education
Shantanu Deshpande was born on March 15, 1987, in Dallas, USA. He comes from a well-educated and supportive family. His father, Kiran Deshpande, is a professional at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the United States, while his mother, Rajani Deshpande, is a yoga instructor and classical musician. Shantanu has a younger brother, Yash Deshpande, who is a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Shantanu Deshpande spent the first 10 years of his childhood in Dallas. In 1997, his family returned to Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Shantanu Deshpande completed his schooling at Vikhe Patil School in Pune. In 2009, he pursued his undergraduate studies in Computer Science at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur. His quest for knowledge and excellence led him to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow in 2011, where he completed his MBA. This strong educational foundation equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary for his future entrepreneurial endeavours.
Career
In June 2011, Shantanu Deshpande began his career as a Junior Associate at McKinsey & Company, where he worked for five years. During his tenure at McKinsey, he honed his skills in leadership, strategy, and business development. This experience played a crucial role in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset and preparing him for the challenges of starting his own business.
In June 2016, Shantanu Deshpande left his job at McKinsey and co-founded Bombay Shaving Company (BSC) with Deepu Panicker, Raunak Munot, and Rohit Jaiswal. The company, starting with a single-minded focus on a shaving kit for men, has now transformed into a unisex brand, with a range dedicated to women's grooming. The company clocked an average of Rs 18 lakh per month in the first year of operations.
Shantanu Deshpande describes his professional journey: "For five years, I was at McKinsey, and it was the most incredible professional first step one can make. I found incredible bosses and mentors, and 25 of them invested in Bombay Shaving Company when I left. For me, McKinsey helped in character-building in so many ways, and I think a lot of who I am today, I attribute to my time at the firm. But in 2016, I decided that it was time to leave and start up on my own."
In 2022, ‘Bombae,’ a women's hair removal and personal care brand, was launched and quickly became successful due to its focus on high-quality products designed specifically for women.
Achievements
- Junior Associate at McKinsey & Co in June 2011 to March 2013
- Associate at McKinsey & Co in April 2013 to October 2014
- Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co in October 2014 to August 2015
- Founder CEO at Bombay Shaving Company in June 2016 to Present
- External Advisor at McKinsey & Company in December 2021 to Present
- Ambassador at Olympic Gold Quest in March 2022 to Present
- Host at The BarberShop with Shantanu in July 2022 to Present
- Advisor at Advent International in September 2022 to Present
Awards and honors
- Business Today’s Young Achiever Award (2020): Honored for his contribution to the grooming industry.
- Startup India Award (2022): Received for excellence in brand building and innovation.
- Fortune India 40 Under 40 (2022): Listed among the top young business leaders in India.
Social Media
Shantanu Deshpande has established a strong presence across major social media platforms, including LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. He shares insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal growth, leveraging each platform to connect with diverse audiences through engaging and relatable content.
LinkedIn: Shantanu recently made headlines with a post addressing the excessive use of food delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto. He raised concerns about the nutritional quality of processed foods and encouraged people to cook more at home.
Instagram: With 342K followers, Shantanu shares insights about entrepreneurship, grooming tips, and personal reflections. His posts often engage a wide audience and spark meaningful conversations.
YouTube: Shantanu hosts a popular channel called “The BarberShop with Shantanu,” which has 415K subscribers. He invites renowned entrepreneurs, content creators, and marketing experts for in-depth discussions.
X (formerly Twitter): Shantanu is known for his candid opinions on various topics, including work culture and mental health. His posts often stir debates and encourage his followers to think critically about these issues.
Personal Life
Shantanu Deshpande is married to Sakshi Gudwani, whom he met while studying at IIM Lucknow. She works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The couple has one son, Arjun Deshpande.
Shantanu enjoys a balanced lifestyle and often shares glimpses of his family life on social media. His hobbies include reading, travelling, and participating in intellectual debates. He is also known for his interest in luxury cars, including an Aston Martin.
As of 2024, Shantanu Deshpande’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
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