The McKinsey Exit and Startup Spark

Shantanu Deshpande’s career began at McKinsey & Company, where he spent four transformative years advising Fortune 500 clients. But even amidst spreadsheets and boardroom strategies, he felt a calling to build something of his own — something tangible, relatable, and distinctly Indian.

In 2015, he took the plunge. Drawing inspiration from modern grooming needs and the rising trend of D2C (direct-to-consumer) brands globally, he founded Bombay Shaving Company with a mission to offer premium, thoughtfully designed grooming products for Indian men — a demographic long underserved by traditional FMCG companies.

Not Just Razors: Redefining Masculinity

Deshpande’s vision went far beyond creating a grooming product. He wanted to reimagine the male grooming experience — not as a rushed chore but as a self-care ritual. Bombay Shaving Company’s early product line included precision razors, pre-shave scrubs, and post-shave balms, each designed with attention to detail, customer feedback, and a flair for quality.

More importantly, the brand messaging broke away from old-school macho tropes. It promoted sensitivity, individuality, and personal care, resonating with the new-age Indian man who doesn’t shy away from skincare or hair regimens. This fresh positioning helped the brand scale rapidly, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z consumers.

From Startup to Scale-Up

In the early stages, Bombay Shaving Company focused heavily on content-driven digital marketing and e-commerce, building a loyal online community. With Deshpande’s strategic thinking and storytelling skills, the brand created viral campaigns that were witty, bold, and refreshingly honest.

Soon, investors took notice. The company raised multiple rounds of funding from marquee investors like Colgate-Palmolive, Sixth Sense Ventures, and Reckitt. These partnerships enabled the brand to expand its portfolio to include products for beard care, hair care, and even women’s grooming — turning it into a full-fledged personal care player.

Deshpande’s ability to combine data with instinct, brand with business, and culture with commerce, has been the secret sauce behind Bombay Shaving Company’s steady rise.

A Voice in the Startup Ecosystem

Shantanu Deshpande is also known for being an outspoken and reflective voice in India’s startup landscape. He doesn’t shy away from sharing failures, mental health struggles, or the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship — topics that many founders tiptoe around.

His LinkedIn posts and media interactions often go viral for their raw honesty, offering valuable insights into leadership, founder fatigue, and what it truly takes to build a consumer brand from scratch. Whether it’s discussing layoffs with empathy or calling out toxic hustle culture, Deshpande has emerged as a thought leader with a heart.

The “18-Hour Work Advice” Controversy

In 2022, Deshpande found himself in the middle of a media storm after advising young professionals to work “18 hours a day” in the early years of their careers — a statement that sparked both criticism and support. While many viewed it as a glorification of burnout culture, others saw it as a wake-up call about discipline and sacrifice in entrepreneurship.

To his credit, Deshpande issued a clarification, acknowledging the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being, especially for the new generation. The episode, though controversial, showed his willingness to stand by his words, learn publicly, and grow — an increasingly rare trait in corporate leadership.

Grooming the Future

Today, Shantanu Deshpande is not just building a business, but a grooming legacy. Bombay Shaving Company has expanded into offline retail, entered tier 2 and tier 3 markets, and is eyeing international expansion. It has also launched sub-brands and diversified SKUs, staying agile in an ever-competitive space.

Looking ahead, Deshpande’s focus is on building a brand that lasts decades, not just quarters. He is investing in product innovation, brand storytelling, and a deeper emotional connection with consumers — something that goes beyond the shelf and into the psyche.

Conclusion

Shantanu Deshpande’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and audacious vision. At a time when India is emerging as a hotbed for D2C innovation, he proves that real success lies in knowing your consumer, owning your mistakes, and staying authentic through the chaos.

At Arise Times, we celebrate leaders like Deshpande who are not afraid to take the road less shaved — and in doing so, create paths for others to follow.