
The BarberShop with Shantanu
Hi, thanks for stopping by!
My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. My company has scaled to 1500+ Cr value (if this metric means anything haha), but more importantly, is a loved personal care brand which has scaled to 50L households and 1L stores in 5 years.
The BarberShop was started with a clear thesis - India needs to create approximately a million jobs a month, currently, we create almost two hundred thousand. Our ‘Funda’ is to simplify entrepreneurship and make it accessible to everyone in the country so we inculcate an enterprising habit in the 23-24 year old of today.
After the love received by S1, we have decided to go beyond conversations on our podcast to tangible help. With the help of our sponsors at BSC and Bombae we have put together a season which brings together a corpus of 50+ equity seekers looking to support 20+ start-ups in their growth and success.
Latest episodes

Dec 15, 2023 • 2h 28min
Founders of a Top PE Fund on Why They Invested in Manyavar, Lenskart, Building Organizations & More
Dive into the intricate world of private equity with Nishant Sharma and Sunish Sharma, the dynamic duo behind Kedaara Capital, India's premier homegrown private equity fund. In this enlightening episode, we explore not only the nuances of private equity but also unravel the secrets behind Kedaara's successful investments in renowned brands like Manyavar, Lenskart, and Vishal Megamart.From focusing on people and culture in organizations to insights into effective leadership and team management, the founders share invaluable experiences and lessons learned along their journey.Join us as we navigate through the Indian business landscape, discussing what makes a product thrive in the Indian market and gaining profound insights into the future of the country for the next decades. Get ready for an engaging conversation that goes beyond finance, touching on the essence of building successful enterprises and contributing to India's economic growth. Don't miss this exclusive peek into the world of private equity and the visionary minds shaping it. Subscribe and stay tuned for an episode that promises to be both educational and inspiring!Introduction: 00:00 - 2:05 Why building a cohesive culture is important: 2:06 - 10:56 Fatherhood as an inflection point in Nishant and Sunish’s careers: 10:57 - 17:55 The Initial journey, How and Why Kedaara was formed: 17:56 - 39:39 Kedaara’s first deal: 39:40 - 47:09 The essential philosophy of doing business: 47:10 - 52:10 Working with investors: 52:11 - 1:06:25 Working as a team, investing in people’s success & wisdom of building great partnerships: 1:06:26 - 1:21:50 What makes a founder stand out & how Kedaara evaluates founders: 1:21:51 - 1:37:25 Nishant, Sunish & Shantanu discuss leadership, organization & the myriad challenges of running a company: 1:37:26 - 2:01:10 Building for a new, Digital India, “Democratizing Aristocracy” & creating great products: 2:01:11 - 2:20:22 Why Nishant & Sunish are bullish on India: 2:20:23 - 2:25:32 Conclusion: 2:25:33 - 2:27:35

Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 59min
What It Takes to Run a 2.5 Lakh Crore Retail Business in India: Consumer SECRETS Revealed!
Dive deep into the fascinating world of grocery retail in India with our special guest, Damodar Mall, the visionary CEO of Reliance Grocery Retail. In this exciting episode, we explore the intricate art of selling effectively to today's discerning shoppers, diving deep into the modern retail landscape in the country. Discover why Damodar Mall describes a Smart Bazaar as a 'swayamvar' of offerings, putting forth a unique perspective on how modern consumers choose their products. Gain unparalleled insights into the strategies and tactics that can transform your sales game. We'll navigate the ever-evolving grocery landscape in India, unraveling the latest trends and challenges in this dynamic industry. Join us for this illuminating discussion that promises to reshape your approach to sales and retail!Introduction: 00:00 - 2:40Retail is a “theater of choice”: 2:41 - 7:41Creating for Supermarket India! : 7:42 - 19:58Building out mithai for modern retail: 19:59 - 33:46Taking bets and stories of innovation: 33:47 - 39:30Are consumers becoming more conscious?: 39:31 - 43:52The landscape of modern retail in India: 43:53 - 1:00:00Mr. Mall’s journey, pivot towards entrepreneurship & how Smart Bazaar was created: 1:00:01 - 1:18:44Writing books & being a ‘Supermarketwala’: 1:18:45 - 1:30:00Mr. Mall’s advice: 1:30:01 - 1:40:22Smart Bazaar walk through: 1:40:23 - 1:58:33

Aug 29, 2023 • 2h 8min
A MASTERCLASS In Entrepreneurship To Build Your Own Empire & A Chance to Raise 1 CR? | RAZORPRENEUR
Join the RazorGurus as they discuss sales fundamentals and unveil the Razorpreneur Challenge. They explore successful brand strategies, understanding customer needs, creating standout content, effective selling, the impact of conversation, and the importance of details. They also delve into creating peak moments for customers, the evolution of Sensi razors, crafting personalized messages, and the benefits of the Sensi Smart 3 razor.

78 snips
Jul 23, 2023 • 1h 38min
A 500Cr+ Acquisition By ITC, Scaling A Food Start-up & Life As A Founder| Suhasini Sampath on TBWS
Join us for a compelling episode of the Barbershop as we sit down with Suhasini Sampath, the co-founder of Yoga Bar. In this candid conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of building a business in FMCG. Suhasini shares her insights and challenges in creating a successful brand in the health food space, and we explore the unique strategies and innovations that propelled Yoga Bar to prominence, resonating with health-conscious consumers across the nation. We discuss the remarkable acquisition by ITC, and the accompanying intricacies of navigating partnerships and collaborations in the dynamic business landscape. We also venture into the personal realm, delving into Suhasini's experience of working with family and the fine balance one has to strike between personal and professional relationships. Her candid reflections offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs who navigate the challenges of intertwining family and business dynamics.⚡️ Get ready for an inspiring and insightful episode as we uncover the behind-the-scenes stories, trials, and triumphs of building in the healthy foods category in India!🌟 Introduction 00:00 - 3:44 The Initial Idea: 3:45 - 9:58 Why building healthy food is hard: 9:58 - 22:18 Making calculated decisions about the brand: 22:19 - 22:01 Perfecting the product: 22:01 - 26:09 Building a great food company 26:10 - 29:25 More on Yoga Bar’s journey: 29:25 - 38:42 Playing the long game: 38:43 - 42:00 Legacy matters & ITC acquisition: 42:01 - 48:30 Running a business with family 48:31 - 54:34 More on negotiations & acquisition/ people who helped in Yoga Bar’s journey 54:35 - 1:05:22 The ITC acquisition process 1:05:23 - 1:13:34 What does it take to build a business? 1:13:35 - 1:15:05 What Suhasini learnt about herself during her journey 1:15:06 - 1:20:40 What’s next for Suhasini & thoughts on entrepreneurship: 1:20:41 - 1:28:15 Women in entrepreneurship & Concluding Advice: 1:28:16 - 1:37:39

Jul 16, 2023 • 1h 19min
Choosing The Right Investors, Bootstrapping & Building for the Long Run | TBWS x Bombae
This week, get ready for an extraordinary episode of the Barbershop as we bring you an exhilarating live shoot from the Bombae Pad! Join us as we embark on an insightful journey into the intricacies of early-stage fundraising alongside three remarkable women: Prachi Pawar, VP at Peak XV; Nikita Khanna, Founder of Moxie; and Twinkle Uppal, Founder of Hoop. In this episode, we delve deep into the core aspects of raising the first round capital for your business. These exceptional entrepreneurs generously share their expertise, experiences, and hard-earned wisdom with a vibrant audience of dynamic women from the startup ecosystem. Brace yourself to be inspired as we unravel the secrets of securing funding and unveil priceless firsthand insights. Understand the importance of finding the perfect founder-investor match, a crucial element that paves the way for long-term success. Gain invaluable knowledge on organizing your cap table effectively, ensuring that equity distribution aligns with your vision and future growth; and learn the importance of being on the same wavelength with your business' investors, building strong partnerships based on shared goals and values. Prepare to be captivated by the electrifying energy of this episode as we empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and inspiration they need to navigate the complex world of early-stage fundraising. Unlock the key to funding success and embark on your own entrepreneurial journey with confidence and conviction. Introduction: 00:00 - 1:40 How do you choose the right time to raise capital?: 1:41 - 9:17 What percentage of your personal savings would you put into your business? 9:18 - 13:12:51 What to look for in a founder?/ raising from different kinds of angels: 12:52 - 19:50 How big is your anti-portfolio? 19:51 - 22:07 Choosing your investors: 22:08 - 32:00 How does a click happen with a founder?: 32:01 - 41:52 What are some deal breakers for investors & founders?: 41:53 - 51:32 Risk appetites in the funding ecosystem/ funding benchmarks : 58:26 - 1:01:03 Can your business idea be copied? 1:01:04 - 1:06:28 Warding off burnout 1:06:29 - 1:09:32 Handling rejection 1:09:33 - 1:10:50 Making a decision about founders: 1:10:51 - 1:12:38 What if the investor starts running my business? 1:12:39 - 1:14:50 Building in alcohol/ Do you need an MBA?: 1:14:51 - 1:18:12

Jul 1, 2023 • 2h 1min
McKinsey Sr. Partner, CEO of India's Largest Employer|Suraj Moraje on Geopolitics, India & Business
Join us on The BarberShop for a captivating conversation with Suraj Moraje, a trailblazing figure in the business world. As the First McKinsey Senior Partner from India elected in Europe and former CEO of Quess Corp Limited, India's largest corporate employer, Suraj brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. In this episode, we uncover Suraj's incredible journey, from his prestigious corporate career to his current role as a philanthropist and founder of the Eka program. Delve deep into discussions about the ever-evolving global political landscape, the dynamics of economic growth, and the future of work. Prepare to be enlightened as Suraj shares his unique insights and perspectives, offering valuable takeaways not just for entrepreneurs & industry professionals, but anyone eager to understand the forces shaping our world today. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode on The BarberShop podcast. Tune in now! 🎙 Introduction: 00:00 - 12:34 The Eka Program: 12:35 - 21:16 The World As We Know It & How It Is Changing: 21:16 - 33:34 Labour, Productivity, Management: 33:35 - 39:33 How Can We Get The India Story Right?: 39:34 - 48:25 Jobless Growth & The Future of Work 48:26 - 55:36 The Rules are Changing, the World Economy, Geopolitics: 55:36 - 1:02:00 Post 2050, Aspiration & Wealth in India, Diversity 1:02:01 - 1:15:07 Community and Urban Democracy 1:15:08 - 1:22:47 Working at McKinsey, Quess 1:22:48 - 1:38:38 Valuation & The Public Markets: 1:38:39 - 1:50:18 Suraj’s current work & plans for the future & feeling lucky: 1:50:19 - 1:56:59 Suraj’s Concluding Advice 1:57:00 - 2:00:59

Jun 24, 2023 • 1h 39min
Middle Class Values, Saying WE not I & Raising $150 MILLION: The Story of Insurance Dekho | FULL EP
Join us for an insightful episode of The Barbershop with Shantanu as we sit down with Ankit Agrawal, the CEO and founder of InsuranceDekho. In this engaging conversation, Ankit takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing his experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how he made the bold transition from the world of banking to the dynamic startup ecosystem, (including returning to India and taking a paycut to work at a startup!) overcoming challenges and ultimately, carving a path to success. Gain exclusive insights into the founding and growth of InsuranceDekho, a disruptive player in the insurance industry. Explore the mindset of an ambitious entrepreneur and learn from Ankit's unique perspectives on innovation, leadership, and building a thriving community and business. Introduction 00:00 - 4:04 What is Insurance & Our Social and Cultural Understanding of it 4:05 - 15:20 Early Roots of Entrepreneurship: 15:20 - 36:20 Coming back to India & working at MoveInSync 36:20 - 38:38 Founding InsuranceDekho, Ankit’s Journey, Thoughts on Being a Founder: 38:38 - 50:52 Entrepreneurial Gospel: 50:52 - 1:03:58 Culture is Important 1:03:58 - 1:11:24 0-1 Journey & New Era of Entrepreneurship: 1:11:24 - 1:18:00 The Cricket Analogy 1:18:00 - 1:21:55 What is the Long Game? Creating Impact 1:21:55 - 1:28:00 The Importance of Education: 1:28:00 - 1:32:53 Concluding Advice: 1:32:53 - 1:38:52

Jun 17, 2023 • 1h 57min
India’s NEWEST B-school, BEATING IIMs & ISB, and Living Up to FAMILY LEGACY | Pratham Mittal | TBWS
In this exciting episode, Shantanu sits down with Pratham Mittal, the young, dynamic founder of Masters' Union, a practitioner-led b-school, to have an engaging and insightful conversation about building Masters' Union and why and how it is challenging legacy institutions in India. Tune in to get a close dive into the mind of a young entrepreneur, as Pratham discusses not only the external factors but also the personal reasons responsible for his mission to revamp business education in the country. Introduction: 00:00 - 1:35 Bringing a Future Top ten B-school to Life/ How Do Rankings Work? : 1:35 - 6:27 Bootstrapping a SAAS Business: 6:28 - 9:16 Education in India/ Conceptualizing Master’s Union: 9:16 - 15:50 Master’s Union Campus & Infrastructure: 15:51 - 23:38 Teaching Business & Creating Faculty: 23:38 - 29:13 Structuring the Curriculum 29:14 - 32:32 Consumers Want to Know the Person Behind the Brand: 32:32 - 41:00 The Masters at Master’s Union & More on the Curriculum: 41:01 - 45;33 Attracting the Best Students: 45:34 - 52:55 Economics of an education business: 52:56 - 1:01:11 What would Master’s Union be like in 5 years? 1:01:12 - 1:05:54 Keeping the Syllabus up-to-date: 1:05:55 - 1:08:10 Academia, Mentorship and Investing in Students 1:08:11 - 1:14:27 Education is a motivation problem 1:14:28 - 1:29:54 Being an Entrepreneur & Learning Business from Family 1:30:00 - 1:47:58 Living Up to Family Expectations: 1:48:00 - 1:54:45 Conclusion 1:54:46 - 1:57:17_____________________________________________________ ABOUT OUR CHANNEL My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. I LOVE entrepreneurship. Personally, I would rate myself as an average (at best) entrepreneur, but I love great ones. The BarberShop with Shantanu S2: Raiser’s Edge goes beyond our conversations from S1 on our podcast to tangible help. With the help of our sponsors at BSC and Bombae we have put together a season which brings together a corpus of 50+ equity seekers looking to support 20+ start-ups in their growth and success. We will be releasing an episode every Friday at 9 pm. Tune in and hope you enjoy. :) _____________________________________________________

6 snips
Jun 3, 2023 • 1h 58min
Pet Saffa, Kesh King, Dr. Ortho... The MAN Behind THEM ALL on Life, Success, Profit and BEYOND!
Unveiling the Mind of a Brand Maestro: Dr. Sanjeev Juneja's Unparalleled Journey to Success. 🚀🚀 Get ready for an exclusive episode as 'The Barbershop with Shantanu' presents an extraordinary conversation with Dr. Juneja, India's most successful homegrown founder and brand maker. Prepare for a remarkable revelation as we delve into the mind of this enigmatic entrepreneur, known for his rare interview appearances. Discover how Dr. Juneja's childhood knack for brands became the driving force behind his unparalleled success in building one successful brand after another. Join us for a rare glimpse into his philosophical side, as Dr. Juneja shares his secrets to success, his guiding mantras, and why he firmly believes profitability is the ultimate key. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to gain invaluable wisdom from a true visionary. Tune in and embark on an extraordinary journey within the mind of a brand maestro!" Introduction 00:00 - 4:40 The Early Days 4:40 - 14:20 Understanding & Selling Ayurveda & the consumer: 14:20 - 21:14 Marketing & Selling the Product: 21:14 - 27:07 Dealing with Mistakes: 27:15 - 29:22 The Company By 2008: 29:22 - 31:50 Dr. Juneja’s Marriage: 31:50 - 33:30 Journey post 2008 33:30 - 37:25 Building Kesh King 37:25 - 49:22 Pricing Kesh King: 49:22 - 52:28 The Wholesale Model & Building Trade Relationships: 52:48 - 59:15 Journey or Destination? : 59:15 - 1:03:05 Thoughts on Entrepreneurship Today 1:03:05 - 1:05:15 Making the Right Decisions When Exiting: 1:05:15 - 1:11:20 Talking About Entrepreneurial Outcomes & Dr. Juneja’s Relationship with Wealth: 1:11:20 - 1:20:55 Building Pet Saffa: 1:20:55 - 1:31:03 Building Dr. Ortho 1:31:03 - 1:39:01 Building Roop Mantra & Other Brands, Future Plans: 1:31:01 - 1:45:04 Discipline, Happiness Index, Time Management: 1:45:04 - 1:48:31 Thoughts on BSC & Bombae & Concluding Advice 1:48:31 - 1:58:08 #SanjeevJuneja #DivisaHerbals ABOUT OUR CHANNEL My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. I LOVE entrepreneurship. Personally, I would rate myself as an average (at best) entrepreneur, but I love great ones. The BarberShop with Shantanu S2: Raiser’s Edge goes beyond our conversations from S1 on our podcast to tangible help. With the help of our sponsors at BSC and Bombae we have put together a season which brings together a corpus of 50+ equity seekers looking to support 20+ start-ups in their growth and success. We will be releasing an episode every Friday at 9 pm. Tune in and hope you enjoy. :)

May 26, 2023 • 1h 33min
90s Bollywood & The Underworld, Being Shaped By His Parents' Struggle & Entrepreneurship | TBWS
Unveiling the Candid Side: Bollywood Icon Suniel Shetty Opens Up on 'The Barbershop with Shantanu'. In this week's episode, join us for an exclusive conversation with the legendary actor as he bares his soul, sharing heartfelt stories about his parents, kids, wife, businesses, acting, and his optimistic vision for India's future. Brace yourself for an incredibly candid and insightful episode, filled with personal revelations and inspiring anecdotes from the multifaceted star. Don't miss out on this unforgettable drop, where Suniel Shetty's words leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind. Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction To The Episode 00:01:35 Introducing Barbershop 00:2:35 Being From Maharashtra, Speaking Marathi & His Karma Bhoomi 00:03:30 Legacy Of His Father, Initial Years Of His Life & Being A Young Athlete 00:07:24 Move to Mumbai and The Operating Gangs In The Vicinity 00:08:30 Managing Time and Juggling Life As A Child 00:11:05 Sports and Mental Development 00:13:00 Digital Detox, Getting In Touch With Shantanu & Tabloid Culture 00:15:54 Second Generation Entrepreneurship, Experience At His Dad's Restaurant 00:22:27 Realising His Dad's Legacy & Retrospective Appreciation 00:25:30 Validation From His Parents and Life With His Mom 00:27:11 Long Term Love and Marrying Early in His Career 00:29:12 Needing A Guru 00:30:30 Star Kids and The Different Kinds 00:32:25 Risks in Entrepreneurship, Backup Plans and The Action Hero Safety Net 00:38:10 Suniel Shetty's Investment Ideology & His Dad's Influence 00:42:30 Taking Risks & Protecting His Family From His Decisions 00:43:25 The Underworld Push in Bollywood in the 90s 00:45:50 What He learns from his Investments: Fitness, Food Delivery Grooming & more. 00:54:00 Goodwill, Building Authentic Relationships & Helping Good People 01:01:04 Where Suniel Shetty Derives His Energy From 01:02:42 People Who Inspire Suniel Shetty 1:05:25 - The Downside Of Trusting Easy 01:04:14- Characteristics of a Successful Founders 01:08:35 - The Ins & Outs Of Real Estate 01:10:22 - The Damani Culture, Rahul Dravid, Amitabh Bachchan and Legacy 01:16:15 - Is India In Its Golden Period? 01:22:00 Hum Kiske Liye Pictures Bana Rahe The? 01:24:18: Is The Younger Generation More Honest? 01:30:00 What Makes Women More Trustable As Founders and Concluding Advice ABOUT OUR CHANNEL My name is Shantanu and I am the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae. I LOVE entrepreneurship. Personally, I would rate myself as an average (at best) entrepreneur, but I love great ones. The BarberShop with Shantanu S2: Raiser’s Edge goes beyond our conversations from S1 on our podcast to tangible help. With the help of our sponsors at BSC and Bombae we have put together a season which brings together a corpus of 50+ equity seekers looking to support 20+ start-ups in their growth and success. We will be releasing an episode every Friday at 9 pm. Tune in and hope you enjoy. :) _____________________________________________________