In the vibrant world of Indian startups, Shantanu Deshpande has carved a niche as a trailblazer. At just 37 years old, he is the Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, a brand that has redefined men’s grooming in India. But Deshpande is more than just an entrepreneur. He is a thought leader unafraid to voice strong opinions on pressing societal trends.
Recently, Shantanu Deshpande made headlines with his outspoken critique of India’s quick commerce (q-commerce) food delivery industry. In a LinkedIn post, he questioned the sustainability and health implications of the burgeoning 10-minute delivery culture, sparking widespread discussions.
Shantanu Deshpande’s Journey: From Vision to Reality
The story of Bombay Shaving Company began with a vision to revolutionize men’s grooming in India. Established under the umbrella of Visage Lines Personal Care Pvt. Ltd., the brand set out to offer high-quality grooming products tailored to Indian men. From shaving foams and aftershave lotions to razors, skincare, and haircare products, Bombay Shaving Company quickly became synonymous with premium grooming.
Shantanu Deshpande’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. As of the last funding round in June 2023, the company held a post-money valuation of ₹792 crore, compared to ₹750 crore pre-money. Deshpande himself owns a 21.1% stake in the company, valued at ₹167.4 crore (unrealized), according to Tracxn data.
However, success hasn’t come without challenges. For the financial year 2022-23, the company’s losses widened to ₹80.3 crore, an 85% increase compared to the previous year’s loss of ₹43.4 crore. Despite this, operational revenue rose significantly, growing by 71.5% to ₹182.4 crore from ₹106.3 crore the year before.
With strategic investors like Colgate Palmolive holding a 12.3% stake and angel investors owning 17.7%, Bombay Shaving Company continues to attract attention for its growth trajectory and market potential.
Shantanu Deshpande’s Bold Critique of Q-Commerce
While Bombay Shaving Company continues to make waves in the grooming industry, Shantnu Deshpande has also emerged as a vocal critic of certain societal trends. His recent LinkedIn post took aim at India’s quick commerce food delivery model, highlighting the pitfalls of prioritizing speed over quality.
“Cook time 2 min, delivery time 8 min. A ‘qcom for food’ founder told me this and I lost my mind,” Deshpande began. His frustration stemmed from the realization that the 10-minute delivery promise often sacrifices nutritional quality.
“Frozen purees and curries and old vegetables heated and garnished with dhaniya to look fresh and slammed in some 2-wheeler who rides like Mad Max to your door in 10 min cos you couldn’t wait another 15 min or you were too lazy to chadhao a cooker of daal chawal,” he elaborated, painting a vivid and critical picture of the industry’s current state.
The Growing Dependence on Ultra-Processed Foods
Shantnu Deshpande’s critique extended beyond logistics to address a deeper issue: the rise of ultra-processed foods in India. He expressed concern over the growing popularity of cheap, unhealthy options like ₹49 pizzas, ₹20 energy drinks, and ₹30 burgers.
“We are suffering from the biggest epidemic of poor nutrition and unhealthy processed and ultra-processed food which is high on palm oil and sugar,” Deshpande wrote.
According to him, this trend mirrors the path taken by countries like the United States and China. However, he warned that India lacks the economic infrastructure to cope with the long-term health consequences of such dietary habits.
The Degradation of India’s Grains
Another alarming issue Shantanu Deshpande highlighted was the decline in the nutritional quality of India’s grains over the past 50 years. He attributed this to agricultural practices that prioritize yield over quality, resulting in staple foods that no longer provide the same level of nutrition.
In his post, Deshpande urged foodtech giants like Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto to rethink their strategies. “Zomato and Swiggy and Zepto—please, don’t. And if you are so keen, please make the product palatable,” he wrote, calling for innovation that prioritizes health and quality over speed and convenience.
Bombay Shaving Company: A Market Leader in Men’s Grooming
Amidst this bold critique, Bombay Shaving Company continues to thrive as a leader in the men’s grooming market. According to data from 2023, the company holds a 21% market share, second only to Man Matters at 26%. Other competitors include Battle Cry (17%), Mars by GHC (13%), Ustraa (13%), and Khadi Men (8%).
The company’s success is a testament to Shantanu Deshpande’s vision and perseverance. Despite financial challenges, the brand’s operational growth and market share reflect its potential to dominate the industry.
A Visionary with a Cause
Shantanu Deshpande’s journey is a compelling blend of entrepreneurial success and social responsibility. While he has built a thriving business in Bombay Shaving Company, he hasn’t shied away from addressing broader systemic issues.
His critique of the Q-commerce food delivery industry is a wake-up call for consumers and businesses alike. Deshpande reminds us of the importance of making conscious choices—not just in the products we use, but also in the food we consume.
Conclusion: Beyond Business
In an age where convenience often trumps quality, Shantanu Deshpande stands out as a leader who values integrity over expedience. His journey with Bombay Shaving Company is a story of resilience, innovation, and vision. But beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Deshpande’s willingness to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations is what truly sets him apart.
As India continues to evolve as a hub for startups and innovation, leaders like Shantanu Deshpande will play a crucial role in shaping not just industries, but also the culture and values of a nation. Whether it’s redefining grooming for Indian men or advocating for better food choices, Deshpande’s influence is both impactful and inspiring.
