Shantanu Deshpande, the founder of Bombay Shaving Company, has made waves in the world of men’s grooming. His journey from the corporate world to starting a revolution in the grooming industry is proof of his vision, determination, and unique approach to business.
A Different Approach to Real Estate
Recently, Shantanu Deshpande grabbed headlines for his unconventional take on homeownership. In a podcast conversation with Hyderabad-based real estate entrepreneur Ajitesh Korupulu, Deshpande revealed that he doesn’t own a house. He lives in Gurugram and pays a monthly rent of over ₹1.5 lakh. When asked why he prefers renting over buying, Deshpande’s explanation was both pragmatic and financially astute.
Deshpande broke down the math: the apartment he lives in, located in a premium area, is worth around ₹7.5-8 crore. To purchase it, he would need to take a loan covering 70% of the property value, resulting in an EMI of ₹6-7 lakh per month—four times what he currently pays in rent. For him, the math didn’t add up. Instead, he prefers to invest his money in public markets, where liquidity is easier, and the potential for asset growth is higher.
Deshpande’s perspective offers a refreshing take on India’s often rigid mindset around property ownership. It also highlights his broader business philosophy: making decisions based on what maximizes value rather than following conventional wisdom.
The Birth of Bombay Shaving Company
Founded in 2016, Bombay Shaving Company is a premium men’s grooming brand that has quickly become a household name in India. The brand was born out of Deshpande’s desire to fill a gap in the market for high-quality grooming products tailored specifically for men. He noticed that while women’s grooming products were abundant, there was a lack of premium options for men.
Deshpande’s vision for Bombay Shaving Company was not just to provide grooming products but to transform the entire grooming experience for men. He wanted men to feel confident, to enjoy the process of grooming, and to have access to products that were both effective and enjoyable to use.
A Multifaceted Leader
Beyond his role at Bombay Shaving Company, Shantanu Deshpande wears many hats. He is also the founder of Bombae, 100Days, and The BarberShop, further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation. Additionally, he serves as an Ambassador for Olympic Gold Quest and an External Advisor at McKinsey & Company and Advent International.
Deshpande’s LinkedIn profile describes him as someone who loves music and sports and enjoys meeting other founders to discuss ideas and brainstorm business strategies. He is, as he puts it, just a “regular guy” with a passion for building networks that maximize success.
Shantanu Deshpande Education
He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategy from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, between 2009 and 2011. Before that, he completed his Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) from June 2005 to April 2009.
A Unique Perspective
Deshpande’s decision not to own a house is just one example of his unique approach to life and business. He challenges the status quo, whether in his personal financial decisions or in the way he runs his company. This mindset has undoubtedly played a significant role in the success of Bombay Shaving Company and the other ventures he has founded.
In an industry where trends come and go, Shantanu Deshpande has managed to build a brand that is not only successful but also meaningful. His story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that success comes from following the rules, questioning them, and finding your own path.
As Bombay Shaving Company continues to grow and expand, Shantanu Deshpande’s innovative thinking and bold decisions will continue to drive the brand forward, setting new standards in the men’s grooming industry and beyond.
