Shantanu Deshpande

Shantanu Deshpande is one of India’s most prominent new-age entrepreneurs, best known as the Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, a category-defining consumer brand that has transformed the grooming and personal care market through innovation, design, and direct-to-consumer engagement. An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Lucknow and a former consultant at McKinsey & Company, Shantanu combined strategic thinking with entrepreneurial ambition to build Bombay Shaving Company into one of India’s leading D2C brands, serving millions of consumers across the country.

Beyond building a successful business, Shantanu has emerged as a leading voice in India’s startup ecosystem, frequently sharing insights on entrepreneurship, brand building, consumer behaviour, leadership, and scaling modern businesses in the digital age. As an active investor, podcast host, and mentor to emerging founders, he is deeply engaged with the evolving startup landscape and has backed numerous young ventures across sectors.

Known for his candid perspectives and engaging storytelling, Shantanu speaks passionately about innovation, resilience, customer obsession, and the realities of building businesses from the ground up. His journey—from consulting to creating one of India’s most recognized consumer brands—offers valuable lessons on leadership, growth, disruption, and navigating uncertainty in a fast-changing business environment. His sessions are particularly relevant for audiences interested in entrepreneurship, D2C businesses, marketing, digital transformation, and the future of consumer brands in India.