Peyush Bansal Biography: Building a Billion-Dollar Vision
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- July 7, 2025
Peyush Bansal, born April 26, 1985, in New Delhi, India, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and co-founder of Lenskart, a leading eyewear retailer valued at $7 billion in 2025. Known for his role on Shark Tank India, he inspires millions. This Peyush Bansal biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his transformative journey.
Peyush Bansal’s Early Life
Growing Up in Delhi
Born to Bal Kishan, a chartered accountant, and Kiran Bansal, a homemaker, Peyush Bansal grew up in a middle-class family with an elder brother and sister, Neha. Raised in New Delhi, he attended Don Bosco School, excelling academically. His curiosity and admiration for Bill Gates sparked dreams of becoming a businessman.
Education Abroad and Back
After failing IIT entrance exams, Peyush pursued a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at McGill University, Canada, graduating in 2006 with a British Association Medal. He later earned a postgraduate diploma in entrepreneurship from IIM Bangalore in 2009. These experiences shaped his innovative mindset.
Peyush Bansal’s Career Growth
Early Career at Microsoft
In 2007, Peyush Bansal joined Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, as a program manager, focusing on MS Office user experience. Inspired by Bill Gates, he learned customer-centric problem-solving. However, after a year, he quit to chase entrepreneurial dreams in India, seeking bigger challenges.
Founding Lenskart
In 2008, Peyush launched SearchMyCampus, a platform for college students’ needs like housing and jobs, with ₹25 lakh. Though moderately successful, he pivoted to eyewear after noticing India’s vision care gap. In 2010, with Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi, he founded Lenskart, starting with contact lenses and expanding to eyeglasses by 2011.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Failures
Peyush faced setbacks with SearchMyCampus, which didn’t scale as hoped. In 2009, his US-based eyewear venture Flyrr failed due to operational challenges, teaching him the importance of control over delivery. Additionally, convincing investors to back online eyewear sales in India’s offline market was tough.
Controversy and Criticism
In 2022, Peyush sparked controversy on Shark Tank India with a remark, “Stay away from CAs,” offending chartered accountants. The backlash led to a “Boycott Lenskart” trend on X. He apologized, clarifying it was a lighthearted comment taken out of context, but it temporarily dented his reputation.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Despite challenges, Peyush turned Lenskart into a unicorn by 2019, valued at $1.5 billion. Strategic partnerships with Ray-Ban and SoftBank’s $275 million investment fueled growth. His Shark Tank India appearance, investing ₹25.3 crore across seasons, made him a household name. By 2025, Lenskart’s 2,000+ stores and $7 billion valuation cemented his success.
Current Status and Influence
Leading Lenskart’s Global Reach
As of June 2025, Peyush Bansal leads Lenskart, generating ₹5,427 crore in FY24 revenue, with 2,500 Indian stores and 500 global ones in Japan, Singapore, and the Middle East. His net worth is ₹600 crore, with an 8.21% stake in Lenskart. He plans a 2026 IPO, buying back 2% stake for $150 million.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Married to Nimisha Bansal since 2011, Peyush has a son, Ivaan. He enjoys travel, movies, and basketball, keeping his family life private. As a Shark Tank India judge, he mentors startups, investing in ventures like Feedo and Isak Fragrances. His vision care initiatives, offering 15,000 daily eye exams, impact millions.
Lesser-Known Facts
- IIT Failure: Missed IIT but excelled at McGill University.
- Microsoft Stint: Worked under Bill Gates for a year.
- Early Venture: Launched SearchMyCampus from his parents’ basement.
- Awards: Won Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award (2013) and Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 (2019).
- Social Impact: Lenskart’s eye checkups reach underserved communities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peyush Bansal |
| Born | April 26, 1985, New Delhi, India |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, CEO of Lenskart, Angel Investor |
| Notable Work | Lenskart, Shark Tank India, John Jacobs, Aqualens |
| Spouse | Nimisha Bansal (married 2011) |
| Net Worth | ~₹600 crore ($75 million, 2025) |
| Awards | Red Herring Top 100 Asia (2013), Fortune India 40 Under 40 (2019) |
Conclusion
This Peyush Bansal biography showcases a journey of resilience and vision. From early failures with SearchMyCampus and Flyrr to building Lenskart’s $7 billion empire, Peyush Bansal overcame setbacks to revolutionize eyewear in India. His Shark Tank India fame and mentorship inspire young entrepreneurs, proving innovation and persistence create lasting impact.
