Rajshree Upadhyaya | Jaipur | Business Remedies | By launching the Indian adventure lifestyle travel apparel brand Wanderlooms, Prateek Vats and Deepesh Shrivastava carved out their own space. When they started Wanderlooms in 2019, they weren’t just launching a clothing label-they were expressing a life shaped by highways, mountain passes, and long motorcycle journeys. Born from their love for riding and exploration, the brand began with a simple yet powerful idea: India’s growing community of riders and travelers deserved apparel that reflected their identity while meeting real, on-the-road needs.
What started as a passion project soon became Wanderlooms-a brand that blends storytelling with performance-driven design. In the early days, the company operated lean and focused on building a direct connection with its core audience. Prateek’s background as an avid rider and tour captain gave the brand authentic credibility within biking circles, while Deepesh brought creative direction and strong product sensibility. Together, they developed a range of travel-inspired apparel and accessories that resonated deeply with the spirit of explorers.
Gradually, their lineup expanded to include riding jerseys, oversized T-shirts, hoodies, bandanas, and practical travel essentials such as enamel mugs and utility-based riding gear-designed for long journeys and challenging terrains. Every product carried a sense of rugged minimalism, striking a balance between comfort and durability.
Facing Challenges in Capital, Inventory Management and Operations
Like many early-stage startups, Wanderlooms faced challenges related to capital, inventory management, and scaling operations. India’s apparel market is highly competitive, and standing out required much more than just good-looking products. The founders placed strong emphasis on community engagement-participating in riding events, building an online group, and continuously refining products based on real-world feedback.
This grassroots approach gradually built credibility and repeat customers, helping Wanderlooms grow from a small digital-first brand into a recognized name within India’s adventure community. A major turning point came when Wanderlooms appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4. On the show, the founders presented their vision for an Indian adventure apparel brand rooted in authenticity and community. They sought Rs. 50 lakh in exchange for equity and shared their growth numbers and long-term expansion plans. After discussions, they closed a deal with Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal for Rs. 50 lakh in exchange for 4% equity-a moment that significantly boosted their national visibility and brand credibility.
A Brand That Connects with India’s New Generation of Explorers
With national recognition, Wanderlooms’ reach extended beyond rider groups to a wider audience of travel and outdoor enthusiasts. After the show, the company continued to expand its product portfolio while staying true to its adventure-first identity. Its collections began to blend performance with lifestyle appeal, ensuring that the apparel and travel gear could seamlessly transition from road trips to everyday wear.
Strategic mentorship and growing brand awareness helped strengthen operations and deepen the brand’s digital footprint. Wanderlooms continues to operate actively through its official online platform, regularly launching new collections and engaging with its audience on social media. It positions itself as a homegrown Indian adventure label-designed by travelers, for travelers.
From its beginnings in 2019 to achieving television exposure and national recognition, Wanderlooms’ journey reflects resilience, community trust, and a clear understanding of its niche. What began as the shared passion of two founders has evolved into a lifestyle brand that resonates with India’s new generation of explorers-proving that when passion and perseverance come together, the road ahead often leads to remarkable destinations.
