Rajshree Upadhyaya | Jaipur | Business Remedies | April 11,2025 | At just 22, Krishnav Dhingra is making waves in India’s startup space with his niche yet impactful venture, Sneakare, a brand dedicated to sneaker care. What began as a lockdown idea has now evolved into one of India’s most talked-about lifestyle startups, catering to a fast-growing community of sneaker lovers.
Krishnav’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At 17, while still in school, he launched a clothing venture that supplied customized apparel to college societies and sporting events. Though the business was profitable and taught him key lessons in customer management, marketing, and operations, it eventually shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the setback became a turning point rather than a roadblock.
During the first lockdown, a casual chat about sneaker reselling led Krishnav to identify a gaping hole in the Indian market, there were plenty of sneaker buyers but barely any reliable products for sneaker maintenance. While international options existed, there was no homegrown brand tailored for Indian consumers. That gap gave birth to Sneakare in 2021 under Buildout Retail Private Limited.
Starting with just 250 sneaker crates, Sneakare saw its first order within 15 days. Buoyed by word-of-mouth buzz and early customer interest, Krishnav quickly expanded the product range to include over 22 items, from sneaker wipes, cleaning sprays, and deodorizer pills to premium storage crates. The brand caters to a wide age group, from casual wearers to serious collectors aged 15 to 40.
The real breakthrough came when Krishnav appeared on Shark Tank India Season 1. Out of more than 23,000 applicants, he stood out for his unique idea and confident pitch. He opened with a simple yet powerful line, “Mujhe kaam karna bahut accha lagta hai” (I really enjoy working), which immediately struck a chord with the sharks. His clarity, passion, and market insight earned him a standing ovation from Anupam Mittal and investment offers from Aman Gupta (boAt), Vineeta Singh (Sugar Cosmetics), and Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals). He secured a deal of Rs. 21 lakh for 12% equity.
Beyond the funding, the Shark Tank platform gave Sneakare immense visibility and access to seasoned mentors. One of Krishnav’s first strategic moves post-show was partnering with e-commerce logistics leader Shiprocket, which helped streamline delivery processes, reduce Return-to-Origin (RTO) losses, and enhance customer satisfaction.
As the brand scaled, Krishnav focused on strengthening the internal team. From logistics and marketing to product development and customer service, he ensured each function was led by professionals who resonated with Sneakare’s values: innovation, accountability, and quality. His leadership is collaborative and rooted in long-term growth, with customer satisfaction at its core.
But Sneakare isn’t just a line of products, it’s a lifestyle movement. Krishnav’s vision is to make sneaker care as routine as personal grooming in Indian households. To drive this shift, Sneakare invests heavily in customer education and community building through Instagram tutorials, influencer collaborations, and engaging content that promotes sneaker hygiene and longevity.
A firm believer in the power of digital, Krishnav has adopted a digital-first strategy. With a strong e-commerce presence and active social media engagement, Sneakare remains accessible across India’s urban and semi-urban markets. From launching new products online to sharing behind-the-scenes moments, the brand has cultivated a loyal and growing community.
Looking ahead, Krishnav plans to expand the product portfolio further and explore in-house manufacturing, ensuring tighter quality control and supporting local production. But more than expansion, his goal is to nurture a thriving sneaker care ecosystem, one that offers not just products but also knowledge, stories, and a shared passion.
From a school student selling custom t-shirts to a Shark Tank-backed entrepreneur revolutionizing how India cares for its sneakers, Krishnav Dhingra’s story is one of vision, resilience, and razor-sharp execution. He’s not just building a brand, he’s shaping a culture.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
