The Inspiring Journey of Peeyush Bansal and Lenskart in Transforming Vision Care

Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | April 02,2025 |  Peeyush Bansal’s journey from a middle-class upbringing in New Delhi to becoming a visionary entrepreneur reshaping India’s eyewear industry is a story of resilience, innovation, and identifying real-world problems. Born on April 26, 1985, into a family that valued education, he was raised in an environment that nurtured curiosity and ambition. His early years at Don Bosco School in Greater Kailash-II sparked his deep interest in science and technology. Though he aspired to join the Indian Institutes of Technology, fate had other plans. When he couldn’t clear the entrance exams, he pursued higher education at McGill University in Canada, specializing in Electrical Engineering with a focus on IT, Control, and Automation.

During his time at McGill, a part-time job as a receptionist introduced him to computers and coding, which soon became his passion. His admiration for Bill Gates grew stronger, fueling his dream of working at Microsoft. That dream came true in 2007 when he secured a job as a Program Manager at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters, working on MS Office products. While the role offered stability and a promising career, something within him longed for more. He felt the urge to build something meaningful back home in India, where he could create real impact.

In 2008, he made a bold decision to leave his high-paying job and return to India to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. His initial venture, SearchMyCampus, aimed to help students find housing, internships, and other essential services. While it gained traction, it wasn’t the breakthrough he had hoped for. Determined to refine his business acumen, he enrolled in the Management Programme for Entrepreneurship at IIM Bangalore. This experience sharpened his strategic thinking and prepared him for the challenges ahead.

Between 2009 and 2010, he experimented with multiple e-commerce ventures under Valyoo Technologies, including WatchKart, BagsKart, and JewelsKart. Among these, Flyrr.com, an eyewear platform targeting the U.S. market, showed promise but eventually shut down. However, this failure became a turning point, offering him deep insights into the eyewear industry and consumer behavior. It was then that he realized a massive gap in India’s vision care sector—millions needed eyewear but had limited access to affordable, high-quality options.

Recognizing the opportunity, he co-founded Lenskart in 2010 with Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi, initially focusing on contact lenses before expanding to eyeglasses and sunglasses. The Indian market was not accustomed to buying eyewear online, and trust was a major challenge. To overcome this, Lenskart introduced innovative solutions like a 3D virtual try-on feature and home eye check-up services, making eyewear shopping more accessible and personalized. Understanding the need for a physical presence, Lenskart transitioned into an omnichannel model, combining online convenience with offline trust through retail stores across India.

By 2019, Lenskart had become a unicorn, valued at over $1 billion, processing hundreds of thousands of orders each month. Expanding its global footprint, the company acquired a majority stake in the Japanese eyewear brand Owndays in 2022, strengthening its presence in Asia. Beyond business, Peeyush’s influence grew as he became a judge on Shark Tank India in 2021, mentoring and investing in aspiring entrepreneurs. His grounded approach and business acumen made him a respected figure in the startup ecosystem. His journey also brought him to national platforms like Kaun Banega Crorepati and The Kapil Sharma Show, where he shared his inspiring story.

Despite his intense entrepreneurial journey, he maintains a balanced personal life. Married to Nidhi Mittal and a father to a son, he prefers to keep his family life private but acknowledges their support as a key pillar of his success. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, exploring cultures, and indulging in thriller shows.

Peeyush Bansal’s story is a testament to perseverance and vision. From a young boy with big dreams to a business leader revolutionizing an industry, he has proved that challenges are just stepping stones to success. By making eyewear affordable and accessible, he has impacted millions of lives. As Lenskart continues to expand globally, his mission remains clear—to ensure that no one is deprived of clear vision due to cost or accessibility barriers.