Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | With the aim of promoting cognitive and motor development, two young entrepreneurs from Pune-Yash Thombare and Vedang Nalawade-launched the screen-free learning brand Clapstore Toys in 2021 and carved out a distinct identity. They observed that children around them were becoming increasingly dependent on mobile phones and tablets for entertainment and were often missing out on tactile, hands-on learning experiences that are crucial in early childhood. Determined to create an engaging alternative, they started Clapstore Toys with a clear objective: to design interactive play solutions that reduce screen time while enhancing cognitive and motor development.
From the outset, Clapstore Toys focused on Montessori-inspired developmental toys that blend play with learning. Their signature products became portable busy boards, thoughtfully designed with switches, buttons, latches, lights, and sensory elements that encourage children to explore through touch and movement. These products are primarily aimed at children aged 0 to 6 years-a critical stage for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and sensory awareness.
By combining education with engagement, the founders positioned their brand as a solution for parents seeking structured yet fun alternatives to digital distractions. As the brand grew, Clapstore Toys established a strong presence on e-commerce platforms as well as its direct-to-consumer website. Parents appreciated the toys’ durable design and developmental focus, leading to steady growth through word-of-mouth demand. Within a few years, the company reportedly served thousands of families across India and built a solid reputation in the educational toys segment. The founders also emphasized affordability and in-house assembly processes to maintain quality control while keeping prices accessible for middle-class families.
Expanded Presence on Major Online Marketplaces
A major turning point came when Yash and Vedang appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4. They sought Rs. 80 lakh for 4 percent equity, valuing the company at Rs. 20 crore. During their pitch, they demonstrated how their interactive busy boards work and highlighted growing concerns around excessive screen exposure for children. The sharks showed keen interest, impressed by both the clarity of vision and early revenue traction. After competitive discussions, all five sharks-Piyush Bansal, Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Kunal Bahl, and Aman Gupta-came together to offer Rs. 1 crore for 10 percent equity, resulting in a rare all-shark deal. This not only provided capital but also strategic mentorship and significant brand visibility.
Post the show, Clapstore Toys gained widespread awareness and expanded its presence on major online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart, and FirstCry. The company continued to strengthen its portfolio of educational toys and busy boards while staying committed to screen-free developmental play. Following the television appearance, revenue reports indicated annual sales running into several crores, reinforcing that demand for thoughtfully designed learning toys in India is both real and growing.
Transforming a Small Idea into a Rapidly Growing Business
As per the latest updates, Clapstore Toys remains operational and actively sells its Montessori-style developmental products through its website and e-commerce channels. What began as a response to concerns about excessive screen time for children has now evolved into a nationally recognized brand that blends functional design with practical parenting needs. The journey of Yash Thombare and Vedang Nalawade demonstrates how identifying a modern problem and solving it with a simple yet effective product can transform a small idea into a fast-growing business within India’s competitive startup ecosystem.
