When you think of fashion, eyeglasses might not be the first item that comes to mind. But for Peyush Bansal, spectacles are more than a vision tool—they’re a fashion statement and a symbol of change. As the Founder and CEO of Lenskart, Bansal has redefined the eyewear industry, turning a simple necessity into a lifestyle brand embraced by millions across India and beyond.
At LeaderOnTop, we spotlight entrepreneurs who reshape industries and challenge norms—and Peyush Bansal stands as a powerful example of innovation, grit, and leadership.
A Mission Fueled by Purpose
India has more than 550 million people who need vision correction, yet fewer than 170 million have access to affordable, quality eyewear. Recognizing this massive gap, Peyush Bansal launched Lenskart in 2010, aiming to democratize vision care for all, while introducing world-class design, technology, and customer service to the Indian market.
What began as an online platform for contact lenses has evolved into a full-fledged omnichannel eyewear giant with over 1,100 stores, offering 5,000+ styles, and serving millions. Under Bansal’s leadership, Lenskart entered the unicorn club in 2019 and today commands a valuation of $5.6 billion.
The Man Behind the Brand
Peyush Bansal isn’t just a business builder; he’s a people-focused leader. Currently holding the position of Chief Executive & People Officer at Lenskart, he’s known for cultivating a work culture driven by empathy, purpose, and innovation. A graduate of McGill University and an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, Bansal combines international exposure with deep insight into Indian consumer behavior.
He rose to household fame after appearing as a Shark on Shark Tank India, where he’s admired for his calm demeanor, sharp insights, and human-first approach to entrepreneurship.
Shark Tank India: The Investor with a Heart
Though initially hesitant to join Shark Tank India, it was his wife Nidhi who encouraged him to take the plunge. From Season 1 to Season 3, Bansal has invested over ₹44 crore in startups, backing ideas with social impact and long-term vision. He’s particularly known for supporting food & D2C brands, and founders with a mission-driven approach.
In a recent Shark Tank India Season 4 episode (Feb 2025), Bansal publicly defended a founder against harsh judgment, once again showing his compassionate leadership style—even when emotions run high.
His Portfolio: Betting Big on India’s Future
Beyond Lenskart, Peyush Bansal has invested in over 15+ Indian startups, ranging from tech to sustainability and education. Some notable investments include:
| Date | Startup Name | Round | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2024 | Lenskart | Funding Round | ₹70.7 crore |
| June 20, 2024 | Unknown Innovations | Seed Round | $2 million |
| March 23, 2024 | Farm Didi | Angel Round | $12k |
| Jan 31, 2022 | Humpy Farms | Angel Round | ₹10 million |
| Aug 4, 2020 | inFeedo | Seed Round | $700k |
Awards & Accolades
Peyush Bansal has earned wide recognition, including:
- Innovator of the Year – NDTV Indian of The Year Awards 2023–24
- India TV Yuva Awards – 2015
- Fortune India 40 Under 40 – 2019
- Red Herring Asia Top 100 – 2013
- Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – 2012
Controversies and Comebacks
Bansal has faced his share of public scrutiny. A lighthearted remark about chartered accountants during Shark Tank India went viral, drawing criticism and trending hashtags like #SayNoToLenskart. He was quick to apologize publicly, reaffirming his humility and accountability—traits rarely seen at such levels of success.
A Leader for the People
As a visionary entrepreneur, Peyush Bansal is more than just the founder of Lenskart—he’s a symbol of how purpose-driven innovation can lead to global success. From building a unicorn to empowering startups across India, his journey is a reminder that real leadership lies in lifting others while solving real-world problems.
At LeaderOnTop, we celebrate stories like his—not just for what they’ve built, but for the impact they create.
For more stories of visionary entrepreneurs and rising leaders, stay tuned to www.leaderontop.com.
