Aman Gupta: The Man Behind Success Story of boAt

Success Story of Aman Gupta

Aman Gupta is one of those Indian entrepreneurs who revolutionized the lifestyle electronic wearable industry through his company, boAt. The boAt is the world’s fifth largest and India’s number one audio and wearable brand, founded by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta in 2016. Before starting his successful entrepreneurial journey, Aman Gupta worked for different organizations and is currently seen as an investor in Shark Tank India.

This blog focuses on his journey to this point, the challenges, and the significant achievements of his life.

Early Life & Education

Aman Gupta, born in 1982 in Delhi, is a trailblazer in the Indian business world. He completed his early education at Delhi Public School, RK Puram, and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from Delhi University. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age, as he became one of India’s youngest Chartered Accountants, completing his CA from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India from 1999 to 2002.

His strategic approach to business was evident when he worked as an assistant manager at Citi Bank for two years. In 2005, he founded Advanced Telemedia Pvt Ltd, where he launched global brands in the Indian market, including Beats Audio, Sennheiser, and Telex. His ability to assess market opportunities and prepare a business plan for successful entry set him apart in the industry.

Later, in 2011, Aman joined KPMG as a senior management consultant (strategy services group). He earned his master’s in MBA—General Management from Northwestern University—Kellogg School of Management. For the first year of his M.B.A., Aman was in the Indian School of Business, and for the second year, he went to Kellogg School of Management as an exchange student.

Launching boAt

Aman wanted more from his work, so after having enough knowledge of lifestyle electronic gadgets, he decided to launch his own company, boAt. In 2016, he, along with Sameer Mehta, founded boAt. Initially, the company focused on selling earphones, headphones, smartphone chargers, speakers, high-quality phone cables, etc. The company marked a massive sale of Rs 100 crore in the first two years.

Apple chargers and cables were the very first products launched by boAt. On Amazon, Apple chargers became the highest-selling product because they were comparatively cheaper than the original ones and much higher quality. Unlike Apple’s original chargers and cables, which got damaged quickly in a brief span, boAt chargers and cables were super sturdy, long-lasting, and pocket-friendly.

Aman Gupta’s brilliant marketing strategies led Boat to new heights in a brief period, and it became one of the country’s most profitable lifestyle electronic wearable brands. The company has beaten all its domestic and international competitors regarding sales. Today, boAt products are best-selling products on all major eCommerce portals. boAt has also become India’s number one smartwatch brand, as its smartwatches perfectly serve the needs of Indian consumers at a budget price. boAt products are currently available in 5,000 retail stores in India. The company has sold its products to 20 million Indians and intends to sell over 10,000 gadgets daily and 4 million annually.

Shark Tank India

Aman Gupta’s influence extends beyond his business ventures. He was among the seven sharks who appeared in the 1st season of the top-rated startup reality show Shark Tank India. His popularity on the show, due to his humorous nature and investment decisions, inspired entrepreneurs of all ages. His witty nature made the entire show famous. The audience loved his personality, point of view, and reasons for investing or not investing in any business on the show. He has appeared in 3 seasons of Shark Tank India.

Personal Life

Aman Gupta married Priya Dagar in 2008, and the couple has two daughters. Beyond his entrepreneurial journey, Aman has made several notable television appearances. In 2022, he joined the other Shark Tank India judges as a contestant on the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. He also showcased his fun side on the popular comedy series The Kapil Sharma Show, appearing in 2022 and 2023, earning him even more fan admiration.

Awards & Achievements

Aman won the Businessworld Young Entrepreneur Award in 2019. In 2020, he was featured in BW Businessworld’s 40 under 40, and in the same year, Aman received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the category of Consumer Durables. In 2021, he won the Forbes Business Tycoon. Recently, he won the Pitch CMO of the Year award.

Lessons from Aman Gupta’s Life

Aman is a shining example of resilience and determination. His journey, from working in other companies to founding boAt, is a testament to the fact that hard work and persistence always pay off. His story inspires us to remain vigilant about the opportunities and make the most of them, no matter our challenges.

Aman’s journey also teaches us the value of learning from our mistakes and never losing hope. His ability to turn setbacks into opportunities is a powerful lesson for all entrepreneurs.

Read: Manu Bhaker: Story of an Olympic Bronze Medalist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Aman Gupta?

Aman Gupta, the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of boAt Lifestyle, is a visionary known for his innovative marketing strategies. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have made boAt one of India’s leading consumer electronics brands, specializing in audio devices, smartwatches, and accessories. His role as a judge on the Indian reality show Shark Tank India further showcases his leadership in the business world.

What inspired Aman Gupta to start boAt?

Aman Gupta identified a gap in the market for affordable yet premium-quality audio accessories. Before boAt, the market was dominated by foreign brands. Gupta aimed to create stylish, cheap, and durable products tailored for the Indian audience.

What was Aman Gupta’s career journey before boAt?

Aman Gupta worked at various prestigious firms, including Citibank and Harman International (JBL), where he served as India’s sales director. His experience in the audio industry and marketing strategies helped him establish boAt as a leading brand.

What challenges did Aman Gupta face while building boAt? 

Initial challenges included:

• Competing with established global brands.
• Creating a strong supply chain.
• Gaining consumer trust in a highly competitive market.

Despite these hurdles, boAt achieved profitability within just two years of operations.

What role does Aman Gupta play on Shark Tank India? 

On Shark Tank India, Aman Gupta is one of the judges (or “sharks”) who evaluates business pitches and invests in startups. He brings his entrepreneurial experience to mentor budding business owners.