Introduction
Peyush Bansal, the visionary founder and CEO of Lenskart, has revolutionized the eyewear industry in India. From humble beginnings to leading a billion-dollar company, his journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and strategic foresight.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 26, 1985, in New Delhi, India, Peyush Bansal grew up in a middle-class family. His academic prowess led him to McGill University in Canada, where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering. Post-graduation, he worked as a Program Manager at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, focusing on enhancing customer experience. However, his entrepreneurial spirit drew him back to India, where he enrolled in the Management Programme for Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) .(Clay)
The Genesis of Lenskart
In 2010, recognizing the fragmented nature of the Indian eyewear market, Bansal co-founded Lenskart alongside Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi. The company’s mission was clear: to make quality eyewear accessible and affordable to the masses. By integrating technology with retail, Lenskart introduced a unique omnichannel approach, allowing customers to purchase eyewear both online and through physical stores .(Clay)
Lenskart’s Meteoric Rise
Over the years, Lenskart has witnessed exponential growth:
- Valuation Milestones:
- 2019: Surpassed $1 billion valuation after a $275 million investment from SoftBank Vision Fund.
- 2023: Valued at $4.5 billion following a $500 million investment from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
- 2025: Eyeing a $10 billion valuation with plans for a billion-dollar IPO .(Wikipedia, Entrepreneur)
- Retail Expansion: From a single online platform, Lenskart now boasts over 2,000 retail stores across India and has expanded its footprint to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the United States .(Wikipedia)
- Product Innovation: Introduced brands like John Jacobs and acquired Japanese eyewear brand Owndays to diversify offerings .(Wikipedia)
Peyush Bansal’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Peyush Bansal’s net worth is estimated between $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion. This wealth primarily stems from his significant stake in Lenskart and strategic investments in other startups .(Tumblr)
Detailed Tables
Table 1: Peyush Bansal’s Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peyush Bansal |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | New Delhi, India |
| Education | McGill University; IIM Bangalore |
| Previous Employer | Microsoft, Redmond, Washington |
| Current Role | Founder & CEO, Lenskart |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.2 – $1.5 billion |
| Notable Ventures | Lenskart, John Jacobs, Owndays |
Table 2: Lenskart’s Growth Trajectory
| Year | Valuation (USD) | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $1 billion | SoftBank Vision Fund investment |
| 2023 | $4.5 billion | ADIA’s $500 million investment |
| 2025 | $10 billion | Planned IPO filing with SEBI |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What inspired Peyush Bansal to start Lenskart?
After observing the challenges in accessing quality eyewear in India, Bansal aimed to bridge this gap by leveraging technology and retail, leading to the inception of Lenskart in 2010.
2. How has Lenskart disrupted the eyewear industry?
By introducing an omnichannel model, offering home eye check-ups, and integrating AI for virtual try-ons, Lenskart has transformed the traditional eyewear shopping experience.(The Economic Times)
3. What are some of Lenskart’s notable acquisitions?
In 2022, Lenskart acquired a majority stake in Japanese eyewear brand Owndays, expanding its global footprint .(Wikipedia)
4. Is Lenskart planning to go public?
Yes, Lenskart is preparing for a billion-dollar IPO, targeting a $10 billion valuation, with plans to file draft papers with SEBI in 2025 .(Entrepreneur)
5. What is Peyush Bansal’s role in Shark Tank India?
Bansal serves as one of the “sharks” on Shark Tank India, investing in budding startups and mentoring entrepreneurs.(StartupTalky)