When we think of startups and innovation, it’s about doing something different—solving a problem in a way no one has before. But when that innovation serves a larger cause, it becomes something truly special. And even more remarkable when passion overpowers comfort – so much so that a house garage becomes an office. This makes it so much more than just a startup.
Back in 2010, a staggering issue plagued India—while nearly 50% of the population needed eyewear, only a quarter had access to it. That meant over 40 crore Indians were struggling with poor vision, affecting their education, work, and overall quality of life.
For one man, this wasn’t just a statistic—it was a mission. Inspired by changemakers like Bill Gates and companies that dared to solve ‘THE’ problem, this visionary set out to fix India’s vision crisis.
That man was Peyush Bansal, and his solution? Lenskart.
The Lenskart Founder managed to revolutionize how Indians buy eyewear. But his journey wasn’t a straight road to success. He had his own set of highs and lows, highly flexible to changes and totally changed the way Indians see.
Startup Shiksha will take you through the inspiring journey of Lenskart, which continues to aim at creating a world where eyewear helps you Do More, Be More.
The Making Of An Entrepreneur
Peyush Bansal always wanted to be an IITian. He couldn’t clear the exam, but that never deterred his passion for engineering. Despite rigorous preparation, he couldn’t make it to IIT, but instead of giving up, he took a different path—one that would eventually shape his entrepreneurial mindset.
He pursued his studies at McGill University, Canada, but quickly realized that surviving abroad meant more than just excelling in academics. To support himself, he took up a part-time job as a receptionist, juggling long hours between work and studies. This phase of his life wasn’t just about making ends meet—it taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and adaptability.
It was during this time that his friend introduced him to the world of programming, and soon, Peyush found himself diving into it whenever he could. His growing interest soon led him to collaborate on projects, impressing his friend, who invited him to code alongside him.
But Peyush had bigger dreams. He was deeply inspired by Microsoft, a company that changed his perspective on technology and innovation. When he learned about its internship program, he applied with high hopes. He cleared the first screening round—but wasn’t selected for the interview.
Instead of feeling defeated, he doubled down. He spent the next year refining his skills and working even harder.
The second time, he made it. Peyush Bansal was in.
But his story didn’t stop at Microsoft—it was just getting started.
The Microsoft Effect
For Peyush Bansal, working at Microsoft wasn’t just another job—it was a crash course in how great companies operate. During his time there, he had the chance to observe the company’s approach closely, and one thing stood out:
Microsoft wasn’t just selling products; it was solving problems.
A brief encounter with Bill Gates further reinforced this idea. The company’s customer-first approach, strong culture, and systematic way of operating fascinated Peyush. It wasn’t just about building software—it was about creating solutions that made life easier for people.
Impressed by this mindset, he wanted to continue at Microsoft after his internship. He worked there for a year, gaining hands-on experience in how a global tech giant operates, scales, and innovates. But despite the comfort of a secure job, something kept nudging him—a desire to build something of his own.
At Microsoft, Peyush Bansal wasn’t just an employee—he was part of a system that was already solving big problems. But something didn’t sit right. He realized he was contributing to someone else’s vision, not leading his own. He wanted to solve a bigger problem—one that truly mattered to him.
The Homecoming
So, in 2007, he packed his bags and returned to India, ready to start his entrepreneurial journey. His first venture? SearchMyCampus.com—a classifieds platform for college students. The startup operated out of a garage, with a small but passionate team of 20-25 people. Though it wasn’t a massive success, it gave Peyush a crucial understanding of India’s consumer market and the challenges of building a business.
The origin of Lenskart
Then, one day, a staggering reality changed everything for him—millions of Indians were struggling with poor vision simply because they lacked access to affordable eyewear. That was the moment he decided: this was the problem he was going to solve.
In 2010, Peyush Bansal, along with Sumeet Kapahi and Amit Chaudhary, launched Lenskart under the parent company Valyoo Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The business started by selling contact lenses online but soon expanded into sunglasses and eyeglasses, making quality eyewear more accessible to Indians.
Fast forward to today, Lenskart eyeglasses have over 5,000 frame designs and 46 types of high-quality lenses, standing tall as India’s top eyewear brand. It was the founders resolute hardwork that made it what it is today. The picture below serves as the testament to the utter dedication of Peyush Bansal for building a brand from scratch.
But what really set Lenskart apart?
1. Customer-First Approach
Peyush Bansal lives by the age-old saying that “The customer is king.” Every innovation at Lenskart, Peyush says, stemmed from customer feedback. They believe in the principle of by the people, for the people.
2. Omni-Channel Presence
Initially an online-only brand, Lenskart realized Indian consumers would still prefer Lenskart store for purchasing eyewear. Their solution? A hybrid model—a strong online presence coupled with offline stores, ensuring customers got the best of both worlds.
3. Servicizing the product
One of Lenskart’s biggest innovations was free home eye checkup. The logic was simple—if people don’t know they have a vision problem, they won’t buy glasses. This service-first approach helped bridge the awareness gap and made eye care more accessible.
4. Technology Integration
Lenskart was one of the first in India to introduce a virtual try-on feature, allowing customers to see how different frames would look on their faces before making a purchase—reducing uncertainty and improving user experience.
Overcoming Roadblocks
Lenskart’s journey wasn’t without roadblocks. Skepticism from investors and consumers existed. The idea of buying eyewear online was unheard of in India. Convincing people took relentless marketing, trust-building, and innovation. The pandemic affected supply chains and consumer behavior, but Lenskart quickly adapted by offering virtual consultations and strengthening its e-commerce presence. As consumer habits changed, Lenskart evolved. People doubted their dynamic approach, but Peyush saw it as an asset—a way to stay ahead in a fast-paced market.
The People of Lenskart
Their biggest strength? The people. Behind every great company is a great team. Peyush Bansal prioritized culture-building, ensuring that employees felt valued and motivated. He says that,
A strong, motivated workforce not only drives success but also promotes the brand through networking platforms like LinkedIn.
A Visionary's Legacy
From a garage startup to a billion-dollar unicorn, Lenskart’s success is a testament to Peyush Bansal’s persistence, adaptability, and vision. Today, the brand isn’t just selling eyewear—it’s reshaping the way India sees.
And if there’s one entrepreneur who knows how to build a monopoly in a fiercely competitive market, it’s Peyush Bansal—India’s Favourite Shark from Shark Tank India who dared to dream, believed in his vision, and turned challenges into opportunities.
So, what’s stopping you?
