Copyright timesnownews
As Lenskart is all set to launch its initial public offering on October 31, let's take a look at founder Piyush Bansal’s story to build an eyewear brand from scratch. Peyush Bansal’s path to building Lenskart didn’t start with accolades but with a setback. Despite preparing rigorously for the IIT entrance exam in Delhi, he couldn’t secure a seat. He then persuaded his parents to send him to Canada to study engineering after a lot of effort. Embracing Challenges Abroad Arriving in Canada was a cultural shock. With limited funds and no home, Peyush quickly learned that his prior understanding of hard work was only the beginning. Balancing a demanding engineering curriculum and a receptionist job often required 18 to 20-hour days. Reflecting on this period, he said it taught him the real value of relentless effort. A pivotal moment came in the college computer lab when he saw a senior coding. Finding it “cool,” he asked to be taught and was handed a thick Visual Basic Plus book. Every night, he pored over the book, transforming curiosity into a passion. His coding skills soon earned him a job from the very senior person who had inspired him. What began as part-time work soon became a full-time engagement, sharpening his understanding of consumer needs. Learning from Microsoft And Finding Purpose Peyush applied for a Microsoft internship. After an initial rejection, he returned stronger and was eventually selected. The three-month stint was transformative. He worked alongside brilliant minds and even visited Bill Gates’ house, an inspiring moment for someone who had grown up using Microsoft software. Post-graduation, his job at Microsoft’s Seattle office taught him a crucial principle: solve problems from the customer’s perspective, not just a business one. Building Lenskart In India In 2008, Peyush left his coveted job to return to India, converting his garage into an office. Initially focused on student housing, he adhered to one principle from Microsoft: “if you stay focused on the customer, the business will build itself.” Meeting like-minded co-founders, he soon recognised a massive opportunity; half of India needed glasses, but few wore them. In 2010, Lenskart was born. Investors approached them, but the team focused on solving customer problems daily. Peyush believes their greatest strength is mindset; they are unafraid of failure and driven by impact. His guiding philosophy remains: “The focus must always remain on the problem. Does it truly exist, and can it be solved at scale? If the answer is yes, the business will build itself.”
