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Shark Tank Bonkers Corner: From Bankruptcy to a ₹300 Crore Gen-Z Streetwear Brand
A Challenging Beginning
Bonkers Corner founder Shubham Gupta did not start his journey with privilege or security. His family went through bankruptcy, forcing him to take responsibility at a very young age. Despite being only 12th-pass, Shubham chose resilience over setbacks and began exploring business opportunities driven by his understanding of youth culture.
Identifying the Gen-Z Streetwear Gap
Shubham noticed a clear gap in the Indian fashion market. While global streetwear brands were expensive, local options lacked creativity and relatability. This insight led to the birth of Bonkers Corner, a brand designed to reflect Gen-Z values—bold self-expression, pop culture influences, and affordability.
Scaling a ₹100 Crore Brand Through Digital-First Strategy
Bonkers Corner adopted a direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach from the beginning. By leveraging social media, influencer collaborations, and performance marketing, the brand built a strong online community. This digital-first strategy helped Bonkers Corner scale rapidly and cross the ₹100 crore revenue mark within a few years.
The Shark Tank India Pitch
On Shark Tank India, Shubham Gupta pitched his brand seeking ₹1.5 crore for 0.5% equity, valuing the company at ₹300 crore. His transparent numbers, strong growth trajectory, and clear long-term vision impressed the sharks, sparking serious interest in the business.
Namita Thapar Backs the Vision
After detailed discussions, Namita Thapar finalized the deal, backing Shubham’s ambition to build a leading homegrown streetwear brand. The investment validated not just the brand’s financial performance but also the founder’s clarity and execution capability.
A Defining Gen-Z Founder Story
Bonkers Corner’s rise from bankruptcy to a ₹300 crore valuation highlights a shift in India’s startup ecosystem. It proves that formal education is no longer the only path to success—deep consumer understanding, persistence, and smart execution can create category-defining brands.
At The Startup Caffe, we spotlight such inspiring startup journeys that reflect the evolving mindset of India’s new-age entrepreneurs.
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