Rajshree Upadhyaya | Business Remedies | April 01, 2025 | Kunal Bahl, born on January 1, 1984, in New Delhi, is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey has redefined India’s e-commerce landscape. From an ambitious student to the co-founder of Snapdeal, his story is one of resilience, adaptability, and strategic brilliance.
Growing up in Delhi, Kunal attended Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, where he met Rohit Bansal, his future business partner. Though he aspired to join the Indian Institute of Technology, he pursued higher education in the United States after missing admission. At the University of Pennsylvania, he joined the prestigious Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, earning dual degrees in business and engineering. To further refine his expertise, he later completed an executive marketing program at the Kellogg School of Management.
After graduating, Kunal joined Microsoft in the U.S., but an H-1B visa rejection brought him back to India in 2007. Rather than seeing it as a setback, he embraced the opportunity and partnered with Rohit Bansal to explore business ideas. Their first venture, a detergent business inspired by Kunal’s grandmother’s recipes, was short-lived. However, recognizing India’s growing e-commerce potential, they co-founded Snapdeal in 2010 as a daily deals platform. Inspired by Alibaba, they pivoted in 2011, transforming it into a full-fledged online marketplace.
Under Kunal’s leadership, Snapdeal grew rapidly, competing with giants like Amazon and Flipkart. By 2015, the company was valued at over $3 billion. In 2022, Snapdeal rebranded under the corporate identity of AceVector, encompassing businesses like Snapdeal, Unicommerce, a supply chain management platform, and Stellaro Brands, a private label business. Unicommerce’s rise under Kunal’s guidance led to its successful IPO in 2024, one of the most highly subscribed listings of the year. Beyond Snapdeal, Kunal’s impact extended into venture capital. In 2011, he co-founded Titan Capital, which has backed some of India’s most successful startups, including Ola, Urban Company, Razorpay, and Mamaearth. Many of these investments yielded extraordinary returns, establishing Titan Capital as a key player in the startup ecosystem. His ability to identify and nurture high-growth businesses solidified his reputation as a strategic investor.
Kunal’s expertise extends into corporate governance and policymaking. He serves on the Board of Governors at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations and is a member of NASSCOM’s Executive Council. He also chairs the Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Committee on E-commerce and advises India’s National Startup Advisory Council, helping shape policies that foster entrepreneurship. Additionally, he serves as an independent director on the board of Piramal Enterprises.
In 2023, Kunal took his mentorship to television, debuting as a judge and investor on Prime Video’s reality show “Mission Start Ab.” His presence as a mentor provided aspiring entrepreneurs with critical guidance and funding opportunities. Later, he joined Shark Tank India in its fourth season, further strengthening his role as a supporter of India’s startup ecosystem.
His contributions have been widely recognized. He has received several prestigious awards, including the BMA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, The Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Joseph Wharton Award for Young Leadership. He has also been featured on Fortune’s “40 Under 40” list and honored by EY, NASSCOM, and AIMA for his role in entrepreneurship and business transformation.
On the personal front, Kunal is married to Yashna, who previously ran a confectionery business. Despite his demanding professional life, he remains deeply committed to mentoring young entrepreneurs. His journey, marked by perseverance and strategic pivots, stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and vision.
From overcoming early academic and professional challenges to pioneering one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms, Kunal Bahl’s story is one of determination and innovation. His ability to spot opportunities, pivot when needed, and support emerging businesses has made him a defining figure in India’s startup ecosystem. His journey serves as an inspiration, proving that setbacks often lead to even greater success.
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