Early Life & Education
Peyush Bansal was born in New Delhi, India. He comes from a middle-class family and developed an early interest in entrepreneurship and technology. (Star Profiles) After completing his schooling, Peyush pursued higher education abroad and in India. Some sources indicate he undertook electrical engineering and later moved into business/entrepreneurial work. (The Times of India) He also had a stint working with big tech: he served as a Program Manager at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, where he gained exposure to customer experience, before returning to India to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. (Star Profiles)
Career Trajectory
Peyush’s entrepreneurial journey began with early ventures: he founded SearchMyCampus.com in 2007—a classified portal aimed at helping college students with jobs, internships, accommodation in India. (foundervoice.world) He also launched an eyewear venture “Flyrr.com” (or similar) targeting the US market. (foundervoice.world)
In 2010, Peyush co-founded Lenskart (originally under Valyoo Technologies) along with partners Amit Chaudhary, Neha Bansal and Sumeet Kapahi. The founding idea was simple yet powerful: make quality eyewear affordable and accessible in India, through both online and offline channels. (Outlook Business)
Under Peyush’s leadership, Lenskart grew rapidly. The company expanded from online-only to an omnichannel model: physical stores + online platform, multiple categories (contact lenses, prescription spectacles, sunglasses), and international expansion. By 2022, it reportedly operated hundreds of stores across Indian cities. (Star Profiles)
In recent years, Peyush has emphasized technology and AI in Lenskart’s strategy. For example, in 2025 he said AI-based eye-testing and tech supply-chain innovations would be key as the company prepared for IPO. (Business Standard) He has also spoken publicly about the startup ecosystem, advising founders to focus on the “omni-customer” rather than just being omnichannel. (Outlook Business)
Major Milestones & Achievements
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By 2019, Lenskart officially became a “unicorn” (valuation > US$1 billion). (Everything Startups)
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According to media, Peyush’s net worth is estimated at around USD 650 million as of 2025, stemming from his stake in Lenskart and his other investments. (foundervoice.world)
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The company raised large rounds of funding from major investors such as Temasek, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and others. (ETRetail.com)
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In July 2025 reports said that Peyush aimed to raise a Rs 200 crore loan to bolster his stake ahead of the IPO. (The Financial Express)
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Peyush has also become a recognizable figure on television as a judge on the reality show Shark Tank India. (biographyexpress.com)
Strategic Vision & Business Philosophy
Peyush has often spoken about the perils of chasing valuations versus building fundamentals. For example, in November 2024 he said:
“Valuations are good for the short term, but in the long term what matters is the transformation and the value you are creating.” (mint)
He has also said that rather than fixating on “omnichannel” (online + offline) presence, startups should realise that the customer is omni-channel/multi-touchpoint. (Outlook Business)
At Lenskart, Peyush has promoted an investment in technology (AI-eye testing, remote diagnostics, supply chain optimisation) as key to scaling and serving underserved markets. (Business Standard)
News & Recent Developments
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Ahead of its planned IPO, Lenskart’s valuation target has been reported to be up to US$ 8 billion. (Business Standard)
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In July 2025, reports indicated Peyush is set to increase his stake in Lenskart (currently ~12-13% with his wife) by about 1.5-2% via structured share issuance. (ETBrandEquity.com)
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Also in July 2025, there were reports of a buy-back of ~2.5% stake by Peyush from earlier investors at a lower valuation ahead of IPO. (The Economic Times)
Controversies & Criticisms
Every high-profile entrepreneur attracts scrutiny, and Peyush is no exception. Some of the major controversies include:
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In a January 2025 episode of Shark Tank India, Peyush made a remark to a contestant: “CA se door rehna” (stay away from chartered accountants). The comment caused widespread backlash, especially from the CA community, and triggered a trending hashtag #BoycottLenskart. He later publicly apologised. (Republic World)
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The proposed IPO valuation and very high price-earnings (PE) multiple of Lenskart (reportedly ~235×) have been subject to trolling and criticism on social media, questioning whether the valuation is justified. (Indiatimes)
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There have been allegations from a startup called The Future Animations that a deal made on Shark Tank with Peyush / Lenskart was never honoured formally – they claim the on-air commitment (₹50 lakh for 10% equity) did not translate into formal paperwork/cheque. (Bigtvlive English)
Impact & Legacy
Peyush Bansal’s story is emblematic of India’s new-age entrepreneur: leveraging digital + offline, tech-enabled retail, and ambition to scale globally. Under his stewardship, Lenskart has transformed the eyewear space in India—from a niche category to a mass-market lifestyle + health accessory brand. His focus on health (vision care), accessibility, and technology sets him apart from many pure e-commerce founders.
Top Interesting Facts
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Peyush once held a full-time role at Microsoft before pivoting to entrepreneurship. (Star Profiles)
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His mantra: “The customer is omni-channel” (not the channel itself). (Outlook Business)
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He emphasises partner-fit over valuation: finding investors who stay for the long term rather than just chasing big checks. (mint)
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Despite Lenskart’s rapid growth, Peyush has publicly said it's “not our job to decide valuation” but to justify value for the customer. (www.ndtv.com)
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His personal stake (combined with wife) at one point hovered around 12-13% in Lenskart, with moves underway to expand that ahead of IPO. (ETBrandEquity.com)
FAQs
Q. What is Peyush Bansal’s current net worth?
A. Estimates in 2025 put his net worth at around USD 650 million, largely based on his equity in Lenskart. (foundervoice.world)
Q. When was Lenskart founded and how did it start?
A. Lenskart was founded in 2010 (under Valyoo Technologies) by Peyush Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, Neha Bansal and Sumeet Kapahi. The idea was to offer affordable, quality eyewear via online + offline. (Outlook Business)
Q. What is the business model of Lenskart?
A. Lenskart combines e-commerce + physical retail stores (omnichannel). It sells contact lenses, spectacles and sunglasses; invests in manufacturing, supply chain and technology (e.g., AI-based eye-testing) to scale and improve margins. (Business Standard)
Q. Has Peyush Bansal faced any controversy?
A. Yes. One prominent case: his remarks on the CA community during Shark Tank India, which caused backlash and forced him to apologise. (Republic World) Also, the high valuation of Lenskart ahead of IPO and criticism of PE multiples has been a subject of public discussion. (Indiatimes)
Q. What are Peyush Bansal’s future plans for Lenskart?
A. The company intends to deploy AI-enabled eye testing and tech supply-chain to fuel growth; in 2025 they were eyeing a valuation of up to US$ 8 billion ahead of IPO. (Business Standard)

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