Rohit
Kunal Bahl’s journey is a true story of turning rejection into opportunity. From being denied admission to a top Indian institute to building Snapdeal, one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms, he showed that success isn’t about where you start — it’s about never giving up.
His path wasn’t easy. It had failures, risks, and tough choices. But through it all, Kunal stayed focused, learned from every mistake, and kept moving forward. Today, he’s not just known as the co-founder of Snapdeal but also as an investor, mentor, and Shark Tank India guest, inspiring a whole generation of entrepreneurs.
Early Life: The Curious Kid from Delhi
Kunal Bahl was born and raised in New Delhi. From childhood, he was curious about how things worked and loved solving problems. He studied at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram — a school known for nurturing bright minds.
Like many Indian students, Kunal dreamed of getting into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). But when his application was rejected, it felt like the door to his dream had closed. Instead of giving up, he chose a new path — one that would take him even further.
Studying Abroad and Learning from Experience
After finishing school, Kunal moved to the United States to study at the University of Pennsylvania. There, he earned a degree in Entrepreneurial Engineering and a minor in Management from the Wharton School, one of the world’s best business schools.
At UPenn, he developed a strong interest in startups and innovation. He didn’t just study — he observed how companies were built and how great ideas became global brands.
After graduation, Kunal worked briefly at Microsoft in the U.S. But due to visa issues, he had to return to India. For most people, that would have been a setback. For Kunal, it became a blessing in disguise.
The Beginning of Snapdeal
Back in India, Kunal met his old school friend Rohit Bansal, and the two decided to start something of their own. They noticed the growing internet user base in India and realized there was a massive opportunity waiting to be explored.
In 2010, they launched Snapdeal — not as an online store, but as a daily deals and coupon platform. The idea was simple: help people find discounts on restaurants, spas, and local services. It was an instant hit.
However, as time went on, Kunal and Rohit saw a bigger opportunity. Instead of just offering deals, they could create a full-fledged online marketplace where anyone could buy and sell products.
The Big Pivot: From Deals to E-commerce
In 2011, Kunal made one of the boldest decisions of his career — to transform Snapdeal into an e-commerce platform. This meant changing the entire business model and competing with big names like Flipkart and Amazon India.
It was a tough move, but Kunal believed that small and medium sellers across India deserved a platform to sell their products online. Snapdeal became a bridge between local businesses and online shoppers.
Within a few years, Snapdeal grew into one of India’s largest online marketplaces, valued at over $6.5 billion at its peak.
When Things Fell Apart
Around 2016, things took a turn. The competition in the e-commerce world got fierce. Amazon and Flipkart were backed by massive global investors and were spending heavily to attract customers.
Snapdeal started losing market share. There were talks of a possible merger with Flipkart, but Kunal and Rohit turned it down. They didn’t want to give up on their dream that easily.
The company went through layoffs and tough restructuring. The media began calling Snapdeal a “fallen unicorn.” But for Kunal, it was a phase — not the end.
Rising Again: The Comeback of Snapdeal 2.0
Instead of quitting, Kunal and Rohit decided to rebuild Snapdeal from the ground up. They studied their customers closely and realized that millions of Indians were still looking for affordable, good-quality products — a segment not fully covered by others.
This led to Snapdeal 2.0 — a simpler, more focused marketplace serving the needs of value-conscious shoppers. It gave local brands and small sellers from every corner of India a chance to reach a massive online audience.
The strategy worked. Snapdeal once again started growing steadily and even filed for an IPO in 2022.
Kunal’s belief that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it, truly came to life through this phase.
Kunal Bahl on Shark Tank India
Kunal Bahl’s story took another exciting turn when he appeared as a guest investor (Shark) on Shark Tank India Season 2. Known for his calm, practical, and insightful feedback, Kunal brought a refreshing and realistic approach to the show.
He joined other well-known investors like Peyush Bansal, Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, and Aman Gupta, offering guidance and funding to India’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Kunal’s presence on the show was appreciated for his deep understanding of business fundamentals and focus on sustainable growth rather than flashy valuations. He often emphasized the importance of customer trust, product-market fit, and long-term vision — lessons he had learned through his own journey with Snapdeal.
Through Shark Tank India, Kunal continues to inspire young founders across the country. His calm and balanced personality stood out among the panel, proving that confidence doesn’t always have to be loud.
The Investor and Mentor: Titan Capital
Beyond Snapdeal and Shark Tank, Kunal Bahl is also a passionate startup investor. He co-founded Titan Capital, a venture capital firm that has backed over 200 startups, including popular names like Razorpay, Mamaearth, UrbanClap (now Urban Company), Ola Electric, and Shadowfax.
Titan Capital focuses on helping startups not just with money, but with real guidance and mentoring. Kunal often shares his insights on what makes a startup succeed — focusing on solving real problems and creating long-term value.
He’s also part of several industry advisory boards and supports entrepreneurship programs across India.
Lessons from Kunal Bahl’s Success
Kunal Bahl’s story is full of lessons for anyone who wants to chase their dreams:
- Rejection can be the start of something new. Missing IIT gave him the chance to explore a different, more global perspective.
- Failure is a teacher, not an end. The setbacks with Snapdeal helped him grow as a better leader.
- Adapt to change. He wasn’t afraid to shift Snapdeal’s model or rebuild it completely.
- Believe in long-term vision. Quick wins don’t build lasting businesses — strong foundations do.
- Support others. Through Titan Capital and Shark Tank, Kunal gives back to the ecosystem that helped him rise.
FAQs About Kunal Bahl’s Success Story
1. Who is Kunal Bahl?
Kunal Bahl is the co-founder and CEO of Snapdeal, one of India’s top e-commerce companies, and a startup investor through Titan Capital.
2. How did Kunal Bahl start Snapdeal?
He started Snapdeal in 2010 with Rohit Bansal as a daily deals platform, which later evolved into a full-fledged e-commerce marketplace.
3. What is Kunal Bahl’s role in Shark Tank India?
Kunal appeared as a guest investor on Shark Tank India Season 2, where he shared his experience and invested in promising startups.
4. What is Snapdeal 2.0?
Snapdeal 2.0 focuses on affordable products for value-conscious Indian shoppers, helping small businesses sell online.
5. What is Titan Capital?
Titan Capital is Kunal Bahl’s venture investment firm that supports startups like Razorpay, Mamaearth, and UrbanClap.
6. What can we learn from Kunal Bahl’s story?
His journey teaches us to stay persistent, take smart risks, and never give up even when faced with failure.
The Human Side of His Journey
Despite his fame, Kunal remains humble and grounded. He often speaks about how his family, especially his parents and his co-founder Rohit, played a huge role in his journey.
He believes success is not just about money or recognition — it’s about creating something meaningful that makes a difference in people’s lives. His calm and thoughtful approach to life is what truly sets him apart from many other entrepreneurs.
You Might Also Love This:
- Aman Gupta Success Story: Journey from BoAt Co-Founder To Shark Tank India
- Wonderchef Owner Ravi Saxena and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor Journey
Conclusion:
Kunal Bahl’s journey from rejection to building Snapdeal, from struggles to comeback, and from entrepreneur to investor and TV mentor, is an inspiration for anyone chasing a dream.
He’s proof that true success isn’t about never failing — it’s about never giving up. Every challenge he faced became a stepping stone toward something greater.
Today, Kunal Bahl stands as one of India’s most respected entrepreneurs, known not just for what he built, but for how he built it — with integrity, patience, and a never-ending belief in himself.
