In the world of razors and grooming, Sidharth Oberoi stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. The founder and CEO of LetsShave, Oberoi’s entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn, transforming him from an aspiring project engineer to a trailblazer in the grooming industry.
Oberoi’s story begins with his academic pursuits in industrial engineering at Purdue University, where his initial dream was to work for a multinational corporation in the United States. Landing a job as a project engineer at CSA Group in 2014 seemed like the realization of his first significant goal. His parents, both accomplished in their respective fields, celebrated their son’s achievements at the age of 21.
However, destiny had a different plan for Oberoi. A shopping trip with his mother in 2014 sparked an idea that would lead him to challenge industry giants. Frustrated by the lack of Indian representation among razor brands in a Chandigarh mall loaded with multinational labels, Oberoi decided to carve his path.
Undeterred by his lack of subject knowledge or business experience, Oberoi set his sights on the Korean razor giant, Dorco. Persistent emails and business proposals finally caught the attention of Dorco, leading to an exclusive Indian partnership. In July 2015, LetsShave was born with Oberoi’s father providing the initial funding.
The early days were challenging, with only 50 razors sold in the first month. Rather than succumb to disappointment, Oberoi recalibrated his marketing strategy. Fast forward to January 2021, and LetsShave now sells between 1,500 and 2,000 products per day, evolving into a comprehensive grooming venture encompassing shower, body, face, beard, and electric trimmer categories.
Dorco recognized LetsShave’s potential, acquiring a minor stake in 2018. The turning point came when Wipro Consumer Care Ventures invested in the company in February, backing Oberoi’s vision for LetsShave. Sumit Keshan, managing partner for Wipro Consumer Care Ventures, commended Oberoi’s passion and clear vision, predicting LetsShave to capture market share from larger rivals.
Ken Kwak, global director at Dorco, emphasized Oberoi’s bold ambition and willingness to challenge the status quo in India’s grooming industry. At a young age, Oberoi showcased a spark that ignited a revolution.
Looking ahead, Sidharth Oberoi envisions LetsShave as a major player, aiming to build a $100 million company in the coming years. His journey from a budding engineer to a visionary entrepreneur exemplifies the spirit of innovation and determination that fuels success in the competitive world of business.
