From Struggles to Success: Aman Gupta's Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey
Shark Tank India judge Aman Gupta, now boasting a net worth of Rs 700 crore at 40, endured five failed startups before finding monumental success with boAt, the audio accessories brand he recently exited as CMO. His path was fraught with financial hardships, relying on his wife's earnings for nearly six years, but a profound personal tragedy reshaped his perspective, teaching him to laugh through adversity and prioritize happiness over material wealth.
Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles
Raised in a lower-middle-class household in a joint family setup, Aman described his childhood as fun yet directionless. "I was a lost soul — never had a clear goal and often copied what my friends did," he recalled. His father, a salesman, and mother, a school teacher, provided a modest upbringing in a small one-room house, with the family experiencing ups and downs, including business losses and his mother's prolonged illness.
Before founding boAt, Aman attempted five startups, all of which failed. During this period, he worked tirelessly, often putting in 16-hour days, traveling by bus from the first stop to secure a seat for sleep or study. "Till the age of 40, my livelihood relied on my wife," he admitted, crediting his wife, Priya, for unwavering emotional and financial support throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
The Turning Point: boAt and Financial Success
boAt became Aman's sixth venture, requiring years of perseverance to succeed. When the company received funding from Warburg, it marked a significant turning point. "I got very excited. I was like, 'Wow, paise aa gaye, maze aa gaye,' because I hadn't seen so much money in my life," he shared, noting that he would repeatedly check his bank account, a habit so intense that his banker visited to check on him.
This newfound wealth led to a lavish lifestyle, including business class flights, luxury hotels, and high-end cars. However, Aman soon realized that material success alone was unfulfilling. "After a year, even this lifestyle started to bore me," he revealed, shifting his focus toward more meaningful pursuits.
Life Lesson: Prioritizing Happiness After Tragedy
Aman's outlook transformed dramatically after the tragic loss of his brother in an accident on his birthday. This event taught him a crucial lesson about life's unpredictability. "You never know when life will end. After that, I learnt to enjoy every day. Even when I had no money for nearly six years, I enjoyed every single day building boAT," he emphasized.
He now prioritizes staying happy above all, inspired by Shah Rukh Khan's dialogue: "Haso, jiyo, muskurao, kya pata kal ho na ho!" This philosophy has guided him through both struggles and successes, allowing him to laugh through challenges and appreciate each moment.
Legacy and Continued Family Bonds
Despite moving to a new house two years ago, Aman maintains strong family ties, frequently visiting his parents who previously lived with him. His journey from a "lost soul" to a celebrated entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank India serves as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the importance of support systems.
Today, as a co-founder and former CMO of boAt, Aman invests crores in startups, but his story remains rooted in humility and the lessons learned from failure and loss. His experience underscores that true success lies not just in financial achievements but in finding joy and purpose along the way.
