In an exclusive interview with Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor at Indian Startup Times, Rohan Khanduja, the Founder of Tripole Gears, shared insights into the brand’s journey, its unique value proposition, and future aspirations. From identifying a crucial market gap to securing an investment deal on Shark Tank India, Rohan’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and strategic growth.
The Genesis of Tripole Gears
Rohan Khanduja’s entrepreneurial journey began during a trek in 2017, where he recognized a significant gap in the Indian rucksack market. The limited availability of high-quality, affordable backpacks inspired him to launch Tripole Gears, a brand dedicated to providing durable and customizable rucksacks tailored to the needs of Indian travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Over time, the company has focused on improving product design, incorporating advanced frames, enhancing utility, and ensuring technical superiority.
The Shark Tank India Experience
One of the pivotal moments in Tripole Gears’ journey was Rohan’s appearance on Shark Tank India. He described it as an enriching experience that provided valuable exposure and business insights. He secured an investment from Ritesh Agarwal, which is currently in the process of being finalized. Post-Shark Tank, Rohan emphasized the importance of team building and delegation to sustain the brand’s growth.
Product Distribution and Market Strategy
Tripole Gears’ products are available through multiple online platforms, including Quick Commerce services such as Instamart and Zepto, as well as select multi-brand outlets. The brand ensures consistent pricing across all platforms and actively integrates customer feedback into its product development process. This customer-centric approach has helped Tripole Gears maintain a loyal consumer base while continuously refining its offerings.
Competitive Edge and Challenges
Rohan outlined Tripole Gears’ unique selling proposition (USP), highlighting its commitment to manufacturing in India, focusing on utility, and offering a price advantage over imported brands. With a team of approximately 200 people, the company prides itself on its ability to produce high-quality rucksacks at competitive prices. However, one of the major challenges faced by the brand is sourcing skilled manpower for manufacturing. Rohan acknowledged that finding and retaining experienced workers remains a key hurdle in scaling operations.
Future Plans and Sustainability Goals
Looking ahead, Rohan envisions 15-20% of Tripole Gears’ sales coming from international markets. He is also committed to sustainable business practices by ensuring that products are long-lasting and that waste disposal is managed responsibly. While the brand has not yet found a cost-effective way to incorporate recycled materials into its products, sustainability remains a priority in its future roadmap.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sharing his insights with budding entrepreneurs, Rohan stressed the importance of identifying market gaps and working diligently to address them. He believes that continuous collaborations with influencers on a barter basis can be an effective way to build brand presence without excessive marketing costs. Currently, the brand does not have plans to engage PR agencies or pursue celebrity endorsements.
Conclusion
Tripole Gears is a testament to how market insights, product innovation, and strategic decision-making can propel a startup to success. As Rohan and his team continue to expand their footprint in both domestic and international markets, the brand remains focused on delivering high-quality, affordable, and practical rucksacks to adventure enthusiasts. With an unwavering commitment to quality, team-building, and sustainability, Tripole Gears is set to make a lasting impact in the outdoor gear industry.
