Shark Tank India judge with net worth of Rs 720 crore survived on wife’s earnings till age of 40, was bailed out by dad
In the high-stakes world of business and startups, stories of overnight success are often romanticized. But the real heroes are those who stumble, fall, and rise stronger. Aman Gupta, co-founder and CMO of boAt and one of the most popular judges on Shark Tank India, is a shining example of perseverance, humility, and resilience. While many know him today as a charismatic investor with a sharp business acumen, few are aware of the rocky road he walked before finding success. In fact, until the age of 40, Aman survived on his wife’s income and needed financial support from his father. Yet, through unwavering determination, he built one of India’s most recognized electronics brands—boAt—and amassed a net worth of ₹720 crore.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Aman Gupta hails from Delhi and was born into a modest family. From an early age, he was encouraged to pursue stability and academics. Following this path, Aman completed his Bachelor’s in Commerce and went on to become a Chartered Accountant at the age of 21—one of the youngest in his cohort. However, his passion extended beyond balance sheets and audits. Driven by a curiosity for business strategy and marketing, he later pursued an MBA from the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB), which laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial pursuits.
A String of Failures Before Success
Contrary to the glossy narrative of instant success, Aman Gupta’s early ventures didn’t quite go according to plan. Before co-founding boAt, he launched several startups—many of which failed to take off. He tried his hand at an electronics distribution business and also started a venture selling imported gadgets in India. Despite putting in tremendous effort, the outcomes were underwhelming.
These failures were not just emotionally taxing but financially draining as well. Aman has candidly shared in interviews that during this period, he was not bringing in any substantial income. Instead, it was his wife, Priya Dagar, who kept the household running. Not only did she provide emotional support, but she also covered most of the expenses as Aman tried to find his footing in the competitive world of startups.
Parental Support and Financial Bailouts
Even as a grown man, Aman was not shy to accept help when he needed it. His father, a pillar of support, stood by him during these uncertain years. In fact, Aman revealed in an interview that his dad would go as far as buying boAt products during festive seasons just to help his son’s fledgling business show some sales traction.
Far from being a source of embarrassment, Aman proudly shares these moments to inspire others. He believes that there’s no shame in leaning on family support when trying to build something from scratch. For him, these acts of kindness were lifelines that enabled him to stay in the game long enough to eventually win.
The Turning Point: Birth of boAt
In 2016, Aman co-founded boAt with Sameer Mehta. The idea was simple but powerful—create affordable, stylish, and durable electronic accessories for Indian consumers. At a time when imported brands were dominating the market with overpriced products, boAt offered a refreshing alternative. The company focused on quality and branding, building a community of young users who proudly identified as “boAtheads.”
From earphones and speakers to smartwatches and chargers, boAt quickly expanded its product line and became synonymous with cool, homegrown tech. Aman’s expertise in marketing played a vital role in the company’s rise. He strategically partnered with celebrities and sports personalities, transforming boAt from just a brand to a lifestyle choice.
By 2020, boAt was not only profitable but also leading the market in several categories. Today, the brand continues to thrive and has gained a reputation for combining affordability with premium quality.
Shark Tank India Fame
Aman Gupta’s candid personality, real-world experience, and empathy for struggling founders made him an instant favorite on Shark Tank India. As a judge, he doesn’t just bring in capital—he brings in credibility, mentorship, and marketing genius.
His interactions on the show reflect his own journey—he often encourages young entrepreneurs to keep trying, learn from failures, and seek support when needed. His empathy shines through when he offers deals to startups that remind him of his own difficult beginnings.
What makes Aman stand out is his relatability. He’s not just a business mogul but someone who has tasted failure and bounced back with grace. His story resonates with thousands of budding entrepreneurs across the country who are still waiting for their big break.
A Lesson in Grit and Gratitude
Aman Gupta’s rise from financial uncertainty to becoming one of India’s most successful startup founders is nothing short of inspirational. He didn’t come from extraordinary privilege or stumble upon a viral idea overnight. Instead, his success was built on years of trial, error, support from loved ones, and a deep understanding of what consumers want.
Even today, despite a net worth exceeding ₹720 crore, Aman remains grounded. He frequently acknowledges the role his wife and father played in his journey and uses his platform to uplift others who are struggling. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, Aman Gupta reminds us of the collective strength behind every success story.
Conclusion
Aman Gupta’s journey is a testament to the fact that success is rarely linear. It is forged through setbacks, fueled by support, and sustained by grit. From depending on his wife’s earnings to building a ₹720 crore empire, Aman’s story is not just about business—it’s about belief, resilience, and the power of not giving up. For every aspiring entrepreneur out there, his life stands as living proof that the road to success may be long, but it is always worth walking.
