In 2020, two entrepreneurs, Sahil Jain and Arunima Jain, took a leap of faith with an idea that many people initially dismissed—cleaning and restoring luxury sneakers and bags. Despite initial skepticism, their vision and perseverance paid off. Fast forward four years, and Sneakinn, their startup based in Gurugram, has grown into a trusted brand serving over 20,000 customers across India.
The inspiration for Sneakinn came from a personal experience. Sahil, an avid sneakerhead, had entrusted his prized pair of sneakers to a local dry cleaner, only to have them ruined by improper care. This incident made Sahil realize that there was a significant gap in the market—no specialized service for cleaning and restoring luxury shoes, sneakers, and bags. With a solid background in business and design, the duo quickly decided to fill that gap.
When they launched Sneakinn in 2020, Sahil and Arunima didn’t have a fancy office or high-end equipment. They started from an empty room on the terrace of their home in Gurugram. This humble beginning didn’t deter them. They dove deep into research, watching countless YouTube videos on sneaker restoration and investing time in learning the best techniques for handling luxury items.
While they started with a small team, their commitment to excellence led to rapid growth. Soon, they were able to set up a centralized workshop and opened retail outlets in Delhi and Mumbai. Today, Sneakinn offers a range of services—from cleaning and restoring premium sneakers to repairing luxury handbags.
Sneakinn’s success is rooted in its focus on providing expert care for luxury items. The company not only restores sneakers but also offers additional services like re-coloring and protection treatments. For customers who prefer DIY solutions, Sneakinn provides a range of easy-to-use products, such as sneaker cleaning kits and crease guards, allowing customers to maintain their items at home.
With 75,000+ articles restored and a steadily growing customer base, Sneakinn achieved a revenue of ₹5.9 crore in FY24, with projections of ₹7.3 crore for FY25.
Sneakinn’s journey took a major leap forward when the founders appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4. They pitched their business to the sharks and secured an investment of ₹90 Lakhs for a 6.5% equity stake from Anupam Mittal.
This appearance boosted their visibility significantly. Post-show, Sneakinn has received numerous inquiries about franchising and opening new outlets, cementing their position in the market as a leading brand in luxury sneaker and bag care.
With the backing of investors and a loyal customer base, Sahil and Arunima have ambitious plans for Sneakinn’s future. They aim to expand their reach across India by opening more retail outlets in major cities and exploring franchise opportunities in select regions.
“We want Sneakinn to be the first name that comes to mind when someone thinks of cleaning and restoring luxury sneakers and bags,” says Sahil Jain. Their goal is to build a strong brand presence and establish themselves as the go-to solution for premium shoe and bag care in India.
Conclusion
Sneakinn’s rise from a small terrace workshop to a nationally recognized brand is a testament to the founders’ dedication and vision. By identifying an underserved niche in the market and focusing on quality and customer service, Sahil and Arunima Jain have turned Sneakinn into a successful startup. With continued growth, a strong social media presence, and plans for national expansion, Sneakinn is well on its way to becoming a household name in the luxury sneaker and bag care industry.
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