Wanderlooms: Redefining Travel Gear with Style and Utility

In the vibrant world of travel-inspired merchandise, Wanderlooms stands out for its unique blend of style and practicality. Founded by Prateek Vats and Deepesh Shrivastava in 2019, the brand has quickly made its mark by offering colorful and functional utility products designed specifically for riders and travelers. Indian Startup Times sat down with the founders to learn more about their journey, challenges, and vision for the future.

The Inspiration Behind Wanderlooms

The inception of Wanderlooms was driven by a desire to fill a gap in the market. Speaking with Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor at Indian Startup Times, Prateek Vats shared, “We noticed that most travel gear for riders was either too plain or lacked functionality tailored to Indian terrains. We wanted to bring color and utility together, creating products that resonate with today’s adventurous spirit.”

Identifying a need for vibrant and practical travel gear, Prateek and Deepesh embarked on a journey to design merchandise that is as stylish as it is functional. From riding jerseys to multipurpose travel accessories, Wanderlooms’ products are crafted with a deep understanding of the needs of modern-day explorers.

Crafting Products with Community Feedback

At the heart of Wanderlooms’ product development is community engagement. Deepesh Shrivastava explained, “Our design process is highly iterative. We engage closely with our community of riders and travelers, gathering real feedback to refine our products. This ensures that our designs are not only stylish but also functional for the diverse Indian climate.”

This approach has enabled Wanderlooms to develop unique products, such as riding jerseys that are breathable, durable, and perfectly suited for Indian weather conditions. The brand collaborates with select vendors for production, ensuring high-quality standards and tailored designs that cater to regional preferences.

Overcoming Challenges and the Shark Tank Experience

Building a brand is never without challenges. Prateek candidly shared their struggles with revenue-based funding and the financial hurdles of scaling a startup. However, these challenges only strengthened their resolve. “Facing financial constraints taught us to be resourceful and strategic. We focused on building a sustainable business model that prioritizes growth and customer satisfaction,” Prateek explained.

A turning point for Wanderlooms was their participation in Shark Tank India, where they secured an investment from Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal. Reflecting on this experience, Prateek noted, “Preparing for Shark Tank isn’t about rehearsing a pitch but about knowing your product inside out. The mentorship from Namita Thapar was invaluable, although our strategic direction remained consistent. Her insights helped us refine our approach and accelerate growth.”

Carving a Niche with Market Differentiation

Wanderlooms has successfully carved a niche by focusing on colorful and functional merchandise tailored to the Indian market. Sandhya Bharti highlighted the brand’s vision of blending style with practicality, prompting Prateek to explain their unique selling proposition. “We’re not just selling products; we’re selling an experience. Our merchandise is designed to inspire adventure while meeting the functional needs of travelers. This combination sets us apart from conventional travel gear brands.”

The founders also emphasized the importance of staying true to their vision while continuously adapting to market trends and customer preferences.

Expanding Horizons: Future Growth Plans

With a strong foundation in the Indian market, Wanderlooms is now eyeing international expansion. Deepesh shared their strategic vision, revealing plans to explore markets in Vietnam and the Middle East, regions known for their thriving travel cultures. “Our products resonate with a global audience. We’re excited to introduce Wanderlooms to international markets and inspire more travelers worldwide,” he said.

In addition to geographical expansion, the brand is also focused on diversifying its product line to include more utility-driven merchandise. This forward-thinking approach reflects their commitment to innovation and growth.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on their entrepreneurial journey, Prateek and Deepesh had valuable insights for budding entrepreneurs. Prateek advised, “Stay true to your passion. The journey will have its highs and lows, but perseverance is key. Also, be open to learning from your customers – they are your best critics and advocates.”

Deepesh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and adaptability. “Listen to your community. Their feedback is crucial in creating products that truly resonate. And don’t be afraid to evolve – the market is constantly changing, and so should your strategies.”

Conclusion: Blazing New Trails with Wanderlooms

Wanderlooms is not just a brand; it’s a movement inspiring travelers to explore the world with style and functionality. Prateek and Deepesh’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and resilience. As they continue to expand their horizons, Wanderlooms is poised to become a global name in travel-inspired merchandise.

-The interview was conducted by Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor of Indian Startup Times