Biography of Aashish Chopra: Founder and CEO of BeUnic- Entrepreneur
Biography of Aashish Chopra:
Aashish Chopra, the co-founder and brand ambassador of
BeUnic, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey after attending a conference
for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in Bengaluru. This experience ignited a passion in him
to create a platform that supports the queer community. With a diverse
background in marketing, research, and HR, Aashish was determined to build a
business that fosters inclusivity.
The Birth of BeUnic
BeUnic was born from Aashish's personal experiences and the
challenges he faced while searching for suitable products, especially shoes for
drag performances. Recognizing a gap in the market for gender-neutral and
inclusive products, he teamed up with his mother, Simmi Nanda, and brother,
Vishesh Chopra, to create a platform that would empower queer entrepreneurs.
A Marketplace for Queer Creators
Launched in 2019, BeUnic began as a niche marketplace but
evolved into a community-driven e-commerce platform. The mission of BeUnic is
to connect queer artists and designers with a broader audience, providing
visibility and access to products that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community.
Diverse Product Range
BeUnic offers an impressive array of products, including
shoes, t-shirts, gender-neutral clothing, drag queen heels, and more. The
platform also features a resources section filled with valuable information
such as news, support groups, and educational content to support the community.
Supporting the Community
Beyond selling products, BeUnic collaborates with leading
NGOs and support groups in India to address the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+
community. From entrepreneurship to mental health support and legal advice,
BeUnic aims to be a comprehensive resource for its users.
Growing the Designer Network
As of now, BeUnic has registered around 30 designers on its
platform. These creators are either onboarded through outreach or by expressing
interest in selling their products. The only requirement is that they must be
part of the queer community, ensuring a truly inclusive marketplace.
Understanding the Market
Aashish emphasizes the importance of understanding the
target audience, particularly Gen Z, who seem to value representation alongside
brand loyalty. Recent surveys have shown mixed responses, highlighting the
complexity of consumer preferences within this demographic.
Sales Growth Over Time
BeUnic's sales story has been remarkable. Starting with just
₹18,000 in the financial year 2019-20, sales surged to ₹1.5 lakh in 2020-21 and
then skyrocketed to ₹50 lakh in 2021-22. This growth underscores the increasing
demand for LGBTQ+-focused products.
Expanding Product Categories
Looking ahead, BeUnic plans to introduce new product
categories, particularly in footwear, where demand has been strong.
Additionally, they aim to expand their hiring practices and promote corporate
sensitization regarding LGBTQ+ issues, supported by partnerships with
organizations like IIM Bangalore's NSRCEL.
Building a Community
The core mission of BeUnic is to foster a sense of community
among queer creators. The founders believe that by providing a platform for
collaboration and support, they can help uplift and empower individuals within
the LGBTQ+ space.
Biography of Aashish Chopra: Founder and CEO of BeUnic- Entrepreneur/gender-neutral products/age/net worth/investor/startup/BeUnic story/Aashish C
The Shark Tank Experience
BeUnic gained significant visibility after appearing on
Shark Tank India. Although they did not secure the funding they sought, the
exposure brought an influx of customers and supporters who appreciated their
mission. The founders used this platform to share their story and promote the
importance of inclusivity.
Current Reach and Goals
Today, BeUnic attracts around 4,000 monthly visitors and has
serviced approximately 7,000 customers. The platform, while focusing on the
Indian market, also ships to over 12 countries, highlighting its global
ambitions.
A Growing Demand
According to research, India is home to about 56 million
LGBTQ+ adults, yet the market remains largely untapped. BeUnic aims to fill
this gap, positioning itself as a leader in LGBTQ+-focused e-commerce while
competing with both local and international brands.
Future Aspirations
The founders of BeUnic have ambitious plans for the future.
They intend to create content that resonates with their audience while
exploring a hybrid business model that combines direct-to-consumer and
business-to-business sales. This approach will help them scale operations and
improve profit margins.
A Personal Story of Acceptance
Simmi Nanda, Aashish’s mother and co-founder, shared her
emotional journey of accepting her son's sexuality. Initially shocked, she grew
to understand and support Aashish, which became a pivotal moment for her and
inspired her to help others in the community through BeUnic.
The Impact of BeUnic
Through its initiatives, BeUnic has become more than just an
e-commerce platform; it’s a safe space for queer creators and a vital resource
for the LGBTQ+ community. The founders’ dedication to fostering acceptance and
representation is evident in every aspect of their business, making BeUnic a
beacon of hope and empowerment.
A timeline for Aashish Chopra’s story with BeUnic:
2018: Aashish attends an LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs conference in
Bengaluru, igniting his entrepreneurial passion.
2019: BeUnic is founded to support the queer community,
addressing gaps in the market for gender-neutral products.
2019: Launched as a niche marketplace, evolving into a
community-driven e-commerce platform.
2020: Collaborates with NGOs to provide resources for mental
health, entrepreneurship, and legal advice.
2020: Registers around 30 queer designers on the platform,
ensuring inclusivity.
2019-20: Sales start at ₹18,000, growing to ₹1.5 lakh in
2020-21.
2021-22: Sales surge to ₹50 lakh, reflecting increasing
demand for LGBTQ+-focused products.
2021: Appears on Shark Tank India, gaining visibility
despite not securing funding.
2022: Attracts around 4,000 monthly visitors and serves
approximately 7,000 customers.
2023: Plans to expand product categories and promote
corporate sensitization on LGBTQ+ issues.
2024: Aims to create resonant content and explore a hybrid
business model for growth.
