Biography of Manish Ashokbhai Chauhan: Founder and CEO of Intense Focus- Entrepreneur
Biography of Manish Ashokbhai Chauhan:
Introduction to Intense Focus
Manish Ashokbhai Chauhan is the founder and CEO of Intense
Focus, an eyewear brand that appeared on Shark Tank India in Season 3, Episode
21. Intense Focus was created with a vision to revolutionize the eyewear
market, offering design-focused eyewear that stands out for its precision
assembly and eye-catching aesthetics. The brand’s aim is to capture a large
share of the unorganized eyewear market in India, which represents a
significant opportunity for growth.
A Humble Beginning and Business Evolution
Manish’s journey began with a humble start, working as an
employee at an eyewear store. This experience gave him valuable insights into
the industry, leading him to open his own showroom. Over time, Manish expanded
his business by venturing into the wholesale distribution of eyewear, which
allowed him to reach more customers. Today, Intense Focus operates in over 20
states across India, with more than 3,000 retail outlets and 17 distributors,
showcasing the brand’s growing presence in the eyewear industry.
The Pitch on Shark Tank India
When Manish appeared on Shark Tank India, he pitched Intense
Focus with an ask of ₹5 Crore for 5% equity, valuing his company at ₹100 Crore.
He shared the story of how he started the brand to fill a gap in the largely
unorganized Indian eyewear market. Manish emphasized the potential of his
brand, citing that the eyewear market in India is valued at ₹30,000 Crores,
with 80% of it being unorganized, which created an opportunity for design-focused
brands like Intense Focus.
The Product Range and USP
Intense Focus offers a wide range of eyewear for all age
groups, focusing on precision assembly to ensure comfort and durability. The
eyewear is designed to cater to both children and adults, and Manish, who
personally oversees the design process, aims to bring unique, aesthetically
pleasing eyewear to the market. The brand’s commitment to design and quality
sets it apart from competitors, providing both value for money and stylish
options.
The Sharks’ Initial Reactions
During the pitch, the Sharks showed interest in the brand
but had several concerns. Namita Thapar pointed out that she didn’t find a
significant design differentiation in Intense Focus’s products compared to
other eyewear brands. She felt the company needed to build a stronger brand
identity to stand out in a competitive market. Peyush Bansal echoed similar
concerns, focusing on the lack of clear differentiation in design and the
potential risks associated with the brand’s B2B wholesale model.
Concerns About Business Model
While the Sharks acknowledged Intense Focus’s extensive B2B
network, they raised concerns about the business model, particularly the
reliance on wholesale distribution. Peyush warned that this model exposed the
company to credit risk, as retailers often delayed payments. The Sharks also
questioned the brand’s sales strategy, as the retail outlets sold only around
70 units per year, which they felt indicated a need for better inventory
management and a more direct relationship with consumers.
Biography of Manish Ashokbhai Chauhan: Founder and CEO of Intense Focus- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/eyewear showroom/Intense Focus story
Challenges in Brand Identity and Market Differentiation
Namita Thapar’s feedback highlighted the lack of a clear,
differentiated brand identity. She felt that Intense Focus’s eyewear designs,
while stylish, did not stand out enough to capture the attention of the market.
This feedback pointed to the need for the company to focus on building a
stronger brand that would resonate with customers and help them distinguish
Intense Focus from the competition.
Inventory and Sales Concerns
Amit Jain also questioned the brand’s low sales volume per
retail outlet, which he believed could be a result of limited inventory. The
Sharks suggested that Manish focus on one state first before expanding to
others, in order to improve sales and build a stronger market presence. This
would help the company streamline operations and understand the consumer market
better before making large-scale expansion plans.
Resistance to Feedback
Azhar Iqubal noticed that Manish appeared resistant to some
of the feedback provided by the Sharks, particularly regarding design and the
business model. Azhar’s observation that Manish was unwilling to consider some
of their suggestions led him to believe that he wouldn’t be able to add value
to the business. This lack of receptiveness ultimately made him decide not to
invest in Intense Focus.
Concerns About Working Capital
Anupam Mittal raised concerns about the company’s working
capital and found the valuation to be inflated. He also questioned the overall
structure of the business, noting that Intense Focus might face challenges if
it continued with its current approach. His concerns about the brand’s
financial health and business model led him to decide against making an
investment in the company.
The Sharks’ Final Decision
Despite the Sharks’ recognition of the brand’s potential,
none of them chose to invest in Intense Focus. The feedback provided by the
Sharks, however, was invaluable for Manish and his team. The key takeaways
included the need for stronger brand differentiation, a reevaluation of the
business model to reduce credit risks, and better inventory management to
support higher sales volumes.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Intense Focus
Intense Focus has several strengths, including its focus on
precision assembly, a well-established B2B network, and the potential for
unique design in the eyewear space. However, the brand faces challenges such as
limited brand recognition, reliance on wholesale distribution, and low sales
volumes per outlet. These weaknesses suggest that the company needs to improve
its branding and explore alternative sales channels, such as a
direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, to mitigate risks and grow more efficiently.
Opportunities for Growth and Improvement
Intense Focus has the potential to succeed in the Indian
eyewear market, but to do so, it must address the concerns raised by the
Sharks. Strengthening its brand identity, diversifying its sales strategy, and
improving inventory management are key areas that could help the company scale
and capture more market share. By making these adjustments, Intense Focus could
position itself as a leading player in the eyewear industry.
The Road Ahead for Intense Focus
Though Intense Focus did not secure an investment from Shark
Tank India, the brand is moving forward with plans to grow. With a focus on
precision, design, and comfort, the company has the potential to carve out a
niche in the competitive eyewear market. By working on its weaknesses and
refining its business model, Intense Focus could become one of India’s most
prominent eyewear brands in the future.
Timeline for Intense Focus Journey
Early 2000s – Manish Chauhan begins his career in the
eyewear industry as an employee at an eyewear store.
Mid 2000s – Manish opens his own eyewear showroom, gaining
industry insights.
Late 2000s – Expands into wholesale distribution, broadening
customer reach.
2024 (Season 3, Episode 21) – Intense Focus pitches on Shark
Tank India, asking for ₹5 Crore for 5% equity.
Post-Shark Tank – Intense Focus faces critical feedback,
focusing on improving brand identity and sales strategies.
2024 – The company works on refining its business model,
aiming to grow in the Indian eyewear market.
