Biography of Yash Thombare: Founder & CEO of Clapstore Toys -Entrepreneur
Biography of Yash Thombare:
The Birth of Clapstore Toys
In a world where digital screens dominate children's
playtime, Yash Thombare and Vedang identified a growing concern—excessive
screen time among kids. They wanted to provide a meaningful alternative that
encouraged hands-on play. This led them to create Clapstore Toys, a brand
dedicated to promoting screen-free play with engaging and educational toys.
Young Entrepreneurs with a Vision
Yash and Vedang, both from Pune, have diverse academic
backgrounds—Vedang studied psychology, and Yash pursued a Bachelor of Business
Administration (BBA). At just 21 and 22 years old, they already had a strong
entrepreneurial spirit. After finishing their 12th standard, they experimented
with drop-shipping during the lockdown, which helped them understand e-commerce
and consumer needs.
The Shift from Drop-Shipping to Toy Innovation
While drop-shipping worked initially, they realized it
wasn’t a sustainable business model. Managing inventory and scaling the
business became difficult. They started looking for better opportunities and
noticed a high demand for screen-free, skill-building toys. This insight led
them to rethink their product line.
Biography of Yash Thombare: Founder & CEO of Clapstore Toys -Entrepreneur# startup#age#net worth#investor#startup#Clapstore Toys story#Yash Thombare
Identifying a Market Gap
During their research, they discovered that busy
boards—interactive activity boards that help develop motor and cognitive
skills—were becoming popular. These boards provide an engaging way for children
to learn through play, improving hand-eye coordination, sensory skills, and
problem-solving abilities. They decided to design their own version.
The First Steps of Clapstore Toys
Yash and Vedang began by procuring MDF sheets and crafting
sturdy, visually appealing busy boards. They promoted their products through
targeted ads, and orders started flowing in from day one. This initial success
gave them confidence to expand their brand and create a variety of interactive
toys.
Rapid Growth and Market Demand
Founded in 2020, Clapstore Toys quickly gained traction.
Within the first year, they achieved ₹2.4 crore in sales, proving that parents
were actively looking for screen-free entertainment options for their children.
Their brand focused on kids aged 0-6 years, ensuring that early childhood
development remained at the core of their mission.
Impact on Families Across India
Clapstore Toys has already impacted 50,000+ families across
India by providing meaningful playtime solutions. Their products not only
entertain children but also foster imagination, creativity, and essential
developmental skills. This growing demand inspired them to continue innovating.
Aiming for Bigger Milestones
With their business model proving profitable, the founders
set ambitious goals. They projected their revenue to reach ₹6 crore, with
profit margins of around 20%, making Clapstore a financially sustainable
venture. This growth attracted investors and industry experts.
The Journey to Shark Tank India
In 2024, Yash and Vedang decided to pitch their business on
Shark Tank India Season 4. Their goal was to raise ₹80 lakh for 4% equity,
valuing Clapstore Toys at ₹20 crore. They were confident in their brand’s
potential and wanted the right investors to help scale their vision.
The Sharks’ Impressive Reactions
The Sharks were highly impressed by the founders' business
acumen, branding, and product quality. Anupam Mittal praised their marketing
strategy, while Vineeta Singh found their concept unique and impactful. Peyush
Bansal believed Clapstore had the potential to become the next LEGO.
A Competitive Investment Battle
Initially, Anupam Mittal and Aman Gupta offered ₹80 lakh for
7% equity. However, Peyush Bansal stepped in, matching the original ask of ₹80
lakh for 4% equity. Seeing the brand’s promise, Kunal Bahl also joined the
bidding, offering to meet the founders’ exact terms.
Securing an All-Shark Deal
In a rare moment on Shark Tank India, all five investors
recognized the brand's potential and collaborated on an all-shark deal. Yash
and Vedang successfully secured ₹1 crore for 10% equity, gaining the backing of
industry leaders who believed in their mission.
Support from Industry Giants
Even before Shark Tank, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and
popular YouTuber Raj Shamani had already invested in Clapstore Toys. Their
involvement added credibility and further validated the founders’ vision of
creating a sustainable, impact-driven brand.
Strategic Growth and Expansion
To scale effectively, Clapstore Toys focused on strategic
marketing and influencer collaborations. Their barter-based influencer
marketing was particularly impressive, allowing them to grow their brand
without high advertising costs. They also optimized their supply chain for
cost-effective production.
The Future of Clapstore Toys
With strong financial backing, a clear mission, and a
passionate team, Clapstore Toys is set to become India’s leading screen-free
play brand. By continually innovating and staying committed to their vision,
Yash and Vedang are on the path to revolutionizing early childhood play—one
busy board at a time.
Timeline for story
2020 – Yash and Vedang founded Clapstore Toys.
2020 – Started crafting busy boards and received first
orders.
2021 – Achieved ₹2.4 crore in sales in the first year.
2023 – Reached 50,000+ families with screen-free toys.
2024 – Pitched on Shark Tank India Season 4 for ₹80 lakh at
4% equity.
2024 – Secured ₹1 crore for 10% equity in an all-shark deal.
2024 – Received investments from Nikhil Kamath and Raj
Shamani.
2024 – Focused on influencer marketing and supply chain
optimization.
Future – Aiming to become India’s top screen-free play
brand.
