Everyone has this one thing that they have always wanted to do, a skill they want to learn. Maybe a dance form like salsa, or writing or photography. Maybe learning to play the guitar like John Mayer or Arijit Singh. Just imagine, being able to strum strings like them as you sing heart-breaking romantic songs professing your love to someone. Well then, Shubham Bansal is here to help you. Topbeat is one of the easiest ways to learn guitar. And they have already helped over a 1000 people learn this musical skill.
Born in Kota, Rajasthan, Bansal comes from a family of entrepreneurs. He completed his graduation from IIT Bombay with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 2012. But this didn’t happen without struggles. While he wasn’t able to clear the IIT entrance the first time, his hard work and determination gave results when he cleared it on his second attempt.
Life is short and there is no room for regrets.
Shubham Bansal
Bansal admits that leaving a well-paid job to follow his dreams was probably one of the most courageous things he’s ever done. But music and entrepreneurship are his passion as well as his motivation. And while he couldn’t have done it without the support of his wife and family, the leap of faith was worth it. His family also knows this as they support him without questioning his decisions.
But every journey has its own hurdles. Covid-19 lockdown certainly affected Bansal’s business negatively. One of their committed investors backed off and their revenue suddenly dropped to zero in the month of April. But everything happens for a reason and there’s always a solution. Once they started conducting live lessons, their business has been growing consistently. Without having to raise external capital, consistently and they have a positive cash flow.
Bansal’s biggest inspiration is his father (so wholesome!). Though he does say it isn’t because he is Shubham’s father, but because he is a phenomenal businessman. Successfully navigating through all struggles, it’s the perseverance of his father that inspires him. One of his biggest inspirations apart from his own father is Steve Jobs. He admires Steve Jobs for the sheer disruption he brought to multiple industries.
When we talk about entrepreneurs, fundraising is a big task. Shubham while sharing his two cents on the topic, talks about two very important things that are demanded from a good entrepreneur. The conviction in one’s idea and the ability to accept a no. End of day, you have to remember that you don’t really need a hundred investors. All you need are 5 investors who believe in your vison. And this belief only stems out from confidence and belief in yourself.
If I was not an entrepreneur, I would have been a music composer.
Shubham Bansal
Bansal has always had the touch of business within him. In fact, he had his first experience with entrepreneurship when he started selling stickers and mehndi books, or just chocolates at a very young age. But apart from business, music and reading also bring him joy. In fact, he’s composed a lot of songs and performed professionally too!
A firm believer of following your dreams and passions, Shubham Bansal reminds us before leaving, that no profession is unconventional. In the end, it’s about what you love and what you don’t.
