In a world where fashion trends change faster than your Instagram bio, one man decided to slow things down, strategically. Meet Puneet Bajaj, the founder of Mintobay, a Bengaluru-based fashion platform that’s not just selling clothes, but rewriting the rules of how India shops, styles, and sustains.
From working night shifts at a BPO to running a ₹100 crore fashion empire, Puneet’s journey is the kind of glow-up that deserves its own Netflix docuseries. But until that happens, here’s the full story, no filters, just fabulousness.
From Assam to Apparel: The Humble Hustle
Back in 2000, Puneet left Assam with a suitcase full of dreams and a wallet that said “budget, please.” To fund his MBA in Bangalore, he worked night shifts at a BPO, earning ₹10,000 a month. Sleep-deprived but determined, he juggled spreadsheets by day and customer calls by night.
By 2005, MBA in hand, he landed a job as a store in-charge at an export house that made clothes for brands like Zara and H&M. Not exactly glamorous, but it was the perfect crash course in fashion manufacturing. Within five years, he was running five factories. Talk about a plot twist.
The Birth of Mintobay: Where Fashion Meets Freedom
Fast forward to 2017, Puneet launched IVOC and Benekleed, two homegrown fashion brands that quickly became Myntra favorites. But he wasn’t done. In 2023, he dropped the mic with Mintobay, a direct-to-consumer fashion platform that’s part runway, part revolution.
Mintobay isn’t just about clothes, it’s about self-expression, sustainability, and serious style cred. Think of it as your fashion BFF that also cares about the planet.
What Makes Mintobay So Minty Fresh?
Let’s break it down:
👚 Curated Collections
Mintobay brings together the best of IVOC (everyday essentials) and Benekleed (bold, global-inspired fits). Whether you’re dressing for a date, a Zoom call, or a solo dance party, there’s a look for that.
🚚 Same-Day Delivery & Try-and-Buy
Why wait 3-5 business days when you can get your outfit today? Mintobay offers same-day delivery and a try-before-you-buy option. If it doesn’t fit, the delivery person takes it back. No awkward return emails. No drama.
✂️ Free Alterations
Because one-size-fits-all is a lie. Mintobay offers complimentary alterations so your outfit fits like it was made just for you. (Because it kinda was.)
🌱 NotOldYet Recycling Program
Got old clothes? Don’t toss them, recycle them with Mintobay. They’ll pick them up, give you a discount, and make sure your fashion footprint doesn’t end up in a landfill. Undergarments excluded.
Sustainability That Slaps
Mintobay isn’t just talking the eco-talk, they’re walking it in biodegradable sneakers. Their Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing model means they only produce what’s ordered. No overstock. No waste. No sad clearance racks.
In 2023 alone, they saved 27 lakh liters of water. In 2024? 55 lakh liters and counting. That’s not just sustainable, it’s iconic.
The Brands Behind the Buzz
👕 IVOC: “My Fashion, My Voice”
A lifestyle brand for the everyday fashionista. Think smart casuals, comfy fits, and pieces that go from brunch to boardroom.
👖 Benekleed: Bold, Global, Gen Z
India’s answer to international streetwear. Loud prints, fearless cuts, and major main-character energy.
🧢 Ura Street: Tokyo Vibes, Indian Swagger
Inspired by Tokyo’s Ura Hara Street, this is Mintobay’s latest drop for the streetwear-obsessed. Launched in 2024, it’s already turning heads at Delhi Times Fashion Week.
The Man, The Myth, The Mintobay Mastermind
Puneet isn’t your typical CEO. He’s a fashion futurist, a professor of practice, and a keynote speaker who’s passionate about fashion education and sustainability.
He’s also the kind of guy who:
– Built his first export house with zero funding
– Landed Peter England as his first client
– Manufactured 2,000 shirts for a ₹20,000 profit
– Grew that into a ₹60 crore export business
– And now runs a ₹100 crore fashion empire
Oh, and he’s been honored with:
– 🏆 Fashion Startup of the Year – Entrepreneur India
– 🏅 BW Retail 40 Under 40 – Business World
– 🧵 ZED Silver Band – For quality and inclusive practices
If fashion had a hall of fame, Puneet’s already in it.
Mintobay by the Numbers
– 💸 Annual Revenue: ₹36.9 crore in March 2023
– 💲FY25- 100+ Crores annually
– 🌍 Global Reach: Shipped to 140+ countries
– 👩💻 Women Workforce: 60% of employees are women, many working from home via Mintobay’s tech platform
– 🧺 Garments Recycled: Thousands, thanks to the NotOldYet initiative
Final Thoughts: Fashion That Feels Good (Inside and Out)
Mintobay isn’t just selling clothes, it’s selling confidence, creativity, and conscious choices. It’s for the trendsetters, the changemakers, and the “I-don’t-follow-trends-I-set-them” crowd.
So whether you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe, reduce your fashion footprint, or just find a brand that gets you, Mintobay’s got your back (and your fit).
Because in a world full of fast fashion, Mintobay is the slow clap we all needed.
Shop now: Mintobay
