The Visionary Dismissal: Why Lenskart's Peyush Bansal Isn't Chasing the TAM Dream

In a world absolutely obsessed with metrics, with scaling, with that ever-elusive 'Total Addressable Market' figure, Lenskart’s co-founder and CEO, Peyush Bansal, frankly offers a rather refreshing — and some might say, utterly rebellious — perspective. He doesn't track TAM. Not one bit. And in truth, he believes it's not even his job to. “That,” he recently stated with a certain conviction, “is an analyst’s job.”

You see, for most startups, especially those hungry for investor capital, understanding and articulating a massive TAM is practically gospel. It’s the grand narrative, the sweeping promise of untold riches that lies just beyond the horizon. But Bansal? He's more grounded, you could say, more concerned with the actual bricks and mortar—or rather, the actual frames and lenses—of his expanding eyewear empire. His focus, unyieldingly, remains fixed on unit economics, on delightful customer experiences, and, perhaps most crucially, on an audacious mission to eradicate poor vision across India.

It’s an interesting pivot, isn't it? Away from the theoretical bigness of a market and squarely into the tangible, day-to-day grind of making a real difference. For Lenskart, the game isn't about chasing abstract numbers; it’s about 'Lenskart for India,' a strategy that means looking far beyond the metropolitan hubs. Because, honestly, 80 percent of India resides in what we label as Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities, and this is precisely where Lenskart is digging in its heels, building an omni-channel presence that feels almost revolutionary in its scope. Think about it: a potent mix of online platforms, physical stores, and even at-home try-on services, all designed to meet customers exactly where they are, wherever that may be.

And, yes, the stores? They aren’t just sales points; they’re living, breathing marketing outposts, service centers, and vital touchpoints for a brand striving for longevity. Bansal isn't interested in being a fleeting success; he’s building for the next century, aiming for a brand that endures. This isn't just a business, he insists, it’s a genuine mission, a deeply personal quest to ensure everyone has access to quality vision. This distinction, this almost spiritual alignment with purpose, truly sets Lenskart apart in a crowded startup landscape.

Moreover, he gently — but firmly — pushes back against the notion that India should simply mimic Western market strategies. The dynamics here are fundamentally different, he argues. The needs, the infrastructure, the very culture of consumption; it all demands a uniquely Indian solution, not just a cut-and-paste job from Silicon Valley or European models. And when it comes to funding, or even the grand spectacle of an IPO, Bansal appears admirably unbothered. He asserts Lenskart is ready, sure, but he's not actively seeking capital. The market, he believes, will dictate the timing, not some frantic rush to raise more cash. For now, the focus remains clear: profitability, sustainable growth, and that enduring, vital mission. That, you could say, is a vision truly worth wearing.