From Corporate Cubicles to Mountain Trails: The Inspiring Journey of Tripole Gears

In the high-pressure world of investment banking at JP Morgan, Rohan Khanduja seemed to have it all—a prestigious job, a degree from BITS Pilani, Goa, and a promising career ahead. But amidst the numbers and financial forecasts, his heart wanted something else: the raw, untamed beauty of the Himalayas. A life-changing trek to the Everest Base Camp had ignited a passion in him, one that spreadsheets and boardrooms couldn’t contain.

It was on those rugged trails that Rohan noticed a gap in the market—high-quality trekking gear in India was either overpriced or subpar. Determined to change that, he began working on an idea that would soon become his life’s mission. After months of prototyping, testing, and refining, Tripole Gears was born in 2017—a homegrown brand dedicated to making durable, ergonomic, and affordable outdoor gear for Indian adventurers.

Starting with rugged rucksacks (65L to 95L), tactical backpacks, and versatile day packs, Tripole quickly carved a niche for itself. Unlike many competitors, the brand focused on delivering technical, high-performance gear at accessible prices, a strategy that resonated with trekkers and mountaineers. Word spread fast, and soon, Tripole expanded its lineup to include must-have accessories like waist packs, rain covers, organizer packs, and climate-adaptive sleeping bags—all Made in India. To keep up with growing demand, Rohan set up two manufacturing facilities in Delhi NCR, ensuring strict quality control while maintaining affordability.

The brand’s big moment came when Rohan stepped onto the stage of Shark Tank India Season 4. With confidence, he shared his story—from quitting a lucrative banking career to chasing his passion for the outdoors. The sharks were impressed not just by Tripole’s growth but by Rohan’s dedication to creating top-tier gear for Indian adventurers.

Ritesh Agarwal, founder of OYO, saw immense potential in Tripole Gears. After a gripping negotiation, he offered ₹75 lakhs for 1.15% equity, along with a ₹25 lakh debt at 9% interest over five years. This deal wasn’t just about funding—it was validation. The investment and mentorship would help Tripole scale new heights.

With a dedicated team shipping hundreds of orders daily across India, Tripole Gears has become a trusted name among trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. The company has also secured $86.6K in seed funding across two rounds, fueling further innovation and expansion. The company reported a revenue of ₹14.2 Crores in FY24, while projecting ₹20 Crores revenue in current financial year.

Rohan’s journey—from crunching numbers in a corporate office to empowering adventurers with reliable gear—proves that passion, when pursued relentlessly, can turn dreams into reality. And for Rohan? The mountains were always the destination. He just needed to build the gear to get there.