Swapnil Srivastav | Founder | Kidbea
Swapnil Srivastav is a dynamic entrepreneur who has made a mark in the fields of sustainable fashion and solar energy. As the founder of Kidbea, a children’s fashion brand with a focus on sustainability, and as the Director of Suntronic Solar, Swapnil has worked relentlessly to make a positive impact in multiple industries. His entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for solving real-world problems, particularly in the areas of technology, sustainability, and helping new businesses scale. Swapnil’s path toward success was paved through various ventures, but his true purpose found expression through Kidbea. The brand, which emphasizes eco-friendly products, is a testament to his dedication to creating lasting change. In addition to Kidbea, Swapnil has also invested in several startups such as Garuda Aerospace, Paws for Greens, Earth and Charm, among others. His investments reflect his belief in the power of innovation to tackle the challenges our world faces today. At EliteX, we are proud to have Swapnil Srivastav as part of the edition: 20 Under 40: Influential & Rising Leaders of 2024.
For Swapnil, the driving force behind his current path is the desire to create something meaningful and impactful. Sustainability, particularly in the fashion industry, has always been a cause that resonated with him deeply. Observing the harmful environmental effects of fast fashion motivated him to take action and change the narrative. This led to the creation of Kidbea, a brand that not only focuses on stylish children’s clothing but also nurtures the planet. His vision for the future of fashion is to make it more environmentally conscious, and through Kidbea, he aims to be at the forefront of that change.
“Every setback is a lesson in disguise, and I believe it’s how we handle failure that defines our growth.”
Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and for Swapnil, one of the toughest hurdles was establishing credibility in a competitive industry at a young age. When he first started out, he was often met with skepticism due to his age, but he overcame this challenge with persistence and a dedication to proving himself. He understood that gaining the trust of others was a gradual process, and he committed to working hard, staying transparent, and learning as he went along. Over time, his determination paid off, and he earned the respect and credibility necessary to build a successful business. His perseverance continues to be a source of inspiration for him and for others who may face similar struggles.
Throughout his career, Swapnil has been fortunate to have mentors who have guided and supported him. His parents, who have built successful companies, have always been a source of wisdom and guidance. Additionally, two of his early investors, Dr. Ritesh Malik and Nitish Mittersain, played a significant role in shaping his business approach. Their experience and belief in Swapnil’s vision have been invaluable to him, and they continue to inspire him as he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship. One of Swapnil’s proudest achievements is the growth of Kidbea. What began as a small idea has evolved into a leading brand in the sustainable children’s fashion industry. The recognition Kidbea received as the Best Sustainable Brand in India by the Times Group was a defining moment for Swapnil, as it validated the hard work he and his team have put into building the brand. This achievement not only highlights the success of Kidbea but also underscores the impact the brand has made on families across the country who are seeking eco-friendly alternatives for their children’s fashion.
In an industry as competitive as fashion, staying motivated can be a challenge, but Swapnil draws motivation from the mission behind Kidbea. The idea that his work is contributing to a more sustainable future for the next generation keeps him focused. He measures success not just by financial gains but by the positive change the brand is bringing to the world. The feedback from customers who resonate with Kidbea’s message of sustainability and style reinforces his belief in the work he’s doing and fuels his drive to continue. As a leader, Swapnil believes in the importance of empathy, transparency, and adaptability. He understands that effective leadership requires not only guiding a team but also understanding their needs and challenges. He values open communication and trust-building, which are essential for fostering a positive and productive environment. Adaptability is equally important because the business landscape is always changing, and being able to pivot when necessary is crucial for long-term success. Swapnil’s leadership style is centered on these values, which he believes are key to creating a lasting impact.
“Persistence, a clear vision, and the willingness to learn from failure will ultimately lead to success.”
Balancing work and personal life is always a challenge, especially for entrepreneurs. Swapnil admits that maintaining this balance requires discipline and prioritization. He makes it a point to set boundaries, ensuring that he spends quality time with his family, friends, and indulges in personal hobbies. He believes that taking time for personal well-being is essential for maintaining focus and productivity in the long run. For Swapnil, recharging is not just a luxury but a necessity for continued success in both his professional and personal life.
Innovation plays a central role in Swapnil’s approach to business and leadership. Whether it’s through developing new sustainable products at Kidbea or exploring cutting-edge technology in the solar industry at Suntronic, Swapnil is always looking for ways to improve. He believes that innovation is key to staying competitive and achieving growth. For him, it’s not just about creating new products but also about fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. This focus on innovation enables Swapnil to stay ahead of industry trends and make a more significant impact with his work. Learning and growth are ongoing processes for Swapnil. He actively seeks out new knowledge and perspectives to improve his skills as a leader. Reading, engaging with mentors, and reflecting on his own experiences are all ways he stays on top of his game. Swapnil believes that growth comes from remaining curious, open to feedback, and willing to learn from mistakes. His involvement in various industries allows him to continually expose himself to fresh ideas and opportunities, which helps him evolve both personally and professionally.
For someone just starting out in Swapnil’s industry, his advice is simple yet powerful: stay true to your mission and be patient. Success doesn’t come overnight, and setbacks are inevitable along the way. However, persistence, a clear vision, and the willingness to learn from failure will ultimately lead to success. He stresses the importance of building a strong support network and focusing on creating value through your work. In his experience, success follows when you are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the world.
Looking ahead, Swapnil’s vision for the future is clear. He wants to expand Kidbea globally, making sustainable children’s fashion accessible to families around the world. But his ambitions go beyond Kidbea. He also aims to support and invest in other innovative startups that are addressing real-world problems. Through his work, Swapnil hopes to leave behind a legacy of businesses that create positive, lasting change. His ultimate goal is to inspire others to build companies that not only thrive financially but also make a difference in the world.
Failure and setbacks are part of every entrepreneur’s journey, and Swapnil has learned to handle them with resilience. Rather than viewing failure as a defeat, he sees it as an opportunity for growth. Every setback provides valuable lessons that can help him improve and move forward stronger. This mindset has been crucial in shaping his approach to business and leadership, as he understands that how one handles failure is often what defines success. Integrity, empathy, and sustainability are the core values that guide Swapnil’s decision-making. These principles inform every choice he makes, whether it’s selecting a business partner or determining the next product to launch. For Swapnil, staying true to these values ensures that his decisions are aligned with his long-term goals and vision. They also help him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with a sense of purpose and clarity.
“Sustainability, especially in the fashion industry, is a cause that resonated deeply with me.”
As a rising leader, Swapnil hopes to be remembered for making a difference—whether through his work with Kidbea, his investments, or the way he led with integrity and purpose. He wants to inspire others to build businesses that not only succeed but also contribute to creating a more sustainable and positive world for future generations.
