What Is Urban Monkey?
Launched in 2013 by Yash Gaganwal, the brand started with a singular mission: bring authentic, edgy, and affordable streetwear to Indian youth.
From snapbacks and bucket hats to oversized tees, sunglasses, and skatewear, Urban Monkey is India’s homegrown answer to global streetwear giants like Supreme.
Urban Monkey’s Big Pitch on Shark Tank India
Founder Yash Gaganwal walked in with confidence, wearing his brand loud and proud. His pitch was clear: Urban Monkey is India’s first true streetwear brand, and it’s here to own that space.
The Ask:
₹1 crore for 1% equity — valuing the company at ₹100 crores.
Bold? Yep.
Confident? Definitely.
Backed by numbers? Absolutely.
With over 2.5 lakh customers, a strong online community, and collaborations with rappers, dancers, and influencers, Urban Monkey had the street cred to back the valuation.
Why Did Urban Monkey Get a Deal
- The Sharks appreciated the brand’s energy, vision, and style.
- Others believed fashion is a tough, crowded space to scale fast.
What Makes Urban Monkey Stand Out?
Urban Monkey isn’t just slapping logos on hoodies. They’re building a cultural identity. In a market crowded with fast fashion and knock-offs, UM is rooted in authenticity and community.
Here’s What Sets Them Apart:
- Homegrown Streetwear: They’re not copying global trends — they’re creating Indian ones.
- Caps and Accessories India Loves: Urban Monkey’s caps are iconic. Period. Snapbacks, truckers, dad hats — all with bold colors and statements.
- Targeting Gen Z and Creatives: Skaters, rappers, dancers, content creators — UM speaks their language.
- Collaborations with Artists: They’ve worked with Indian hip-hop artists and street performers to co-create collections.
- Sustainable & Ethical
Post Shark Tank: The Urban Monkey Effect
What happened after the show?
- Website crashed temporarily
- Searches for “Urban Monkey caps” spiked across platforms.
- Influencers and creators flooded Instagram wearing their products.
- New product drops started selling out faster
The Shark Tank moment became their free national marketing campaign — and they milked it perfectly.
The Urban Monkey Aesthetic
One scroll through Urban Monkey’s Instagram, and you’ll get it. Their visual branding is tight. Think:
- Neon hues
- Urban backdrops
- Street dance
- Skateboards
- Statement eyewear
They’ve nailed that authentic Gen Z vibe without trying too hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Urban Monkey sell?
Urban Monkey sells streetwear, including caps, sunglasses, t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, all inspired by urban youth culture.
2. Who is the founder of Urban Monkey?
Yash Gaganwal, who started the brand in 2013 to fill the gap for authentic Indian streetwear.
3. Did Urban Monkey get a deal on Shark Tank India?
No.
4. Is Urban Monkey an Indian brand?
Yes, Urban Monkey is a 100% Indian streetwear brand based in Mumbai.
5. Where can I buy Urban Monkey products?
You can buy directly from their official website urbanmonkey or via their Instagram shop and select fashion marketplaces.
Wrapping Up: Urban Monkey Isn’t Just a Brand — It’s a Vibe
Urban Monkey’s Shark Tank India moment was just the tip of the iceberg. This Indian streetwear brand is building a culture, not just selling clothes. From caps and accessories to curated collections, they’ve got their finger on the pulse of street fashion in India.
For more Blogs: beyondthepunchlines.com
Author: Team BTP
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