How a Blind Man Built a Multi-Crore Business: The Srikanth Bolla Story

In a world where barriers often define destinies, Srikanth Bolla's story represents the power of hope, vision, and unyielding determination. Born blind in a small Indian village, Bolla was told he would never amount to anything. Yet, he defied every odd, becoming a globally celebrated entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and the founder of Bollant Industries, a billion-dollar eco-friendly packaging company. 

His journey from being denied admission in Indian schools to graduating from MIT and revolutionising sustainable manufacturing is nothing short of extraordinary.

But Bolla’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2025, he expanded his empire into tech and philanthropy, launching initiatives to empower disabled entrepreneurs and advocating for inclusive education worldwide. His company, which focuses on eco-friendly packaging solutions and inclusive employment, has rapidly expanded with a valuation of approximately INR 50 crore as of 2025. 

Srikanth Bolla - Biography

Srikanth Bolla - Early Life and Education
Srikanth Bolla - Career Achievements
Srikanth Bolla on Shark Tank India
Srikanth Bolla - Awards & Recognition
Srikanth Bolla - Philanthropy With Purpose

Srikanth Bolla - Early Life and Education

Srikanth was born blind into a poor farming family in Seetharamapuram village, Andhra Pradesh. His parents were advised to abandon him at birth, but they refused. He grew up facing discrimination but excelled in academics, topping his class despite being denied science in school. 

After a legal battle, he pursued science through open schooling. His outstanding performance earned him admission to MIT in the U.S., where he majored in management science.

After graduation, he declined high-paying job offers abroad to return to India and build something meaningful, a decision that led to the founding of Bollant Industries in 2012.

Srikanth Bolla - Career Achievements

Bollant Industries was founded in 2012 by Srikanth Bolla with a mission to redefine what’s possible for the differently-abled. The company started in a modest facility in Hyderabad. Armed with a vision to build a business where ability isn’t measured by sight but by insight, Srikanth flipped the conventional hiring model on its head.

What truly sets Bollant apart? It's hiring policy. Over 60% of its workforce comprises differently-abled individuals, making it one of the most inclusive companies in Asia. Each employee is trained meticulously, not just to meet industry standards, but to exceed them. 

"We are not a charity. We are a high-performing team that just happens to be inclusive," Srikanth often says.

As of 2025, Bollant Industries has 6 fully operational manufacturing units across five states: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. These facilities produce eco-friendly packaging products such as disposable plates, cups, trays, and industrial adhesive solutions made from recycled materials and natural starches. 

The company also recently ventured into biodegradable polymers and compostable packaging films, a booming segment with high demand from FMCG and pharma players.

Clients and Contracts

Its growing list of blue-chip clients includes:

• Tata Motors – Supplier for eco-packaging of auto components
• Infosys – Sustainability partner for cafeteria and office packaging solutions
• Britannia – Provides biodegradable packaging for trial markets in southern India
• Lenskart & boAt – Both signed fresh contracts in late 2024 to reduce plastic usage across e-commerce packaging.

Bollant is also part of the ‘Startup20 Global Alliance for Sustainability’, and was showcased at WEF Davos 2025 as a “Model Case Study” on circular economy adoption in emerging markets.

Valuation and Expansion Plans

As of March 2025, Bollant Industries boasts a valuation of INR 1,200 crore, up from INR 950 crore in 2023, a 26% increase in under two years. The spike in valuation is attributed to major institutional investments from green venture capital funds like Aavishkaar Capital and Omnivore Partners, who collectively pumped in INR 85 crore in Series C funding in August 2024.

In a major move that signals global ambition, Srikanth announced an INR 300 crore international expansion plan in January 2025. The first phase includes setting up two facilities in Vietnam and Indonesia by Q4 2025. The Southeast Asian market, with its growing demand for sustainable packaging, is expected to contribute 20-25% of Bollant’s revenue by 2027.

Innovation Labs and IP

Bollant also launched its first Innovation Lab in Bengaluru in November 2024, focused on R&D for smart biodegradable materials, aiming to replace plastic with water-soluble and plant-based polymers. Srikanth’s team filed six patents in 2024 alone, including one for a heat-resistant biodegradable tray that’s now in pilot use by Indigo Airlines for inflight meals.

Srikanth Bolla on Shark Tank India

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In February 2025, Srikanth Bolla made a powerful debut on Shark Tank India Season 4 as a guest shark, becoming the first visually impaired entrepreneur to enter the tank.

During his episode, which aired on February 16, 2025, Srikanth made headlines for investing INR 85 lakhs for 5% equity in "Nav-Tech", a deep-tech startup building wearable speech-to-text smart glasses for the hearing and speech impaired. The startup was founded by Raghav Mehta, a partially blind IIT-Delhi graduate, whose pitch moved Srikanth and the entire panel to a standing ovation.

“You don’t need sight to have a vision — and this founder has it in abundance,” Srikanth said during the pitch, a quote that instantly went viral on social media.

The episode became the most-watched Shark Tank India segment of Season 4 with over 18 million digital views in 3 days and sparked trending hashtags like #BlindVisionaryShark and #InclusiveInvesting.

Srikanth’s sharp focus on inclusive innovation, rural impact, and green tech made him an instant fan favourite.

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Srikanth Bolla - Awards & Recognition

• SJIM Eminent Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024: This award was given to Srikant Bolla, co-founder and CEO of Bollant Industries Pvt Ltd.. Bollant Industries, started in 2012, is an eco-friendly company that makes paper products. The company focuses on giving job opportunities to people with disabilities, promoting sustainable practices like zero waste and green solutions. 
• Outstanding Person in Business: Srikanth was recognized for building a profitable, sustainable business that hires and empowers people with disabilities. JCI celebrated his leadership in showing how business can be a vehicle for social change.
• Entrepreneur of the Globe: Among thousands of young changemakers worldwide, Srikanth stood out for his inclusive hiring model and commitment to environmental sustainability. He was hailed as a global example of how to “do well by doing good.”
• Young Changemaker Award: Srikant Bolla was honoured with the Young Changemaker Award by the “Hindu Business Line” in 2018. This award was given to him by recognizing his groundbreaking work in building one of the sustainable manufacturing companies.
• TEDx Talk – Hyderabad (2017): In this talk, Srikanth discusses how true vision transcends physical sight. He shares his experiences of overcoming societal and systemic barriers as a visually impaired individual, emphasizing the importance of determination and belief in oneself. This talk has resonated with many, highlighting that limitations are often societal constructs rather than personal deficits.​
• Padma Shri Nominee: In January 2025, Srikanth was shortlisted for the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, under the “Trade and Industry” category. Though he narrowly missed out, his nomination alone marked a monumental shift, as he became the first visually impaired entrepreneur in Indian history to be nominated for this honour in the business category. 

His contribution to sustainable manufacturing, combined with his impact on rural employment, especially among differently-abled individuals, was widely covered in The Hindu and Economic Times.

• The Forbes 30 Under 30: He was featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list in 2017 under the industry manufacturing and energy category, making him one of the youngest entrepreneurs to receive this global recognition.

Srikanth Bolla - Philanthropy With Purpose

While Srikanth Bolla has built a business empire rooted in sustainability and inclusivity, his true legacy might just be his heart. Philanthropy isn’t a checkbox for him,  it’s the core of his mission. Every business move he makes is tied to a deeper social cause. And in 2025, his philanthropic footprint has expanded significantly across education, disability empowerment, and sustainable development.

Samanvai Foundation

Srikanth’s flagship NGO, Samanvai Foundation, which he co-founded in 2011, continues to be the nerve center of his social work. Initially focused on supporting visually impaired students, Samanvai has now evolved into a pan-India inclusive education movement. 

Surge Impact Foundation

In 2017, Srikant cofounded Surge Impact Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering marginalised communities through entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Surge Foundation is continually helping individuals to overcome barriers and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. 

FAQs

What is Srikanth Bolla best known for?

Srikanth Bolla is the founder and chairman of Bollant Industries, a successful company that employs many people with disabilities. He is also the first visually impaired student to have graduated from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

When did Shrikant Bolla appear on Shark Tank India?

Shrikant Bolla announced his appearance on Shark Tank India Season 4 in March 2025. He featured in at least one special episode focused on inclusivity.

What is Srikanth Bolla's educational background?

Srikanth Bolla holds a degree in Management Science from the MIT Sloan School of Management, making him the first visually impaired student to graduate from this prestigious program.