Joy Kundu’s Journey from Vision to Venture
Joy Kundu is a young dynamic entrepreneur and a trailblazer in India’s merchandising and digital marketing sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Nuqaat Studio and Social Corn, Joy has built two innovative companies that have quickly established themselves as leaders in their respective fields. Known for his creative vision and strategic approach, Joy transformed Nuqaat Studio, a homegrown licensed merchandise brand, into a household name, serving millions and setting industry benchmarks. At the same time, he expanded his influence in the digital realm with Social Corn, a fast-growing marketing agency that empowers brands to make a mark online. With a strong background in applied arts and marketing, Joy’s work reflects his commitment to excellence, innovation, and making an impact on the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Education
Joy Kundu was born on January 10, 1997, in New Delhi. Growing up in a household led by strong female figures—his mother and grandmother—he learned values of dedication, perseverance, and integrity from an early age. His natural inclination toward art and marketing eventually led him to pursue a post-graduation degree in Applied Arts and Marketing, a decision that would prove instrumental in his future ventures. This background equipped him with the technical skills and creative insight needed to navigate the evolving worlds of digital marketing and merchandising.
The Beginning of Nuqaat Studio
Joy Kundu’s first significant entrepreneurial breakthrough came in 2020 when he founded Nuqaat Studio, an Indian homegrown official licensed merchandise brand. The timing was challenging as the world grappled with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Joy turned the adversity into an opportunity. His eye for design and his understanding of the market led Nuqaat Studio to stand out in a saturated industry. The brand’s unique selling proposition was simple yet powerful: “We Print Anything on Anything.”
Nuqaat Studio quickly gained traction, acquiring over 15 official licenses in its first year. Within four years, the company expanded its portfolio to 38 licenses, offering a variety of products such as t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, oversized apparel, customized socks, badges, luggage tags, and phone covers. This broad range of products catered to a diverse customer base, resulting in a rapid expansion that allowed Nuqaat Studio to quadruple its growth and fulfill over one million orders.
Kundu’s relentless pursuit of excellence positioned Nuqaat Studio as a disruptor in the merchandising and lifestyle accessories market. The brand’s rise did not go unnoticed; it was nominated as the “Best Fashion Startup of the Year” for four consecutive years, and Joy himself was celebrated in publications like Silicon India Magazine. Nuqaat Studio was also recognized as a “Growing and Nurturing Brand” in 2022 by the Indian Express, with the award presented by former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
The Rise of Social Corn
In 2022, Joy Kundu further diversified his portfolio by founding Social Corn Marketing Solutions, a creative digital marketing agency based in Delhi NCR. With his background in marketing and a deep understanding of brand identity, he built Social Corn into one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in the region.
Social Corn offers a comprehensive range of services, including web design, branding, graphic design, influencer marketing, and user-generated content (UGC) services. The agency has become a one-stop solution for new brands aiming to establish their online presence in a competitive digital landscape. Social Corn’s innovative approach to digital marketing has helped brands connect with their target audiences in meaningful ways, bridging the gap between traditional marketing and the digital era.
By launching Social Corn, Joy Kundu not only filled a gap in the market but also contributed to the booming Indian advertising sector, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.86%, from ₹93,166 crore in 2023 to ₹1,12,453 crore by 2025.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Industry Challenges
Joy Kundu’s success in both Nuqaat Studio and Social Corn has been shaped by his entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of industry dynamics. His ventures were initiated at times when the merchandising and digital marketing industries were rapidly evolving. In the merchandising sector, Joy observed that Asian markets had a growing demand for unique, high-quality products, mirroring the trends in Western countries. He recognized that the Indian market for printed merchandise was worth ₹260 billion in 2023 and expected to exceed ₹288 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth of 3.4%.
At Social Corn, Kundu encountered the fast-paced changes of the digital marketing world, where creativity must blend with technological innovation. He consistently stayed ahead of the curve, adopting new trends like influencer marketing and user-generated content, which have reshaped how brands communicate with consumers. He understood that brands today are looking for more than just advertising; they seek genuine connections with their audience.
One of the major challenges Kundu faced was the uncertainty of starting and expanding Nuqaat Studio during the pandemic. With supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, many entrepreneurs struggled to maintain momentum. However, Kundu used this time to strengthen his brand, acquiring licenses and building a loyal customer base. His focus on quality, timely delivery, and unique designs helped him stand out.
Personal Philosophy and Professional Vision
Joy Kundu’s business approach is rooted in his desire to push boundaries and redefine standards. His professional philosophy revolves around innovation, resilience, and community impact. He believes that the merchandising and printing industries, when aligned with digital advancements, have the potential to revolutionize not only consumer experiences but also opportunities for businesses to reach audiences on a personal level.
In addition to driving his own companies forward, Joy is actively engaged in the entrepreneurial community. He frequently attends TED Talks on artificial intelligence, startup meetups, fund-raising events, and marketing conferences, staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements. His commitment to continuous learning and adaptability has been instrumental in sustaining the growth of his companies and establishing his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Leadership Style and Team Building
Kundu’s success can also be attributed to his distinctive leadership qualities. He describes himself as a proactive team leader, committed to nurturing a collaborative and motivating work environment. This approach has fostered a culture of creativity and resilience within both Nuqaat Studio and Social Corn, where employees feel empowered to contribute innovative ideas and pursue professional growth.
His leadership style is characterized by hands-on involvement and mentorship. Joy understands that a successful brand is built by a cohesive team, and he takes a personal interest in the growth and well-being of his employees. This inclusive leadership approach has created a loyal workforce, with team members who are as committed to the company’s vision as he is.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
Outside of work, Joy Kundu is a passionate photographer, designer, motorcyclist, and traveler. His interests extend beyond just personal pleasure; they influence his professional pursuits as well. Traveling and photography inspire his design concepts, while his affinity for riding aligns with the spirit of adventure that underpins his entrepreneurial ventures. His hobbies serve as a creative outlet, enabling him to maintain a balanced lifestyle and return to his work with renewed energy and fresh perspectives.
In addition to these pursuits, Joy is fascinated by technology, especially artificial intelligence. He is a regular listener of AI-focused podcasts and follows TED Talks on emerging technological trends. His interest in AI has influenced the way he approaches digital marketing at Social Corn, where he leverages the latest tools and insights to deliver impactful solutions for clients.
Joy Kundu’s Vision for Society and Innovation
Joy Kundu’s vision extends beyond his business ventures; he is driven by a desire to create a positive impact on society. He sees immense potential in the merchandising and printing industry in Asia, which is beginning to rival Western markets in terms of scale and innovation. By creating a brand like Nuqaat Studio, Kundu is contributing to this growth, offering a homegrown brand that can compete on a global scale.
His contributions to the digital marketing industry through Social Corn reflect his commitment to helping businesses thrive in a digital-first world. He envisions a future where Indian startups and small businesses can leverage affordable yet effective marketing solutions to reach their audiences without needing large budgets. His work is a testament to the idea that quality, creativity, and strategic thinking can open doors to new opportunities.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking to the future, Joy Kundu has ambitious plans for both Nuqaat Studio and Social Corn. For Nuqaat Studio, he aims to expand the brand internationally, making it a recognized name in the global merchandise industry. He also plans to explore new product categories, leveraging his expertise in design and market trends to introduce products that resonate with consumers around the world.
At Social Corn, Kundu’s goal is to continue building a strong digital ecosystem for Indian brands. He plans to incorporate advanced AI-driven analytics and personalized marketing strategies to enhance client offerings. His vision is to make Social Corn not just a digital marketing agency but a thought leader in the Indian advertising industry, a brand synonymous with creativity, innovation, and growth.
Conclusion
Joy Kundu’s journey from a young artist with a passion for marketing to a successful entrepreneur leading two flourishing companies is an inspiring story of grit, vision, and hard work. Through Nuqaat Studio, he has redefined merchandise and lifestyle accessories in India, while Social Corn is making a mark in the fast-paced digital marketing world. As a proactive leader, Joy’s dedication to his craft, team, and community makes him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In a time when innovation is key to success, Joy Kundu is a beacon of how creativity, combined with strategic foresight and resilience, can propel a business to success. His life and work reflect a commitment to continuous growth and a passion for leaving a meaningful impact on the industries he serves.
