Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series – START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.
In conversation with Adgully, Karan Bhangay, Founder of Indulge Global, sheds light on how the brand is redefining the luxury lifestyle concierge space in India. With its unique approach to convenience and high-end services, Indulge Global has positioned itself as a go-to concierge platform for ultra-luxury clients. Having recently pitched on ‘Shark Tank India Season 4’, Bhangay shares insights into the company’s journey, challenges, and future aspirations.
What inspired you to start Indulge Global? How does it redefine the luxury lifestyle concierge space in India?
Indulge Global started organically. Our existing business faced a problem – clients would reach out on WhatsApp requesting assistance with reservations, travel, and other concierge services. We realized the need for a structured solution and launched a dedicated product to bridge this gap. We built a team of highly skilled professionals who delivered seamless services, and clients quickly embraced the WhatsApp-based convenience. Eventually, we introduced a membership model, which laid the foundation for Indulge Global.
Could you share a memorable success story where Indulge Global went above and beyond to meet a client’s unique request?
One of our most significant moments was assisting a client in Bali who faced a medical emergency at night. He urgently needed to return to Lucknow, and within hours, we arranged a private charter for his immediate evacuation. The cost of the charter was around Rs 70-75 lakh, and despite the urgency, we managed to handle everything efficiently. This experience cemented the client’s trust in Indulge Global, making him a lifelong customer.
How do you tailor your services to cater to diverse luxury lifestyles across different cultures?
Our approach involves understanding the specific preferences of our clients. Whether it’s fine dining within a city or special travel arrangements, we have a team of experts handling different aspects of luxury services. We have been refining this model over the past few years, ensuring that our clients receive highly personalized and seamless experiences.
What motivated you to pitch Indulge Global on ‘Shark Tank India Season 4’? How was the experience?
We received an invitation from the ‘Shark Tank India’ team, and after some deliberation, we decided to go for it. The exposure from such a platform is invaluable. Unlike traditional media interviews, ‘Shark Tank’ provided a unique opportunity to showcase our innovative concept to a larger audience. It was an insightful experience, and the feedback we received was invaluable.
Could you walk us through your pitch and any feedback you received from the Sharks that stood out?
Our concept was well-received, though it required explanation as luxury concierge services are still a relatively new industry in India. One Shark mentioned that they personally wouldn’t use such a service, but we see that as a matter of habit formation. Just like food delivery apps weren’t common six years ago, our service is something that people will gradually integrate into their lifestyles. The key takeaway was that Indulge Global has the potential to become an essential part of high net-worth individuals’ lives.
How has appearing on ‘Shark Tank’ impacted your brand visibility and business growth?
The impact has been phenomenal. ‘Shark Tank India’ divided viewers into two groups – those who instantly saw the value in our service and those who questioned its necessity. However, even those who were skeptical acknowledged the market potential. Our brand has gained significant visibility, leading to increased inquiries and customer interest.
What challenges did you face while building a luxury brand like Indulge Global, and how did you overcome them?
Unlike other startups that rely on traditional advertising, Indulge Global operates in a niche market where conventional marketing doesn’t work. Luxury services require time to establish credibility. Unlike selling a product that can gain instant traction, a concierge business builds trust over time. This patience and persistence have been both our biggest challenge and our most significant asset.
Could you elaborate on your plans for scaling the business, particularly in terms of technology integration and global expansion?
Our focus is on enhancing efficiency through technology. We are developing AI-driven solutions to streamline operations while maintaining the personal touch that defines our brand. Given our presence in 18 countries, we see tremendous potential in expanding further. Technology will be a key driver in ensuring our services remain seamless and scalable.
As an entrepreneur, what key lessons have you learned from building a brand in the competitive luxury space?
The biggest lesson is putting people first. Whether it’s our clients or our team, building strong relationships is crucial. Many companies focus solely on technology, but human connection remains irreplaceable. Keeping the service simple yet effective is another crucial takeaway – luxury is about convenience, and we ensure that our clients’ needs are met effortlessly.
How is social media helping your brand? What role does influencer marketing play?
Social media has been instrumental in educating potential clients about our services. Word-of-mouth and references have worked exceptionally well for us. ‘Shark Tank’, in particular, helped us reach a wider audience, and we continue to leverage digital platforms to enhance our brand presence.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a niche luxury service?
Patience is the key. Many entrepreneurs enter the luxury space expecting quick success, but it takes time to build trust and credibility. Unlike mass-market businesses, luxury services rely on relationships and personalized experiences. Focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
What are Indulge Global’s plans for 2025?
We are optimistic about the future. While we don’t want to expand too rapidly, we have ambitious plans for international growth. Our goal is to refine our model further and become the leading luxury concierge brand globally.
